London Nights

Last updated • 2 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
"London Nights"
London-boys-london-nights.jpg
Single by London Boys
from the album The Twelve Commandments of Dance
B-side "London Days" (the instrumental)
Released19 June 1989 (1989-06-19) [1]
Genre Disco [2]
Length4:00
Label WEA, TELDEC
Songwriter(s) Ralf René Maué
Producer(s) Ralf René Maué
London Boys singles chronology
"Requiem '89"
(1989)		"London Nights"
(1989)		"Harlem Desire '89"
(1989)

"London Nights" is a song by British Europop duo London Boys, released in 1989 from their debut album, The Twelve Commandments of Dance . The single was written and produced by Ralf René Maué, and its cover artwork features photography from Andy Knight. It was a hit in the United Kingdom, Finland and Ireland where it was a top five hit, thus becoming the band's biggest hit single. Several formats of the single include an instrumental version of "London Nights", titled "London Days".

Contents

Lyrics and music

According to James Masterton, "London Nights" is similar to "Requiem", the duo's previous single, as it uses "the same formula of Gregorian chants, rap verses and uplifting choruses". Lyrically, it deals with parties and romance in London. [3]

Critical reception

A review in Pan-European magazine Music & Media said it found "shades of Boney M on this disco single. Basic but effective. After the big success in the UK, ready for the Continent". [2] To Masterton, "Maue's wall of sound production gave the track a swagger which turned it into a true disco epic". [3] Tim Nicholson of Record Mirror considered that the song marked London Boys' end of the game, as their performance "start[ed] to lose its impact". [4] Retrospectively, in a 2015 review of the parent album, the Pop Rescue website considered that "the tempo, throbbing basseline, and the mixture of choral synth samples and dance beat really makes this song really catchy", adding that many features are reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys. [5]

Chart performance

"London Nights" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 19 on July 1st, 1989, then climb to number three where it stayed for another week, reached a peak of number two the next week, being blocked from the number one slot by Sonia's "You'll Never Stop Me Loving You", and remained on the chart for nine weeks. [6] It received a silver disc. [7] It also entered the top five in Ireland where it hit number four and totaled eight weeks on the chart. [8] In the other European countries, it reached number one in Finland, [9] number nine in Switzerland, [10] and number 24 in Germany. [11] On the Eurochart Hot 100, it started at number 63 on July 8th, 1989, jumped to number 11 the next week and peaked at number six in its fourth week, [12] and fell of the chart after 13 weeks. Mainly aired on UK radios, it reached number 24 on the European Airplay Chart and appeared on the chart for six weeks. [13]

Track listings

A. "London Nights" – 4:00
B. "London Days" (the instrumental) – 3:56
A. "London Nights" – 8:22
B. "London Days" (the instrumental) – 3:56
A1. "London Nights" (London remix) – 7:33
B1. "London Nights" – 3:28
B2. "London Days" (the instrumental) – 3:56
  1. "London Nights" (single version) – 4:00
  2. "Requiem" (Continental remix) – 7:40
  3. "London Nights" (12-inch version) – 8:10

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "London Nights"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [7] Silver200,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Venus (Shocking Blue song)</span> 1969 song by Shocking Blue

"Venus" is a song by Dutch rock band Shocking Blue, released as a single in the Netherlands in the summer of 1969. Written by Robbie van Leeuwen, the song topped the charts in nine countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Go West (song)</span> 1979 single by Village People

"Go West" is a song by American disco group Village People, released in June 1979 as the second single from their fourth studio album of the same name (1979). The song was written by Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo and lead singer Victor Willis. It was successful in the disco scene during the late 1970s. "Go West" found further success when it was covered in 1993 by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You'll Never Stop Me Loving You</span> 1989 single by Sonia

"You'll Never Stop Me Loving You" is the debut single of English pop singer Sonia. Written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, the song was included on Sonia's debut album, Everybody Knows (1990). The single became Sonia's only number-one single on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 10 on the US Billboard Dance Club Play chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Domino Dancing</span> 1988 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Domino Dancing" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released in September 1988 by Parlophone as the lead single from their third studio album, Introspective (1988). The song reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in Finland and Spain. Its music video was directed by Eric Watson and filmed in Puerto Rico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Hard</span> 1990 single by Pet Shop Boys

"So Hard" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released in September 1990 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Behaviour (1990). The song is about "two people living together; they are totally unfaithful to each other but they both pretend they are faithful and then catch each other out". It peaked at No. 4 in the United Kingdom and reached the top three in at least seven European countries, including Finland, where it reached No. 1.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sowing the Seeds of Love</span> 1989 single by Tears for Fears

"Sowing the Seeds of Love" is a song by English pop rock band Tears for Fears. It was released in August 1989 as the first single from their third studio album, The Seeds of Love (1989).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can You Forgive Her? (song)</span> 1993 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Can You Forgive Her?" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released as the first single from their fifth studio album, Very (1993). The lyrics describe in the second person a young man's humiliation when his girlfriend accuses him of still being in love with a childhood friend; the woman is "not prepared to share you with a memory", and is "going to go and get herself a real man instead". The title of the song derives from the Anthony Trollope novel of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Alright (Pet Shop Boys song)</span> 1989 single by Pet Shop Boys

"It's Alright" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 26 June 1989 as the third and final single from their third studio album, Introspective (1988). It reached number five on the UK Singles Chart. Originally performed by Sterling Void and Paris Brightledge, the song came to the attention of Pet Shop Boys on a house compilation issued by DJ International Records in 1987.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing</span> 1993 single by Pet Shop Boys

"I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind of Thing" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys from their fifth studio album, Very (1993). The song describes a person normally hesitant to unwind and show his feelings, who—because of some event in his life—suddenly becomes willing to loosen up. It was released in the United Kingdom on 29 November 1993 by Parlophone as the album's third single, reaching number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, where it was released in January 1994, it reached number two on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Howard Greenhalgh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liberation (Pet Shop Boys song)</span> 1994 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Liberation" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released by Parlophone as the fourth single from their fifth studio album, Very (1993). It peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the lowest-charting single from Very in the United Kingdom. Its music video was directed by Howard Greenhalgh. The single's B-side, "Decadence", featuring Pat O'Brien was on the Further Listening: 1992–1994 re-release of Very, and the B-sides compilation Alternative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Before (song)</span> 1996 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Before" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 22 April 1996 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Bilingual (1996). Upon its release, the single peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart, number four in Finland, and number one in Hungary. In the United States, it topped the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Absolutely Fabulous (song)</span> 1994 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Absolutely Fabulous" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released by Parlophone and Spaghetti Records as a single for 1994's Comic Relief under the artist name "Absolutely Fabulous"; it is based on the BBC sitcom of the same name created by Jennifer Saunders and features sound bites taken from the first series of the show. The single peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It was more successful in Oceania, debuting and peaking at number two in both Australia and New Zealand; in the former country, it is the band's highest-charting single, and in both, it was their last top-10 entry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Red Letter Day</span> 1997 single by Pet Shop Boys

"A Red Letter Day" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 17 March 1997 as the fourth single from their sixth studio album, Bilingual (1996). The single peaked at number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, making it another top 10 single for the group. However, it then fell straight out of the UK top 40 the following week. At the time, this was a record as the biggest such fall to ever occur in UK chart history, but it was then beaten the following year by Embrace with their single "My Weakness Is None of Your Business".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Each Time You Break My Heart</span> 1986 single by Nick Kamen

"Each Time You Break My Heart" is a song recorded by British singer Nick Kamen, for his eponymous debut studio album (1987). It was released by Sire Records on 2 November 1986 as his debut single in 7-inch and 12-inch maxi formats. Kamen had gained popularity by starring in a 1985 Levi's television commercial, later deciding to delve into the music business and signed a record deal with Sire. "Each Time You Break My Heart" was the lead single from his album, written and produced by Madonna and Stephen Bray. It was originally set to be included on Madonna's third studio album, True Blue (1986), but failed to make the final tracklist. Madonna also provided background vocals on the track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Not Scared (song)</span> 1988 single by Eighth Wonder, written by the Pet Shop Boys

"I'm Not Scared" is a song by British pop band Eighth Wonder, released in February 1988 by CBS as the first single from their debut album, Fearless (1988). The song achieved success in France, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and West Germany, where it was a top-10 hit. Written by the Pet Shop Boys, the original version contains several words in French. "J'ai pas peur" is the French adaptation of "I'm Not Scared" and is included as the B-side to the 7-inch and 12-inch singles. The 12-inch "disco mix" combines the two versions into one long mix. Pet Shop Boys also released their own version of the song, with Neil Tennant vocals, on the album Introspective.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Fools (Never Fall in Love)</span> 1991 single by Sonia

"Only Fools (Never Fall in Love)" is a song by British singer Sonia. It was produced by Nigel Wright for Sonia's second studio album, Sonia (1991). The song was written by Tony Hiller, who had success in the 1970s as manager for Brotherhood of Man, and one-time member Barry Upton. This song was released in May 1991 as the album's first single, and was a top ten hit in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Requiem (London Boys song)</span> 1988 single by London Boys

"Requiem" is British Europop duo London Boys' first hit single, released on 28 November 1988 from their debut album, The Twelve Commandments of Dance (1989). The single was written and produced by Ralf René Maué. The single peaked at No. 4 in the United Kingdom, No. 8 in Ireland, and No. 11 in Austria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Harlem Desire</span> 1987 single by London Boys

"Harlem Desire" is a single by Europop duo London Boys. It was originally released in 1987 to limited success. As a result of the success of "Requiem" and "London Nights", the single was released again in 1989 and featured on the album The Twelve Commandments of Dance. It was written and produced by Ralf René Maué, and its cover artwork features photography from Julian Barton. The single peaked at number 17 in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Love (London Boys song)</span> 1987 single by London Boys

"My Love" is a song by Europop duo London Boys, originally released in 1987 as a single in Germany. It was given another single release in the UK and Germany in 1989, following the song's inclusion on the duo's 1988 debut album The Twelve Commandments of Dance. "My Love" was written and produced by Ralf René Maué. The song reached number 46 in the UK, but was a bigger success in Ireland where it reached number 15.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quand je t'aime</span> 1988 single by Demis Roussos

"Quand je t'aime" is a 1987 song in French by Greek singer Demis Roussos. Written by Didier Barbelivien with a music composed by Pascal Auriat, it was released as a single in December 1987 and was part of Roussos' 1988 studio album Le Grec. It had suscess in France, becoming a top three hit.

References

  1. ↑ Smith, Robin (17 June 1989). "News". Record Mirror . p. 4.
  2. 1 2 "Previews – Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 30. 29 July 1989. p. 13. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 31 July 2023– via World Radio History.
  3. 1 2 Masterton, James (2019). "London Boys". Chart Watch UK - Hits of 1989. ISBN   9781090753205.
  4. ↑ Nicholson, Tim (24 June 1989). "45 reviewed by Tim Nicholson" (PDF). Record Mirror . London: Spotlight Publications Ltd. p. 31. ISSN   0144-5804 . Retrieved 24 October 2021– via World Radio History.
  5. ↑ "REVIEW: "THE TWELVE COMMANDMENTS OF DANCE" BY LONDON BOYS (CD, 1989)". Pop Rescue. 13 July 2015. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  6. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  7. 1 2 "British single certifications – London Boys – London Nights". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  8. 1 2 "The Irish Charts – Search Results – London Nights". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  9. 1 2 Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN   951-31-2503-3.
  10. 1 2 "London Boys – London Nights". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  11. 1 2 "Offiziellecharts.de – London Boys – London Nights" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  12. 1 2 "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 30. 29 July 1989. p. IV. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  13. 1 2 "European Airplay Top 50" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 32. 12 August 1989. p. III. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 31 July 2023– via World Radio History.
  14. ↑ London Nights (German 7-inch single sleeve). London Boys. TELDEC. 1989. 247 019-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ London Nights (UK 12-inch single sleeve). London Boys. Warner Music Group. 1989. YZ 393T, 247 018-0.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ London Nights (UK 12-inch remix single sleeve). London Boys. Warner Music Group. 1989. YZ393 TX, 246 824-0.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ London Nights (European mini maxi-CD single liner notes). London Boys. Warner Music Group. 1989. YZ 393 CD, 247 017-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ "Response from ARIA re: chart inquiry, received 15 July 2015". imgur.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
  19. ↑ "Playlist Report - The most played records in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 6, no. 32. 12 August 1989. p. II. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 1 August 2023– via World Radio History.
  20. ↑ "Top Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 15 July 1989. p. 34. Retrieved 2 August 2023– via World Radio History.
  21. ↑ "Year End Singles". Record Mirror . 27 January 1990. p. 44.
  22. ↑ Copsey, Rob (7 May 2021). "Official Top 40 best-selling songs of 1989". Official Charts . Retrieved 25 October 2023.
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.