Stepping Stone (Duffy song)

Last updated

"Stepping Stone"
DuffySteppingStone.jpg
Single by Duffy
from the album Rockferry
B-side
  • "Frame Me"
  • "Big Flame"
Released1 September 2008
Recorded
  • 2007;
  • Bookerland Studios [1]
Genre
Length3:29
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Steve Booker
Duffy singles chronology
"Warwick Avenue"
(2008)		"Stepping Stone"
(2008)		"Rain on Your Parade"
(2008)
Music video
"Duffy - Stepping Stone" on YouTube
Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"Stepping Stone"
Duffy's "Stepping Stone"
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Stepping Stone" is the fourth single by British singer Duffy from her debut studio album, Rockferry . The single was officially released as both a digital download and CD single on 1 September 2008 in the United Kingdom. Although it followed the massive success of previous singles "Mercy" and "Warwick Avenue", it did not perform well in worldwide music charts. However, the single received widespread acclaim.

Contents

Writing and inspiration

"Stepping Stone" was written by Duffy and Steve Booker (who also co-wrote international success "Mercy"), and recorded at Booker's "Bookerland studios". [1] It was the first song the pair completed together. [2] According to Booker in an interview with HitQuarters, Duffy firstly wanted to do the song "completely Supremes and up-tempo" because she felt that her album still needed a "big song" to complete it. [2] The following day she changed her mind about the song's direction and the ongoing search for a big up-tempo song would eventually lead to "Mercy". [2]

Release

It was released worldwide as the third single from Rockferry, and the fourth in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ireland, after "Rockferry", "Mercy" and "Warwick Avenue". The single was not released in mainland Europe, despite reaching the charts in many countries in this region. [3] The cover art was produced by Studio Fury, and photographed by Max Dodson.

The single was released in both CD single and 7" vinyl. In a press release for the single it was stated that there would be a two-track exclusive single available for digital download, although this never came to fruition. [4]

One press release commented about the context and content of "Stepping Stone":

"Stepping Stone is one of the many album highlights, it is a song about self-possession, strength and restraint. The music is dramatic, pulsating yet sparse, compelling the listener to focus on Duffy's remarkable vocals and evocative lyrics."
– I Like Music [4]

Reception

Critical

Duffy performing at the 2008 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Duffylive.jpg
Duffy performing at the 2008 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

Clash gave the single a very successful review. [5] In this particular review, the song was heavily praised for its "orchestral grandeur" and "slick production". Ending the review, it congratulated Duffy for being "one of the most potent pop talents in the UK". [5] Daily Music Guide followed the positive style of Clash's review, giving the single a "4/5" rating. [6] The writer said that Duffy "stands out" and that when compared to other soul singers such as Adele and Estelle, her "songs are better". However, the Daily Music Guide did point out that "Stepping Stone" is not as good as previous singles, when saying "'Stepping Stone' doesn't quite have the majesty of 'Warwick Avenue', the oomph of 'Mercy' or the epic sweep of the song 'Rockferry'". [6] The review closed with the writer noting that the song is "a thoughtful and emotional piece of music". [6] As with a Digital Spy review, Duffy and the song were compared to Burt Bacharach. [6] [7] Another reviewer for The Independent compared "Stepping Stone" to "elegant Bacharach style". [8]

Following the positive trend of reviews by critics, The Hollywood Reporter said that the song "shows what all the fuss is about", referring to Duffy's success worldwide. It went on to say that Duffy "sheds so many previous vocal comparisons" with the song, also noting that the single is "clearly aimed at adults who may have shied away from the party vibe of 'Mercy'". [9]

However, many critics gave the single mixed reviews. Digital Spy, in particular, gave the single a mixed review. [7] Giving the song three stars out of five, the reviewer noted that "[Stepping Stone] is her weakest to date". This is against previous reviews given by the website, which were generally positive. The review went on to say that "[Duffy (with the song)] plays into the hands of critics who brand her music "coffee table soul". Finally, the reviewer said that "it [Stepping Stone] lacks the heart-melting chorus which made the former [Warwick Avenue] a triumph". [7] A reviewer for the BBC said that "Stepping Stone" was "noticeably hanging limply" when compared to the full track listing of Rockferry. [10]

Commercial and chart performance

Duffy performing at the 2009 SOS 4.8 Festival in Murcia. Duffy festival SOS 4.8 2009 (edited).jpg
Duffy performing at the 2009 SOS 4.8 Festival in Murcia.

The song was originally one of the most popular songs on Rockferry, debuting on the UK Singles Chart at number 99, on 9 March 2008, due to strong sales from the album. [11] [12] This performance was behind that of the other non-single popular from the album, "Warwick Avenue", which entered the chart at number 83. [11] However, when the song was released as a single, "Stepping Stone" re-entered the chart at number 80 and rose to a peak position of 21, reached on the chart dated 13 September 2008 . [12] [13] The song is Duffy's least successful single in that country, behind "Rain on Your Parade", which peaked at position 15. [14] However, the song managed to stay in the UK Singles Chart for a total of 21 weeks. [15] The song also featured on UK's Official Charts Company year-end chart at number 180, behind all of Duffy's previous singles and her next single "Rain on Your Parade". [15] In Australia, despite little promotion, the song managed to chart at a peak position of 55. [16] In Ireland, "Stepping Stone" entered [17] and peaked [18] in the Irish Singles Chart at number 49. In the United States, "Stepping Stone" was the third single to be released from Rockferry. The song did not manage to place on any major U.S. Billboard singles charts, instead reaching a peak of 25 on the Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks. [19] However, on the European Hot 100, "Stepping Stone" managed to peak at number 67 on the chart. [20]

Elsewhere, in mainland Europe, despite not being released as an official single, the song managed to chart on various singles charts in that region. In Belgium (Flanders), the song reached a peak of 27 on the Ultratop charts, [21] whilst in Switzerland, the song reached a peak of 49 on the official Swiss Singles Chart, [22] becoming Duffy's worst charting position there. [22]

Music video

Duffy's music video for "Stepping Stone" shows her in a mature, sophisticated style. Duffy Steppingstone.jpg
Duffy's music video for "Stepping Stone" shows her in a mature, sophisticated style.

The music video for "Stepping Stone" depicts a mature, sophisticated style as Duffy is involved with one mysterious man. The video begins with Duffy sitting in bed, singing that she "will never be a stepping stone" to her lover. [23] The video continues with Duffy trying on many different outfits throughout the day whilst singing the song, as if trying to impress somebody. Each time she leaves her house, she is seen going back to get changed, before finally building up the courage to leave. It ends with Duffy entering a filled bar, whilst someone enters and she looks up. [23] The storyline suggests that Duffy is in love, however he does not love her in the same way. This fits in with the theme of the song, with its chorusline "I will never be a Stepping Stone", perhaps showing that Duffy is the bridge between two better relationships.

The music video was directed by Sophie Muller, [24] and was first shown on video-sharing website, YouTube on 4 August 2008.

Track listings

CD single [25]
(#1780731)
  1. "Stepping Stone"
  2. "Frame Me" (Duffy, Bernard Butler)
7" vinyl single [26]
(#1780732)
  1. "Stepping Stone"
  2. "Big Flame"(Richard J. Parfitt)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2008–09)Peak
position
Australian ARIA Singles Chart [16] 75
Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart [21] 27
Danish Singles Chart [3] 18
Dutch Top 40 [3] 26
European Billboard Hot 100 Singles [20] 67
Irish Singles Chart [17] [18] 41
Scottish Singles Chart 9
Swiss Singles Chart [22] 49
UK Singles Chart [12] [13] 21
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks [19] 25
Billboard Greece [27] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (2008)Position
UK Singles Chart [15] 180

Release history

RegionDateFormatCatalog
United Kingdom [28] [29] 1 September 2008 CD single 1780731
7" vinyl1780732

Credits

The following people contributed to the recording and production of "Stepping Stone": [1]

Covers

The song was covered by the operatic soprano Renée Fleming on her 2010 album, Dark Hope .

Danish singer Caecilie Norby opened her 2013 album Silent Ways with Stepping Stone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boyzone</span> Irish boy band

Boyzone was an Irish boy band, created in 1993 by talent manager Louis Walsh. Before even recording any material, Boyzone made an appearance on RTÉ's The Late Late Show. Its most successful line-up was composed of Keith Duffy, Stephen Gately, Mikey Graham, Ronan Keating, and Shane Lynch. As of 2018, Boyzone had released seven studio albums and nine compilation albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself</span> 1964 hit single for Dusty Springfield

"I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and lyricist Hal David. The song was recorded by Dusty Springfield and it reached No. 3 on the UK chart in 1964.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk On By</span> 1964 single by Dionne Warwick

"Walk On By" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for singer Dionne Warwick in 1963. Warwick's recording of the song peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Cash Box Rhythm and Blues Chart In June 1964 and was nominated for a 1965 Grammy Award for the Best Rhythm and Blues Recording.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Make Me Over (song)</span> 1962 single by Dionne Warwick

"Don't Make Me Over" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, originally recorded by American singer Dionne Warwick in August 1962 and released in October 1962 as her lead solo single from her debut album, Presenting Dionne Warwick (1963), issued under Sceptor Records. The song reached number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

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

"Mercy" is a song performed by the British 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.

This is a summary of the year 2008 in British music in terms of the charts. 21 singles occupied the number one position during the year, with 11 being new.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duffy (singer)</span> Welsh singer, songwriter and actress (born 1984)

Aimée Anne Duffy, known mononymously as Duffy, is a British singer, songwriter and actress from Bangor, Wales. Her music style has been described as a mixture of soul, blue-eyed soul, pop rock, neo soul and pop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Now You're Gone (Basshunter song)</span> 2007 single by Basshunter

"Now You're Gone" is a song performed by Swedish dance musician Basshunter in cooperation with DJ Mental Theo's Bazzheadz. The single uses the same music as "Boten Anna", Basshunter's major European hit in 2006, but its lyrics, performed in English by Sebastian Westwood, are completely different.

<i>Rockferry</i> 2008 studio album by Duffy

Rockferry is the debut studio album by the British singer Duffy, released on 3 March 2008 in the United Kingdom by A&M Records. It was released in the United States by Mercury Records. Taking four years to record the album, Duffy worked with several producers and writers including Bernard Butler, Steve Booker, Jimmy Hogarth, and Eg White. Primarily a soul recording musically, Rockferry is composed of ballads, torch songs, and up tempo songs in the style of 1960s pop music. It was well received by music critics, who praised the record's musical and lyrical depth and occasional darkness, Duffy's vocal performance, and the record's contemporary instrumentation and production which created a warm sound. Music critics favourably compared Duffy's work on Rockferry to the music of Dusty Springfield and Duffy's contemporary Amy Winehouse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rockferry (song)</span> 2007 single by Duffy

"Rockferry" is the debut single by British singer Duffy, written by Duffy and Bernard Butler. It is the first track on the album of the same name. The music video for Rockferry was filmed in Porthmadog.

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

"Warwick Avenue" is a song by British singer Duffy from her debut album Rockferry (2008). The title refers to Warwick Avenue tube station in London. It was written by Jimmy Hogarth, Eg White, and Duffy and produced by Hogarth. It was released in May 2008 as the third single from the album, but had already charted by March and April due to download sales. It peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart due to strong download and physical sales and has sold 249,165 copies in the UK to date. The B-side to the 7" single is "Loving You", and was written by Duffy, Richard J. Parfitt of the 60ft Dolls and Owen Powell of Catatonia.

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

Welsh singer and songwriter Duffy has released two studio albums, six extended plays and one extended play, seven singles and seven music videos. Her discography began with the release of one Welsh language extended play using her birth name, Aimée Duffy, and she has appeared on two soundtrack albums, as well as on a studio album by Mint Royale in 2004. Duffy's range of musical genres incorporates styles such as blue-eyed soul, pop and pop rock. Aimée Duffy, her debut extended play (EP), was released in 2004 by Welsh music label Recordiau Awen Records, following her success on the Welsh talent show WawFfactor in 2003. Following this release, a performance of Richard J. Parfitt's "Oh Boy" brought her to the attention of Duffy's former manager, Jeanette Lee of Rough Trade Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rain on Your Parade</span> 2008 single by Duffy

"Rain on Your Parade" is a song by British singer Duffy from the deluxe version of her debut studio album Rockferry (2008). It was released as the lead and only single from the deluxe album worldwide on 9 November 2008. The song was written by Duffy and Rockferry collaborator Steve Booker and produced by Booker. It is an up-tempo pop song in which Duffy uses an idiom for ruining her lover and their intentions. The song marked a departure from the down-tempo soul and balladry of the original version of Rockferry, incorporating elements of R&B and soul. It received positive reviews from critics, with many complimenting Duffy's vocals. Musically, the song bears a striking resemblance to James Bond songs, making notable use of strings. It was called a "big, retro-sounding pop-soul number".

<i>Deluxe EP</i> 2009 EP by Duffy

Deluxe EP, also known as Rockferry (Deluxe) – EP, is a 2009 extended play (EP) by Welsh singer Duffy, released in the United States. A custom EP containing tracks from the deluxe edition of her internationally successful debut studio album, Rockferry, it was released solely by Duffy's US label Mercury Records instead of the deluxe edition that was released in several other markets. It includes the singles "Mercy" and "Rain on Your Parade".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work (Ciara song)</span> 2009 single by Ciara featuring Missy Elliott

"Work" is a song recorded by American recording artist Ciara for her third studio album Fantasy Ride (2009). It was released by LaFace Records on July 24, 2009, as the album's third and final single. Rapper Missy Elliott provides featured vocals on the song. Ciara and Elliott wrote it in collaboration with its producers Nate "Danja" Hills and Marcella Araica. "Work" is a fast-paced electropop and dance song with elements of bounce music and hip hop. Ciara described it as an energetic club track, and considered it initially as the lead single of Fantasy Ride.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steve Booker (producer)</span> British music producer and songwriter

Steve Booker is a British music producer, songwriter and musician. His production and writing credits include Illenium feat. Tori Kelly "Blame Myself" and the international No.1 singles; John Newman's "Love Me Again" for which Booker was nominated for the 2014 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically and Duffy's "Mercy" for which Booker won the Ivor Novello Award for most performed work. Prior to becoming a producer Booker was a singer-songwriter who released two solo albums – "Dreamworld" (1990) and the 1996 mini-album "A Far Cry From Here".

<i>Endlessly</i> (Duffy album) 2010 studio album by Duffy

Endlessly is the second studio album by Welsh singer Duffy. It was released in the United Kingdom on 26 November 2010 by A&M Records and in the United States on 7 December 2010 by Mercury Records. Duffy worked almost exclusively with Albert Hammond Snr. on the album, with all but one of the album's songs being written by Hammond and Duffy. Four of the songs received additional or co-production by Stuart Price. Music is also provided by The Roots and Questlove. Musically, the album follows the soul stylings of her first album Rockferry (2008), although Duffy drew inspiration from a variety of other genres, including disco and soft rock, and was compared to pop singers such as Kylie Minogue. It has been said that Duffy wrote the album in three weeks, although recording sessions lasted between 2009 and 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Well, Well, Well (Duffy song)</span> 2010 single by Duffy

"Well, Well, Well" is a song by British singer Duffy, from her second studio album, Endlessly (2010). It was released as the lead and only single from the album worldwide, beginning on 19 October 2010 in the UK. As with the rest of the album, the song was both written and produced by Duffy and Albert Hammond, with Stuart Price providing co-production. It is an up-tempo pop song in which Duffy questions her lover's accusations, with Duffy calling it a song about "desire for freedom" within a relationship. Marking a departure from the soul sound of her debut album, Rockferry (2008), the song received mixed reviews from critics; being both praised and criticised for Duffy's vocal style. Some thought that it "is possibly the weakest of the new tunes" from its parent album.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Rockferry (CD liner notes). A&M Records.
  2. 1 2 3 "Interview With Steve Booker". HitQuarters. 8 March 2010. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 23 March 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 ""Stepping Stone" chart positions". aCharts.us. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  4. 1 2 "I Like Music > pop > Duffy – Stepping Stone". I Like Music . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  5. 1 2 Murray, Robin (2 September 2008). "Duffy – Stepping Stone". Clash. Clash Music. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "Daily Music Guide > Reviews > Duffy – Stepping Stone (A&M)". Daily Music Guide. Archived from the original on 26 February 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  7. 1 2 3 Fletcher, Alex. "Duffy: 'Stepping Stone'". Digital Spy . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  8. ↑ Gill, Andy (22 February 2008). "Album: Duffy, Rockferry (A&M)" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2009.
  9. ↑ "Music Reviews Stepping Stone". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 31 May 2009.[ dead link ]
  10. ↑ Hammer, Sophie (22 February 2008). "After three years of musical growth, Duffy has found her voice". BBC Music. BBC . Retrieved 23 June 2009.
  11. 1 2 "CHART: CLUK Update 15.03.2008 (wk10)". Zobbel. zobbel.de. The Official Charts Company . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  12. 1 2 3 ""Stepping Stone" Chart position and Trajectory". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  13. 1 2 "UK Chart Positions". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 28 March 2009.
  14. ↑ "Rain on Your Parade UK Chart Listing". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  15. 1 2 3 "UK Year End Chart 2008" (PDF). ChartsPlus/The Official Charts Company/British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 27 March 2009.
  16. 1 2 "The ARIA Report > Issue 993" (PDF). Australian Web Archive . webarchive.nla.gov.au. Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 March 2009. Retrieved 27 April 2009.
  17. 1 2 "Irish Singles Chart > Week 36 2008". Irish Recorded Music Association. aCharts.us. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  18. 1 2 "Discography Duffy – Ireland". irishcharts.com. Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  19. 1 2 "Artist Chart History – Duffy (singles)". Billboard . Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  20. 1 2 "Chart Listing For The Week Of Sep 20 2008". Billboard. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  21. 1 2 "Duffy – Stepping Stone – Belgium". Ultratop . ultratop.be. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  22. 1 2 3 "Discographie Duffy – Switzerland" (in German). hitparade.ch. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  23. 1 2 "Stepping Stone music video". MTV. Archived from the original on 8 June 2009. Retrieved 13 June 2009.
  24. ↑ Knight, David (20 August 2008). "Duffy's "Stepping Stone" by Sophie Muller". PromoNews. promonews.tv. Archived from the original on 3 October 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2009.
  25. ↑ "Stepping Stone CD Release". Allmusic. Macrovision . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  26. ↑ "Duffy > Discography > Stepping Stone – Single". Duffy. iamduffy.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2009. Retrieved 25 May 2009.
  27. ↑ "Billboard Greece > Chart Listing for the Week of 31 Jan 2009". Billboard. Retrieved 26 June 2009.[ dead link ]
  28. ↑ ""Stepping Stone" vinyl". amazon.co.uk . Retrieved 24 May 2009.
  29. ↑ ""Stepping Stone", by Duffy (7" on Polydor)". normanrecords.com. Retrieved 24 May 2009.
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.