When I Start To (Break It All Down)

Last updated
"When I Start To (Break It All Down)"
Erasure When I Start To (Break It All Down) Single 2011.jpg
Single by Erasure
from the album Tomorrow's World
B-side "Tomorrow's World"
Released23 September 2011
Genre
Length3:34
Label Mute
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Frankmusik
Erasure singles chronology
"A Little Respect" (HMI Redux)
(2010)
"When I Start To (Break It All Down)"
(2011)
"Be with You"
(2011)
Music video
"When I Start To (Break It All Down)" on YouTube

"When I Start To (Break It All Down)" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in 2011 as the lead single from their fourteenth studio album Tomorrow's World . [1] The song was written by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, and produced by Frankmusik.

Contents

"When I Start To (Break It All Down)" reached number 172 in the UK Singles Chart in October 2011. [2] It was Erasure's first eligible single (discounting remixed versions of hit singles) since their formation in 1985 not to reach the UK top 100. In November 2011, the song peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs chart. [3]

Background

"When I Start To (Break It All Down)" had the demo title "Tender" as it was loosely based on Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender". Clarke described the finished track as "sound[ing] like Tears for Fears". [4]

Release

"You've Got to Save Me Right Now" was originally due to be the first single from Tomorrow's World until "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" replaced it at short notice. Bell stated, "Usually we don't choose the singles, you kind of have an instinctive feeling sometimes. In this instance, "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" took over from "Save Me" because we thought the song had gone in the direction that sounded really good." [4]

Prior to its release as a single on 23 September 2011, [5] the song received its first play on BBC Radio 2 on 15 August. [6]

Nine remixes were created for the track, not including the album, radio edit and single versions. Four of the remixes were created by the House music duo Steve Smart & Westfunk, three remixes by German DJ/producer Kris Menace, one by Little Loud and one by Frankmusik. [1] The B-side "Tomorrow's World" is an instrumental track, exclusive to the single and written by Richard Denton and Martin Cook. The track was originally recorded in 1980 as the theme for the BBC TV series of the same name. [7]

Music video

Mute Records released a live video clip as the song's official music video. This clip used footage filmed during the duo's Total Pop Tour in the summer of 2011, with much of the footage coming from the first of two Dublin gigs played in June 2011. The video premiered on YouTube on 18 November 2011. [8] In addition, an official rehearsal video was uploaded onto YouTube in early September, featuring the duo in London rehearsing the song prior to the Tomorrow's World tour. [9]

Critical reception

In a review of Tomorrow's World, David Jeffries of AllMusic commented, "Fans get to experience Vince Clarke's fingerprints on 'Fill Us with Fire' and 'When I Start To (Break It All Down),' as the recent reunion of his Yaz project is reflected in the nocturnal synth pop and soul muscle driving these highlights." [10]

Track listing

CD single (UK and Europe)

  1. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" – 3:34
  2. "Tomorrow's World" – 4:18
  3. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Mix Edit) – 4:23
  4. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Remix) – 5:24
  5. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Little Loud Remix) – 4:36

CD promotional single (Europe)

  1. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Single Version) – 3:33
  2. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Radio Edit) – 4:04

CD promotional single (UK)

  1. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Radio Version) – 3:45

CD promotional single (Greece)

  1. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Single Version) – 3:34
  2. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Album Version) – 3:45
  3. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Radio Edit) – 4:02
  4. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Edit) – 4:20
  5. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Club Mix) – 6:19
  6. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Dub Mix) – 6:19
  7. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Club Remix) – 5:12
  8. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Remix) – 5:23

CD promotional single (US)

  1. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Edit) – 4:21
  2. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Club Mix) – 6:19
  3. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Main Room Dub) – 6:19
  4. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Remix) – 5:12
  5. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Club Remix) – 5:23
  6. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Little Loud Remix) – 4:34

CD promotional single (UK)

  1. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Radio Edit) – 3:35
  2. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Album Version) – 3:45
  3. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Edit) – 4:20
  4. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Mix) – 6:18
  5. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Steve Smart & Westfunk Dub) – 6:18
  6. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Remix) – 5:11
  7. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Club Remix) – 5:22
  8. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Kris Menace Instrumental) – 3:31
  9. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Little Loud Remix) – 4:36
  10. "When I Start To (Break It All Down)" (Frankmusik Remix) – 4:58
  11. "Tomorrow's World" – 4:15

Personnel

Charts

Chart (2011)Peak
position
UK Singles Chart [2] 172
US Billboard Dance/Club Play Songs Chart [3] 25

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erasure (duo)</span> English synth-pop duo

Erasure are an English synth-pop duo formed in London in 1985, consisting of lead vocalist and songwriter Andy Bell with songwriter, producer and keyboardist Vince Clarke, previously known as co-founder of the band Depeche Mode and a member of synth-pop duo Yazoo. From their fourth single, "Sometimes" (1986), Erasure established themselves on the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the most successful acts of the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. From 1986 to 2007, the pair achieved 24 consecutive top-40 entries in the UK singles chart. By 2009, 34 of their 37 chart-eligible singles and EPs had made the UK top 40, including 17 climbing into the top 10. At the 1989 Brit Awards, Erasure won the Brit Award for Best British Group.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vince Clarke</span> English synth-pop musician

Vincent John Martin, known professionally as Vince Clarke, is an English synth-pop musician and songwriter. Clarke has been the main composer and musician of the band Erasure since its inception in 1985, and was previously the main songwriter for several groups, including Depeche Mode, Yazoo, and the Assembly. In Erasure, he is known for his deadpan and low-key onstage demeanour, often remaining motionless over his keyboard, in sharp contrast to lead vocalist Andy Bell's animated and hyperactive frontman antics.

<i>The Two Ring Circus</i> 1987 compilation album (remixes and live recordings) by Erasure

The Two Ring Circus is a remix album by English synth-pop duo Erasure that served as a companion piece to their second album The Circus. It was released in 1987 on Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US.

<i>The 10 Year Limited Edition Anniversary Box Set</i> 1999 box set by Blur

The 10 Year Limited Edition Anniversary Box Set is a box set by the band Blur released in limited quantities on 17 August 1999. It contains 22 CDs with 126 tracks featuring all official UK singles from their debut album, Leisure, to their 1999 album, 13, and the b-sides, with the exception of three of the b-sides featured on the single No Distance Left to Run. Fanclub singles, promotional singles, and singles released in other countries are not included.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Union City Blue</span> 1979 single by Blondie

"Union City Blue" is a song by the American new wave band Blondie. The song was featured on their 1979 studio album Eat to the Beat. Written by Debbie Harry and Nigel Harrison, the song was inspired lyrically by Harry's experiences while acting in the 1980 film Union City as well as her New Jersey roots. Musically, the song features a drum part composed by drummer Clem Burke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chains of Love (Erasure song)</span> 1988 single by Erasure

"Chains of Love" is a song by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released in May 1988 as their ninth single overall. It was written by Vince Clarke and Andy Bell, and released by Mute Records as the second single from Erasure's third studio album, The Innocents (1988). In the United States, Sire Records released it as the first single. The chorus is memorable for Bell's use of falsetto. The album version was produced by Stephen Hague and was slightly remixed for its single release. The accompanying music video featured Clarke and Bell performing the song while being hoisted through the air by thick, metal chains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Say You Love Me (Erasure song)</span> 2005 single by Erasure

"Don't Say You Love Me" is a song written, produced and performed by English synth-pop duo Erasure. The track was released by Mute Records as the second single from the duo's eleventh studio album Nightbird. Although essentially a synth-pop song, "Don't Say You Love Me" had elements of doo-wop and girl group influences in its rhythm and lyrical structure. The song was remixed twice by Jeremy Wheatley when released as a single, one which gave the song a smoother, more electronic music feel and one which was a harsher dance number.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Here I Go Impossible Again</span> 2005 single by Erasure

"Here I Go Impossible Again" is a song written and recorded by English synth-pop duo Erasure. It appears on the band's eleventh studio album Nightbird and Mute Records released this song together with "All This Time Still Falling Out of Love" as a double A-side, the third single release from this album.

Steve Rodway, also known under the alias Motiv 8 or Motiv8, is a British electronic dance music producer, songwriter, remixer and sound engineer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's All True (song)</span> 2007 single by Tracey Thorn

"It's All True" is the first single from singer Tracey Thorn's solo album, Out of the Woods, released in February 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Louder (Parade song)</span> 2011 single by Parade

"Louder" is the debut single by British girl group Parade, which was released on 13 March 2011. It debuted at number ten on the UK Singles Chart, and also peaked at number 41 in Ireland. The music video was filmed in an old house, where they’re throwing a house party, which went on in to the street with fireworks, it was directed by Emli Nava. The song was used in a Rimmel advert.

<i>Storm Chaser</i> (EP) 2007 EP by Erasure

Storm Chaser is an EP recorded by English synth-pop duo Erasure. It was released in the UK and Germany by Mute Records on 24 September 2007 and a North American release followed on October 2. The EP is available on CD, limited edition 7-inch vinyl and digital download.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">21st Century Life</span> 2008 single by Sam Sparro

"21st Century Life" is the second single from Sam Sparro's eponymous debut album, released on 21 July 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Change (Killing Joke song)</span> Song by Killing Joke

"Change" is a song by English post-punk band Killing Joke that appeared on the US release of their 1980 self-titled debut album. The song bears a resemblance to the War song "Me and Baby Brother", which Killing Joke have acknowledged.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Etc.</span> 2009 single by Pet Shop Boys

"Love Etc." is a song by English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys from their tenth studio album, Yes (2009). It was released on 16 March 2009 as the album's lead single. The single was also made available on the US and Canadian iTunes Stores on 24 March 2009, making it the duo's first single to be released in the US, albeit as a digital download, since "Break 4 Love" in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frankmusik</span> English synth-pop musician (born 1985)

Vincent James Turner, better known by his stage name Frankmusik, is an English synth-pop musician. Since 2010 he is based in Los Angeles as remixer and producer.

<i>Tomorrows World</i> (album) 2011 studio album by Erasure

Tomorrow's World is the fourteenth studio album by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released by Mute Records in the United Kingdom on 3 October 2011 and in North America on 11 October 2011. As with their previous album, Light at the End of the World (2007), Tomorrow's World reached number 29 on the UK Albums Chart.

"Never Forget" is the lead single by Russian singer-songwriter Lena Katina's debut solo studio album This Is Who I Am. The song was produced by Sven Martin and Erik Lidbom. It is a pop rock track, driven by electric guitars and keyboard. "Never Forget" had positive feedback, claiming number one in MTV Russia.

"Be with You" is a single by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released as the second single from their 2011 album Tomorrow's World. The song was written by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, whilst it was produced by electropop musician Frankmusik who produced the rest of the Tomorrow's World album. The B-side "Never Let You Down" was also written by the duo, but produced by Clarke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fill Us with Fire</span> 2012 single by Erasure

"Fill Us with Fire" is a single by English synth-pop duo Erasure, released as the third single from their 2011 album Tomorrow's World. The song was written by Andy Bell and Vince Clarke, whilst it was produced by electropop musician Frankmusik who produced the rest of the Tomorrow's World album. The B-side "Shot to the Heart" was also written by the duo, but produced by Clarke. This was the final single from Tomorrow's World in all territories except Germany, where "A Whole Lotta Love Run Riot" was released as a download single only.

References

  1. 1 2 "Erasure - When I Start To (Break It All Down) at Discogs". Discogs.com. 2012-04-18. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  2. 1 2 "CHART: CLUK Update - CHART LOG UK: NEW ENTRIES UPDATE". zobbel.de. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  3. 1 2 "Erasure Music News & Info". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  4. 1 2 "ERASURE - Tomorrow's World [Short Film". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  5. "iTunes - Music - When I Start To (Break It All Down) [Remixes] - EP by Erasure". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-09-23. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  6. "Latest Erasure News". Erasureinfo.com. 2011-08-14. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  7. "Richard Denton And Martin Cook* - Tomorrow's World (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs.com. 2012-04-05. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  8. "Erasure - When I Start to (Break It All Down) (Official Video)". YouTube .
  9. "ERASURE - When I Start To (Break It All Down) [Rehearsal Video". YouTube. 2011-09-09. Retrieved 2012-06-10.
  10. Jeffries, David (2011-10-04). "Tomorrow's World - Erasure : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2012-06-10.