“Free” is a song by American recording artist Ultra Naté, released on March 31, 1997, through record label Strictly Rhythm. It was co-written by Naté, Lem Springsteen and John Ciafone, while production was held by both Springsteen and Ciafone. “Free” was served as the lead single from her third studio album, Situation: Critical (1997). Musically, the song is a house-influenced song that incorporates strong 1990s soul, dance-pop, garage and disco. The accompanying music video was directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, depicting Naté in an abandoned hospital.
“Free” received positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who commended Naté’s vocal ability and the production, and has received several accolades since its release; it has been noted as one of the best dance anthems during the 1990s decade. It became Naté’s most successful single to date, charting in many countries around the world. “Free” reached number-one in Italy, and peaked inside the top ten in Canada, France, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It also charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 75, but reached number-one on the Billboard Dance Club Play chart.
Ultra Naté performed the song in various TV-shows, like the British music chart television programme Top of the Pops, where she performed several times. “Free” won her two awards in the categories of Best House/Garage 12-inch and Best Pop 12-inch Dance Record at the 1998 International Dance Music Awards. In 2025, Billboard magazine ranked “Free” among “The 100 Best Dance Songs of All Time” and “The 50 Best House Songs of All Time”.
