Let It Go (Alexandra Burke song)

Last updated

"Let It Go"
Alexandra Burke - Let It Go Artwork.jpg
Single by Alexandra Burke
from the album Heartbreak on Hold
Released27 May 2012 (2012-05-27)
Genre
Length3:24
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Alexandra Burke singles chronology
"Elephant"
(2012)		"Let It Go"
(2012)		"Where Do Hearts Go"
(2014)
Music video
"Let It Go" on YouTube

"Let It Go'" is a song by British recording artist Alexandra Burke from her second studio album, Heartbreak on Hold (2012). It was released in the United Kingdom on 27 May 2012 as the album's second and final single. [1] "Let It Go" is an uptempo 90s throwback dance song drawing influences from the dance-pop and R&B genres. [2]

Contents

"Let It Go" received generally favourable reviews from music critics, who deemed the song the best song on the album, along with its catchy tune and production; however, minority of critics found the song generic. The song was unable to match the success like "Elephant", only peaking inside the UK Top 40.

Background and release

In an interview with Peter Robinson for Popjustice, Burke explained the song's conception and development. [3] Burke revealed that she did not co-write the song, but was involved with the writing camp, a series of sessions where writers and producers met Burke in order to create material for Heartbreak on Hold , and that "Let It Go" was written during the sessions. [3] She explained the meaning behind the song's lyrics, saying:

For me, it's about letting go of life’s stresses full stop. I’ve had to gain some thick skin while being in this business. I'm not going to say I'm perfect at tackling the negative but I try to turn things that don't feel right into something positive. [3]

On 13 April 2012, "Let It Go" premiered on the Kiss radio station, [4] and serves as Heartbreak on Hold's official second single. [5] "Let It Go" was made available to download via iTunes on 25 May 2012 in Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as multiple other European countries. [6] [7] It was released as an extended play (EP) and consists of "Let It Go"; "Let It Go" (Bimbo Jones Remix); "Let It Go" (Rui da Silva Remix) and "Let It Go" (Digital Dog Remix); each version can be purchased individually or all together. [7]

Composition

Burke sings the lyric "We get caught up in the little things/ Lose ourselves along the way" "over feather-light club beats" according to Robert Copsey for Digital Spy. [8] The chorus is reminiscent of 90s music. [8]

Critical reception

Robert Copsey for Digital Spy was complimentary of the 90s inspired song, writing that although it is "a smidge predictable," it is difficult to not admire Burke's enthusiasm on "Let It Go". [8] Copsey continued to write that despite the song being about not being stressed and chanting "Let it go", Burke does not "[put] her feet up with a cuppa." [8] Jenny Mensah from 4Music called the song the "most stand-out tune for its catchiness alone", however in-compare to the studio album "[...]Unfortunately, this is because the other tracks fail to grab us in the same way." [9] Matt Collar from Allmusic said tracks like "Let it Go" and "Fire"; "have an infectious house music sound that brings to mind the contemporary dance-pop of Lady Gaga as much as classic '90s diva house artists like Robin S." [10]

Caroline Sullivan for The Guardian was critical of the song, writing that it is "anonymous international dancefloor fodder". [11] Rohin Guha for Flavorpill wrote about the message behind the song: "It’s not surprising the [Dalai Lama]'s words resonate with a subcategory of zen pop, which embraces the spirit of "letting go" in order to properly celebrate life." [12]

Music video

The music video for "Let It Go" was shot on London Underground on 7 April 2012. [13] The video was released on 25 April 2012 via Burke's official VEVO account.

The video starts with a blue Audi R8 pulling over, playing her previous single, "Elephant". Burke steps out of the car and walks towards a London Underground station. It is at this point where the song begins to play. During the first chorus, Burke makes her way down to the platform.

At the end of the first chorus, Burke steps onto a train and sits down right at the rear of the carriage. During the second verse, she stands up and calls all the passengers to dance, including a businessman and a professional dancer. She walks through to the very front of the train and it is at the front carriage where Burke and her team start to dance in the carriage. Burke then continues to dance in an empty car park, where she and her team perform a further dance routine. The video finishes with Burke and her dancers posing in the car park.

Live performances

Burke performed an acoustic version of the song on Loose Women in 2012, and also performed the song on series finale of The Voice of Ireland on 29 April 2012. [14] [15] Burke also performed "Let It Go" on breakfast television show Lorraine on 22 May 2012, where she also gave an interview about the song and Heartbreak on Hold. [16]

Track listing

  1. Let It Go – 3:28
  1. Let It Go – 3:28
  2. Let It Go (Bimbo Jones Remix) – 3:15
  3. Let It Go (Rui da Silva Remix) – 7:53
  4. Let It Go (Digital Dog Remix) – 7:38

Credits and personnel

Adapted from the liner notes of Heartbreak on Hold; Syco Music, Sony Music, RCA Records. [17]

Recording locations

Personnel

Chart performance

"Let It Go" made its first appearance on the Irish Singles Chart, where it debuted at number 41 on 31 May 2012, becoming her lowest charting single. [18] The following week, it dropped to number 78. [19] In the United Kingdom, the song debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 33 on 3 June 2012, [20] and therefore debuted at number 33 on the UK Digital Chart with download sales of 11,586. [21] [22] In its second week on the chart, "Let It Go" fell to number 74, selling 4,461 copies. [23]

Chart (2012)Peak
position
CIS (TopHit) [24] 166
Ireland (IRMA) [18] 41
Scotland (Official Charts Company) [25] 27
South Korea International (Gaon) [26] 23
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) [20] 33

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
Belgium [27] 25 May 2012 Digital download, extended play Sony Music
Czech Republic [28]
Denmark [29]
Finland [30]
France [31]
Ireland [6] Sony Music, RCA Records, Syco Music
Sweden [32] Sony Music
Switzerland [33]
United Kingdom [7] Sony Music, RCA Records, Syco Music
United States28 July 2012 Columbia Records

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexandra Burke</span> British singer, songwriter and actress (b.1988)

Alexandra Imelda Cecelia Ewen Burke is a British singer, songwriter and actress. She won the fifth series of the British television series The X Factor in 2008, and has been signed to Epic Records, RCA Records and Syco Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naturally (Selena Gomez & the Scene song)</span> 2009 single by Selena Gomez & the Scene

"Naturally" is a song performed by American band Selena Gomez & the Scene, taken from their debut studio album Kiss & Tell (2009). It was released by Hollywood Records as the album's second single in the United States and select other countries. The song was produced by Antonina Armato and Tim James who wrote the song with Devrim Karaoglu. Musically, "Naturally" is an uptempo dance-pop song which relies on electropop. The song's lyrics speak of a relationship in which feelings are not forced and the protagonist sings of their happiness. The song officially impacted US mainstream radio on January 19, 2010, and was released physically in numerous European countries thereafter. The song also appears on the international standard edition of the band's 2010 sophomore album, A Year Without Rain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dirty Talk (Wynter Gordon song)</span> 2010 single by Wynter Gordon

"Dirty Talk" is a song by American recording artist Wynter Gordon, taken from her debut studio album, With the Music I Die. It was released in the United States on February 17, 2010. The song was written by Gordon, Michael Caren, Gregory Ferguson, Nicole Morier, Norman White and produced by Jupiter Ace. "Dirty Talk" is a dance-pop song backed by a house beat, inspired by a bedroom fantasy. Gordon has stated that the song is a lyrical product of her and her girlfriends goofing around in the studio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alexandra Burke discography</span>

The discography of British R&B and pop recording singer Alexandra Burke consists of three studio albums, ten singles as a main artist, two as a featured artist and nine music videos. All songs which have been released under the recording label of Sony BMG and Syco Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Night Long (Alexandra Burke song)</span> 2010 single by Alexandra Burke

"All Night Long" is a song performed by British singer Alexandra Burke, taken from her debut studio album, Overcome (2009). The song was written and produced by American production team The Runaways. The single was remixed to feature rapper Pitbull and released as the album's fourth official single in 2010, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart on 23 May.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glad You Came</span> 2011 single by The Wanted

"Glad You Came", also known as "I'm Glad You Came", is a song by British-Irish boy band the Wanted, released on 10 July 2011 as the second single from their second studio album, Battleground. The song was written by Steve Mac, Wayne Hector and Ed Drewett, and was produced by Steve Mac. "Glad You Came" peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart and also topped the charts of Ireland, Japan, and Venezuela. In North America, the song reached number two in Canada and number three in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Run the Night</span> 2011 single by Havana Brown

"We Run the Night" is a song by Australian DJ and recording artist Havana Brown, written and produced by Cassie Davis and Snob Scrilla of production duo More Mega. It was released for digital download on by Island Records as Brown's debut single. The song was included on the EP When The Lights Go Out as well as Brown's debut studio album Flashing Lights.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elephant (Alexandra Burke song)</span> 2012 single by Alexandra Burke

"Elephant" is a song by British singer Alexandra Burke from her second studio album Heartbreak on Hold (2012). It features Colombian-American DJ Erick Morillo, who co-wrote the song with Burke, Britt Burton, Josh Wilkinson, Harry Romero, and Jose Nuñez. The song was produced by Morillo, Romero and Nuñez under their stage name Sympho Nympho, and Mike Spencer. It was released in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2012 as the album's lead single. The song was released as Burke's debut single in the United States on 13 March 2012.

<i>Heartbreak on Hold</i> 2012 studio album by Alexandra Burke

Heartbreak on Hold is the second studio album by British recording artist Alexandra Burke. It was released digitally on 1 June 2012 through Syco and RCA Records, and a physical version was issued three days later. The album marks her final record with both record labels, parting between 2012 and the following year. Burke started working on the album in late 2010, and collaborated with Cutfather, Erick Morillo, Autumn Rowe, and Ben Adams, amongst others. Burke had also worked with RedOne, who previously produced a chunk of her debut album Overcome (2009), but none of the recordings were included on this album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chasing the Sun (The Wanted song)</span> 2012 single by the Wanted

"Chasing the Sun" is a song by English-Irish boy band the Wanted. It was released as their third single in the United States on 17 April 2012, from their eponymous debut EP (2012). It is also the lead single from their third studio album, Word of Mouth (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">30 Minute Love Affair</span> 2012 single by Paloma Faith

"30 Minute Love Affair" is a song performed by English recording artist Paloma Faith. It was released on 10 August 2012, by RCA Records, as the second single from her second studio album Fall to Grace (2012). The song was written by Faith and Chris Braide, while Nellee Hooper produced it. Faith explained that the concept of the song is based on a real-life encounter she had with a busker when she was fourteen. The singer said that she wanted the song to have a similar feel of freedom and escape that the 2011 film Drive evokes.

<i>When the Lights Go Out</i> (EP) 2012 EP by Havana Brown

When the Lights Go Out EP is a five-song EP by Australian DJ and recording artist Havana Brown. It was released for digital download on 17 July 2012 by Island Records Australia as Brown's first EP. The Australian version of the EP includes five new songs, while the US version includes the international remix of "We Run the Night" featuring American rapper Pitbull. The track, being Brown's debut single, written by Cassie Davis and Snob Scrilla, and produced by RedOne, was released in September 2011 and became her first US top 40 hit, reaching number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The EP peaked at number 16 on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified platinum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Close Enemies</span> 2012 single by Example

"Close Enemies" is a song by British recording artist Example. It was released on 11 November 2012 as the second single from his fourth studio album, The Evolution of Man. The song was written by Elliot Gleave and Alex Smith, the latter who also produced the song. It entered the UK Singles Chart on 18 November 2012 at number 37. Gleave and his band performed a live version of the song for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, which features on the Live Lounge 2013 compilation album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Youth (Foxes song)</span> 2013 single by Foxes

"Youth" is the debut solo single by English singer and songwriter Foxes. The song was released as a digital download in Ireland on 6 September 2013 and in the United Kingdom on 27 October 2013 as the lead single from her debut studio album Glorious (2014). The song has peaked at number 21 on the Irish Singles Chart. The song was originally out in 2011, alongside a remix by Adventure Club, but did not get an official release until two years later. When the song was released digitally, it topped the UK iTunes charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Look Right Through</span> 2010 single by Storm Queen

"Look Right Through" is a song by American record producer Storm Queen, vocals by Damon C. Scott. It was first released on 19 October 2010, with two remix packages released through Defected in February 2012. On 3 November 2013, Ministry of Sound re-released the song in Ireland and Britain including new remixes. The vocal remix by MK was hugely successful in the United Kingdom, and helped the track enter at number one on the UK Singles Chart and UK Dance Chart simultaneously on 10 November 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heartbreak Coverup</span> 2012 single by Jesse Labelle featuring Alyssa Reid

"Heartbreak Coverup" is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Jesse Labelle for his second studio album, Two (2012), featuring guest vocals by Alyssa Reid. It was released in Canada through Wax Records as the lead single from the album on April 10, 2012. The song was written by Labelle and Reid along with Rob James, Dave Lichens, Luke McMaster, and Thomas "Tawgs" Salter. A remix EP was released in the UK through 3 Beat Records on May 19, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Aoki discography</span>

The American electro house DJ and producer Steve Aoki has released 7 studio albums, 5 extended plays, and 107 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Budin</span> Australian electronic music producer and DJ

Tom Budin is an Australian DJ and record producer based in Sydney, Australia. He is known for officially remixing songs for musicians such as Lost Frequencies, Zedd, Britney Spears, G-Eazy and Timmy Trumpet.

References

  1. ↑ "Alexandra Burke debuts new single 'Let It Go' – listen". Digital Spy . 13 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  2. ↑ "Playlist: 10 tracks you need to hear". Digital Spy . 16 April 2012. Retrieved 18 April 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Robinson, Peter (24 May 2012). "Alexandra Burke does not intend to grow any vegetables in the near future: Just one of the many things you will discover in this illuminating interview". Popjustice . Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "Alexandra Burke's premiered her new single 'Let It Go'". Popjustice. 13 April 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  5. ↑ Copsey, Robert (31 March 2012). "Alexandra Burke announces new single". Digital Spy . Hachette Filipacchi Médias . Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  6. 1 2 "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Ireland). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (United Kingdom). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 Copsey, Robert (22 May 2012). "Alexandra Burke: 'Let It Go' – Single review". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  9. ↑ "4Music - News - Reviews - Album Review: Alexandra Burke - Heartbreak on Hold". Archived from the original on 19 June 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  10. ↑ "Heartbreak on Hold - Alexandra Burke | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic". AllMusic .
  11. ↑ Sullivan, Caroline (1 June 2012). "Alexandra Burke: Heartbreak on Hold – review". The Guardian . Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  12. ↑ "12 New Summer Anthems More Epic Than Jennifer Lopez's "Dance Again"".
  13. ↑ Eames, Tom (12 April 2012). "Alexandra Burke 'nearly arrested on Tube for video shoot'". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  14. ↑ "Burke to perform her new single at The Voice of Ireland final". Communicorp. 26 April 2012. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  15. ↑ "Alexandra Burke for Voice of Ireland final". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 26 April 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  16. ↑ "Alexandra Burke – Let It Go". Lorraine . ITV Breakfast. 22 May 2012. Archived from the original (video) on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  17. ↑ Heartbreak on Hold (liner notes). Alexandra Burke. Syco Music, Sony Music, RCA Records. 2012.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. 1 2 "Top 50 Singles, Week Ending 31 May 2012". Chart-Track . Irish Recorded Music Association. 31 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 April 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  19. ↑ "Top 100 Singles, Week Ending 7 June 2012". Chart-Track. Irish Recorded Music Association. 8 June 2012. Archived from the original on 7 February 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2012.
  20. 1 2 "Official UK Singles Top 100 – 9th June 2012". Official Charts Company. 3 June 2012. Archived from the original on 9 February 2015. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  21. ↑ "Official Charts Analysis: Gary Barlow LP sells 40k". Music Week . Joe Hosken. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  22. ↑ "UK Single Downloads Top 40 – 9th June 2012". Official Charts Company. 3 June 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2012.
  23. ↑ "Official Charts Analysis: Gary Barlow tops Album and Singles lists | News | Music Week".
  24. ↑ Alexandra Burke — Let It Go. TopHit. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  25. ↑ "Top 40 Scottish Singles Archive – 16th June 2012 – 9th June 2012". Official Charts Company. 9 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2012.
  26. ↑ "Gaon Digital Chart: 2012.06.03~2012.06.09" (in Korean). Gaon Music Chart . Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  27. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Belgium). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  28. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Czech). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  29. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Denmark). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  30. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Finland) (in French). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  31. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (France) (in French). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  32. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Sweden). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  33. ↑ "Let It Go (Remixes) – EP – Alexandra Burke". iTunes Store (Switzerland) (in French). Apple. 25 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.