Love Is a Losing Game

Last updated
"Love Is a Losing Game"
Loveisalosinggamesingle.jpg
Single by Amy Winehouse
from the album Back to Black
Released
  • 7 December 2007 (Ireland)
  • 10 December 2007 (UK)
Recorded2006
Genre Blue-eyed soul [1]
Length2:35
Label Island
Songwriter(s) Amy Winehouse
Producer(s) Mark Ronson
Amy Winehouse singles chronology
"Valerie"
(2007)
"Love Is a Losing Game"
(2007)
"B Boy Baby"
(2007)
Music video
"Love Is a Losing Game" on YouTube

"Love Is a Losing Game" is a song by English singer Amy Winehouse from her second and final studio album Back to Black (2006). It was chosen as the fifth and final single from Back to Black and was also the final single released in Winehouse's lifetime. The single was released on 10 December 2007 in the United Kingdom. The song was added to BBC Radio 1's playlist on 7 November 2007.

Contents

Release and response

George Michael named the song as one of his eight choices on the Radio Four programme Desert Island Discs . When asked which of his eight choices he would pick if he had to choose one, he opted for "Love Is a Losing Game". Prince had taken to covering the song live. On 21 September 2007, he was joined onstage by Winehouse at the final aftershow of his 21-gig marathon at The O2, and they performed the song together. [2]

The song is the lowest-charting of Winehouse's Back to Black singles, peaking at number 33 on the UK Singles Chart and spending four weeks on the UK Top 100 (46-61-{33}-64).

Winehouse performed "Love Is a Losing Game" live when she appeared at the 2007 Mercury Prize. [3] She later performed it at the 2008 BRIT Awards. The song won the award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the 2008 Ivor Novello Awards on 22 May 2008, Winehouse's third award at the event.

In 2015, Sam Smith recorded a cover of the song for the re-release of their debut album In the Lonely Hour (Drowning Shadows Edition) . A documentary film biopic, directed by film maker Asif Kapadia was released; that depicts the life and death of Winehouse, entitled Amy (2015). Winehouse's performance of the single at the Mercury Prize in 2007 was included in the film and was also featured on the original soundtrack.

A recording of Winehouse's original demo of the song is available on the Back to Black deluxe edition bonus disc. In it, Winehouse sings accompanied only by her guitar, and on completion, asks the engineer whether it is a good take.

Music video

Two alternate music videos were released: the first is a montage video, which includes photographs of Winehouse alongside live performance clips of the song, and the second is an entirely live video, taken from her I Told You I Was Trouble live performance DVD.

Track listing

CD
  1. "Love Is a Losing Game" – 2:35
  2. "Love Is a Losing Game" (Kardinal Beats remix) – 3:22
  3. "Love Is a Losing Game" (Moody Boyz Original Ruffian Badboy remix) – 7:12
  4. "Love Is a Losing Game" (Truth and Soul remix) – 3:55
  5. "Love Is a Losing Game" (enhanced video) – 2:35

Awards

YearAwardCategoryTitleResult
2008 Ivor Novello Awards Best Song Musically and Lyrically"Love Is a Losing Game"Won

Charts

Chart (2007–2008)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [4] 16
Scotland (OCC) [5] 31
UK Singles (OCC) [6] 46
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [7] 6
Chart (2011)Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA) [8] 33
Netherlands (Single Top 100) [9] 88
Scotland (OCC) [10] 41
UK Singles (OCC) [11] 33
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [12] 15

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [13] 2× Platinum120,000
Italy (FIMI) [14] Gold15,000
United Kingdom (BPI) [15] Platinum600,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Media usage

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California Love</span> 1995 single by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman

"California Love" is a song by American rapper 2Pac featuring fellow American rapper-producer Dr. Dre and American singer Roger Troutman of the funk group Zapp. The song was released as 2Pac's comeback single after his release from prison in 1995 and was his first single as the newest artist of Death Row Records. The original version is featured on the UK version of his fourth album, All Eyez on Me (1996), and is one of 2Pac's most widely known and most successful singles. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and also topped the charts of Italy, New Zealand, and Sweden. The song was posthumously nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Living on My Own</span> 1985 single by Freddie Mercury

"Living on My Own" is a song by British singer-songwriter Freddie Mercury, originally included on his first solo album, Mr. Bad Guy (1985). It was released as a single in September 1985 in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 50. The July 1985 release in the United States had "She Blows Hot and Cold" as its B-side. Eight years later, in 1993, "Living on My Own" was remixed and re-released to widespread chart success. The song's lyrics reflect Mercury's longstanding admiration for Greta Garbo, whose quotations are featured prominently in the lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Is This Love (Bob Marley and the Wailers song)</span> 1978 single by Bob Marley and the Wailers

"Is This Love" is a song by Bob Marley and the Wailers, released on their 1978 album Kaya. The song became one of the best-known Marley songs and was part of the Legend compilation. It peaked at number 9 in the UK charts upon its release in 1978. A live rendition of the song can be found on the Babylon by Bus live album from Paris in 1978.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Our Day Will Come</span> 1963 single by Ruby & the Romantics

"Our Day Will Come" is a popular song composed by Mort Garson with lyrics by Bob Hilliard. It was recorded by American R&B group Ruby & the Romantics in early December 1962, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Got the Love</span> Single by The Source featuring Candi Staton

"You Got the Love" is a song by British songwriting team the Source featuring American singer-songwriter Candi Staton. Originally released in 1986, the song was remixed and re-released in 1991, 1997, and 2006. It reached number three on the UK Singles Chart, number two on the UK Dance Singles Chart and number one on the UK Club Chart.

<i>Back to Black</i> 2006 studio album by Amy Winehouse

Back to Black is the second and final studio album by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, released on 27 October 2006 by Island Records. Winehouse predominantly based the album on her tumultuous relationship with then-ex-boyfriend and future husband Blake Fielder-Civil, who temporarily left her to pursue his previous ex-girlfriend. Their short-lived separation spurred her to create an album that explores themes of guilt, grief, infidelity, heartbreak and trauma in a relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rehab (Amy Winehouse song)</span> 2006 single by Amy Winehouse

"Rehab" is a song written and recorded by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, from her second and final studio album Back to Black (2006). Produced by Mark Ronson, the lyrics are autobiographical and address Winehouse's refusal to enter a rehabilitation clinic for alcohol. "Rehab" was released as the lead single from Back to Black in 2006, and it peaked at number 7 in the United Kingdom on its Singles Chart and number 9 in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Winehouse's only top 10 hit in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Valerie (Zutons song)</span> 2006 single by the Zutons

"Valerie" is a song by English indie rock band the Zutons from their second studio album, Tired of Hanging Around (2006). The song was later covered by Mark Ronson, with lead vocals provided by Amy Winehouse, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Know I'm No Good</span> 2007 single by Amy Winehouse

"You Know I'm No Good" is a song written and performed by English singer Amy Winehouse from her second and final studio album, Back to Black (2006). "You Know I'm No Good" was released as the second single from Back to Black on 8 January 2007. Originally recorded as a solo track, it was remixed with guest vocals from the Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. The original appeared on Winehouse's album, while the version with Ghostface Killah appears on his album More Fish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Matter</span> 2007 single by Akon

"Don't Matter" is a reggae fusion–R&B song by American singer Akon from his second studio album, Konvicted (2006). The song was released as the album's third single in January 2007. In April of that year, it became Akon's second U.S. number-one single. "Don't Matter" was ranked number 31 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007. This song was also ranked number 81 on MTV Asia's list of Top 100 Hits of 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back to Black (song)</span> 2007 single by Amy Winehouse

"Back to Black" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse, released on 26 April 2007 by Island Records as the third single from her second and final studio album of the same name (2006). The song was written by Winehouse and Mark Ronson, and produced by the latter. "Back to Black" was inspired by Winehouse's relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil, who had left her for an ex-girlfriend.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fuck Me Pumps</span> 2004 single by Amy Winehouse

"Fuck Me Pumps" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse from her debut studio album, Frank (2003). Written by Winehouse and Salaam Remi, the song was released in the United Kingdom as the album's fourth and final single on 23 August 2004 under the title "Pumps"—with "Help Yourself" as its coupling track—reaching number 65 on the UK Singles Chart. A clean radio edit was released for promotional purposes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stronger Than Me</span> 2003 single by Amy Winehouse

"Stronger Than Me" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse from her debut studio album Frank (2003). Written by Winehouse and Salaam Remi, "Stronger Than Me" was released in the United Kingdom as the lead single on 6 October 2003, it ended up as the lowest-charting single from Frank and of Winehouse's career, peaking at number 71 on the UK Singles Chart. The song nevertheless won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song Musically and Lyrically in 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tears Dry on Their Own</span> 2007 single by Amy Winehouse

"Tears Dry on Their Own" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse from her second and final studio album, Back to Black (2006). It was released on 13 August 2007 as the album's fourth single. While the melody and lyrics are composed by Winehouse, the music behind her voice is an interpolation of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", penned by Ashford & Simpson. The original ballad version of the track is featured on the posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures (2011). The song was featured in the documentary film based on the life and death of Winehouse, Amy (2015) and was also included on the film's soundtrack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amy Winehouse discography</span>

The discography of English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse consists of two studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, five extended plays, 15 singles, three video albums and 14 music videos. At the time of her death on 23 July 2011, Winehouse had sold over 1.75 million singles and over 3.98 million albums in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, she had sold about 3.4 million tracks and 2.7 million albums in the United States as of the same date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy (Duffy song)</span> 2008 single by Duffy

"Mercy" is a song performed by the Welsh soul singer Duffy, released as the second single from her debut studio album, Rockferry (2008). Co-written by Duffy and Steve Booker and produced by Booker, it was released worldwide in 2008 to critical acclaim and unprecedented chart success. As Duffy's first international release, the song is credited with firmly establishing her career and is now considered her signature song. "Mercy" received comparisons to Duffy's previous single, "Rockferry". Critical reviewers of "Mercy" noted similarities between the song to releases by Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield and the Supremes, as well as contemporaries such as fellow British singer Amy Winehouse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B Boy Baby</span> 2007 single by Mutya Buena

"B Boy Baby" is a song written by British recording artist Mutya Buena with prominent background vocals by singer Amy Winehouse. The song heavily samples "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes, written by Phil Spector, Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, with new lyrics by Angela Hunte, It was produced by Salaam Remi for Buena's debut album, Real Girl (2007) and released as the fourth and final single from the album on December 3, 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black and Gold</span> 2008 single by Sam Sparro

"Black and Gold" is the lead single from Australian singer Sam Sparro's eponymous debut album. The song was written by Sparro and Jesse Rogg. It has been remixed by Max Sanna and Steve Pitron, Paul Epworth, Al Usher, Kings of the Universe, Kromatik and Russ Chimes. The original version of the single was made available online on 31 March 2008. On 7 April, the CD, 12-inch, and limited edition 7-inch singles were released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bloc Party discography</span>

The discography of Bloc Party, a British indie rock band, consists of six studio albums, three extended plays (EPs), and two remix albums released on primary label Wichita Recordings. Bloc Party were formed in 1999 by chief songwriter and frontman Kele Okereke and Russell Lissack. Bassist Gordon Moakes and drummer Matt Tong joined the band later. The first song by them that we know of is called “This Is Not A Competition” although it hasn't been officially released, it was the first song the band put on their official website. The quartet's first release was the Bloc Party EP in 2004; the first single, "She's Hearing Voices", was released and it failed to chart in the United Kingdom. The next EP, Little Thoughts was released the same year only in Japan; it included Bloc Party's first UK Top 40 entry, the double A-side "Little Thoughts/Tulips", which peaked at number 38.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Without Me (Halsey song)</span> 2018 single by Halsey

"Without Me" is a song by American singer Halsey, released on October 4, 2018. Halsey wrote the song with Brittany Amaradio, Amy Allen, and Louis Bell; while production was handled by Bell and Dylan Bauld. It interpolates Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River" with Timberlake, Timbaland and Scott Storch credited as co-writers. It was released through Capitol Records as the lead single from Halsey's third studio album, Manic.

References

  1. Cairns, Dan (1 February 2009). "Blue-eyed soul: Encyclopedia of Modern Music". The Sunday Times . Archived from the original on 16 June 2011.
  2. Eliscu, Jenny (2007-06-14), "The Diva and Her Demons". Rolling Stone. (1028):58-69 Retrieved 2007-12-14
  3. Amy Winehouse performs at the Mercury Awards on YouTube
  4. "Amy Winehouse – Love Is a Losing Game" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  5. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  6. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  7. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  8. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Amy Winehouse". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  9. "Amy Winehouse – Love Is a Losing Game" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  10. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  11. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  12. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 February 2020.
  13. "Brazilian single certifications – Amy Winehouse – Love Is a Losing Game" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  14. "Italian single certifications – Amy Winehouse – Love Is a Losing Game" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 12 February 2020. Select "2014" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Select "Love Is a Losing Game" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  15. "British single certifications – Amy Winehouse – Love Is a Losing Game". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  16. "Series 17, Coup de Grace Episode 1 of 2". BBC. Retrieved 2019-01-17.