"Tic Toc" is a song recorded by American country music artist LeAnn Rimes. It was written by Peter Amato, Gregg Pagani, and Christina Rumbley, and produced by the former two along with Desmond Child. It was released to US contemporary hit radio on November 11, 2002, as the second single from Rimes's fifth studio album Twisted Angel (2002).
Rimes said of the song: "Yes, it's orgasmic. That's pretty much what it's all about. When my mom first heard it, I thought she was going to fall over. She said: "Those lyrics are pretty explicit, but I like the song... I guess you're old enough to sing it. After all, you're married now." Even though she was taken aback at first, it's become one of her favorite songs from the record. Once again, it's a departure from everything I've done. I've listened to a lot of techno and dance songs over the last three years and I really enjoy that kind of music. I think that's reflected in this song. My favorite part of "Tic Toc" is the string arrangements. You have a song that's so techno, but with live strings — that's unique."[1]
"Tic Toc" received negative reviews from music critics. When reviewing the single, Billboard gave the song an unfavorable review by saying, "Rimes has employed a skittish, grinding groove and a latter-day Britney-esque hip-hop sensibility that just doesn't mesh with the singer's whitebread roots. Every artist deserves the chance to evolve, but despite radio's penchant for all things urban, this shoe is on the wrong foot. "Tic Toc" just doesn't click."[2]Entertainment Weekly wrote that Rimes was not a convincing "sex kitten" on the song, after spending her early career as a "teen country grinner".[3]
"Tic Toc" charted briefly on the Radio & Records CHR/Pop Top 50 Indicator, debuting at number 47 on the chart with 316 total plays on December 13, 2002.[4] The following week, it rose to its peak position of number 45 on the chart.[5] It spent three weeks on the chart.
Buoyed by remixes from Widelife, Thunderpuss and Mike Rizzo, "Tic Toc" appeared on the Dance Club Songs chart the week of March 1, 2003, at number 38. It peaked at number ten for the week of April 19, 2003. It spent 13 weeks in total on the chart.
