Lighthouse (song)
Encyclopedia
"Lighthouse" is a song by Irish boyband Westlife
. It is the lead single from their second compilation album, Greatest Hits
. The song is their final physical single after their announcement to disband. The song was written by Gary Barlow
and John Shanks
, and was released on November 11, 2011. A music video was filmed in South Africa
and premiered on October 20, 2011. The song premiered in the radio on September 30, 2011.
and Nicky Byrne
discussed the song during a behind-the-scenes look at the music video shoot. They explained, "We were excited to be working with 'the competition'. It's the first time that someone like Gary
has written a song for a group in competition with his own. Him and John
wrote Patience
for Take That
, so we are confident that we have a great team of writers. Some people think that we regard Gary as an enemy, but we don't at all. It's cool that he's written a song for us. Shane Filan also stated, "I love the idea of Gary writing a song for us. He's thrown all the rules out of the window".
"Lighthouse" was chosen by the record label instead of the another new album track, "Beautiful World". It was due to be the lead single from their forthcoming compilation but at the last minute they ditched the song in favour of the latter. Mark said: "It was literally up until a day ago that we were deciding between 'Lighthouse' and 'Beautiful World' for the first single but they went with 'Lighthouse' in the end.", "It's one of the potential single track of the album", "I wasn't too gutted though. Once I write the song I've written it. You can't get too attached and just have to hand it over and forget the fact that you've written it."
. An official 90-second official preview of the song was released via Soundcloud
on 4 October 2011. On October 7, 2011, the single's artwork was unveiled by the band's official website. On 14 October 2011, they launched a new pre-order system for the single by texting 'Westlife' to 80115. This service is only open to users in England
and is not compatible with Apple iPhone
handsets. The full, high quality radio edit of the song was posted on their Youtube
site on 10 October 2011. The pre-order service was released on 23 October 2011.
claimed: "Earlier today, your trusty Digital Spy music scribes were played the new Westlife single, 'Lighthouse', in full, three times over, and at a perfectly respectable volume. The song is about how their partners have stuck by them through the difficult times and now they want to settle down with them for good. It's probably the most grown-up sounding single Westlife have ever released. "This kind of love is more than a lifeline/ For a man as weak as me," Shane Filan belts in the openings bars, over a soul-funk piano riff, before asking: "How did the sea get so rough?/ I would have drowned/ If you hadn't given me your love." The song's highlight is easily the middle eight, where a slew of thrashing drums clash together as they sing: "I owe it all to you/ Everything I have right now." Despite being their first release away from Syco, it would soundtrack a tearful X Factor
moment rather nicely." Julia Simpson of Yahoo expressed: "Westlife are back with a brand new single so get ready to sway, and wave those lighters in the air. Yahoo were lucky enough to have a top secret first listen to their new track ‘Lighthouse’ in full yesterday. The track was literally carried to our office, played to us and then smuggled back in a secure operation which made us feel a bit like we were in a Bond film. And we can indeed confirm that it’s the Irish boys back at their best. Think Elton John
, pianos and romance as the song opens gently. But before long it gives way to a rich, uplifting chorus like some of Westlife’s best ballads – but with a touch of Take That in there too. With lyrics like “For a man who rarely cried/I get all choked up inside” we can see ourselves kicking autumnal leaves as this blares out of our ipods. Rather like the video, by the looks of these brand new behind-the-scenes shots of their video shoot! Westlife fans, we challenge you not to like it." She added: "We reviewed the lads' brand new single Lighthouse and it made us feel all autumnal." 98fm.com expressed: "The song gives Westlife a more grown up feel and it reminds me of the sort of song you’d hear on an X Factor package about the contestants!"
In another time, Digital Spy continued their review with a rating of and, "So this is it then. The start of Westlife's final run of singles. Truth be told, we'd been taking them for granted these last few years; a staple of the November singles and album charts and, like the red cups at Starbucks
, a friendly reminder that the festive season was upon us. In fact, like a mug of their Christmas blend, you could always expect the group's output to be a relaxing, chest-warming and thoroughly wholesome affair. Their latest is just that: an assured, safe-as-houses slice of midtempo pop penned by hitmaker-of-the-moment Gary Barlow that sits perfectly alongside their record-breaking streak of Top 10 hits - including 14 (14!) number ones. "This kind of love is more than amazing/ For a man who lost his way," Shane admits over a bouncy piano riff before insisting they're ready to settle down with their partners on the sing-songy chorus. The thing we'll miss most? Those flawless key changes." Bukisa.com added: Lighthouse is a classic Westlife anthem. It may not be the usual slow-tempo ballad but you will feel the touch of Westlife with the piano intro, uplifting choruses, soaring melodies, powerful post middle-8 key change and harmony-filled split vocals of Shane and Mark backed by Kian and Nicky. The simple but stunning video filmed in South Africa and inspirational lyrics are just added attraction. The artwork is perfect for the end of their career as a band, as you see the sunset in the background. The B-side is called “Poet’s Heart” which is another classic. Westlife always gives their best in every single they release and Lighthouse is no-doubt an addition.
EF gave it saying, Lighthouse is written by Gary Barlow and John Shanks and sees Westlife attempt something a little more uptempo. Whilst the early promise indicates the track is a departure for the band, it soon becomes apparent that Lighthouse fits neatly next to their other material. The harmony-filled chorus is classic Westlife and the vocal split between Shane and Mark keeps to the tried-and-tested formula. Whilst hardly new ground for Westlife, Lighthouse allows the group to play to their strengths. Their fans have loved the fact that the band rarely step out of their comfort zone so they should lap up this single. Honestly we think it's time Westlife called it a day and it'll be interesting to see what the four members do next.
, with first-week sales of 11,006 copies. It is their lowest-charting single in the United Kingdom, and their first single not to chart within the top 10. In the second week the song sold 2,000 copies at number 89.
account on 5 October 2011, was deleted two days later but resurfaced at the same account on 13 October 2011. Also another behind-the-scene footage was taken out courtesy from Daily Star
with a short story about the making of the music video saying:
The video made it's premiere on Chart Show TV and on their Youtube site on 20 October 2011.
Westlife
Westlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
. It is the lead single from their second compilation album, Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits (Westlife album)
Greatest Hits is the second greatest hits album and final release by Irish boy band Westlife. It was released on November 18, 2011 by RCA Records and Sony Music. Greatest Hits is the group's second greatest hits album following Unbreakable: The Greatest Hits Volume 1...
. The song is their final physical single after their announcement to disband. The song was written by Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow is an English singer-songwriter, pianist and record producer. He is frontman and lead vocalist of pop group Take That and is currently the head judge on the eighth series of The X Factor. Barlow is one of Britain's most successful songwriters...
and John Shanks
John Shanks
John Matthew Shanks is a modern rock writer and Grammy Award–winning producer.Born in New York City, Shanks moved to Los Angeles when he was 17....
, and was released on November 11, 2011. A music video was filmed in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
and premiered on October 20, 2011. The song premiered in the radio on September 30, 2011.
Background
It is described as an instantly recognisable Westlife classic complete with soaring melodies, rousing lyrics. Band members Mark FeehilyMark Feehily
Markus Michael Patrick Feehily is one of the lead singers of the Irish boyband Westlife.-Early life:Feehily was born in Sligo, Ireland, to Marie Verdon and Oliver Feehily. He has two younger brothers, Barry and Colin .-Career:Feehily rose to fame as one of the two lead singers of the boyband...
and Nicky Byrne
Nicky Byrne
Nicholas Bernard James Adam Byrne, Jr is a singer-songwriter, radio presenter and former footballer. From 1998 until 2012 he was the oldest member of Irish pop band, Westlife....
discussed the song during a behind-the-scenes look at the music video shoot. They explained, "We were excited to be working with 'the competition'. It's the first time that someone like Gary
Gary Barlow
Gary Barlow is an English singer-songwriter, pianist and record producer. He is frontman and lead vocalist of pop group Take That and is currently the head judge on the eighth series of The X Factor. Barlow is one of Britain's most successful songwriters...
has written a song for a group in competition with his own. Him and John
John Shanks
John Matthew Shanks is a modern rock writer and Grammy Award–winning producer.Born in New York City, Shanks moved to Los Angeles when he was 17....
wrote Patience
Patience
Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the...
for Take That
Take That
Take That are a British five-piece vocal pop group comprising Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen and Robbie Williams. Barlow acts as the lead singer and primary songwriter...
, so we are confident that we have a great team of writers. Some people think that we regard Gary as an enemy, but we don't at all. It's cool that he's written a song for us. Shane Filan also stated, "I love the idea of Gary writing a song for us. He's thrown all the rules out of the window".
"Lighthouse" was chosen by the record label instead of the another new album track, "Beautiful World". It was due to be the lead single from their forthcoming compilation but at the last minute they ditched the song in favour of the latter. Mark said: "It was literally up until a day ago that we were deciding between 'Lighthouse' and 'Beautiful World' for the first single but they went with 'Lighthouse' in the end.", "It's one of the potential single track of the album", "I wasn't too gutted though. Once I write the song I've written it. You can't get too attached and just have to hand it over and forget the fact that you've written it."
Release
The song received it's first radio airplay on 30 September 2011, during the prime-time hour on LincsFM with Eddie Shaw. Shortly after the song was played, the hashtag #westlifelighthouse became a trending topic worldwide on TwitterTwitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
. An official 90-second official preview of the song was released via Soundcloud
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is an online audio distribution platform which allows collaboration, promotion and distribution of audio recordings.-History:SoundCloud was originally started in Stockholm, Sweden, but was established in Berlin, Germany in August, 2007 by sound designer Alex Ljung and artist Eric Wahlforss...
on 4 October 2011. On October 7, 2011, the single's artwork was unveiled by the band's official website. On 14 October 2011, they launched a new pre-order system for the single by texting 'Westlife' to 80115. This service is only open to users in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and is not compatible with Apple iPhone
IPhone
The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29, 2007...
handsets. The full, high quality radio edit of the song was posted on their Youtube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
site on 10 October 2011. The pre-order service was released on 23 October 2011.
Critical reception
Robert Copsey of Digital SpyDigital 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....
claimed: "Earlier today, your trusty Digital Spy music scribes were played the new Westlife single, 'Lighthouse', in full, three times over, and at a perfectly respectable volume. The song is about how their partners have stuck by them through the difficult times and now they want to settle down with them for good. It's probably the most grown-up sounding single Westlife have ever released. "This kind of love is more than a lifeline/ For a man as weak as me," Shane Filan belts in the openings bars, over a soul-funk piano riff, before asking: "How did the sea get so rough?/ I would have drowned/ If you hadn't given me your love." The song's highlight is easily the middle eight, where a slew of thrashing drums clash together as they sing: "I owe it all to you/ Everything I have right now." Despite being their first release away from Syco, it would soundtrack a tearful X Factor
The X Factor (UK)
The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. Created by Simon Cowell, it began in September 2004 and is contested by aspiring singers drawn from public auditions. It is the originator of the international X Factor franchise. The seven series of the show to date...
moment rather nicely." Julia Simpson of Yahoo expressed: "Westlife are back with a brand new single so get ready to sway, and wave those lighters in the air. Yahoo were lucky enough to have a top secret first listen to their new track ‘Lighthouse’ in full yesterday. The track was literally carried to our office, played to us and then smuggled back in a secure operation which made us feel a bit like we were in a Bond film. And we can indeed confirm that it’s the Irish boys back at their best. Think Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
, pianos and romance as the song opens gently. But before long it gives way to a rich, uplifting chorus like some of Westlife’s best ballads – but with a touch of Take That in there too. With lyrics like “For a man who rarely cried/I get all choked up inside” we can see ourselves kicking autumnal leaves as this blares out of our ipods. Rather like the video, by the looks of these brand new behind-the-scenes shots of their video shoot! Westlife fans, we challenge you not to like it." She added: "We reviewed the lads' brand new single Lighthouse and it made us feel all autumnal." 98fm.com expressed: "The song gives Westlife a more grown up feel and it reminds me of the sort of song you’d hear on an X Factor package about the contestants!"
In another time, Digital Spy continued their review with a rating of and, "So this is it then. The start of Westlife's final run of singles. Truth be told, we'd been taking them for granted these last few years; a staple of the November singles and album charts and, like the red cups at Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with 17,009 stores in 55 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, over 1,000 in Canada, over 700 in the United Kingdom, and...
, a friendly reminder that the festive season was upon us. In fact, like a mug of their Christmas blend, you could always expect the group's output to be a relaxing, chest-warming and thoroughly wholesome affair. Their latest is just that: an assured, safe-as-houses slice of midtempo pop penned by hitmaker-of-the-moment Gary Barlow that sits perfectly alongside their record-breaking streak of Top 10 hits - including 14 (14!) number ones. "This kind of love is more than amazing/ For a man who lost his way," Shane admits over a bouncy piano riff before insisting they're ready to settle down with their partners on the sing-songy chorus. The thing we'll miss most? Those flawless key changes." Bukisa.com added: Lighthouse is a classic Westlife anthem. It may not be the usual slow-tempo ballad but you will feel the touch of Westlife with the piano intro, uplifting choruses, soaring melodies, powerful post middle-8 key change and harmony-filled split vocals of Shane and Mark backed by Kian and Nicky. The simple but stunning video filmed in South Africa and inspirational lyrics are just added attraction. The artwork is perfect for the end of their career as a band, as you see the sunset in the background. The B-side is called “Poet’s Heart” which is another classic. Westlife always gives their best in every single they release and Lighthouse is no-doubt an addition.
EF gave it saying, Lighthouse is written by Gary Barlow and John Shanks and sees Westlife attempt something a little more uptempo. Whilst the early promise indicates the track is a departure for the band, it soon becomes apparent that Lighthouse fits neatly next to their other material. The harmony-filled chorus is classic Westlife and the vocal split between Shane and Mark keeps to the tried-and-tested formula. Whilst hardly new ground for Westlife, Lighthouse allows the group to play to their strengths. Their fans have loved the fact that the band rarely step out of their comfort zone so they should lap up this single. Honestly we think it's time Westlife called it a day and it'll be interesting to see what the four members do next.
Chart performance
In Ireland, "Lighthouse" debuted at number eleven, becoming their second lowest-charting single in the country. The song debuted at number thirty-two on 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 ...
, with first-week sales of 11,006 copies. It is their lowest-charting single in the United Kingdom, and their first single not to chart within the top 10. In the second week the song sold 2,000 copies at number 89.
Music video
Filming for the music video of the first single began on 17 September 2011 and was shot in South Africa also like the album photoshoot. Three official video stills were posted on the band's Twitter account on 4 October 2011. The behind-the-scenes video premiered exclusively on their VevoVevo
Vevo is a music video website. It is a joint venture among Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Abu Dhabi Media with EMI licensing its content to the group without taking an ownership stake. The service was launched officially on December 8, 2009...
account on 5 October 2011, was deleted two days later but resurfaced at the same account on 13 October 2011. Also another behind-the-scene footage was taken out courtesy from Daily Star
Daily Star
The Daily Star is a popular daily tabloid newspaper published in the United Kingdom. It first published on 2 November 1978, and was the first new national paper to be launched since the Daily Worker in 1930...
with a short story about the making of the music video saying:
"It's 6am and the sun is rising over the stunning South African landscape. In the pre-dawn light, the sight is incredible. Baboons peer inquisitively at us, a zebra roams lazily across the plain and looming into view in front of us is the unmistakeable sight and sound of…. Westlife. The manband can’t believe their luck to be here in this glorious wilderness to shoot a video for their new single Lighthouse. They’re so thrilled they invited the Daily Star to exclusively catch all the behind-the-scenes action. The breath-taking backdrop is the Cradle of HumankindCradle of HumankindThe Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site first named by UNESCO in 1999, about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, South Africa in the Gauteng province. This site currently occupies ; it contains a complex of limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million...
heritage site in GautengGautengGauteng is one of the nine provinces of South Africa. It was formed from part of the old Transvaal Province after South Africa's first all-race elections on 27 April 1994...
, an hour north of JohannesburgJohannesburgJohannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
. But the lads chose it because they were literally just passing. “We were in South Africa anyway as part of our Africa and Asia tour so we thought: ‘Why not film the new video here too?’” says Nicky Byrne, 32. Bandmate Mark Feehily, 31, explains: “Record companies aren’t spending the millions they used to on videos. “We wouldn’t want to do a rubbish video in a studio. And why should we when we can have a million-dollar backdrop like this for free?” The Irish hunks, who have had a whopping 14 UK No 1 singles in 14 years, are not fazed by their environment, even though it contains some of the deadliest creatures on Earth. “We have a medic here carrying a pack of anti-venom for snakes and spiders and other first aid,” adds Mark. “We’ve even got a helicopter on standby in Jo’burg that can get here in under seven minutes should we have any emergencies.” But the cheeky lads are clearly not worried about the dangers. While Shane Filan, 32, films his solo alongside a picturesque river, Mark and Kian Egan spot a wooden canoe and gleefully decide to test-drive it. “Come and do your interview on here,” they beckon. But I refuse, frightened by the talk of crocodiles – and it’s just as well. Just seconds later the boat drifts into the back of Shane’s shot and we hear a completely different type of wildlife – an angry director bellowing at the lads to get out of the way. Mark steers back to shore and tells us: “As soon as I got in I regretted it. Water started leaking in.” He confesses it’s not the first prank that’s misfired. “We’ve already delayed the shoot by an hour,” he admits. “Our van got lost after we stole the keys and the driver couldn’t follow the one in front.” But the jokes show just how happy and relaxed Westlife are. “We love it here,” says Kian, 31. “We love coming back, the people are lovely, the weather’s lovely. Just look around. It couldn’t be more perfect.” However, he reveals that not all the lads have enjoyed every second. “We don’t have any phobias but Nicky had to scramble on his hands and knees over a bridge and he wasn’t too happy about that,” he laughs. Nicky adds: “I don’t care about bugs or heights but I was just too close to this river. I thought if I fall down now that’s not too sensible so I crawled across. But Mark just hopped over in one – he didn’t care.”
The video made it's premiere on Chart Show TV and on their Youtube site on 20 October 2011.
Track listing
-
- CD single / digital download
- "Lighthouse" – 4:22
- "Poet's Heart" (John Shanks, Ruth-Anne CunninghamRuth-Anne CunninghamRuth-Anne Cunningham is a singer/songwriter/producer from Donaghmede, Dublin, Ireland.- Songwriting :Ruth-Anne is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter/producer/vocal producer from Dublin, In Ireland, She is signed to Sony ATV as of May 2010...
) – 3:57
Charts
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | September 30, 2011 | Radio airplay Contemporary hit radio Contemporary hit radio is a radio format that is common in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia that focuses on playing current and recurrent popular music as determined by the Top 40 music charts... |
Sony Music, RCA RCA RCA Corporation, founded as the Radio Corporation of America, was an American electronics company in existence from 1919 to 1986. The RCA trademark is currently owned by the French conglomerate Technicolor SA through RCA Trademark Management S.A., a company owned by Technicolor... |
| United Kingdom | |||
| Ireland | October 20, 2011 | TV airplay | |
| United Kingdom | |||
| Ireland | November 11, 2011 | Digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
|
| United Kingdom | November 13, 2011 | ||
| November 14, 2011 | CD single CD single A CD single is a music single in the form of a standard size Compact Disc, not to be confused with the 3-inch CD single, which uses a smaller form factor. The format was introduced in the mid-1980s, but did not gain its place in the market until the early 1990s... |