Funky Dory | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | 29 September 2003 | |||
Studio | London, England Stockholm, Sweden | |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 40:00 | |||
Label | ||||
Producer |
| |||
Rachel Stevens chronology | ||||
| ||||
Singles from Funky Dory | ||||
| ||||
Alternative cover | ||||
Singles from Funky Dory (re-issue) | ||||
|
Funky Dory is the solo debut album by English singer Rachel Stevens. It was released by Polydor Records on 29 September 2003 in the United Kingdom. The album was produced by various record producers,including Bloodshy &Avant and Richard X. Funky Dory received a positive reception from music critics who complimented its surprising diversity,charm and relative depth. [1] [2] It became Stevens' most successful album release,and reached number nine in the United Kingdom,where it was certified gold. [3] On 16 July 2004,the album was reissued in the United Kingdom,including three new songs,and reached number thirteen on the UK Albums Chart.
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
RTÉ | [1] |
The Observer | [2] |
The Observer critic Peter Robinson called Funky Dory "an excellent album. It's stylish,decadent and temperamental,and it's teeming with melodrama:like a Geri Halliwell album,but not crap. And there's a total absence of desperation. While Halliwell's first album was about killing off Ginger,Stevens is not lumbered with any such task since,despite having spent half a decade as one of pop's biggest names,Rachel had no personality [...] Twelve-year-olds will rightly believe they're too old for S Club 8,but they won't be very impressed with the taut New Jill Swing of "I Got the Money",while the steely "Silk" ( Erotica -era Madonna with Britney's "I'm a Slave 4 U" verse melody and a sudden,magnificent James Bond flourish in the middle eight) is cool and sassy but a massive Hi-NRG overhaul away from prompting a "Reach"-style amyl nitrate moment down at G-A-Y." [2]
Funky Dory debuted and peaked at number nine on the UK Albums Chart. [4] The album was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) after three days and reached gold status on 10 October 2003. [3] It descended from the top-seventy-five after six weeks. [4] The albums re-issue debuted at number thirteen on the UK Albums Chart in 2004,selling 14,600 copies in its first week,becoming the hundred and eightieth best-selling album of 2004 in the UK. [5] Together,both editions have sold over 110,000 copies in the UK. [5]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" | Bloodshy & Avant | 3:28 | |
2. | "Funky Dory" |
| 3:12 | |
3. | "Fools" | BAG & Arnthor | 3:13 | |
4. | "Breathe In, Breathe Out" |
| Stephen Lipson | 3:14 |
5. | "Glide" |
| Bloodshy & Avant | 3:38 |
6. | "Heaven Has to Wait" |
| Bloodshy & Avant | 4:10 |
7. | "Blue Afternoon" | Bondy | 4:14 | |
8. | "I Got the Money" |
|
| 4:05 |
9. | "Little Secret" |
| Eriksen | 3:28 |
10. | "Solid" |
|
| 3:47 |
11. | "Silk" |
| Peden | 3:36 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
12. | "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" (Bimbo Jones Club Mix) |
|
| 6:46 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. | "Some Girls" |
| 3:34 | |
2. | "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" |
| Bloodshy & Avant | 3:28 |
3. | "Funky Dory" (single version) |
| 3:13 | |
4. | "Fools" |
| BAG & Arnthor | 3:13 |
5. | "Breathe In, Breathe Out" (SWAT-Team version) |
|
| 3:14 |
6. | "Glide" |
| Bloodshy & Avant | 3:38 |
7. | "Heaven Has to Wait" |
| Bloodshy & Avant | 4:10 |
8. | "More, More, More" | Gregg Diamond | Wild Oscar | 3:33 |
9. | "Blue Afternoon" |
| Bondy | 4:14 |
10. | "I Got the Money" |
|
| 4:05 |
11. | "Little Secret" |
| Eriksen | 3:28 |
12. | "Solid" |
|
| 3:47 |
13. | "Silk" |
| Peden | 3:36 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|---|
14. | "Some Girls" (Rhythm Masters Vocal Mix) |
|
| 6:46 |
Notes
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
United Kingdom (BPI) [3] | Gold | 100,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label | Edition(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
United Kingdom | 29 September 2003 |
| Polydor | Original |
Hong Kong | 9 March 2004 | |||
Canada | 16 March 2004 | |||
United Kingdom | 16 July 2004 | Re-release | ||
United States | 26 June 2007 | Re-release |
Footprints is the debut studio album by Australian singer Holly Valance. It was released by London Records on 14 October 2002 in the United Kingdom. Valance worked with a variety of producers on the album, including Cutfather & Joe, Julian Gallagher, Jem Godfrey, Nellee Hooper, Bill Padley, Richard Stannard, and Phil Thornalley.
Three is the third studio album by British girl group Sugababes, released by Island Records on 27 October 2003. It generated four singles that charted in various parts of the world; the first, "Hole in the Head", became the group's third UK number one single. The three members of the Sugababes each recorded a "solo" song on the album—"Whatever Makes You Happy", "Sometimes" and "Maya". Three debuted at number three on the UK Albums Chart.
And Then... is the fifth studio album by American recording artist Joe. It was released through Jive Records on December 2, 2003, in the United States. A breakaway from his previous album Better Days (2001), the album saw Joe consulting a wider range of collaborators, including labelmate R. Kelly as well as Frank Romano, Roy "Royalty" Hamilton, L.E.S., Kevin "Shekspere" Briggs, Dre & Vidal, Carvin & Ivan and The Underdogs. Rap group G-Unit and rapper Freeway appear as guest vocalists on the album.
Funky Divas is the second studio album by American recording group En Vogue, released by Atlantic Records division East West on March 24, 1992, in the United States. Conceived after the success of their Grammy Award–nominated debut album Born to Sing (1990), En Vogue reteamed with their founders Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy to work on the entire album. As with Born to Sing, the pair borrowed from contemporary R&B, new jack swing, and hip hop, while also incorporating classic soul, blues and doo-wop elements, particularly on its on two Sparkle cover versions, as well as, in the case of "Free Your Mind," heavy metal sounds. The album became the quartet's second album to earn a Grammy Award nomination in the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals category, while winning the American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Album and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year at the 1993 Soul Train Music Awards.
Schizophonic is the debut solo studio album by British pop singer Geri Halliwell. The album was released in June 1999, after her 1998 split from popular girl group the Spice Girls. The term schizophonic is a portmanteau of the Greek words schizo and phonic ("sound"), and also seemingly a play on the word "schizophrenic" and the musical term "schizophonia". This was the first solo album released by a Spice Girl.
Scream If You Wanna Go Faster is the second studio album by British singer Geri Halliwell, released on 14 May 2001 by EMI Records. Following the commercial success of her solo debut album Schizophonic two years before, the singer began working on its follow-up with producers such as Gregg Alexander, Rick Nowels, Stephen Lipson, as well as previous collaborators, the duo Absolute. The album's artwork depicting Halliwell on roller skates, holding onto the back of a car, was criticised by road safety organisations, who said the singer was setting a wrong example to children.
It's About Time is the second album by American singer Christina Milian. The album was released by Island Records on June 15, 2004. It's About Time served as Milian's debut in the US; the September 11 attacks occurred two weeks prior to her debut album was scheduled to be released, and Milian opted to record a new album for the US market.
"Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" is the debut single of English singer-songwriter Rachel Stevens. It was released on 15 September 2003 as the lead single from her debut solo album, Funky Dory. Originally written for Britney Spears, the song was produced by Swedish duo Bloodshy & Avant. The single is Stevens's most successful single to date, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart. It was the 22nd-best-selling single of 2003 in the United Kingdom and has sold over 284,000 copies in the UK as of September 2021. Worldwide, the single peaked at number two in Denmark and earned a gold certification in Norway, where it reached number five.
Suit is the fourth studio album by American rapper Nelly. It was intended to be released on August 17, 2004, before being delayed and released on September 13, 2004, by Universal Records. Production for the album was handled by several producers, including the Neptunes, Jazze Pha, Doe, AHM, Jayson "Koko" Bridges, Kuya Productions, Soulshock and Karlin, Ryan Bowser, Big Boi and Beat Bullies. Released in conjunction with Sweat, Nelly intended to release a single album before conceptualizing and releasing two albums simultaneously, both of which would contrast each other's themes. Nelly characterized Sweat as "more up-tempo" and "energetic" while describing Suit as more of "a grown-up and sexy vibe [...] it's more melodic".
Taller in More Ways is the fourth studio album by British girl group Sugababes, released by Island Records on 10 October 2005. It was primarily produced by Dallas Austin and Jony Rockstar, with additional production from Cameron McVey, Xenomania and Guy Sigsworth. The title of the album was inspired by a line in the album's second single, "Ugly".
Eye Candy is the second and final studio album by British girl group Mis-Teeq. It was released by Telstar Records on 29 March 2003 in the United Kingdom. As with their previous album Lickin' on Both Sides (2001), the trio worked with producers StarGate, Ed Case, Mushtaq, and Rishi Rich on the majority of the album, but also consulted new collaborators such as Dave Kelly, Salaam Remi and singer Joe. Musically, Eye Candy took the band's sound further into the contemporary R&B genre, combining pop and soul music with heavy hip hop, garage and reggae elements.
Ladies Night is the third studio album by English girl group Atomic Kitten. It was released by Innocent Records and Virgin Records on 10 November 2003 in the United Kingdom. Named after the same-titled 1979 song by American band Kool & the Gang, the trio reteamed with producers Ash Howes and Martin Harrington, both of whom had contributed to their previous album Feels So Good (2002), to work with them on the majority of the album, while additional production was provided by Ciaron Bell, Julian Gallagher, and Steve Robson, Richard "Biff" Stannard and The True North Music Company. Written and recorded in a time span of seven months, the band co-wrote on eight songs of the album's standard version, with Jenny Frost and Liz McClarnon each credited as songwriters on three tracks, while Natasha Hamilton co-wrote two.
The Greatest Hits is the first compilation album by the English girl group Atomic Kitten. It was released by Innocent Records and Virgin Records on 5 April 2004 in the United Kingdom, following the announcement of their disbandment. Containing all of the group's chart hits from their first three studio albums Right Now (2000), Feels So Good (2002) and Ladies Night (2003), it reached the top five of the UK Albums Chart and number eight in New Zealand. "Someone like Me," initially recorded for Ladies Night, and "Right Now 2004," a re-recording of their debut single, were released as double single on 29 March 2004.
The discography of Rachel Stevens, an English pop singer, consists of two studio albums and eight singles. Stevens released her solo debut studio album Funky Dory that September. The album reached number nine on the UK Albums Chart and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded it with a gold certification in October 2003. Two singles, "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" and "Funky Dory", were initially released from the album: "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" peaked at number two in the UK and received a silver certification from the BPI. In July 2004, Stevens released the single "Some Girls" as a charity record for Sport Relief, and the single's success prompted Polydor to re-issue Funky Dory with three new songs.
"Some Girls" is a song by English singer Rachel Stevens from the 2004 reissue of her debut studio album, Funky Dory (2003). It was written by Richard X and Hannah Robinson, and produced by the former, with additional production from Pete Hoffman. It was also included on Stevens' second studio album, Come and Get It (2005). The song's music features a schaffel beat influenced by glam rock, and its lyrics describe a pop singer who performs sexual favours in her efforts to achieve stardom.
"Funky Dory" is a song by English singer-songwriter Rachel Stevens, released as the second single from Stevens's debut solo album of the same name. It was produced by David Eriksen for Murlyn Music. It was written by Martin Brammer and Gary Clark. Due to the song being built around a sample of the David Bowie song "Andy Warhol", he is credited as a writer on "Funky Dory". The song received mixed reviews from music critics.
Jason Lee Epperson is an American record producer and DJ from St. Louis, Missouri. He first became known as the primary producer of hometown native Nelly's 2000 debut album Country Grammar, which received diamond certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Thereafter, he produced extensively for Nelly and his collaborators, and signed with his record label, Derrty Entertainment as in-house talent. He has since produced songs for other artists including Murphy Lee, St. Lunatics, Justin Timberlake, E-40, Cedric the Entertainer, Lil Wayne, Ron Isley, Three 6 Mafia, and Hilary Duff. Epperson's style is characterized by hip hop mixed with soul, R&B, and pop music. Billboard magazine, in its December 2000 issue, listed Epperson at number 16 on its "Top 100 Producers" list, as well as number 19 on its "Top 100 R&B/Hip Hop Producers of 2000" list. He has received a Grammy Award nomination.
Rachel Lauren Stevens is an English singer, businesswoman, model and actress. She has been a member of the pop group S Club, which was active from 1998 to 2003, and has reformed once again since 2023. She released her solo debut studio album Funky Dory in September 2003. The album reached number nine on the UK album chart and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarded it with a gold certification in October 2003. Two singles, "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" and "Funky Dory", were initially released from the album: "Sweet Dreams My L.A. Ex" peaked at number two in the UK and received a silver certification from the BPI.
All Saints are a British girl group formed in London in 1993. They were founded as All Saints 1.9.7.5 by music manager Ron Tom. with members Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis, and Simone Rainford. The group struggled to find commercial success upon being signed to ZTT Records and were dropped by the label shortly after Rainford left the group. In 1996, the group were joined by sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton and signed to London Records under their shortened name.