To the Moon and Back (Savage Garden song)

Last updated

"I was a big science fiction fan - I loved Blade Runner. I wrote it from that point of view, or the idea of what it means to be human. That idea of yearning to express your emotions and your feelings and for that to be legitimized. There was also someone in my life whose persona was very standoffish and who pushed everyone who loved her away. But I could see underneath that hard shell, there was so much pain and all that stuff that I identified with - mum never loved her much, daddy never kept in touch, these are things actually bothering this person." [1]

Release and chart performances

"To the Moon and Back"
Savage Garden TTMAB.jpg
1997 North American and UK cover
Single by Savage Garden
from the album Savage Garden
B-side
  • "Memories Are Designed to Fade"
  • "Santa Monica"
  • "All Around Me"
Released4 November 1996 (1996-11-04)
Genre
Length
  • 5:42 (album version)
  • 4:13 (short edit)
  • 3:44 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Charles Fisher
Savage Garden singles chronology
"I Want You"
(1996)		"To the Moon and Back"
(1996)		"Truly Madly Deeply"
(1997)
Alternative cover
Savage Garden TTMAB AUS.jpg
1998 re-release cover

After the international success of their debut single, "I Want You", there were high expectations for the song as its follow-up. During the song's first charting in the US after its release there in July 1997, the song entered the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 for only one week, peaking at number 37 the final week of August 1997. [2] In the United Kingdom, the single was originally released in September 1997, and there it failed to chart in the top 40, stalling at number 55 for one week. [3]

Subsequently, "Truly Madly Deeply" became an international hit, reaching number one on several music charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and the Adult Contemporary charts, [4] [5] where it broke the record as the longest-running single to that time on the Adult Contemporary charts. While the song did not initially experience success in the US, the success of "Truly Madly Deeply" inspired Savage Garden and Columbia Records to remix "To the Moon and Back" in 1998 and release it again.

In the wake of such success, the band decided the song had greater potential to become a hit than its first chartings had borne out, and so instead of mining a fourth single from the album as they had for the Australian market, they decided to mix a shorter edit of "To the Moon and Back" and re-release it internationally in 1998. This time the song peaked at number 24 in the US. [4] In the UK, the single debuted at number three, becoming Savage Garden's biggest hit in the country. [3] This prompted the re-release of their debut single, remixed as "I Want You '98".

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "The follow-up to the platinum-selling "I Want You" should keep the momentum of this charming Australian duo building quite nicely. Wisely, this track doesn't attempt to mimic the quirky, almost novelty-driven sound of its predecessor. Instead, it affirms partners Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones' talent for crafting immediately catchy hooks and solid, sing-along choruses. Once again, the music warmly revisits the new-romantic sound of the '80s with its melodramatic blend of satiny synths and jittery guitars." [6] A reviewer from Music Week rated the song three out of five, saying that it is not as hook-driven as "I Want You", "but it's still commercial enough to win over ILR and clinch a Top 30 place." [7]

Music videos

There have been three different music videos for the song. The first, accompanying the Australian release of the song, was directed by Catherine Caines and Chris Bentley, and was shot in black and white. This version features Hayes and Jones performing on what appears to be a space vessel, whilst a female passenger watches. [8]

The second, accompanying the United States and original United Kingdom release of the song, was directed by Nigel Dick, and features Darren and Daniel performing in an apartment in Malibu whilst a female records the performance. It was filmed between 17 and 18 April 1997. [9] This American video features Hayes with long hair. [10]

The third version was filmed in New York and features a sad-looking teenage girl traveling by the metro to meet her friends (apparently other misfits like herself). This video features Hayes with short hair, and is the most well-known of the three versions. A version of the video accompanied by a dance remix of the track was also released, which included some footage of the second video.

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the Savage Garden album booklet. [26]

Studios

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [59] Platinum70,000^
France (SNEP) [60] Gold250,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ) [61] Gold5,000*
Sweden (GLF) [62] Gold15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [63] Platinum600,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref(s).
Australia4 November 1996
  • CD
  • cassette
 [64]
United States27 May 1997 Contemporary hit radio Columbia [65]
8 July 1997
  • CD
  • cassette
 [66] [67]
Japan30 July 1997CD Sony [68]
United Kingdom15 September 1997
  • CD
  • cassette
Columbia [69]
United Kingdom (re-release)10 August 1998 [70]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Truly Madly Deeply (song)</span> 1997 single by Savage Garden

"Truly Madly Deeply" is a song by Australian pop duo Savage Garden, released in March 1997 as the third single from their self-titled debut album (1997) by Roadshow and Warner Music. It won the 1997 ARIA Music Award for both Single of the Year and Highest Selling Single and was nominated for Song of the Year. Written by bandmates Darren Hayes and Daniel Jones, the song is a reworking of a song called "Magical Kisses" that the pair wrote together during the recording of their debut album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Men in Black (song)</span> 1997 single by Will Smith

"Men in Black" is the debut solo single of 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 soundtrack and Smith's debut solo album, Big Willie Style (1997), and it was Smith's first solo single following his work with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gettin' Jiggy wit It</span> 1998 single by Will Smith

"Gettin' Jiggy wit It" is a song by American rapper and actor Will Smith, released as the third single from his debut solo album, Big Willie Style (1997). The verse is based around a sample of "He's the Greatest Dancer" by Sister Sledge, and the chorus is sampled from "Sang and Dance" by the Bar-Kays. Released in early 1998, the song was Smith's second hit produced by Poke & Tone and L.E.S., who replaced his long-time partner Jazzy Jeff, though the record-scratching techniques of Jazzy Jeff can be heard in the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Know Where It's At</span> 1997 single by All Saints

"I Know Where It's At" is a song by English girl group All Saints, released in August 1997 as their debut single from their first album, All Saints (1997). The song debuted on the National Lottery Live on 9 August 1997 and was first performed on Top of the Pops on 2 September same year. It became the group's first top-10 hit, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, the single reached to number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song additionally reached the top 20 in Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Israel and New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Truganini (song)</span> 1993 single by Midnight Oil

"Truganini" is a song by Australian rock band Midnight Oil from their eighth studio album, Earth and Sun and Moon (1993). It was inspired by Truganini, a Nuenonne woman from south-east Tasmania. The song uses a recurring Australian issue—drought—to pose the question "what for?", meaning "why did Europeans bother to colonise this harsh place?" The song mentions two prominent indigenous Australians whose lives were altered by European settlement and discusses current day sentiment towards the old country, namely the monarchy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Knew I Loved You</span> 1999 single by Savage Garden

"I Knew I Loved You" is a song by Australian pop duo Savage Garden, released through Roadshow Music and Columbia Records as the second single from their second and final studio album, Affirmation (1999). The song was created as an attempt to replicate the composition of Savage Garden's previous single "Truly Madly Deeply". The track was serviced to US adult contemporary and top 40 radio in September 1999 and was issued commercially in Australia on 28 September 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alone (Bee Gees song)</span> 1997 single by Bee Gees

"Alone" is a song by musical group the Bee Gees. The ballad, written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, is the opening track on their 21st studio album, Still Waters (1997), and was the first single released from the album on 17 February 1997. In the United Kingdom, the song was backed with two B-sides: "Closer Than Close" and "Rings Around the Moon", while in the United States, a live version of "Stayin' Alive" was included on the single releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Want You (Savage Garden song)</span> 1996 single by Savage Garden

"I Want You" is a song by Australian pop duo Savage Garden. It was originally released in Australia on 27 May 1996 as the lead single from their eponymous debut album, Savage Garden (1997). The single reached number one in Canada and peaked at number four in Australia and on the US Billboard Hot 100. Much of the song's chart success in the US was the result of Rosie O'Donnell playing the song on several episodes of The Rosie O'Donnell Show. In the United Kingdom, the single was issued twice, achieving its highest peak of number 11 during its initial release in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Popular (Darren Hayes song)</span> 2004 single by Darren Hayes

"Popular" is a song from Australian singer-songwriter Darren Hayes' second solo album, The Tension and the Spark (2004). The lyrics are a tongue-in-cheek send-up of celebrities and wannabes. A radio edit was made that omits the instrumental section after the second chorus and also adds several new drumbeats to the second verse. The song was released in Australia on 12 July 2004.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunny Came Home</span> 1997 single by Shawn Colvin

"Sunny Came Home" is a folk-rock song by American musician Shawn Colvin. It is the opening track on her 1996 concept album, A Few Small Repairs, and was released as a CD and cassette single on June 24, 1997. In the United Kingdom, the song was originally released in July 1997 but did not chart until a re-release in May 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Animal Song</span> 1999 single by Savage Garden

"The Animal Song" is a song by Australian pop music duo Savage Garden, released as a single on 23 February 1999. The song was written for the soundtrack of the film The Other Sister and also appeared on their second studio album, Affirmation (1999), as well as their compilation album, Truly Madly Completely: The Best of Savage Garden. It was the band's first song to be produced by Walter Afanasieff, a producer well known for his work with Mariah Carey. Afanasieff would later produce the group's Affirmation album, and also Darren Hayes' first solo album, Spin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Affirmation (Savage Garden song)</span> 2000 single by Savage Garden

"Affirmation" is a song by Savage Garden, released as the third single from their second and final studio album of the same name (1999). It peaked at number 16 in Australia and number eight on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Just the Two of Us (Will Smith song)</span> 1998 single by Will Smith

"Just the Two of Us" is a song by American rapper Will Smith. It was released as the fourth single from his debut solo studio album, Big Willie Style (1997), on July 20, 1998. The song has the same chord progression and chorus of Bill Withers' and Grover Washington, Jr.'s love song of the same title; Smith's version samples and incorporates lyrics from the original. Instead of love between a couple, this version focuses on the relationship between a father and son. The song features Fuzzy and Sauce from the R&B group Somethin' for the People with Fuzzy providing the chorus and ad-libs, while Sauce is a credited as a producer on the track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Impression That I Get</span> 1997 single by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones

"The Impression That I Get" is a song by American ska punk band the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, released as the lead single from their fifth studio album, Let's Face It (1997), in February 1997. The track reached number one on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart while also charting highly in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The song was certified gold in the United States and Australia. Chris Applebaum directed the song's music video while Adam Stern produced it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gone till November</span> 1997 single by Wyclef Jean

"Gone till November" a song by Haitian rapper Wyclef Jean, released as the third single from debut solo album, The Carnival (1997). The song was released on 25 November 1997 by Columbia and Ruffhouse, and peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Jean's highest-charting solo hit in the UK alongside 2000's "It Doesn't Matter". In the United States, the song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached number four in both Canada and New Zealand

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lullaby (Shawn Mullins song)</span> 1998 single by Shawn Mullins

"Lullaby" is a song by American rock singer Shawn Mullins from his fourth studio album, Soul's Core (1998). It was released in August 1998 and is Mullins' most successful song to date, reaching number one on the US Billboard Adult Top 40, number seven on the Billboard Hot 100, and number nine on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. It also found success abroad, reaching number nine on the UK Singles Chart, number five in Australia, and number two in Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Where's the Love</span> 1997 single by Hanson

"Where's the Love" is a song by American pop rock band Hanson. It was released on September 1, 1997, as the second single from the band's debut album, Middle of Nowhere (1997). Internationally, it was a successful follow-up to "MMMBop", reaching the top 10 in Australia, Canada, Finland, Hungary, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, "Where's the Love" did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 due to rules regarding commercial releases, but it peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart and number six on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Will Come to You</span> 1997 single by Hanson

"I Will Come to You" is a song by American pop rock band Hanson. It was released on November 10, 1997, as the third single from the band's debut album, Middle of Nowhere (1997). "I Will Come to You" reached number five on the UK Singles Chart and number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was more successful in Australia, reaching number two and receiving a platinum certification, and in Sweden, where it topped the chart for four weeks and was also certified platinum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burn (Tina Arena song)</span> 1997 single by Tina Arena

"Burn" is a song written by Tina Arena, Pam Reswick, and Steve Werfel for Arena's third album, In Deep (1997). The song was successful in her native Australia, reaching number two on the ARIA Singles Chart and earning a gold sales certification. At the time of its release, "Burn" was Australia's fastest-added single to radio. Arena also recorded the song in Italian, titled "Ti voglio qui". It was released as a single in several European countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crash and Burn (Savage Garden song)</span> 2000 single by Savage Garden

"Crash and Burn" is a song by Australian pop group Savage Garden from their second album, Affirmation, released as the album's fourth single on 20 March 2000. It reached the top 20 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their last hit on the chart.

References

  1. ↑ "Savage Garden by Savage Garden on Apple Music". Apple Music. 24 March 1997. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
  2. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard . 30 August 1997. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  4. 1 2 3 "Savage Garden Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  5. 1 2 "Savage Garden Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard.
  6. ↑ Flick, Larry (24 May 1997). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard . p. 54. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  7. ↑ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 30 August 1997. p. 10. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  8. ↑ Savage Garden "To the Moon & Back (Australian B/W version)" Music Video
  9. ↑ "Productions 1997".
  10. ↑ Savage Garden "To The Moon & Back (US version 1)" Music Video
  11. ↑ To the Moon and Back (Australian CD single liner notes). Savage Garden. Roadshow Music, Warner Music. 1996. 100484-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ To the Moon and Back (Australian cassette single sleeve). Savage Garden. Roadshow Music, Warner Music. 1996. 100485-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ To the Moon and Back (UK CD1 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. 664893 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ↑ To the Moon and Back (UK CD2 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. 664893 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ To the Moon and Back (UK cassette single sleeve). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. 664893 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ To the Moon and Back (UK CD1 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1998. 666288 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ To the Moon and Back (UK CD2 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1998. 666288 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ To the Moon and Back (UK cassette single sleeve). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1998. 666288 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ To the Moon and Back (European CD1 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. COL 664634 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  20. ↑ To the Moon and Back (European CD2 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. COL 664634 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ To the Moon and Back (European CD1 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1998. COL 666080 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  22. ↑ To the Moon and Back (European CD2 liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1998. COL 666080 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. ↑ To the Moon and Back (US CD single liner notes). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. 38K 78576.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  24. ↑ To the Moon and Back (US cassette single sleeve). Savage Garden. Columbia Records. 1997. 38T 78576.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  25. ↑ To the Moon and Back (Japanese CD single liner notes). Savage Garden. Sony Records. 1997. SRCS 8377.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  26. ↑ Savage Garden (Australian CD album booklet). Roadshow Music. 1996. 100813-2.
  27. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  28. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  29. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 3281." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  30. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 3303." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  31. ↑ "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 8351." RPM . Library and Archives Canada.
  32. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 15, no. 35. 29 August 1998. p. 13. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  33. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back" (in French). Les classement single.
  34. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  35. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 15, no. 11. 14 March 1998. p. 14. Retrieved 8 June 2020.
  36. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (31.7. '97 – 6.8. '97)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 1 August 1997. p. 36. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  37. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – To the Moon and Back". Irish Singles Chart.
  38. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 44, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  39. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  40. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back". Top 40 Singles.
  41. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  42. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back". Singles Top 100.
  43. ↑ "Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back". Swiss Singles Chart.
  44. ↑ "Savage Garden Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  45. ↑ "Savage Garden Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  46. ↑ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 22 August 2022.
  47. ↑ "The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles 1996". ARIA. Archived from the original on 2 November 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2019– via Imgur.
  48. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 1997". ARIA . Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  49. ↑ "RPM '97 Year End Top 100 Hit Tracks". RPM . Library and Archives Canada . Retrieved 6 July 2018.
  50. ↑ "End of Year Charts 1997". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  51. ↑ "Romanian Top 100 Singles Airplay – Top of the Year 1997" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 22 January 2005. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  52. ↑ "Årslista Singlar, 1997" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  53. ↑ "Best of '97: Top 40/Mainstream Singles". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 5, no. 52. 26 December 1997. p. 38.
  54. ↑ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1998" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved 18 April 2018.
  55. ↑ "Best Sellers of 1998 – Singles Top 100". Music Week . 16 January 1999. p. 7.
  56. ↑ "Most Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 1998". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. 25 December 1998. p. 55.
  57. ↑ "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 1998". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 6, no. 52. 25 December 1998. p. 45.
  58. ↑ "Tops de L'année | Top Singles 1999" (in French). SNEP . Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  59. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1997 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association.
  60. ↑ "French single certifications – Savage Garden – To the Moon & Back" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.
  61. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  62. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2011.
  63. ↑ "British single certifications – Savage Garden – To the Moon and Back". British Phonographic Industry.
  64. ↑ "New Releases – Product Available from: 4/11/96 > Singles (from The ARIA Report Issue No. 350)". ARIA . Retrieved 5 April 2017– via Imgur.
  65. ↑ "New Releases". Radio & Records . No. 1198. 23 May 1997. p. 41.
  66. ↑ "To the Moon & Back / Memories Are Designed to Fade". Amazon . Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  67. ↑ "To the Moon & Back". Amazon. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  68. ↑ "Savage Garden". Sony Music Entertainment Japan. Archived from the original on 2 October 1999. Retrieved 25 August 2023.Click on Discography.
  69. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 13 September 1997. p. 33. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
  70. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 8 August 1998. p. 31. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
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.