Lights Out (Virginia to Vegas song)

Last updated
"Lights Out"
Virginia to Vegas - Lights Out (single cover).jpg
Single by Virginia to Vegas
from the album Utopian
ReleasedSeptember 2, 2016 (2016-09-02)
Genre Dance-pop
Length3:32
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Michael Wise
Virginia to Vegas singles chronology
"Our Story"
(2015)
"Lights Out"
(2016)
"Selfish"
(2017)

"Lights Out" is a song recorded by American-born Canadian singer and songwriter Virginia to Vegas for his debut studio album, Utopian (2016). Vegas co-wrote the song (under his legal name Derik Baker) with Jamie Appleby, David Thomson, and Michael Wise, the latter of whom also produced the track. The song also samples the 1984 Rockwell hit "Somebody's Watching Me", [1] earning Rockwell a co-writing credit. [2] "Lights Out" was released September 2, 2016 as the fourth single from the album. [3]

Contents

Content

"Lights Out" is a "dark" dance-pop song with electronica influences and a "pulsing" beat. [1] [4] The song's hook "I always feel like somebody's watching me" is sampled from Rockwell's 1984 single, "Somebody's Watching Me". "We were trying to think of a dark sentiment and we used [the borrowed lyric] as a placeholder," Virginia to Vegas said to iHeartRadio about the sample. "And the more we wrote the song around it, we realized that we really couldn't live without that line." [1]

Reception

Critical

Kerry Doole of FYI Music News wrote that the song is "a pleasing combination of pulsing beats and Baker's gently affecting vocals." [4]

Commercial

"Lights Out" debuted at number 94 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart dated October 29, 2016. [5] It has so far reached a peak position of 40 on the chart dated January 21, 2017. [5] [6] The song entered the Canada CHR/Top 40 chart dated October 1, 2016 at number 38 and has reached a peak position of 10 as of the chart dated January 7, 2017. [7] This makes "Lights Out" Virginia to Vegas's most successful single to date at contemporary hit radio, besting the number 11 peak of his debut single, "We Are Stars", in 2014. [8] It debuted at number 50 on the Canada Hot AC chart dated October 22, 2016 and has since reached a peak position of 14 on the chart dated March 11, 2017. [9] "Lights Out" debuted at number 32 on the Canada AC chart dated January 14, 2017 following the departure of Holiday-themed releases and has since peaked at number 14. [10] As of November 2016, the single has surpassed 1,000,000 audio streams on Spotify. [11]

Music video

An accompanying music video was directed by AD Jennings and was uploaded to Virginia to Vegas's official YouTube channel on October 31, 2016. [12] It made its official premiere on etalk on November 11, 2016. [11]

Live performances

Virginia to Vegas appeared on the 2016 Breakfast Television Christmas Party program on December 16, 2016 in Toronto, ON and performed "Lights Out" at the event's close. [13]

Charts

Chart (2016–17)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [14] 40
Canada AC ( Billboard ) [10] 14
Canada CHR/Top 40 ( Billboard ) [8] 10
Canada Hot AC ( Billboard ) [15] 14

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [16] Platinum80,000Double-dagger-14-plain.png

Double-dagger-14-plain.png Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

CountryDateFormatLabelCatalog No.Ref.
CanadaSeptember 2, 2016 Digital download Wax [3]
WorldwideNovember 8, 2016 Ultra CA0K50900261 [17] [11]

Related Research Articles

"For the Nights I Can't Remember" is a song recorded by Canadian pop rock band Hedley for their second studio album, Famous Last Words (2007). The ballad was co-written by the members of the band with the record's producers, Greig Nori and Dave Genn. It was released in November 2007 as the album's second single. In 2009, the song was re-issued digitally with their follow-up single.

Never Gonna Be Alone 2009 single by Nickelback

"Never Gonna Be Alone" is a song recorded by Canadian rock group Nickelback for their sixth studio album, Dark Horse (2008). It was written by frontman Chad Kroeger with the record's producer, Robert John "Mutt" Lange. "Never Gonna Be Alone" was released to American radio on September 29, 2009 as the album's sixth overall single and third US pop single.

Perfect (Hedley song) 2010 single by Hedley

"Perfect" is a song by recorded by Canadian pop rock band Hedley for their third studio album, The Show Must Go (2009). Lead singer Jacob Hoggard co-wrote the song with David Bendeth and Dave Genn, while Bendeth co-produced the track with Brian Howes. It was first released in February 2010 through Universal Music Canada as the record's third single. "Perfect" was released in the United States through Island Records on August 10, 2010 as the group's first official single in that country.

Alyssa Reid Canadian singer-songwriter

Alyssa Ashley Reid is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Her career began in 2008 on The Next Star. She rose to fame in 2011, following the release of her single "Alone Again". From 2018-2020, she released music under the name ASHS.

Brand New Bitch Single by Anjulie

"Brand New Bitch" is a song written and recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Anjulie. It was co-written by Michel Zitron and was produced by J.O.B. The song was released to digital retailers via Universal Republic Records on May 23, 2011.

Love Somebody (Maroon 5 song) 2013 single by Maroon 5

"Love Somebody" is a song by American pop rock band Maroon 5. It was sent to US contemporary hit radio on May 14, 2013, as the fourth and final single from their fourth studio album Overexposed (2012). The song was written by Adam Levine, Nathaniel Motte, Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella; the latter two are also the producers. "Love Somebody" is a dance-pop song that lyrically equates love and physical intimacy and explores "salvation on the dance floor".

Kiss You Inside Out 2012 single by Hedley

"Kiss You Inside Out" is a song recorded by Canadian pop rock band Hedley, featured on a re-issue of their 2012 album Storms. It was written by Brandyn Burnette, Lauren Christy, and Adrian Newman, and was produced by Newman. The song was first released in Canada through Universal Music Canada as the album's third single on May 17, 2012 and was subsequently released in the United States on June 12, 2012 as the album's lead single in that market. "Kiss You Inside Out" was also serviced to American hot adult contemporary radio on June 18, 2012.

We Are Stars 2014 single by Virginia to Vegas featuring Alyssa Reid

"We Are Stars" is the debut single released by Canadian pop rock singer Virginia to Vegas, featuring Canadian recording artist Alyssa Reid. The song was written by Derik John Baker and Reid along with Jamie Appleby, Nathan Ferraro, Kevin Figs, and O.C, while it was produced by Figs. It was released to digital retailers through Universal Music Group, Wax Records and Ultra Records on January 7, 2014 as the lead single from Virginia to Vegas' debut studio album, Utopian (2016). It was later released to the US on July 29, 2014. The song is also included on Virginia to Vegas' debut extended play, Vol. I (2014).

Up We Go 2014 single by Lights

"Up We Go" is a song recorded by Canadian electropop artist Lights for her third studio album, Little Machines (2014). Written by Lights in collaboration with songwriter-producer Tawgs Salter, the song was released July 22, 2014 via LIGHTS Music as the lead single from the album. In the United States, it was released to modern rock radio through Warner Bros. Records on September 9, 2014.

<i>Little Machines</i> 2014 studio album by Lights

Little Machines is the third studio album by Canadian electropop singer-songwriter Lights, released on September 19, 2014, through Warner Bros. Records. It was preceded in July 2014 by the release of its lead single "Up We Go", which debuted on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 84. In October 2014, Little Machines debuted on the Canadian Albums Chart at number five, and on the US Billboard 200 at number 34. The album sold 8,500 copies in its first week in Canada. On March 15, 2015, 'Little Machines' won the 'Pop Album of the Year' award at the 2015 JUNO Awards. The album title comes from a lyric in the song "Running with the Boys".

Virginia to Vegas Canadian musician

Derik John Baker, known as Virginia To Vegas, is an American-born Canadian musician, singer and songwriter. He is based in Toronto, Ontario. He is best known for his gold and platinum-certified singles, "We Are Stars", "Lights Out", "Selfish" and "Just Friends" released through Wax Records and Ultra Records.

Kiss Goodnight 2012 single by Tyler Shaw

"Kiss Goodnight" is the debut single released by Canadian singer-songwriter Tyler Shaw. The song was written by Shaw in conjunction with Stephen Kozmeniuk and Todd Clark, and was produced by Kozmeniuk and Zubin Thakkar. It was released December 4, 2012 through Sony Music Canada as Shaw's first official single following his win of the second Coca-Cola MuchMusic Covers Contest (2012) and serves as the lead single for Shaw's debut studio album, Yesterday (2015). A franglais version featuring vocals by french pop artist Nathalie Noël, entitled "Je veux juste rester là", was released April 9, 2013.

Who Do You Love (Marianas Trench song) 2016 single by Marianas Trench

"Who Do You Love" is a song recorded by Canadian pop rock group Marianas Trench for their fourth studio album, Astoria (2015). The song was written and produced by lead singer Josh Ramsay. "Who Do You Love" was released through 604 Records on September 8, 2016 as the record's third and final official single.

Just Like Fire 2016 single by Pink

"Just Like Fire" is a song recorded by American singer Pink for the soundtrack to the 2016 film, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Pink co-wrote the song with Max Martin, Shellback, and Oscar Holter, who all serve as producers on the track. The song was released to digital retailers through RCA Records on April 15, 2016, and was serviced to American adult pop radio through RCA and Walt Disney Records on April 18, 2016.

Starving (song) 2016 single by Hailee Steinfeld featuring Gray and Zedd

"Starving" is a song by American singer Hailee Steinfeld and American duo Grey, featuring Russian-German producer Zedd. The song was written by Grey members Michael Trewartha and Kyle Trewartha, Robert McCurdy, Christopher Petrosino, and Asia Whiteacre. It was released on July 22, 2016, through Republic Records and Universal Music Group. "Starving" is included on the Japanese edition of Steinfeld's debut extended play, Haiz (2015). It serves as the record's third and final single.

"Hello" is a song recorded by Canadian pop rock band Hedley for their sixth studio album of the same name (2015). It was written and produced by lead singer Jacob Hoggard with Brian Howes and Jason "JVP" Van Poederooyen. "Hello" was released October 9, 2015 through Universal Music Canada as the album's second official single.

"Lose Control" is a song recorded by Canadian pop rock band Hedley for their sixth studio album Hello (2015). It was written by lead singer Jacob Hoggard with Jarett Holmes, Brian Howes, and Jason "JVP" Van Poederooyen, and was produced by all but Holmes. "Lose Control" was released March 4, 2016 through Universal Music Canada as the album's third official single.

<i>Utopian</i> (album) 2016 studio album by Virginia to Vegas

Utopian is the debut studio album recorded by Canadian singer and songwriter Virginia to Vegas, released through Wax Records, Ultra Records, and Universal Music Group on December 2, 2016. It includes the Platinum-certified single, "We Are Stars", and the top-10 pop radio hit, "Lights Out".

Never Gone (Andee song) 2014 single by Andee

"Never Gone" is a song written and recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Andee for her debut studio album, Black and White Heart (2015). The song was co-written and produced by Sébastien Lefebvre, best known as the rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist for Canadian band Simple Plan. "Never Gone" was released May 19, 2014 as Andee's debut single and the lead single for the album. Upon release, the single was available in both English and French, as a tribute to the co-writers' French Canadian heritage.

This Sucks. 2021 single by Virginia to Vegas and MacKenzie Porter

"This Sucks." is a song co-written and recorded by Canadian pop artist Virginia to Vegas and Canadian country pop artist MacKenzie Porter. The two wrote the song with Lowell, Nathan Ferraro, and Mike Wise, while Wise co-produced the track with Virginia to Vegas.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kennedy, John R (December 29, 2016). "Virginia to Vegas Channels Rockwell In 'Lights Out'". iHeartRadio . iHeartMedia . Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  2. "Utopian - Virginia to Vegas | Release Info". AllMusic . All Media Network . Retrieved December 30, 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Lights Out - Virginia to Vegas | Release Info". AllMusic . All Media Network . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  4. 1 2 Doole, Kerry (December 29, 2016). "Virginia To Vegas: Lights Out". FYI Music News. Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  5. 1 2 "Chart history of "Lights Out" on Billboard Canadian Hot 100". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  6. "Billboard Canadian Hot 100" (The Week Of: January 7, 2017). Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  7. "Chart history of "Lights Out" on Canada CHR/Top 40". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Virginia to Vegas Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  9. "Chart history of "Lights Out" on Canada Hot AC". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  10. 1 2 "Virginia to Vegas Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  11. 1 2 3 "Virginia to Vegas - Lights Out - Lights Out". IHOUSEU. November 20, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  12. Virginia to Vegas (October 31, 2016). "Virginia To Vegas - Lights Out (Official Video)" (video). YouTube . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  13. Breakfast Television (Rogers Media) (December 16, 2016). "Virginia to Vegas performs single 'Lights Out' live!" (video). MSN . Microsoft . Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  14. "Virginia to Vegas Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  15. "Virginia to Vegas Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  16. "Canadian single certifications – Virginia to Vegas – Lights Out". Music Canada . Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  17. "Ultra Music Media - Virginia to Vegas "Lights Out"". Ultra Music . Retrieved December 29, 2016.