Music to Make Boys Cry

Last updated

Music to Make Boys Cry
MusicToMakeBoysCry.jpg
Studio album by
Diana Vickers
Released13 September 2013 (2013-09-13)
Recorded2010–13
Genre Electropop [1]
Length37:13
Label So Recordings
Producer
Diana Vickers chronology
Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree
(2010)		Music to Make Boys Cry
(2013)
Singles from Music to Make Boys Cry
  1. "Cinderella"
    Released: 21 July 2013
  2. "Music to Make Boys Cry"
    Released: 15 September 2013

Music to Make Boys Cry is the second studio album by English singer and songwriter Diana Vickers, released on 13 September 2013 by So Recordings. The album's lead single, "Cinderella", was released to digital retailers on 21 July 2013. [2] The album features production from the likes of David Gamson, Simen Eriksrud and Ant Whiting, and as well as "Cinderella", includes two tracks previously premiered online - the title track itself and "Boy in Paris". [3] On 24 July 2013, Vickers unveiled the album's artwork and track listing via Amazon. [4]

Contents

Background

In June 2010, Vickers announced that she had started preparing songs for a second album. [5] In an interview with Orange, Vickers revealed that the new direction would be "sexy", "adventurous" and inspired and influenced by indie and rock music, citing the works of The xx, The Doors, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Björk. [6] Vickers has co-written material with Nerina Pallot (who penned "Put It Back Together" for Vickers' debut album), Eg White (who co-wrote "Once"), Starsmith, Chris Braide and Dee Adam (who co-wrote "My Wicked Heart" with Vickers). [7] On 6 January 2011 Vickers travelled to Los Angeles, United States, to co-write material with John Shanks and Diane Warren. On 15 January 2011 Vickers played her debut gig in the United States at Cherry Pop in West Hollywood promoted via Perez Hilton. [8]

Vickers made a second visit to Los Angeles on 14 March 2011 to do further studio work with John Shanks. On 30 June 2011 Vickers revealed on her official Tumblr account that she had parted company with RCA Records due to creative differences. [9] She went on further to assure her fans that the second album is still proceeding and that she is proud of it. It was uncertain whether Vickers would be signed to a new record label or would release her album independently. Vickers was signed to So Recordings in early 2013.

On 1 July 2011 it was reported that the mutual separation between Vickers and her management was due to musical direction where Vickers wants to pursue a more indie, less commercial route. [9] On 13 July 2011 Popjustice reviewed three tracks from Vickers' second album, "Boy in Paris", "Cinderella" and "Music to Make the Boys Cry", commenting that the songwriting standard was extremely high and that "the tunes – the melodies – are huge". The article presented how the three tracks were a result of studio sessions with Donkeyboy and Miranda Cooper. [10]

On 9 December 2011, Vickers released the promotional single "Music to Make Boys Cry" for free download on her website. A week later, "Kiss of a Bullet", a second promotional track, was released free of charge by asking fans to publish a Twitter or Facebook post to gain access to the download. [11] On 8 and 9 February 2012, Vickers showcased material from her second album in a mini-tour at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester and Cargo in Shoreditch, London. Songs performed by Vickers were: "Music to Make Boys Cry", "Kiss of a Bullet", "Boy in Paris", "Lightning Strikes", "Better in French", "Dead Heat" and "Smoke". [12]

In April 2012 a new song by Vickers titled "Low" leaked online. [13] In July 2012 another new song titled "Colours" had leaked online. [14] Vickers later cited Blondie, Kylie Minogue, Madonna and Robyn as the album's main influences. [15] On 4 December 2012 another new song "Bright Eyes" leaked online. Following this, Vickers ruled out the leaked tracks appearing on the album. [16] On 29 July 2013, the album was available for pre-order on iTunes.

Singles

"Cinderella" was released as the lead single on 21 July 2013. Co-written by Miranda Cooper of Xenomania fame, the video features Vickers attending a party at a mansion and falling in love with one of the guests there. The video premiered during the week commencing 27 May 2013. The single premiered on BBC Radio 1 in April 2013.

"Music to Make Boys Cry" is the title track released alongside the album on 15 September 2013. The track starts downbeat but soon morphs into a very modern empowerment anthem. Vickers explains the concept actually came about because she was on an aeroplane and saw the phrase ‘music to make boys cry’ in a newspaper article and got really excited and wanted to make a song that had that included.

Critical response

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Attitude 4/5 [17]
Digital Spy Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [18]
Gigwise Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [19]
MuuMusevery positive [20]
omg! positive [21]
So So GayStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svg [22]

Music to Make Boys Cry received generally positive reviews, with many music critics praising the contribution of songwriter and producer Miranda Cooper. [17] [20] [22] Siobhan Frew of Gigwise wrote that Music to Make Boys Cry "mixes modern pop sounds with a tribute to the eighties synth pop era" and described it as "an impressive record" that "maintains a consistently good throughout, with each track standing on its own merits." [19] Attitude magazine called it "a first class effort" and described it as "a collection of knockout pop tunes," with "catchy hooks, fresh production and clever lyrics." [17] Andy Hastings of So So Gay hailed it as "one of the most straightforward, melodic, carefree and yet totally accomplished pop albums in years," and stated that "this is precisely how modern pop should be done." [22] Bradley Stern of MuuMuse found the album "full of gorgeous melodies and sticky hooks" and placed it "up there with other sparkling mid-naughties electro-pop productions, including [...] What Will the Neighbours Say? , [...] State of Mind and [...] Come and Get It ." [20] Jon O'Brien of omg! called it "a vibrant and unexpectedly glittery second effort which deserves to find a much wider audience than it will inevitably receive." [21] John Copsey of Digital Spy gave a more moderate review, saying that the album lacks "Diana's own stamp" and felt that it "loses its way by the finish." However, he concluded by stating that "there's little denying Vickers's knack for a giant pop hook." [18]

Track listing

Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Music to Make Boys Cry"Diana Vickers, Miranda Cooper, Simen Eriksrud, Simone Larsen [23] 3:30
2."Cinderella"Vickers, Cooper, Eriksrud, Larsen [24] 3:43
3."Lightning Strikes"Vickers, Cooper, David Gamson 3:31
4."Dead Heat"Vickers, Cooper, Eriksrud, Rachel Moulden3:48
5."Boy in Paris"Vickers, Cooper, Gamson [25] 3:33
6."Mad at Me"Vickers, Cooper, Dee Adams, Daniel Radcliffe3:15
7."Smoke"Vickers, Cooper, Cramer3:56
8."Mr. Postman"Vickers, Cooper, Jimmy Harry, Gerard O'Connell3:41
9."Better in French"Vickers, Cooper, Gamson3:49
10."Blame Game"Vickers, Cooper, Eriksrud, Larsen, Espen Berg [26] 4:27
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
11."Cinderella" (Acoustic version)Vickers, Cooper, Eriksrud, Larsen3:46
12."Music to Make Boys Cry" (Acoustic version)Vickers, Cooper, Eriksrud, Larsen3:26
13."Better in French" (Acoustic version)Vickers, Cooper, Gamson3:11

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
Irish Independent Albums Chart [27] 19
Scottish Albums Chart [28] 52
UK Albums Chart [29] 37
UK Independent Albums Chart [30] 9

Release history

RegionDateFormat Label Edition
Ireland13 September 2013 CD, digital download So RecordingsStandard, deluxe
United Kingdom15 September 2013
United States17 September 2013Digital downloadSilva Screen RecordsDeluxe

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bonnie McKee</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1984)

Bonnie Leigh McKee is an American singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Roberts</span> British singer-songwriter (born 1985)

Nicola Maria Roberts is an English singer and songwriter. In 2002, Roberts was selected as a member of Girls Aloud, a pop girl group created through ITV's reality competition show Popstars: The Rivals. The group went on to receive large success, achieving a string of 20 consecutive UK top ten singles, two UK number one albums, five consecutive platinum selling studio albums, and receiving nominations for five BRIT Awards, winning Best Single in 2009 for "The Promise".

Syco Music, originally and formerly S Records, was a division of Syco Entertainment which operated from 2002 until 2020. The label was founded by British entrepreneur, record executive and media personality Simon Cowell, who was formerly employed at Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Vickers</span> English singer-songwriter, actress and fashion designer

Diana Vickers is an English singer, songwriter and actress. She was semi-finalist on The X Factor in 2008. Vickers signed a record deal with RCA Records and, after touring with her fellow finalists from The X Factor, played the title role in a West End revival of The Rise and Fall of Little Voice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pixie Lott</span> English singer (born 1991)

Victoria Louise Lott, known professionally as Pixie Lott, is an English singer, songwriter, actress, and former ballet dancer. Her debut album, Turn It Up, released in September 2009, reached number six on the UK Albums Chart and sold over 1.5 million copies. It also spawned six consecutive top twenty singles on the UK Singles Chart, including two number-one singles, "Mama Do " and "Boys and Girls".

<i>This Is Us</i> (Backstreet Boys album) 2009 studio album by Backstreet Boys

This Is Us is the seventh studio album from American pop group Backstreet Boys. Serving as a follow-up to Unbreakable (2007), it was released on September 30, 2009 in Japan through Sony Music Japan, October 5, 2009 in the UK through RCA, and October 6 in the US.

<i>Overcome</i> (Alexandra Burke album) 2009 studio album by Alexandra Burke

Overcome is the debut studio album by British singer Alexandra Burke, released 19 October 2009 on Syco Music. The release of the album came a year after Burke won the British talent show, The X Factor, with the recording process taking place between 2008 and 2009. Critics praised the album for showcasing Burke's vocal charm and characterisation, comparing her vocal to American singers Anastacia and Whitney Houston and its contemporary finish; using a variety of acclaimed producers including RedOne and Ne-Yo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Once (Diana Vickers song)</span> 2010 single by Diana Vickers

"Once" is a song by English singer and songwriter Diana Vickers, written by Cathy Dennis and Eg White for Vickers' debut studio album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree (2010). "Once" was produced and mixed by Mike Spencer and released as the album's lead single and Vickers' debut single on 16 April 2010. It reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, making it Vickers' most successful single release to date.

<i>Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree</i> 2010 studio album by Diana Vickers

Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree is the debut studio album by English singer and songwriter Diana Vickers. Originally set for a November 2009 release, the album was postponed due to Vickers' leading role in the West End play The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, and it was finally released on 3 May 2010 in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Boy Who Murdered Love</span> 2010 single by Diana Vickers

"The Boy Who Murdered Love" is a song by English singer and songwriter Diana Vickers from her debut studio album, Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree (2010). It was written by Vickers and the song's producer Chris Braide. The song was released as the album's second and final single as a digital download on 18 July 2010 with the CD single released the next day. A demo of the song has surfaced online after accidentally being uploaded to Vickers's Myspace page where it remains.

<i>Cinderellas Eyes</i> 2011 studio album by Nicola Roberts

Cinderella's Eyes is the debut studio album by English singer and songwriter Nicola Roberts. It was released on 23 September 2011 by Polydor Records. As a member of the British girl group Girls Aloud, Roberts drew inspiration from her time with the group. Her experience with Girls Aloud's formation found her being labelled "ugly" by the media, and the constant negative attention and subsequent personal problems resulted in her struggling with her confidence. She started recording for the album in 2010 and co-wrote all of the original tracks on the album, working closely with producers Dimitri Tikovoï, Maya von Doll and Diplo on the album, as well as Canadian electropop band Dragonette. The concept of the album derived from fairy tales, focusing mostly upon "Cinderella" after titling the album Cinderella's Eyes. The album artwork features Roberts next to a collection of vintage artefacts wearing a modern interpretation of the Cinderella glass slipper, co-produced by shoe designer Atalanta Weller.

<i>Glassheart</i> 2012 studio album by Leona Lewis

Glassheart is the third studio album by English singer Leona Lewis, released on 12 October 2012 by Syco Music. Glassheart was conceived in 2010 shortly after the completion of Lewis' first headline tour, The Labyrinth. Recording and production took place in Denver, Los Angeles and London; originally the album was due for release in November 2011 but was pushed back several times to accommodate new recording sessions and allow more creative time. The album was the first – and so far only – of Lewis' albums not released in North America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diana Vickers discography</span>

The discography of Diana Vickers, a British singer-songwriter, consists of two studio albums, one extended play, and six singles. Vickers debuted in 2008 as a contestant on The X Factor, a British television music competition. Her fourth-place finish brought Vickers to the attention of RCA Records, which signed her in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo-Yo (Nicola Roberts song)</span> 2012 single by Nicola Roberts

"Yo-Yo" is a song by British recording artist Nicola Roberts, released as the third and final single from Roberts' debut solo album Cinderella's Eyes on 6 January 2012. Originally, "Yo-Yo" was set to be Roberts' debut single, but "Beat of My Drum" was selected in its place. "Beat of My Drum" and "Lucky Day", Roberts' previous singles, garnered positive comments from critics, but failed to impact commercially. "Yo-Yo" was written by Roberts, Maya Von Doll and Dimitri Tikovoi while it was produced by latter, and was the first song to be composed by the group. Roberts also claimed the track had defined her musical style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Newman (singer)</span> English singer, songwriter, musician, DJ, composer and record producer

John William Peter Newman is an English singer, songwriter, musician, DJ, composer and record producer. He is best known for the track "Love Me Again" which peaked at number one on the UK Singles Chart in July 2013 and appeared in FIFA 14, as well as co-writing and singing on Rudimental's 2012 singles "Feel the Love" and "Not Giving In", which peaked at number one and number 14 on the chart, respectively. In 2014, he featured in the Calvin Harris single "Blame", which also topped the UK charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicola Roberts discography</span>

The discography of British singer Nicola Roberts consists of one studio album, three singles, and three music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinderella (Diana Vickers song)</span> 2013 single by Diana Vickers

"Cinderella" is a song by English singer and songwriter Diana Vickers from her second studio album, Music to Make Boys Cry (2013). It was released on 19 July 2013 as the album's lead single.

<i>Avril Lavigne</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is the fifth studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne. It was released on November 1, 2013, through Epic Records in North America and Sony Music Entertainment worldwide. Lavigne collaborated with numerous producers including Martin Johnson, Peter Svensson, David Hodges, Matt Squire, and Chad Kroeger. In both musical and lyrical aspects, the album represents a departure from the acoustic-oriented production of her previous album Goodbye Lullaby (2011), featuring a more uptempo pop sound juxtaposed with power and piano ballads. Avril Lavigne also incorporates electronic music, industrial and punk rock. The album features two vocal collaborations: Kroeger and American industrial metal singer Marilyn Manson, making Avril Lavigne Lavigne's first album to contain featured vocalists. The album marks her first and only release through Epic Records, and is her second and final studio album with Sony Music, to which, from BMG, she first signed in 2000, before being moved to Sony Music following their acquisition of all BMG labels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music to Make Boys Cry (song)</span> 2013 single by Diana Vickers

"Music to Make Boys Cry" is a song by English singer and songwriter Diana Vickers from her second studio album of the same name (2013). It was released on 15 September 2013 as the album's second and final single.

<i>The Lost Tapes</i> (Sugababes album) 2022 studio album by Sugababes

The Lost Tapes is the eighth studio album by British girl group Sugababes and their first independent release. While work for the album dates back to 2011 when the original lineup reunited, the album remained unreleased until its 24 December 2022 digital release. The Lost Tapes is the second Sugababes album to feature the original lineup after 2000's One Touch. The deluxe version, which included an additional three tracks, was released digitally on 31 December 2022. The Lost Tapes debuted at number two on the UK Digital Albums chart and number 13 on the UK Independent Albums Chart. Following their one-off show at the O2 in September 2023, the album reached a new peak of number 7 on the UK Independent Albums Chart, as well as charting at number 23 on the Scottish Albums Chart. The album debuted and peaked at number 150 on the UK Albums Chart.

References

  1. ↑ Pearce, James. "Diana Vickers | Biography & History". AllMusic . Retrieved 29 May 2016. Vickers eventually settled on an electro-pop sound for her 2013 album, Music to Make Boys Cry.
  2. ↑ Diana Vickers talks new single 'Cinderella': It plays on classic story - Music News - Digital Spy
  3. ↑ Diana Vickers – Signs New Record Deal And Announces New Music | So Recordings Archived 14 April 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ Diana Vickers previews new album 'Music To Make Boys Cry' - listen - Music News - Digital Spy
  5. ↑ "Diana Vickers is working on second album | TV: Latest News | STV Entertainment". Entertainment.stv.tv. 4 June 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  6. ↑ "Diana Vickers: 'sexy new sound inspired by Indie music'". Orange. 2010. Archived from the original on 23 October 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  7. ↑ "Music – Interview – Diana Vickers". Digital Spy. 21 June 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  8. ↑ "Niet compatibele browser". Facebook. Retrieved 9 March 2011.
  9. 1 2 "Diana Vickers Denies Being 'Dropped' By Label". Contactmusic.com. 3 July 2011. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  10. ↑ "Give us a D! GIve us an I! Give us an ANAVICKERS!". Popjustice. 13 July 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  11. ↑ "Diana Vickers offers second free track 'Kiss Of A Bullet' - Music News". Digital Spy. 15 December 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
  12. ↑ Davidson, Doron (20 February 2012). "Gig Review: Diana Vickers @ Cargo, Shoreditch". Londonist. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  13. ↑ "Diana Vickers demo 'Low' leaks online - listen". Digital Spy. April 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  14. ↑ "Diana Vickers new song 'Colours' leaks online - listen". Digital Spy. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  15. ↑ "Diana Vickers: Next album is between Kylie and Madonna". Digital Spy. August 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  16. ↑ "Diana Vickers new song 'Bright Eyes' leaks online - listen". Digital Spy. 4 December 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
  17. 1 2 3 "Diana Vickers – Music to Make Boys Cry". Attitude Media Ltd. August 2013. Archived from the original on 31 December 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  18. 1 2 Copsey, John (13 September 2013). "Diana Vickers: 'Music To Make Boys Cry' - Album review". Hearst Magazines UK . Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  19. 1 2 Frew, Siobhan (20 September 2013). "Diana Vickers - Music To Make Boys Cry (SO)". Giant Digital. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  20. 1 2 3 Stern, Bradley (22 September 2013). "Diana Vickers: 'Music To Make Boys Cry' (Album Review)". MuuMuse. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  21. 1 2 OBrien, Jon (17 September 2013). "Diana Vickers reinvents herself as disco diva on 'Music To Make Boys Cry'". Yahoo! News. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  22. 1 2 3 Hastings, Andy (16 September 2013). "Album Review: Diana Vickers – Music to Make Boys Cry". So So Gay Ltd. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 25 September 2013.
  23. ↑ BMI | Repertoire Search
  24. ↑ BMI | Repertoire Search
  25. ↑ Diana Vickers releases new song 'Boy In Paris' snippet online - Music News - Digital Spy
  26. ↑ BMI | Repertoire Search
  27. ↑ "Top 20 Indie Individual Artist Albums". Irish Recorded Music Association. 19 September 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  28. ↑ "2013 Top 40 Scottish Albums Archive". Official Charts Company. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  29. ↑ "2013 Top 40 Official UK Albums Archive". Official Charts Company. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
  30. ↑ "2013 Top 40 Independent Albums Archive". Official Charts Company. 28 September 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2013.
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.