Gravity (Pixie Lott song)
Encyclopedia
"Gravity" is a song by English recording artist Pixie Lott
from her debut album, Turn It Up
(2009). Written by Ina Wroldsen, Jonas Jeberg, Mich Hansen
and Lucas Secon
, the song was released as the album's fourth single
on 8 March 2010.
' hits), the Danish duo Jonas Jeberg & Cutfather
(Kylie Minogue
, Pussycat Dolls
) and Danish-American songwriter and producer Lucas Secon
(who has worked with the Pussycat Dolls, Sugababes
and Sean Kingston
, amongst others).
Chart Blog gave the song a mixed review, stating that "there's a big problem with this song, one which it will take more than an impassioned delivery and immaculate production to get around." He also compared the song to "No Air
" by American singer Jordin Sparks
. Nevertheless, while reviewing Turn It Up, Digital Spy
music editor Nick Levine referred to the track as one of the album's highlights.
at number seventy-three on the issued dated 14 February 2010. The following week, the single climbed thirty places to number forty-three. On 28 February, "Gravity" entered the top forty at number thirty-five, which was followed by a climb of two places to number thirty-three the following week and another climb to number twenty-six the week after. A week later, the single climbed three places to number twenty-three, and a further three to its peak position of number twenty on 28 March 2010, earning Lott her fourth consecutive UK top twenty hit. On 18 February 2010, "Gravity" debuted and peaked at number forty-two on the Irish Singles Chart
.
for the song, directed by Nick Frew, was shot in January 2010 and premiered on 6 February 2010 on Channel 4
in the UK. It features Lott and two backup dancers performing a contemporary routine
in black tutus
, Lott standing on a platform in a burlesque
-inspired outfit (with a black-feathered dress, thigh high boots and brunette bob, with a red circle behind her) and also performing an aerial silk routine in a red catsuit. Lott is also seen singing while lying down against a mirrored surface, giving the impression she is floating in air.
On making the video for "Gravity", Frew stated:
Pixie Lott
Victoria Louise "Pixie" Lott is an English singer-songwriter, dancer and actress. Her debut single "Mama Do" was released in June 2009 and went straight to number one in the UK Singles Chart. Her second single "Boys and Girls", also topped the UK charts in September 2009. Her debut album Turn It...
from her debut album, Turn It Up
Turn It Up (Pixie Lott album)
Turn It Up is the debut studio album by English recording artist Pixie Lott. It was released in the United Kingdom on 14 September 2009 by Mercury Records. The album debuted at number six on the UK Albums Chart, before dropping to number thirteen in its second week. Turn It Up has so far spent five...
(2009). Written by Ina Wroldsen, Jonas Jeberg, Mich Hansen
Cutfather
Mich Hedin Hansen better known by his stage name Cutfather is a Danish music producer and songwriter.-Career:He is perhaps best known for his remix of "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison , and the song "Superstar" released internationally by Jamelia in 2003.He has worked with Danish producer...
and Lucas Secon
Lucas Secon
Lucas Secon, also known by the stage name Lucas, is a world-renowned Danish-American Grammy , MTV Award and Emmy Award-nominated record producer, songwriter,Golden Poets Award winner, DJ, rapper, singer and artist/conceptualist. He lives in London, United Kingdom.Secon has contributed to seven...
, the song was released as the album's fourth single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
on 8 March 2010.
Background and writing
"Gravity" was co-penned by Norwegian songwriter Ina Wroldsen (responsible for many of The SaturdaysThe Saturdays
The Saturdays are a British and Irish pop girl group based in London, United Kingdom. The group consists of five members Una Healy, Mollie King, Frankie Sandford, Vanessa White and Rochelle Wiseman. In 2007 the band were formed through Fascination Records which gave them an instant record deal with...
' hits), the Danish duo Jonas Jeberg & Cutfather
Cutfather
Mich Hedin Hansen better known by his stage name Cutfather is a Danish music producer and songwriter.-Career:He is perhaps best known for his remix of "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison , and the song "Superstar" released internationally by Jamelia in 2003.He has worked with Danish producer...
(Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Ann Minogue, OBE - often known simply as Kylie - is an Australian singer, recording artist, songwriter, and actress. After beginning her career as a child actress on Australian television, she achieved recognition through her role in the television soap opera Neighbours, before commencing...
, Pussycat Dolls
Pussycat Dolls
The Pussycat Dolls are an American pop girl group and dance ensemble based in Los Angeles; currently consisting of Lauren Bennett, Vanessa Curry, Kristal "Lyndriette" Smith, Tiffany "Taz" Zavala, Kia Hampton and Paula Van Oppen. The Pussycat Dolls were founded by choreographer Robin Antin in 1995...
) and Danish-American songwriter and producer Lucas Secon
Lucas Secon
Lucas Secon, also known by the stage name Lucas, is a world-renowned Danish-American Grammy , MTV Award and Emmy Award-nominated record producer, songwriter,Golden Poets Award winner, DJ, rapper, singer and artist/conceptualist. He lives in London, United Kingdom.Secon has contributed to seven...
(who has worked with the Pussycat Dolls, Sugababes
Sugababes
The Sugababes are an English pop girl group based in London, consisting of members Heidi Range, Amelle Berrabah and Jade Ewen. The Sugababes were formed in 1998 with founding members Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in 2000 under London...
and Sean Kingston
Sean Kingston
Sean Kingston is a Jamaican-American singer. He pursued a music career and debuted in 2007 with the album Sean Kingston.-Early life:...
, amongst others).
Critical reception
"Gravity" received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Fraser McAlpine of the BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
Chart Blog gave the song a mixed review, stating that "there's a big problem with this song, one which it will take more than an impassioned delivery and immaculate production to get around." He also compared the song to "No Air
No Air
"No Air" is a song by American recording artist Jordin Sparks featuring American R&B singer Chris Brown. The song was written by James Fauntleroy II, Eric Griggs, Michael Scala, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas and Steve Russell...
" by American singer Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Brianna Sparks is an American pop / R&B singer-songwriter and actress. She hails from Glendale, Arizona who rose to fame as the winner of the sixth season of American Idol. Sparks won when she was 17 years old, making her the youngest winner in Idol history...
. Nevertheless, while reviewing Turn It Up, Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
music editor Nick Levine referred to the track as one of the album's highlights.
Chart performance
"Gravity" entered the UK Singles ChartUK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
at number seventy-three on the issued dated 14 February 2010. The following week, the single climbed thirty places to number forty-three. On 28 February, "Gravity" entered the top forty at number thirty-five, which was followed by a climb of two places to number thirty-three the following week and another climb to number twenty-six the week after. A week later, the single climbed three places to number twenty-three, and a further three to its peak position of number twenty on 28 March 2010, earning Lott her fourth consecutive UK top twenty hit. On 18 February 2010, "Gravity" debuted and peaked at number forty-two on the Irish Singles Chart
Irish Singles Chart
The Irish Singles Chart is Ireland's music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on behalf of the IRMA by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured...
.
Music video
The music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
for the song, directed by Nick Frew, was shot in January 2010 and premiered on 6 February 2010 on Channel 4
Channel 4
Channel 4 is a British public-service television broadcaster which began working on 2 November 1982. Although largely commercially self-funded, it is ultimately publicly owned; originally a subsidiary of the Independent Broadcasting Authority , the station is now owned and operated by the Channel...
in the UK. It features Lott and two backup dancers performing a contemporary routine
Contemporary dance
Contemporary dance is a genre of concert dance that employs compositional philosophy, rather than choreography, to guide unchoreographed movement...
in black tutus
Ballet tutu
A tutu is a skirt worn as a costume in a ballet performance, often with attached bodice. It might be single layer, hanging down, or multiple layers starched and jutting out.There are several types of ballet tutu:...
, Lott standing on a platform in a burlesque
Burlesque
Burlesque is a literary, dramatic or musical work intended to cause laughter by caricaturing the manner or spirit of serious works, or by ludicrous treatment of their subjects...
-inspired outfit (with a black-feathered dress, thigh high boots and brunette bob, with a red circle behind her) and also performing an aerial silk routine in a red catsuit. Lott is also seen singing while lying down against a mirrored surface, giving the impression she is floating in air.
On making the video for "Gravity", Frew stated:
Gravity was about unfussy elegance. I wasn't interested in show-stopping special effects and clever clever post—just simple in camera techniques addressing the concept. So long as Pixie looked stunning I was happy—It was liberating, for once, to put beauty first.
The best part? For the red dot set-up, I wanted Pixie stock still, looking utterly sensational. Michelle Kelly did me proud with this massive, feathery, one-off Kristian AadnevikKristian AadnevikKristian Aadnevik is a London-based Norwegian fashion designer, who graduated from Royal College of Art in 2002.- Early life and education:...
showpiece. As soon as Pixie appeared wearing it with her black wig, there was a real buzz on set. Karen Alder (make up artist) did an amazing job on Pixie's jewel encrusted eyes – I love the way she works.
Under Eric Maddison's lights, swinging her dress around her, Pixie had the whole crew gathered round the monitor, cooing. It was incredibly satisfying.
Track listing
- UK iTunes remix single
- "Gravity" (CahillCahill (band)Cahill are a dance group, based in Liverpool, UK consisting of producers Anton Powers, Tim Condran and Scott Rosser. They are best known for their 2008 single, Trippin' On You, which features vocals from Nikki Belle.-Background:...
Club Mix) – 5:14 - "Gravity" (Den Haan Remix) – 5:03
Personnel
- Pixie Lott – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
- Nick Barr – violaViolaThe viola is a bowed string instrument. It is the middle voice of the violin family, between the violin and the cello.- Form :The viola is similar in material and construction to the violin. A full-size viola's body is between and longer than the body of a full-size violin , with an average...
- Natalia Bonner – violinViolinThe violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
- Ian Burdge – celloCelloThe cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
- Tom Coyne – masteringAudio masteringMastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device ; the source from which all copies will be produced...
- CutfatherCutfatherMich Hedin Hansen better known by his stage name Cutfather is a Danish music producer and songwriter.-Career:He is perhaps best known for his remix of "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison , and the song "Superstar" released internationally by Jamelia in 2003.He has worked with Danish producer...
– producerRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration... - Daniel Davidsen – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
- Calina de la Mare – violin
- Sophie Harris – cello
- Mo Hausler – stringStrings (music)A string is the vibrating element that produces sound in string instruments, such as the guitar, harp, piano, and members of the violin family. Strings are lengths of a flexible material kept under tension so that they may vibrate freely, but controllably. Strings may be "plain"...
engineer - Sally Herbert – string arrangementsString sectionThe string section is the largest body of the standard orchestra and consists of bowed string instruments of the violin family.It normally comprises five sections: the first violins, the second violins, the violas, the cellos, and the double basses...
, string conductor
- Jonas Jeberg – producer, instrumentationInstrumentation (music)In music, instrumentation refers to the particular combination of musical instruments employed in a composition, and to the properties of those instruments individually...
- Rick Koster – violin
- Claire Orsler – viola
- Carlos Oyanedel – additional mixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
- Emlyn Singleton – violin
- Julia Singleton – violin
- Phil TanPhil TanPhil Tan is an Atlanta, GA-based music/audio engineer.He is a 3-time Grammy Award recipient, as mixing engineer for Mariah Carey's "The Emancipation of Mimi" , Ludacris' "Release Therapy" and Rihanna's "Only Girl " .Among the artists on Tan's list of credits: Jill Scott, Jennifer...
– mixing - Bruce White – viola
- Brian Wright – violin
- Ina Wroldsen – backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
- Warren Zielinski – violin
Charts
| Chart (2010) | Peak position |
|---|---|