Stop Crying Your Heart Out
Encyclopedia
"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" is a song by the English rock
band Oasis
. It was released as the second single from their fifth studio album, Heathen Chemistry
, on 17 June 2002. The song was written by the band's main songwriter, Noel Gallagher
, and is described as a slow ballad in the spirit of "Don't Look Back in Anger
".
Three months prior to the intended release date, the album Heathen Chemistry
was leaked in its entirety on the internet and circulated illegally. "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" received radio airplay immediately after its official release, and became one of the band's most successful singles, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart
.
said, 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' [is where] you really start rolling out the red carpet. A return to the long lost humanism of 'Don't Look Back In Anger', it's a reminder of Noel's knack of cheering up his audience just when they need it most." Q
magazine held up the song as proof that "genius never completely left Oasis".
In 2010 Australia's Hit Magazine listed "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" at #22 in a list of the 100 greatest songs of the 21st century.
, along with "Songbird
", "She Is Love
", and "Little by Little", after an individual recorded a studio session and leaked the material online. Noel Gallagher, lead singer of Oasis
, commented on the leak. He referred to Radiohead
's practice of running a webcam and keeping a diary whilst recording, saying:
Later that month, Heathen Chemistry
was leaked in its entirety.
". The song advises that in times of hardship, one should simply get over it and get on with life.
of 76 beats per minute; it is played in the key of B minor
. The song features two verses, with the chorus
being played three times. During the first three lines of the verses, Liam
sings the verse and Noel
echos it, question-and-answer style. The solo is slow, with a violin accompanying a guitar and grand piano. During the solo, three vocalists—Noel, Liam and Gem Archer
—perform a harmonized and slurred "Aaaaahhh!"
"10 Minutes of Noise and Confusion – Part Two" is the second part of a feature covering 48 hours on the road with Oasis during the Tour of Brotherly Love, which was a tour of the United States with the Black Crowes in May and June 2001.
and is included as the tenth track her second studio album, Echo
(2009), however, the song is not featured on the North American tracklising. Lewis first sang the song on 3 December 2009, as part of a set-list on the BBC Radio 2
show Live Sessions with Ken Bruce, as well as song BBC Radio 1
's Live Lounge
. Season 3 winner Leona Lewis returned to perform the song on 13 December 2009 during the live final of
The X Factor
. Though not officially released as a single, Lewis's version charted on the UK Singles Chart
at number 29.
The song was covered by Rowetta
in 2005 on her self-titled album, and Haylie Duff
in 2009, with the title "Heart Out", for her debut album. The song was covered throughout series 6
of The X Factor
, with Jamie Archer, Kandy Rain, Miss Frank, and Rachel Adedeji all singing the song at different stages of the competition.
Craig Colton also covered it on the 8th series of the X Factor, on 22nd October 2011.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
. It was released as the second single from their fifth studio album, Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Oasis, released in 2002.The album was written and recorded with a back-to-basics sound with a more rock feel to it; the more crude and simple sound differs from the musical grandiosity of their previous records, Be Here Now and...
, on 17 June 2002. The song was written by the band's main songwriter, Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher
Noel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
, and is described as a slow ballad in the spirit of "Don't Look Back in Anger
Don't Look Back in Anger
"Don't Look Back in Anger" is a song by English rock band Oasis, released in 1996 as the fourth single from their hit second album Morning Glory?. The song was written by the band's guitarist and main songwriter, Noel Gallagher. The song became the band's second single to reach #1 in the UK...
".
Three months prior to the intended release date, the album Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Oasis, released in 2002.The album was written and recorded with a back-to-basics sound with a more rock feel to it; the more crude and simple sound differs from the musical grandiosity of their previous records, Be Here Now and...
was leaked in its entirety on the internet and circulated illegally. "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" received radio airplay immediately after its official release, and became one of the band's most successful singles, peaking at number two 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 ...
.
Reception
Noel Gallagher had great expectations for the song: "I hope it does for us what 'Don't Look Back In Anger' did ... I didn't want it as a single because I thought we'd done all that before, but everyone's going, 'You're fucking mad.'". NMENME
The New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
said, 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' [is where] you really start rolling out the red carpet. A return to the long lost humanism of 'Don't Look Back In Anger', it's a reminder of Noel's knack of cheering up his audience just when they need it most." Q
Q (magazine)
Q is a popular music magazine published monthly in the United Kingdom.Founders Mark Ellen and David Hepworth were dismayed by the music press of the time, which they felt was ignoring a generation of older music buyers who were buying CDs — then still a new technology...
magazine held up the song as proof that "genius never completely left Oasis".
In 2010 Australia's Hit Magazine listed "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" at #22 in a list of the 100 greatest songs of the 21st century.
Internet leak
"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" was made available three months before Heathen ChemistryHeathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Oasis, released in 2002.The album was written and recorded with a back-to-basics sound with a more rock feel to it; the more crude and simple sound differs from the musical grandiosity of their previous records, Be Here Now and...
, along with "Songbird
Songbird (Oasis song)
"Songbird" is a song by English rock band Oasis, from their fifth studio album Heathen Chemistry. The song was released as the fourth single from that album on 3 February 2003 and peaked at #3 in the UK charts. It is included on Oasis' 2006 compilation album Stop the Clocks...
", "She Is Love
She Is Love
"She Is Love" is a song by English rock band Oasis, first released as the ninth track on their fifth studio album, Heathen Chemistry. In September 2002, it was released with "Little by Little" as the first double A-sided single by the band, peaking at #2 in the UK Singles Chart...
", and "Little by Little", after an individual recorded a studio session and leaked the material online. Noel Gallagher, lead singer of Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
, commented on the leak. He referred to Radiohead
Radiohead
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke , Jonny Greenwood , Ed O'Brien , Colin Greenwood and Phil Selway .Radiohead released their debut single "Creep" in 1992...
's practice of running a webcam and keeping a diary whilst recording, saying:
"...I don't want to know how you make your records and I don't want you to know how I make my records. I don't want you to see me in the studio looking like an arse, having just got out of bed! The more information you give people, the more the magic goes out of the music. Web cams in studios I find appalling. Ours would be quite interesting as it goes, you'd just see a load of people sitting around drinking."
Later that month, Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry is the fifth studio album by the English rock band Oasis, released in 2002.The album was written and recorded with a back-to-basics sound with a more rock feel to it; the more crude and simple sound differs from the musical grandiosity of their previous records, Be Here Now and...
was leaked in its entirety.
Theme
The song is an "epic weepy" anthem drawing on themes also found in "Don't Look Back in AngerDon't Look Back in Anger
"Don't Look Back in Anger" is a song by English rock band Oasis, released in 1996 as the fourth single from their hit second album Morning Glory?. The song was written by the band's guitarist and main songwriter, Noel Gallagher. The song became the band's second single to reach #1 in the UK...
". The song advises that in times of hardship, one should simply get over it and get on with life.
Music and structure
"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" is a slow ballad with a tempoTempo
In musical terminology, tempo is the speed or pace of a given piece. Tempo is a crucial element of any musical composition, as it can affect the mood and difficulty of a piece.-Measuring tempo:...
of 76 beats per minute; it is played in the key of B minor
B minor
B minor is a minor scale based on B, consisting of the pitches B, C, D, E, F, G, and A. The harmonic minor raises the A to A. Its key signature has two sharps .Its relative major is D major, and its parallel major is B major....
. The song features two verses, with the chorus
Refrain
A refrain is the line or lines that are repeated in music or in verse; the "chorus" of a song...
being played three times. During the first three lines of the verses, Liam
Liam Gallagher
William John Paul "Liam" Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, the former frontman of the English rock band Oasis and currently of the band Beady Eye. Gallagher's erratic behaviour, distinctive singing style, and abrasive attitude have been the subject of commentary in the press...
sings the verse and Noel
Noel Gallagher
Noel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
echos it, question-and-answer style. The solo is slow, with a violin accompanying a guitar and grand piano. During the solo, three vocalists—Noel, Liam and Gem Archer
Gem Archer
Colin Murray "Gem" Archer is a member of the English rock band Beady Eye. He is, however, best known for his work with Heavy Stereo and Oasis. He joined Oasis as rhythm guitarist in November 1999, and handled lead guitarist for acoustics as well. He also contributed towards the writing of some of...
—perform a harmonized and slurred "Aaaaahhh!"
Video
The song's music video, shot in London, alternates between the story of a woman and shots of Oasis performing the song. The woman is feeling down at the beginning of the video; she is seen walking down an empty street with all the electric billboards turned off; no one is around. After the first chorus and the beginning of the second verse, the billboards illuminate with images of clouds; the woman is happy. During the solo, the woman is seen walking away from a petrol station with a dripping full can of petrol. All the billboards darken once again, and she feels down. Near the end of the uncensored version, the woman is seen sitting beside a road taking the full can of petrol and dousing herself with it. She holds a burning match in her hand.Appearances in other media
- "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" was played during the last scenes and the beginning of the end credits of the movie The Butterfly EffectThe Butterfly EffectThe Butterfly Effect is a 2004 American sci-fi psychological thriller film that is written and directed by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber and starring Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart...
. - The song is featured in the film Made of HonorMade of HonorMade of Honor is a 2008 American romantic comedy film directed by Paul Weiland and story written by Adam Sztykiel . It was produced by Neal H. Moritz and was released by Columbia Pictures in North America on May 2, 2008...
, starring Patrick DempseyPatrick DempseyPatrick Galen Dempsey is an American actor, known for his role as neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd on the medical drama Grey's Anatomy. Prior to Grey's Anatomy he made several television appearances and was nominated for an Emmy Award...
and Michelle MonaghanMichelle MonaghanMichelle Lynn Monaghan is an American actress known for her roles in Mission: Impossible III, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Gone Baby Gone, Made of Honor, The Heartbreak Kid, Eagle Eye, and Source Code.-Early life:...
. It appears towards the end of the film. - Contestant Elaine Gibbs, from The X Factor USAThe X Factor (U.S.)The X Factor is an American television music competition to find new singing talent. The show is produced by creator Simon Cowell's company SYCOtv. It premiered on September 21, 2011 on Fox....
, sang "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" at "The Judges' Houses" part of the show. - It was used on the TV show SmallvilleSmallville (TV series)Smallville is an American television series developed by writers/producers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar based on the DC Comics character Superman, originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The television series was initially broadcast by The WB Television Network , premiering on October...
. - The song appeared after England's defeat in the 2002 FIFA World Cup2002 FIFA World CupThe 2002 FIFA World Cup was the 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup, held in South Korea and Japan from 31 May to 30 June. It was also the first World Cup held in Asia, and the last in which the golden goal rule was implemented. Brazil won the tournament for a record fifth time, beating Germany 2–0...
. - Noel Gallagher dedicated the song to the England national football teamEngland national football teamThe England national football team represents England in association football and is controlled by the Football Association, the governing body for football in England. England is the joint oldest national football team in the world, alongside Scotland, whom they played in the world's first...
before playing it at the 2004 Glastonbury FestivalGlastonbury FestivalThe Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts, commonly abbreviated to Glastonbury or even Glasto, is a performing arts festival that takes place near Pilton, Somerset, England, best known for its contemporary music, but also for dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other arts.The...
.
Track listing
- CD RKIDSCD 24
- "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" (Noel GallagherNoel GallagherNoel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
) – 5:05 - "Thank You for the Good Times" (Andy BellAndy Bell (musician)Andrew Piran "Andy" Bell is a Welsh musician, currently playing guitar in the band Beady Eye. He is a songwriter, singer, producer, DJ and former member of the early 1990s shoegazing band, Ride, and later, Hurricane #1...
) – 4:32 - "Shout It Out Loud" (Noel Gallagher) – 4:20
- 7" RKID 24
- "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" – 5:05
- "Thank You for the Good Times" – 4:32
- 12" RKID 24T
- "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" – 5:05
- "Thank You for the Good Times" – 4:32
- "Shout It Out Loud" – 4:20
- DVD RKIDSDVD 24
- "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" – 5:05
- "Stop Crying Your Heart Out" (demo) – 5:08
- 10 Minutes of Noise and Confusion – Part Two – 7:24
"10 Minutes of Noise and Confusion – Part Two" is the second part of a feature covering 48 hours on the road with Oasis during the Tour of Brotherly Love, which was a tour of the United States with the Black Crowes in May and June 2001.
Personnel
- Liam GallagherLiam GallagherWilliam John Paul "Liam" Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, the former frontman of the English rock band Oasis and currently of the band Beady Eye. Gallagher's erratic behaviour, distinctive singing style, and abrasive attitude have been the subject of commentary in the press...
: vocals - Noel GallagherNoel GallagherNoel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
: main guitar and vocals - Alan WhiteAlan White (Oasis drummer)Alan White is an English drummer, best known as being the drummer of the English rock group Oasis between 1995 and 2004, performing on four studio albums, two compilation albums and one live album. He joined the band in May 1995 after the band's original drummer Tony McCarroll was removed from...
: drums - Gem ArcherGem ArcherColin Murray "Gem" Archer is a member of the English rock band Beady Eye. He is, however, best known for his work with Heavy Stereo and Oasis. He joined Oasis as rhythm guitarist in November 1999, and handled lead guitarist for acoustics as well. He also contributed towards the writing of some of...
: grand piano and backing vocals - Andy BellAndy Bell (musician)Andrew Piran "Andy" Bell is a Welsh musician, currently playing guitar in the band Beady Eye. He is a songwriter, singer, producer, DJ and former member of the early 1990s shoegazing band, Ride, and later, Hurricane #1...
: bass guitar
Chart performance
| Chart (2002) | Peak position |
|---|
Cover versions
"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" was covered by British singer Leona LewisLeona Lewis
Leona Louise Lewis is a British singer and songwriter. Lewis first came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor....
and is included as the tenth track her second studio album, Echo
Echo (Leona Lewis album)
Echo is the second studio album by British pop/R&B singer and songwriter Leona Lewis. It was released from 9 November 2009 including 16 November 2009 in the United Kingdom, and 17 November 2009 in the United States. Its worldwide release was through Sony Music.Lewis worked with Ryan Tedder, Justin...
(2009), however, the song is not featured on the North American tracklising. Lewis first sang the song on 3 December 2009, as part of a set-list on the BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
show Live Sessions with Ken Bruce, as well as song BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1
BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
's Live Lounge
Live Lounge
The Live Lounge is a segment on the British radio station BBC Radio 1. Originally hosted by Jo Whiley on her mid-morning radio show and now hosted by Fearne Cotton, it exhibits well-known artists usually performing one song of their own and one by another artist, in an acoustic format...
. Season 3 winner Leona Lewis returned to perform the song on 13 December 2009 during the live final of
The X Factor
The X Factor (UK series 6)
The sixth series of British television music competition The X Factor started on ITV on 22 August 2009 and was won by Joe McElderry on 13 December 2009. Cheryl Cole emerged as the winning mentor for the second consecutive year, the first time in the show's history that a mentor has won back-to-back...
. Though not officially released as a single, Lewis's version charted 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 ...
at number 29.
The song was covered by Rowetta
Rowetta
Rowetta Idah , also known as Rowetta or Rowetta Satchell, is an English singer. She was originally a backing vocalist for the Happy Mondays, recording and touring with the band from 1991-2000...
in 2005 on her self-titled album, and Haylie Duff
Haylie Duff
Haylie Katherine Duff is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She is the older sister of actress and singer Hilary Duff...
in 2009, with the title "Heart Out", for her debut album. The song was covered throughout series 6
The X Factor (UK series 6)
The sixth series of British television music competition The X Factor started on ITV on 22 August 2009 and was won by Joe McElderry on 13 December 2009. Cheryl Cole emerged as the winning mentor for the second consecutive year, the first time in the show's history that a mentor has won back-to-back...
of The 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...
, with Jamie Archer, Kandy Rain, Miss Frank, and Rachel Adedeji all singing the song at different stages of the competition.
Craig Colton also covered it on the 8th series of the X Factor, on 22nd October 2011.