Swimming in the Stars

Last updated

"Swimming in the Stars"
Swimming-in-the-Stars.jpg
Single by Britney Spears
from the album Glory (2020 deluxe reissue)
Written2015
ReleasedDecember 2, 2020 (2020-12-02)
Recorded2016
Genre Electropop
Length3:21
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Koma
  • Book
Britney Spears singles chronology
"Mood Ring"
(2020)		"Swimming in the Stars"
(2020)		"Matches"
(2020)
Visualizer video
"Swimming in the Stars" on YouTube

"Swimming in the Stars" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from the deluxe reissue of her ninth studio album Glory (2020). It was released as the lead single of the reissue on December 2, 2020, coinciding with the singer's 39th birthday. The song was conceived during the initial recording of Glory, with the track being written in 2015 by the producers Matthew Koma and Dan Book, with an additional writing provided by Alexei Misoul. An electropop ballad focuses on optimism and escapism over a synth groove.

Contents

"Swimming in the Stars" was announced through becoming available for pre-order as a part of the Urban Outfitters's "11/11 Singles Day" promotion as an exclusive 12-inch vinyl single on November 11, 2020. The song was met with positive reception of music critics, whom praised its production and positive message. The single did not generate commercial success, charting on digital component charts in Canada, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, however it managed to peak at number three in Malaysia, and within the top 20 in Hungary.

Background and composition

Matthew Koma who co-wrote and co-produced "Swimming in the Stars" said that working with Spears was a "surreal" experience for him. Matthew Koma.jpg
Matthew Koma who co-wrote and co-produced "Swimming in the Stars" said that working with Spears was a "surreal" experience for him.

"Swimming in the Stars" was written by Matthew Koma, Dan Book, and Alexei Misoul in 2015 when Koma revealed he had been working with Spears though his tracks never made it on to the initial release of the album. [1] During an interview with PopCrush , Koma said that Spears is "extremely talented" and is "super surreal to sit there and hear [her] sing one of your songs". [1] The song was recorded in 2016. [2] [3]

"Swimming in the Stars" is an electropop [4] [5] [6] ballad containing a synth-laden groove. [7] [8] The song contains optimistic [9] and catchy [4] [10] lyrics with dreamy escapism spread throughout its chorus. [11] According to Jenzia Burgos of StyleCaster , the song is reminiscent of Spears's interest in astrology, with giving an example of the song's bridge, where she is singing about her sister zodiac sign: "What if we could float here forever? / In these Gemini dreams together". [11]

Release

Following the #JusticeForGlory campaign that was launched by Spears's fans on social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, the singer unveiled a new cover art for Glory on May 8, 2020, nearly four years after its release. [12] Three weeks later, Spears announced that "Mood Ring" would be released worldwide on all streaming and download platforms the next day, on May 29, 2020. [13] [14] Later that year, "Swimming in the Stars" was unveiled since it became available for pre-order as part of the Urban Outfitters's "11/11 Singles Day" promotion as an exclusive 12-inch vinyl single on November 11, 2020; however, orders would not ship until January 15, 2021. [10] The release took critics by surprise, having been released amidst the #FreeBritney movement and Spears's work hiatus. [15] [16] [17] [18] After the announcement of the song's vinyl release, a 12-seconds long snippet was released by Urban Outfitters via Instagram. [6] [19]

"Swimming in the Stars" was released to digital download and streaming media on December 2, 2020 as the fourth single from Glory, coinciding with Spears's 39th birthday. [20] Two days later, the track was included on the 2020 deluxe physical reissue of Glory with "Mood Ring" and "Matches". [9] [21] On the single cover, Spears crouches on one knee in the sand next to broken chains, wearing gold crop top and high-low sarong skirt, which were made of the same material as her bracelets and shoes. She is set to be on desert oasis. [22] On the day of release, a visualiser to the song was published on Spears's YouTube channel, featuring the single cover with animated soft waves and glistering stars behind the singer. [18] [20] Brea Cubit from PopSugar called the visualizer "mesmorizing". [7]

Critical reception

Upon release, "Swimming in the Stars" received critical acclaim. Lake Schatz of Consequence of Sound described the lyrics of "Swimming in the Stars" as "positive", since they are talking about "briefly forgetting our worries and holding onto joy". [9] Jon Blistein of Rolling Stone wrote that the song "boasts a big drum pop groove, which anchors a wash of atmospheric synths and Spears' unmistakable vocals as she croons". [23] Writing for Vulture.com , Rebecca Alter said that "Swimming in the Stars" has "big liquid-stardust, shimmery, synth-y sound perfect for stargazing when it gets dark at like 2PM". [24] Gary Dinges from USA Today stated that the song is "classic Britney" and contains "catchy lyrics". [10] Mike Wass from Idolator called the song an "absolute gem" and described its chorus as "sweeping". [6] In The Musical Hype, "Swimming in the Stars" was named a "well-produced record with a relatable theme", where Matthew Koma's production was described as "lush, sleek, and smooth". [25]

Idolator ranked the song at number 15 on their list of 100 best pop songs of 2020. [26]

Commercial performance

Due to not receiving any substantial promotion, "Swimming in the Stars" did not spawn huge commercial success, charting mostly on component charts. It peaked at number 25 on the Canadian Digital Song Sales, 28 on Germany Digital Song Sales, 36 on UK Download Chart and 18 on the US Digital Song Sales chart. [27] [28] However, the song managed to peak at number three on Malaysia's RIM chart and number 13 on the Hungary Singles Sales chart. [29] Additionally, the song also charted at number 96 on the Croatian Airplay chart. [30]

Credits and personnel

Personnel

Design

Charts

Chart performance for "Swimming in the Stars"
Chart (2020–2021)Peak
position
Canada Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [27] 25
Croatia (HRT) [30] 95
France Singles Sales (SNEP) [31] 20
Germany Digital Song Sales (Official German Charts) [28] 28
Hungary (Single Top 40) [32] 13
Malaysia (RIM) [29] 3
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [33] 37
UK Singles Downloads (OCC) [34] 36
US Digital Song Sales ( Billboard ) [35] 18

Release history

Release formats and dates for "Swimming in the Stars"
RegionDateFormat(s)LabelRef.
VariousDecember 2, 2020 RCA [36]
United StatesJanuary 15, 2021 12-inch [37]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Britney Spears</span> American singer (born 1981)

Britney Jean Spears is an American singer. Often referred to as the "Princess of Pop", she is credited with influencing the revival of teen pop during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Spears has sold over 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the world's best-selling music artists. She has earned numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award, 15 Guinness world records, six MTV Video Music Awards, seven Billboard Music Awards, the inaugural Radio Disney Icon Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her heavily choreographed videos earned her the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm a Slave 4 U</span> 2001 single by Britney Spears

"I'm a Slave 4 U" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her third studio album, Britney (2001). Written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes, it was released on September 25, 2001, by Jive Records as the lead single from the album. Marking a transition for Spears from the teen pop sounds of her previous singles, "I'm a Slave 4 U" is a dance-pop track with urban pop and R&B influences. The lyrics describes the plea of a young woman to be liberated and feel independent.

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

American singer Britney Spears has released nine studio albums, eight compilation albums, nine box sets, three extended plays (EPs), 50 singles, 11 promotional singles, two charity singles, and has made three guest appearances. In 1997, Spears signed a recording contract with American record label Jive Records in order to launch her career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gimme More</span> 2007 single by Britney Spears

"Gimme More" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her fifth studio album, Blackout (2007). It was released on August 31, 2007, by Jive Records, as the lead single from the album. "Gimme More" was recorded in 2006 during Spears' second pregnancy and was one of the first solo productions by Danja. The song opens with an intro in which Spears utters the phrase, "It's Britney, bitch." Musically, "Gimme More" is a song with elements from dance-pop, electropop and EDM using breathy vocals. The track closes with a speak-sing outro by Danja.

<i>Circus</i> (Britney Spears album) 2008 studio album by Britney Spears

Circus is the sixth studio album by American singer Britney Spears. It was released to coincide with her 27th birthday on December 2, 2008, by Jive Records. Transitioning from the "darker and more urban" themes of her fifth studio album Blackout (2007), Spears wanted to make her next project "a little bit lighter". She recorded much of the album between March and September 2008, after being involuntarily placed under a conservatorship earlier that year, following her highly-publicized personal struggles in 2007. As executive producers, Larry Rudolph and Teresa LaBarbera Whites enlisted Spears' previous collaborators such as Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant, Guy Sigsworth and Danja, as well as new ones, including Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Claude Kelly. Their efforts resulted in a primarily pop and dance record, whose lyrical themes addressed fame, infidelity, and infatuation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matthew Koma</span> American musician (born 1987)

Matthew Bair, known professionally as Matthew Koma, is an American singer, songwriter, DJ and record producer. Songs written by Koma include "Spectrum" and Grammy Award-winner "Clarity", both performed by Zedd. Koma has collaborated with Hardwell, Zedd, Miriam Bryant, Sebastian Ingrosso, Alesso, Afrojack, Tiësto, Vicetone and Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Work Bitch</span> 2013 single by Britney Spears

"Work Bitch" is a song by American singer Britney Spears released as the lead single for her eighth studio album, Britney Jean (2013). It was written by Spears, will.i.am, Otto Knows, Sebastian Ingrosso, Anthony Preston and Ruth-Anne Cunningham. The song's production was handled by Ingrosso, Jettman and Adams, while vocal production was done by Adams and Preston. "Work Bitch" made its premiere on September 15, 2013, on iHeartRadio and select Clear Channel radio stations and was released as the lead single from the album on September 16, 2013, by RCA Records from the record alongside a clean version titled "Work Work".

<i>Britney Jean</i> 2013 studio album by Britney Spears

Britney Jean is the eighth studio album by American singer Britney Spears. It was released on November 29, 2013, by RCA Records. The album is Spears's second eponymous record after Britney (2001), though the album's name refers to both her first and middle names. It marks Spears's first major activity since the dissolution of her longtime record label, Jive Records, in 2011. The singer began recording material for Britney Jean in May 2013, eventually continuing into October of that year. On numerous occasions, Spears has described the album as the most personal record from her catalog. Having assumed an integral position in its production, she co-wrote each track and collaborated with songwriters and producers including Sia and will.i.am to achieve her desired sound. Furthermore, the record features guest vocals from Spears's younger sister Jamie Lynn, T.I., and will.i.am. Musically, Britney Jean contains strong elements of EDM and pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perfume (Britney Spears song)</span> 2013 single by Britney Spears

"Perfume" is a song by American singer Britney Spears, taken from her eighth studio album, Britney Jean (2013). It was written by Spears, Sia and Christopher Braide, while the song was produced by will.i.am and co-produced by Keith Harris and Braide. The song was released as the second single from the album on November 3, 2013 by RCA Records. "Perfume" is a synth-pop, power ballad, which is influenced by music of the 1980s. Lyrically, the song is built around themes of jealousy and suspicion in a relationship. Spears revealed that the song was about her split with her ex-fiancé, Jason Trawick, in early 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pretty Girls (Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea song)</span> 2015 single by Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea

"Pretty Girls" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears and Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. Azalea co-wrote the song with Maegan Cottone, British girl group Little Mix, and the song's producers, The Invisible Men. The single was released on May 4, 2015, by RCA Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make Me (Britney Spears song)</span> 2016 single by Britney Spears

"Make Me" is the lead single of American pop singer Britney Spears' ninth studio album, Glory (2016). It features the vocal collaboration of American rapper G-Eazy. The track was written by Spears, Matthew Burns, Joe Janiak and Gerald Gillum, while produced by Burns, with Mischke serving as a vocal producer. It was released on July 15, 2016, after being previously delayed due to reported production difficulties. Described as a "slinky" midtempo pop and R&B-influenced ballad, the recording incorporates "raw" guitar riffs, "snare slaps", "whooshing synths" and a "dub step-esque boom-bap" in its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song talks about demanding sexual satisfaction.

<i>Glory</i> (Britney Spears album) 2016 studio album by Britney Spears

Glory is the ninth studio album by American singer Britney Spears, released on August 26, 2016, through RCA Records. After renewing her contract with RCA, Spears began work on the album in 2014. Lacking a deadline for completion, she continued work into 2015 and 2016, which, according to Spears, provided her with the opportunity to create one of her favorite albums in her catalog. Primarily a pop record, it also contains elements of R&B, EDM, and hip hop music.

"Private Show" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her ninth studio album, Glory (2016). It was written by Spears, Carla Marie Williams, Tramaine Winfrey and Simon Smith, with production being done by Tramaine "Young Fyre" Winfrey and vocal production by Mischke. The song was first teased with the fragrance of the same name, and later was released as a promotional single from the album on August 4, 2016.

"Clumsy" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her ninth studio album, Glory (2016). It serves as the record's second promotional single, being released on August 11, 2016 for digital download and streaming by RCA Records and Sony Music. It was provided as an instant gratification track for those who pre-ordered Glory. "Clumsy" was written by Talay Riley, Warren "Oak" Felder and Alex Niceforo, while production was handled by Felder and Alex Nice; Mischke served as a vocal producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slumber Party (song)</span> 2016 single by Britney Spears

"Slumber Party" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her ninth studio album, Glory (2016). It was written by Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Julia Michaels and Justin Tranter, and produced by Mattman & Robin. The duo was also responsible for vocal production along with Mischke. The song was released as the second single from the album on November 16, 2016, featuring vocals from American singer Tinashe in a remix version. It was sent to US contemporary hit radio on November 22, 2016. A reggae-pop and R&B track, "Slumber Party" features brass, marimba, "syncopated synths", percussion and a horn section in its instrumentation. Lyrically, the song is defined as an ode to fornication and making sex tapes, where Spears uses double entendre, while evoking one-night stands, the ritual of sleepovers with friends and the teenage game of seven minutes in heaven.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mood Ring (Britney Spears song)</span> 2020 single by Britney Spears

"Mood Ring" (also known as "Mood Ring (By Demand)" upon its 2020 international release) is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her ninth studio album, Glory (2016). It was written by Dijon McFarlane, Nicholas Audino, Te Whiti Warbrick, Lewis Hughes, Jon Asher, and Melanie Fontana. The "electro-tinged" R&B song was produced by DJ Mustard and co-produced by Twice as Nice, with vocal production provided by Asher.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matches (Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys song)</span> 2020 single by Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys

"Matches" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears and American boy band Backstreet Boys for the deluxe reissue edition of Spears' ninth studio album, Glory (2016). It was written by Asia Whiteacre, Justin Tranter, and the song's producers Michael Wise and Ian Kirkpatrick. It is a dance, electropop, and glitch pop song consisting of the lyrics describing a dangerous relationship. The single met with positive reception, with critics pointing out the "90's vibe" that the song gives off.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hold Me Closer (Elton John and Britney Spears song)</span> 2022 single by Elton John and Britney Spears

"Hold Me Closer" is a song recorded by English singer Elton John and American singer Britney Spears. It was released as a single on 26 August 2022, through EMI. The song combines elements from John's songs "Tiny Dancer" (1971), "The One" (1992), and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (1976). It appears on the digital reissue of John's collaborative album The Lockdown Sessions (2021). The song marked Spears' first new musical release in six years and her first release after the termination of her controversial conservatorship.

References

  1. 1 2 Stern, Bradley (August 13, 2015). "Matthew Koma Never Sleeps: Working With Britney Spears and Shania Twain, Touring The World And Oatmeal Ambitions". Popcrush.
  2. ↑ "Britney Spears wydała nową piosenkę! Wróciła do studia? Prawda jest inna". Eska (in Polish). December 3, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  3. ↑ Boren, Jade (December 11, 2020). "Britney Spears & Backstreet Boys MakeFans' '90s Dreams Come True With EpicCollab: 'Matches'". Hollywood Life . Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  4. 1 2 Victor, Ata (December 3, 2020). "Britney Spears Releases New Song 'Swimming In The Stars' Amid Conservatorship Row". Elle . Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  5. ↑ Damshenas, Sam (December 4, 2020). "Britney Spears surprise releases new single Swimming In The Stars". Gay Times . Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  6. 1 2 3 Wass, Mike (December 2, 2020). "Britney Spears Drops "Swimming In The Stars," Announces 'Glory' Reissue". Idolator . Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  7. 1 2 Cubit, Brea (December 2, 2020). "Britney Spears Drops New Song "Swimming in the Stars" to Celebrate 39 Trips Around the Sun". PopSugar . Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  8. ↑ Yalcinkaya, Gunseli (December 3, 2020). "Listen to Britney Spears' newly unearthed track 'Swimming in the Stars'". Dazed Digital . Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  9. 1 2 3 Schatz, Lake (December 2, 2020). "Britney Spears Celebrates Birthday by Sharing Unreleased Song "Swimming in the Stars": Stream". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  10. 1 2 3 Dinges, Gary (December 2, 2020). "Surprise! Previously unheard Britney Spears song 'Swimming In the Stars' drops on singer's 39th birthday". USA Today . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  11. 1 2 Burgos, Jenzia (December 2, 2020). "Britney Spears Released a New Song Amid Her Conservatorship Drama & the Lyrics Are Beautiful". StyleCaster . Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  12. ↑ Jones, Marcus (May 8, 2020). "Britney Spears surprises fans with new Glory album cover almost four years after its release". Yahoo. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  13. ↑ Murphy, Chris (May 28, 2020). "Britney Spears Releases Mood Ring (By Demand) New Music". Vulture. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  14. ↑ Calvario, Liz (May 29, 2020). "Britney Spears Rereleases Rare Song You Probably Haven't Heard: Listen!". ET Online. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  15. ↑ Kelleher, Patrick (November 11, 2020). "New Britney Spears single released just hours after court gives her father control over her life and career". PinkNews . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  16. ↑ Rice, Nicholas (November 13, 2020). "Previously Unreleased Britney Spears Song 'Swimming in the Stars' Drops amid Conservatorship Battle". Yahoo . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  17. ↑ "Britney Spears surprises fans with previously unreleased track on her birthday". TODAY.com. December 2, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  18. 1 2 Richards, Will (December 2, 2020). "Britney Spears announces new single amid ongoing legal battle with father". NME. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  19. ↑ Wass, Mike (November 11, 2020). "Britney Spears Released Vinyl Single "Swimming In The Stars"". Idolator . Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  20. 1 2 Mamo, Heran (December 2, 2020). "Listen to Britney Spears' Previously-Unreleased Song 'Swimming In The Stars'". Billboard . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  21. ↑ Murphy, Chris (December 11, 2020). "Britney Spears Collabs With Backstreet Boys on Matches,' Drops Deluxe Edition of Glory". Vulture.com . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  22. ↑ Oganesyan, Natalie (December 2, 2020). "Britney Spears Drops Previously Unreleased Song, 'Swimming in the Stars,' for Her Birthday". Variety . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  23. ↑ Blistein, Jon (December 2, 2020). "Hear Britney Spears' Previously Unreleased Track 'Swimming in the Stars'". Rolling Stone . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  24. ↑ Alter, Rebecca (December 2, 2020). "Benevolent Queen Britney Spears Gives Us an Unreleased Single on Her Birthday". Vulture.com . Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Britney Spears, Swimming in the Stars | Track Review". The Musical Hype. December 7, 2020. Archived from the original on December 7, 2020. Retrieved January 6, 2021.
  26. ↑ Wass, Mike (December 26, 2020). "The 100 Best Pop Songs Of 2020". Idolator . Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  27. 1 2 "Britney Spears Chart History (Canada Digital)". Billboard . Retrieved December 16, 2020.
  28. 1 2 "Offizielle Download Charts Single". Official German Charts . Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  29. 1 2 "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles In Malaysia". Recording Industry Association of Malaysia . Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  30. 1 2 "Croatia ARC TOP 100". HRT. Archived from the original on January 10, 2021. Retrieved January 4, 2021.
  31. ↑ "SWIMMING IN THE STARS" (in French). PureMédias. Retrieved December 18, 2022.
  32. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  33. ↑ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. November 14, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  34. ↑ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 5, 2020.
  35. ↑ "Britney Spears Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
  36. ↑ "Swimming in the Stars de Britney Spears no Apple Music". music.apple.com (in Portuguese). December 2, 2020. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  37. ↑ "Britney Spears – Swimming In The Stars Limited LP". Urban Outfitters. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
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.