Rescue Me (Bell, Book & Candle song)

Last updated
"Rescue Me"
Bell, Book & Candle-Rescue Me.jpg
Single by Bell, Book & Candle
from the album Read My Sign
B-side "Rhapsody in Blue"
Released9 June 1997
Genre
Length
  • 3:24(Radio Edit)
  • 4:04 (Album Version)
Label
  • Arista
  • BMG
  • Logic Records
Songwriter(s)
  • Andy Birr
  • Hendrick Röder
Producer(s)
  • Bernd Wendlandt
  • Ingo Politz
Bell, Book & Candle singles chronology
"Rescue Me"
(1997)		"Read My Sign"
(1998)
Music video
"Rescue Me" on YouTube

"Rescue Me" is a 1997 song recorded by German band Bell, Book & Candle. It is their first and most successful single and was released on the band's first studio album, Read My Sign (1998). The song is sung by band member Jana Gross and was an international hit, peaking at number two in Austria, number three in Germany and Spain, number six in Switzerland and number eight in Sweden. "Rescue Me" was awarded platinum in Germany and Austria, and gold in Sweden and Spain.

Contents

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Tom Demalon described the song as a "Celtic-tinged march" in his review of Read My Sign. He noted further that the lyrics "are long on affairs of the heart and Gross' delivery manages to give them mileage when they become trite." [1] Chuck Taylor from Billboard said it is a "full-bodied anthemic midtempo number, which at times is as reminiscent of new age vocalist Enya as it is of rockers the Cranberries." He noted that the melody is "simply enchanting and instantly accessible without crossing too far into pure pop territory. Given the right care and a serious marketing campaign from Blackbird". He also added that the track is "pure delight". [2] Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented that "after a slow start, this Berlin trio's epic rock ballad has taken off in a big way—but it was touch and go for a while." A reviewer from New Straits Times called the song "refreshing and expressive". [3]

One of the first programmers to feature the song was Bernhard Hiller, head of music at CHR station 104.6 RTL in Berlin. He recalled, "We started playing Rescue Me because they're a local band and we thought it would suit our format. But our research showed that it wasn't going down well with our audience. At first we couldn't believe it, but by the time it should have been all but dead, it started to take off in a big way." Hiller suggested that the fact that the band and the station cooperated on promotional activities on the record may have played a major role in its eventual success. He stated that "Now it's one of our very best-testing records." [4]

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single. It begins with a little boy, running across a grainfield to an old house. He goes up to the attic, where he finds a ship model and blows the dust off it. It appears as if the band is performing inside the ship itself. Every time the boy moves it, the room where the band stands starts to rock. Through a porthole-window, singer Jana Gross watches the camera while she sings. The boy puts the ship on a tub of water and splashes with the water. The band is then seen with water splashing to all sides. Towards the end, the ship is lowered into the water, and outside the window where Gross sings, the water slowly fills up. The boy watches the ship that is now at the bottom of the tub. As the video ends, he runs away through the grainfield. And Gross is seen through the porthole-window, now without water outside.

Track listing

CD single, Europe
No.TitleLength
1."Rescue Me" (Radio Version)3:23
2."Rescue Me" (Unplugged)3:24
CD single, UK & Europe
No.TitleLength
1."Rescue Me" (Radio Edit)3:24
2."Rescue Me" (Unplugged)3:24
3."Rhapsody In Blue"3:03
CD maxi, Germany
No.TitleLength
1."Rescue Me" (Radio Edit)3:24
2."Rescue Me" (Unplugged)3:24
3."Rescue Me" (Album Version)4:04
4."Rhapsody In Blue"3:03
Cassette single, UK & Europe
No.TitleLength
1."Rescue Me" (Radio Edit)3:24
2."Rhapsody In Blue"3:03

Charts

Related Research Articles

All the Small Things 2000 single by Blink-182

"All the Small Things" is a song by American rock band Blink-182. It was the second single and eighth track released from the band's third album, Enema of the State (1999). The track was composed primarily by guitarist and vocalist Tom DeLonge as an ode to his then girlfriend. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Jerry Finn, the song was created with the intention of shipping it to radio, as the trio felt they needed a single "really catchy and basic."

Men in Black (song) 1997 single by Will Smith

"Men in Black" is a song by American rapper and actor Will Smith from the 1997 film Men in Black, in which he also starred. The song was released by Columbia Records on June 3, 1997, as the lead single from both the Men in Black soundtrack and Smith's debut solo album Big Willie Style (1997), and was his first solo single following his work with DJ Jazzy Jeff. The song plays during the movie's closing credits and samples "Forget Me Nots" by Patrice Rushen. It features Smith rapping about how the Men in Black "Walk in shadow, move in silence" and play the role of "first, last and only line of defense, against the worst scum of the universe", while SWV singer Coko sings the chorus and background vocals. "Men in Black" reached number one in several countries and won Smith a Grammy Award in 1998 for the Best Rap Solo Performance.

Candle in the Wind 1997 1997 single by Elton John

"Candle in the Wind 1997", also known as "Goodbye England's Rose" and "Candle in the Wind '97", is a song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, a re-written and re-recorded version of their 1973 song "Candle in the Wind". It was released on 13 September 1997 as a tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales, with the global proceeds from the song going towards Diana's charities. In many countries, it was pressed as a double A-side with "Something About the Way You Look Tonight". It was produced by Sir George Martin.

How You Remind Me 2001 single by Nickelback

"How You Remind Me" is a song by Canadian rock band Nickelback. Written by lead singer Chad Kroger and composed by the band, the track was released on July 17, 2001, as the lead single from their third studio album, Silver Side Up (2001). A "Gold Mix" was made for latter editions of the single with the heavier guitars edited out of the chorus. Kroeger referred to this song as the song that put Nickelback on the map when played at their concert in Sturgis, South Dakota.

You Make Me Wanna... 1997 single by Usher

"You Make Me Wanna..." is a song by American recording artist Usher. It was released by LaFace Records and Arista Records as the lead single from Usher's second studio album, My Way on August 5, 1997. "You Make Me Wanna..." was written by Usher along with Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal, who both produced the tune. An R&B, soul and pop song in C minor, it makes use of acoustic guitar, hi-hat and bell instrumentation. The song focuses on a love triangle relationship, with the protagonist wishing to leave his girlfriend for his erstwhile best friend, with a hook in which Usher states, "You make me wanna leave the one I'm with and start a new relationship with you". The record won a Billboard Music Award, a Soul Train Music Award, and a WQHT Hip Hop Award, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Something About the Way You Look Tonight 1997 single by Elton John

"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" is a song by Elton John, taken from his 25th studio album, The Big Picture. It was written by John and Bernie Taupin, and produced by Chris Thomas. It was released as the album's first single on 8 September 1997 by Mercury Records and the Rocket Record Company.

Close to Me (The Cure song) 1985 single by The Cure

"Close to Me" is a song by English rock band the Cure, released in September 1985 as the second and final single from their sixth album, The Head on the Door.

She Drives Me Crazy 1988 song by Fine Young Cannibals

"She Drives Me Crazy" is a song released in 1988 by English group Fine Young Cannibals, and included on their 1989 album The Raw & the Cooked. Peaking at No. 5 on the British singles chart in January 1989, "She Drives Me Crazy" is the band's highest charting single in their native UK. The single proved an even bigger hit in the US, topping the Billboard Hot 100 on 15 April 1989 for one week and becoming the first of two chart-topping singles for the band on that chart. "She Drives Me Crazy" also reached No.1 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart, as well as in countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, New Zealand and Spain. It reached the top 3 on several European charts including Belgium, Germany, Iceland, Ireland and Switzerland.

Uh La La La

"Uh La La La" is a 1997 song recorded by Italian singer Alexia featuring additional vocals by an uncredited male rapper. It was released as the fourth single from her debut album, Fan Club (1997), and is written by Roberto Zanetti and Alexia herself. The song was a summer hit of 1997 in Europe and became Alexia's international breakout success. It reached number-one in Italy and Spain, number two in Finland and was a Top 10 hit also in Austria, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and the UK. After its success in Europe, the song was remixed for a UK release the following year, which also saw release in Australia, where it peaked at number 17. This was her last single to be released by different labels in different territories as after this all her releases would be by Sony Music.

Elton John singles discography The singles discography of singer, composer and pianist Elton John

The singles discography of English singer, composer and pianist Elton John consists of 140 official singles and 22 as featured artist, as well as 56 other non-single guest appearances. Across his career, John has had 57 top 40 hits in the United States, second only to Elvis Presley in total, with 27 of these hitting the top ten and nine reaching number one. In his native United Kingdom, he has accumulated 70 top 40 singles, including 35 top tens and 10 number ones, making him joint ninth on the on the list of artists with most number-one singles on the UK Singles Chart.

Local Boy in the Photograph 1997 single by Stereophonics

"Local Boy in the Photograph" is the first single by rock band Stereophonics. The song is taken from their debut album, Word Gets Around and was released on 17 March 1997. The song reached number 51 in the UK Singles Chart. On 9 February 1998, the song was re-released and reached number 14 on the same chart.

I Wanna Be the Only One 1997 single by Eternal

"I Wanna Be the Only One" is a song by British R&B girl group Eternal and American R&B and gospel singer BeBe Winans. It was the third single released from their album Before the Rain. Topping the UK Singles Chart, the release became the group's third collaboration with BeBe Winans, who produced 1994's "Crazy" and 1995's "It Will Never End". The single became the group's 11th non-consecutive top-10 entry on the UK Singles Chart.

"One and One" is a song written by Billy Steinberg, Rick Nowels and Marie-Claire D'Ubaldo. The song was performed by Edyta Górniak. It was covered by Robert Miles in 1996.

Everything Changes (Take That song) 1994 single by Take That

"Everything Changes" is a song by English boy band Take That. Released as the fifth single from the band's second studio album, Everything Changes (1993), and written by Gary Barlow and producers Michael Ward, Eliot Kennedy and Cary Bayliss, the song features Robbie Williams on lead vocals.

Fire Water Burn 1997 single by Bloodhound Gang

"Fire Water Burn" is the first single from American rock band Bloodhound Gang's second album, One Fierce Beer Coaster (1996). The chorus of the song is derived from the song "The Roof Is on Fire" by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three, yet sung considerably slower. The song was remixed for the CD single by God Lives Underwater.

All 4 Love 1991 single by Color Me Badd

"All 4 Love" is a song by American music group Color Me Badd. In the United Kingdom, it was released in July 1991 as the second single from their debut album, C.M.B. (1991), while in the United States, it was released as the album's third single in November of the same year. The recording contains elements from the 1966 song "Patch My Heart" by the Mad Lads.

C U When U Get There 1997 single by Coolio

"C U When U Get There" is a song by American rapper Coolio featuring 40 Thevz. The song is based on the melody of Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D Major and was released in June 1997 as the first single from Coolio's third studio album, My Soul (1997). The track was also featured on the soundtrack to the 1997 comedy film Nothing to Lose.

I Dont Care (Shakespears Sister song) 1992 single by Shakespears Sister

"I Don't Care" is a song by British-based female duo Shakespears Sister, released on 4 May 1992 as the third single from their second studio album, Hormonally Yours. The song reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart and had similar success internationally, reaching the top 20 in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. It also charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 55. Like several of Shakespears Sister's previous singles, it was heavily remixed for its release as a single, including re-recorded vocals and added instrumentals.

Private Number (Judy Clay and William Bell song) 1968 single by Judy Clay and William Bell

"Private Number" is a song recorded by American soul singers Judy Clay and William Bell, and included on Bell's album Private Numbers (1968). In the US, it was released as a single, where it peaked at number 17 on the Best Selling Rhythm and Blues chart and number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100. Outside the US, "Private Number" went to number eight in the United Kingdom.

Baby Boy (Me & My song) 1995 single by Me & My

"Baby Boy" is a song recorded by Danish Eurodance act and sisters Me & My, released in 1995 as the second single from their eponymous album. Co-written by the Georgi sisters, it enjoyed moderate success in many European countries, reaching number-one in Denmark and Hungary. Additionally, it peaked at number 3 in Finland, number 10 in Belgium and number 30 in Austria. On the Eurochart Hot 100, it reached number 60 in March 1996. Pan-European magazine Music & Media described it as "equally up-tempo and infectious" as their first single, "Dub-I-Dub". In 2007, the song was included on the act's best of album, The Ultimate Collection.

References

  1. ↑ Demalon, Tom. "Bell Book & Candle - Read My Sign". AllMusic . Retrieved 18 February 2020.
  2. ↑ Taylor, Chuck (19 December 1998). "Single Reviews: New & Noteworthy" (PDF). Billboard . p. 21. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  3. ↑ "The Iglesias of R&B/Sou". New Straits Times . 23 May 1998. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  4. ↑ "Airborne" (PDF). Music & Media . 29 November 1997. p. 20. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  5. ↑ "Bell Book & Candle – Rescue Me" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  6. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 6 December 1997. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  7. ↑ "Bell Book & Candle – Rescue Me" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  8. ↑ "Major Market Airplay - Week 51/1997" (PDF). Music & Media . 20 December 1997. p. 27. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  9. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
  10. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media . 28 March 1998. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  11. ↑ "Bell Book & Candle – Rescue Me". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  12. ↑ "Bell Book & Candle – Rescue Me". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 26 November 2019.
  13. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 January 2021.
  14. ↑ "1997 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . 27 December 1997. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
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.