Parachutes (song)
Encyclopedia
"Parachutes" is a single by English singer-songwriter
Charlie Simpson
, from his debut studio album Young Pilgrim
(2011). It was released on 5 August 2011 as a digital download
in the United Kingdom
. The song peaked to number 44 on the UK Singles Chart
, his highest charting single to date.
he was asked to describe the song, he said:
on 8 June 2011 at a length of three minutes and thirty-four seconds.
. Simpson performed the song in the Live Lounge live from Boardmasters in Newquay for Fearne Cotton and BBC Radio 1. He also performed the song live at Xfm in Manchester.
gave the song a positive review stating:
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
Charlie Simpson
Charlie Simpson
Charles Robert Simpson , is an English musician, singer and songwriter. He was the youngest member of multi BRIT Award-winning band Busted, and is the lead vocalist, guitarist and co-lyricist in alternative rock band Fightstar...
, from his debut studio album Young Pilgrim
Young Pilgrim
Young Pilgrim is the debut studio album by British singer-songwriter Charlie Simpson. The album was produced by Danton Supple and was released on 15 August 2011 through independent label PIAS Recordings....
(2011). It was released on 5 August 2011 as a 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...
in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The song peaked to number 44 on the UK Singles Chart
UK 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 ...
, his highest charting single to date.
Background
In an interview with 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....
he was asked to describe the song, he said:
"It's one of the more instrument-heavy songs on the record - I wanted to strike a balance between the acoustic nature and more upbeat instruments. It's also the first track I've ever written with a piano, so it's a good contrast to other songs on the album."
Music video
A music video to accompany the release of "Parachutes" was first released on YouTubeYouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
on 8 June 2011 at a length of three minutes and thirty-four seconds.
Live performances
Charlie Simpson performed the song Live on OK! TVOK! TV
OK! TV is an early evening magazine programme, broadcast on Channel 5 as a brand extension of celebrity title OK! Magazine. It replaced Live from Studio Five on 14 February 2011, and was presented by Kate Walsh and Matt Johnson, both of which have since left the programme. Jeff Brazier and Jenny...
. Simpson performed the song in the Live Lounge live from Boardmasters in Newquay for Fearne Cotton and BBC Radio 1. He also performed the song live at Xfm in Manchester.
Critical Reception
Lewis Corner 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....
gave the song a positive review stating:
"I'm so sorry for the pain/ Sorry for the aches/ Sorry for the moods I'm swinging," Charlie confesses over a twinkly piano and snare-rattling beats in his unmistakable raspy tone. While his apology may not extend to Matt and James after his recent Busted reunion snub, it's a far cry from his tween-pop days of drooling over high school teachers and perky air hostesses - instead focusing on his newfound independence. "I don't want it back/ I don't need it back/ I don't need a parachute," he admits. Something tells us the 'Year 3000' reunion tour is long way off yet.
Track listing
Chart performance
| Chart (2011) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (The Official Charts Company UK 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 ... ) |
44 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages... |
5 August 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... |
Charlie Simpson music |