Pray (Tina Cousins song)

Last updated

"Pray"
Pray single.jpg
Single by Tina Cousins
from the album Killing Time
Released2 November 1998 (1998-11-02)
Length3:56
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Mark Topham
  • Karl Twigg
Producer(s) Pete Waterman
Tina Cousins singles chronology
"Mysterious Times"
(1998)
"Pray"
(1998)
"Killin' Time '99"
(1999)
Music video
"Pray" on YouTube

"Pray" is a song by British singer Tina Cousins. It was written by Mark Topham and Karl Twigg and released on 2 November 1998 as the lead single from her debut album, Killing Time (1999). The song was her second consecutive top-20 hit in the United Kingdom and her first top-10 hit in Australia, where it achieved gold status. In Europe, "Pray" also reached the top 10 in Finland and Scotland, and it peaked at number 48 on the Eurochart Hot 100 in November 1998.

Contents

"Actually I've appeared on loads of religious programmes since "Pray" was released. I was really surprised at first, because the song is more about respecting the environment we live in, rather than any particular religion. But my mum and dad were delighted."

Tina Cousins talking about the song. [1]

Critical reception

AllMusic editor MacKenzie Wilson remarked that the high-tempo R&B sounds on "Pray" "are so energetic and exciting, the club/dance scene can only be heightened". [2] Michael Paoletta from Billboard complimented it as a "hugely anthemic single". [3] Talia Jackson from Dayton Daily News felt that on the "Gothic-style track, she appeals for salvation while a futuristic cadence creates a compelling sound." [4] Chuck Campbell from Knoxville News Sentinel said "it's hard to escape the overwhelming hope and positivity of the histrionic first single", "Pray". [5] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "Ms. Cousins' first real claim to fame was her presence on Sash!'s huge hit "Mysterious Times" earlier this year. With this effort, she proves that she is perfectly capable of going it alone. This song is well suited to a fairly broad range of formats, and should do well on the dancefloor as well." [6]

Chart performance

"Pray" entered the top 10 in Finland and Scotland and the top 20 in Flanders, Spain and the United Kingdom. In the latter country, the single peaked at number 20 during its first week on the UK Singles Chart, on 15 November 1998, [7] and reached number five on the UK Indie Chart. "Pray" was also a top-30 hit in Sweden, a top-40 hit in the Netherlands and a top-50 hit on the Eurochart Hot 100, where it reached number 48 in November 1998. Outside Europe, it peaked at number eight in Australia and number 48 in New Zealand. "Pray" was awarded with a gold record in Australia, after 35,000 units were shipped.

Music video

A music video was produced to promote the single. It was filmed in the North East England town of Whitley Bay. It features scenes shot in the town's Spanish City leisure complex which was by the late 1990s past its heyday and only a few years away from partial demolition and dereliction. Other scenes are staged in St Mary's Lighthouse, around its island, along the coast and in a terraced back street at the rear of Whitley Bay Baptist Church. [8]

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [27] Gold35,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United Kingdom2 November 1998
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
[28]
United States22 May 2000 Hot adult contemporary radio Republic [29]
23 May 2000 Contemporary hit radio [29]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Up and Down (Vengaboys song)</span> 1998 single by Vengaboys

"Up and Down" is a song by Dutch Eurodance group Vengaboys. Originally released in the Netherlands in February 1998, it reached number four in the United Kingdom in November 1998. It also reached number one on the US Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart in 1999. The Tin Tin Out remix of the song was sampled in DMC's remix of Cher's "Believe". The "Wooo!" voice in the song is sampled from "Crash Goes Love" by Loleatta Holloway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet like Chocolate</span> 1999 single by Shanks & Bigfoot

"Sweet like Chocolate" is a song by British garage music duo Shanks & Bigfoot with vocalist Sharon Woolf. It was released as a single on 17 May 1999 and was included on the duo's debut album, Swings and Roundabouts, the following year. Vocals on the track are sung by Sharon Woolf, who had also sung on their track "Straight from the Heart", which was released under their previous band name, 'Doolally'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tragedy (Bee Gees song)</span> 1979 song by the Bee Gees

"Tragedy" is a song released by the Bee Gees, written by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb, included on their 1979 album Spirits Having Flown. The single reached number one in the UK in February 1979 and repeated the feat the following month on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 1998, it was covered by British pop group Steps, whose version also reached number one in the UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stomp (Steps song)</span> 2000 single by Steps

"Stomp" is a song by British pop group Steps, released as a single on 16 October 2000. The song features a modified orchestral riff from "Everybody Dance", released by Chic in 1978, but Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers did not receive songwriting credits until the release of Gold: Greatest Hits in 2001. "Stomp" was the group's second and final single to hit number one on the UK Singles Chart. The track was later released in Australia, Japan, and Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One for Sorrow (song)</span> 1998 single by Steps

"One for Sorrow" is a song by British pop-dance group Steps, released as the third single from their debut album, Step One (1998). It also became the quintet's first single to reach the top five on the UK Singles Chart. Debuting at number two and spending 11 weeks on the UK chart, the song established Steps's intention to revive the ABBA sound, striking a considerable resemblance to their 1980 hit "The Winner Takes It All". A remixed version became their debut US single in 1999 and was featured on the Drive Me Crazy film soundtrack. It peaked at number 38 on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart in October 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say You'll Be Mine (Steps song)</span> 1999 single by Steps

"Say You'll Be Mine" is a song by British dance-pop group Steps, released as a double A-side with a cover version of Kylie Minogue's "Better the Devil You Know". Steps' cover of "Better the Devil You Know" was later included as the opening track on their third studio album, Buzz (2000), but did not serve as a lead single. A limited-edition single was released as a digipack that was included with a doubled-sided poster in the sleeve. The song is the first to feature all five members on lead vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All I Have to Give</span> 1998 single by Backstreet Boys

"All I Have to Give" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys, produced and written by Full Force. It was released by Jive Records as the third and final single from the band's second album, Backstreet's Back (1997), and the sixth and final single from their US debut album. The single debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their third top-10 single in the US, following "Everybody ". Nigel Dick directed the accompanying music video for the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deeper Shade of Blue</span> 2000 single by Steps

"Deeper Shade of Blue" is a song by British dance-pop group Steps, released as the fourth single from their second studio album, Steptacular (1999), on 3 April 2000. The song was originally recorded by English singer-songwriter Tina Cousins, but aside from a few promotional 12-inch vinyl discs pressed in 1998, her version remains unreleased. "Deeper Shade of Blue" entered the UK Singles Chart at number four and spent one more week in the top 10 before falling down the charts. After a total of nine weeks, it left the top 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killin' Time (Tina Cousins song)</span> 1997 single by Tina Cousins

"Killin' Time" is the debut single by British singer, songwriter and former model Tina Cousins, released on 9 June 1997 from her debut album, Killing Time (1999). The song was written by Mark Topham and Karl Twigg, and initially charted at number 80 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1999, German DJ Sash!, who had collaborated with Cousins on "Mysterious Times", remixed "Killin' Time" for its re-release on 15 March 1999. "Killin' Time '99" peaked at number 15 in the United Kingdom, number 16 in Finland, and number 17 in Spain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mysterious Times</span> 1998 single by Sash!

"Mysterious Times" is a song by German production group Sash! featuring British singer Tina Cousins. It was released on 1 August 1998 as the second single from their second album, Life Goes On (1998). The song peaked at number two in the United Kingdom, giving Sash! their fourth number-two single. In the United States, it peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Matter What (Boyzone song)</span> 1998 single by Boyzone

"No Matter What" is a song from the 1996 musical Whistle Down the Wind that was popularised by Irish boyband Boyzone in 1998 when they recorded it to tie in with the show's first UK production. The song was written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman, while Lloyd Webber, Steinman and Nigel Wright produced the track, with additional production by Franglen & Lupino. The song was also featured on the US edition of the soundtrack to the 1999 film Notting Hill, and was released to American radio on 10 May 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heartbeat (Steps song)</span> 1998 single by Steps

"Heartbeat" is a song by British pop group Steps, from their debut studio album Step One (1998). Issued as a double A-side with their cover of the 1979 Bee Gees single "Tragedy", it was released on 9 November 1998 as the fourth single off the album. "Heartbeat" was solely written by Jackie James, and it was the first ballad released as a single by the group. While promoting the 2012 Hit Factory Live event, Pete Waterman revealed that the song had sat in a drawer for years before he gave it to the band to record.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thank ABBA for the Music</span> 1999 single by Steps, Tina Cousins, Cleopatra, B*Witched and Billie

"Thank ABBA for the Music" is a medley of songs originally released by pop group ABBA, performed by Steps, Tina Cousins, Cleopatra, B*Witched and Billie. The medley consists of "Take a Chance on Me", "Dancing Queen", "Mamma Mia", and "Thank You for the Music". It was originally performed during the 1999 Brit Awards, which occurred on 16 February, and its release coincided with the debut of the ABBA musical Mamma Mia!. The medley peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart in April 1999 and reached the top 10 in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">More than That</span> 2001 single by Backstreet Boys

"More than That" is a song by American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on April 17, 2001, as the third single from their fourth studio album, Black & Blue (2000). The song was written by Adam Anders, Franciz, and LePont and produced by the latter two.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We've Got It Goin' On</span> 1995 single by Backstreet Boys

"We've Got It Goin' On" is the debut single of American boy band Backstreet Boys. It was released on September 11, 1995, as the lead single from their self-titled debut album (1996). The song was recorded at Cheiron Studios in Sweden during a week in June 1995. It was written and produced by Max Martin and his then-mentor Denniz Pop, with extra writing from Herbert Crichlow and was later included in the US album and achieved success worldwide. The single peaked at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 20 weeks on the chart. It was released across Europe, where it reached the top five in several countries, including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. On the Eurochart Hot 100, the song reached number five.

<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">The World's Greatest</span> 2001 single by R. Kelly

"The World's Greatest" is a song written and performed by American R&B singer R. Kelly. The song was originally featured on the soundtrack to the film Ali, and also appeared on bootleg copies of Kelly's unreleased album, Loveland, which later became a bonus disc to Chocolate Factory. Released as a single in November 2001, "The World's Greatest" became a hit in Europe, reaching number two in the Netherlands, number four in the United Kingdom, and the top 20 in nine other European countries. In the United States, it peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is How We Party</span> 1997 single by S.O.A.P.

"This Is How We Party" is the debut single of Danish pop duo S.O.A.P., written by Remee and Holger Lagerfeldt. Released in December 1997, it was S.O.A.P.'s biggest hit, making it into the top 10 in many countries, including Sweden, where it reached No. 1. The single is certified platinum in Australia and gold in Belgium, France, New Zealand, and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forever (Tina Cousins song)</span> 1999 single by Tina Cousins

"Forever" is a song written by Mark Topham and Karl Twigg, and recorded by British singer Tina Cousins. It was released on 28 June 1999 as the third single from her debut album Killing Time. In Australia, it was coupled with "Killin' Time" and became a top-20 hit, achieving gold shipment numbers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catch (Kosheen song)</span> 2000 single by Kosheen

"Catch" is a song by British electronic music group Kosheen. Written by the group members—Sian Evans, Mark Morrison, and Darren Beale—"Catch" was included on Kosheen's 2001 debut album, Resist, as the third track. The song was originally released in November 2000 as a double A-side with "Demonstrate" but did not experience success in the United Kingdom until a re-release in 2001, when "Catch" by itself reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. The song additionally became a top-40 hit in four European countries and Australia.

References

  1. Sinclair, Amy (16 July 1999). "My Perfect Cousin". The Sun .
  2. Wilson, MacKenzie. "Tina Cousins - Killing Time". AllMusic . Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  3. Paoletta, Michael (17 Jun 2000). "Republic/Universal Imports Brit Cousins' 'Killing Time'".  Billboard . Vol. 112. Issue 25.
  4. Jackson, Talia (11 Aug 2000). "Recordings On Review". Dayton Daily News .
  5. "Olsson's new 'Words' don't make a point". Daily News . 28 June 2000. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  6. "Airborne" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 15, no. 49. 5 December 1998. p. 17. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  7. 1 2 "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  8. "Tina Cousins - Pray". YouTube . Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  9. Pray (UK CD single liner notes). Tina Cousins. Jive Records, Eastern Bloc. 1998. 0519162.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. Pray (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Tina Cousins. Jive Records, Eastern Bloc. 1998. 0519160.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. Pray (UK cassette single sleeve). Tina Cousins. Jive Records, Eastern Bloc. 1998. 0519164.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. Pray (European CD single liner notes). Tina Cousins. Jive Records, Eastern Bloc. 1998. 0589162.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. Pray (Australian CD single liner notes). Tina Cousins. Jive Records, Eastern Bloc. 2000. 9201032.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. "Tina Cousins – Pray". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  15. "Tina Cousins – Pray" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  16. "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 15, no. 48. 28 November 1998. p. 13. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  17. "Tina Cousins: Pray" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  18. "Tina Cousins – Pray" (in French). Les classement single.
  19. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 49, 1998" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  20. "Tina Cousins – Pray" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  21. "Tina Cousins – Pray". Top 40 Singles.
  22. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  23. "Tina Cousins – Pray" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  24. "Tina Cousins – Pray". Singles Top 100.
  25. "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  26. "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2000". ARIA . Retrieved 6 July 2021.
  27. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2000 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 28 November 2018.
  28. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 31 October 1998. p. 35. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  29. 1 2 "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1351. 18 May 2000. pp. 48, 87. Retrieved 3 August 2021.