Single-Bilingual

Last updated

"Single-Bilingual"
SingleBilingual.jpg
Single by Pet Shop Boys
from the album Bilingual
B-side
  • "Discoteca"
  • "The Calm Before the Storm"
  • "Confidential"
Released11 November 1996 (1996-11-11) [1]
Length
  • 3:30
  • 3:48 (8:24 with "Discoteca" album version)
Label Parlophone
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Pet Shop Boys
Pet Shop Boys singles chronology
"Se a vida é (That's the Way Life Is)"
(1996)
"Single-Bilingual"
(1996)
"A Red Letter Day"
(1997)
Music video
"Single-Bilingual" on YouTube

"Single-Bilingual" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 11 November 1996 as the third single from their sixth studio album, Bilingual (1996). The track peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. The song is named "Single" on the album version but was retitled "Single-Bilingual" because Everything but the Girl also had a song named "Single", which had been released the previous May. The album version cross-fades with the previous track, "Discoteca", of which both the album and single versions feature an interpolation at the end.

Contents

Critical reception

A reviewer from Music Week rated the song three out of five, adding, "The album has fallen from the Top 75, but this class single — devastatingly detailing the life of an upwardly-mobile Euro-executive — should return it to the forefront." [2]

Music video

The accompanying music video features Neil Tennant as a glib businessman travelling across Europe and trying to pick up a woman in a bar. Towards the end, the visuals feature military aircraft suggesting that he is in fact an arms trader.

Track listings

  1. "Single-Bilingual"
  2. "Discoteca" (new version)
  3. "The Calm Before the Storm"
  4. "Discoteca" (Trouser Enthusiast's Adventures Beyond the Stellar Empire mix)
  1. "Discoteca" (PSB extended mix)
  2. "Confidential" (1992 demo for Tina Turner)
  3. "Single-Bilingual" (Baby Doc mix)
  4. "Discoteca" (Baby Doc mix)
  1. "Single-Bilingual"
  2. "Discoteca" (new version)

Charts

Weekly chart performance for "Single-Bilingual"
Chart (1996–1997)Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders) [7] 13
Canada Dance/Urban ( RPM ) [8] 22
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100 Singles) [9] 84
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) [10] 17
Germany (Official German Charts) [11] 77
Israel (IBA) [12] 2
Scotland (OCC) [13] 19
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan) [14] 39
UK Singles (OCC) [15] 14

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moving (Supergrass song)</span> 1999 single by Supergrass

"Moving" is a song by English rock band Supergrass from their eponymous third album (1999). Released as a single in September 1999, "Moving" reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Supergrass's last top-10 hit. In addition, it peaked at number 14 in Finland, where it is the band's sole top-20 hit, and number 81 in the Netherlands. The song later appeared on their greatest hits compilation Supergrass Is 10 (2004). The song features over the closing credits of East is East.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come as You Are (Beverley Knight song)</span> 2004 single by Beverley Knight

"Come as You Are" is the lead single from English singer Beverley Knight's fourth studio album, Affirmation (2004). Co-written by Guy Chambers, it was Knight's second UK top-10 hit and is her highest-charting song in the UK, peaking at number nine and remaining in the UK top 75 for 10 weeks. It also briefly charted in Germany, peaking at number 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoulda Woulda Coulda</span> 2002 single by Beverley Knight

"Shoulda Woulda Coulda" is a song by English singer Beverley Knight, released as the second single from her third studio album, Who I Am (2002). Written about the breakup of her long-term relationship because she decided to put her career first, the song became Knight's first top-10 single in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and topping the UK R&B Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thank You (Jamelia song)</span> 2004 single by Jamelia

"Thank You" is a song by English singer Jamelia. It was written by Jamelia, Peter Biker and Carsten "Soulshock" Schack, while production was helmed by the latter two. The song was chosen as the third single taken from Jamelia's second studio album, Thank You (2003). "Thank You" is about an abusive relationship, of which Jamelia had first-hand experience, discussing that relationship and how she made it through the experience.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She Will Have Her Way (song)</span> 1998 single by Neil Finn

"She Will Have Her Way" is a song by New Zealand singer-songwriter and Crowded House lead singer Neil Finn. Released on 1 June 1998, the track peaked at number 19 on the New Zealand Singles Chart and number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. The song gave its name to the 2005 tribute album She Will Have Her Way, which features female Australasian artists performing tracks written by Neil and Tim Finn. It was also the inspiration for the title of the 2010 tribute album He Will Have His Way.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Late in the Day</span> 1997 single by Supergrass

"Late in the Day" was the fourth and final single from Britpop band Supergrass' second studio album, In It for the Money (1997). It was released in October 1997 and reached number 18 on the UK Singles Chart. The song also charted in Iceland, peaking at number 32 in November 1997. The two CD releases of the single have the same photo as their cover but the colours of one have been reversed on the second one.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grace (Supergrass song)</span> 2002 single by Supergrass

"Grace" is a song by Britpop band Supergrass. It was the second single to be taken from Life on Other Planets (2002), the band's fourth studio album. It was released on 16 September 2002 and reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. Unlike the previous single, "Never Done Nothing Like That Before", a vinyl-only release, it was released on all major formats.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">On Silent Wings</span> 1996 single by Tina Turner

"On Silent Wings" is a song by American singer-songwriter Tina Turner with guest vocals from English musician Sting. Released in May 1996 in support of Turner's ninth album, Wildest Dreams (1996), the single performed well on the US and Canadian adult contemporary charts, peaking at numbers 24 and 13 respectively. The dance version of "On Silent Wings", remixed by Soul Solution, charted at number 47 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Like much of Turner's later work, "On Silent Wings" enjoyed greater success in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Se a vida é (That's the Way Life Is)</span> 1996 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Se a vida é " is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 12 August 1996 as the second single from their sixth studio album, Bilingual (1996). The song is based on "Estrada Da Paixão" by African-Brazilian band Olodum, which was supporting Pet Shop Boys on the South American leg of their Discovery tour in 1994. The band shares songwriting credits with Pet Shop Boys.

<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">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">You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk</span> 2000 single by Pet Shop Boys

"You Only Tell Me You Love Me When You're Drunk" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 3 January 2000 as the third and final single from their seventh studio album, Nightlife (1999). It reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart but failed to chart in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yesterday, When I Was Mad</span> 1994 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Yesterday, When I Was Mad" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released as the fifth and final single from their fifth studio album, Very (1993), on 29 August 1994 by Parlophone. The single peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and number four on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The song was remixed by Jam & Spoon for its single release, among other things removing a compression effect applied to Neil Tennant's voice during the verses. Its music video was directed by Howard Greenhalgh. One of the B-sides is a cover of the Noël Coward song "If Love Were All".

<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">New York City Boy</span> 1999 single by Pet Shop Boys

"New York City Boy" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys, released on 22 September 1999 as the second single from their seventh studio album, Nightlife (1999). In the UK, the single peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. It also reached the charts in numerous European countries, peaking at number three in Spain, and number four in Finland and Hungary. In the US, the song hit number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and number 53 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Don't Know What You Want but I Can't Give It Any More</span> 1999 single by Pet Shop Boys

"I Don't Know What You Want but I Can't Give It Any More" is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys from their seventh studio album, Nightlife (1999). Released on 19 July 1999 as the album's lead single, it peaked at number 15 on the UK Singles Chart, number two on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart, and number 66 on the US Hot Singles Sales chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cry (The Sundays song)</span> 1997 single by the Sundays

"Cry" is a song by English alternative rock band the Sundays. Written and produced by guitarist David Gavurin and lead singer Harriet Wheeler, the song was recorded for the band's third and final studio album, Static & Silence (1997), and released on 10 November 1997 as the second single from the album. The song reached number 43 on the UK Singles Chart.

References

  1. "Single-Bilingual". petshopboys.co.uk. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  2. "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 2 November 1996. p. 35. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  3. Single-Bilingual (UK CD1 liner notes). Pet Shop Boys. Parlophone. 1996. CDRS 6452, 7243 8 83452 2 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  4. Single-Bilingual (UK CD2 liner notes). Pet Shop Boys. Parlophone. 1996. CDR 6452, 7243 8 83468 2 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. Single-Bilingual (UK cassette single sleeve). Pet Shop Boys. Parlophone. 1996. TCR6452, 7243 883452 4 8.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. Single-Bilingual (European CD single liner notes). Pet Shop Boys. Parlophone. 1996. 7243 883451 2 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. "Pet Shop Boys – Single-Bilingual" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  8. "Top RPM Dance/Urban: Issue 7765." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  9. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 13, no. 49. 7 December 1996. p. 12. OCLC   29800226 via World Radio History.
  10. "Pet Shop Boys: Single Bilinguali" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  11. "Pet Shop Boys – Single-Bilingual" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  12. "UK World Hits" (PDF). Music Week . 21 December 1996. p. 20. ISSN   0265-1548 via World Radio History.
  13. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  14. "Pet Shop Boys – Single-Bilingual". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  15. "Pet Shop Boys: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 January 2016.