Falling (Alison Moyet song)


"Falling" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Alison Moyet, released in 1993 as the lead single from her fourth studio album Essex. It was written by Moyet and Pete Glenister, and produced by Ian Broudie.
A music video was filmed to promote the single, which was directed by The Douglas Brothers.

Background

The Essex album was originally rejected by Columbia, who insisted that it be re-recorded to create a more commercial package. Ian Broudie was hired to produce the re-recorded tracks. "Falling" was released in October 1993, almost half a year before the album's release. However, the song failed to live up to the label's expectations after it did not enter the UK Top 40, peaking at No. 42. In response, "Whispering Your Name", was remixed to become an upbeat dance for release as the following single in early 1994.

Release

"Falling" was released by Columbia on 7" vinyl, cassette and CD. It was released in the UK and across Europe, as well as Australia and the United States. The b-side, "Ode to Boy", was taken from Essex and is a re-recording of the Moyet-penned song originally recorded by Yazoo. Most CD editions of the single included a third track; "Falling ", a remix produced by The Infinite Wheel. The CD version of the single released in the States included a fourth track; an acoustic version of "It Won't Be Long".

Critical reception

Upon release, Billboard commented: "Second pearl from Moyet's Essex collection is a rumbling, acoustic guitar-framed rock ditty. Her distinctive, smoky voice has rarely sounded this endearing, and the tune is among her best compositions to date. Modern rock programmers should take heed." Music & Media commented: "The striking mix of folk pop and dance sounds like a winning combination for radio."
William Ruhlmann of AllMusic described the song as having a "Revolver-era Beatles sound". Adrian Janes of Penny Black Music noted: "...for the most part certainly has, at least instrumentally, the kind of bright energy expected in an Ian Broudie production, whether the jaunty folk feel of "Falling" or the dynamic "Lust for Life" rhythm of "So Am I"." Helena Adams of Reflections of Darkness commented: "Essex starts good through "Falling," a piece that invites to sing along, with commonplace arrangements which nonetheless work to provide an upbeat sensation founded by New Wave."

Formats

;7" single
  1. "Falling" - 3:37
  2. "Ode to Boy" - 2:52
;Cassette single
  1. "Falling" - 3:38
  2. "Ode to Boy" - 2:52
;CD single
  1. "Falling" - 3:38
  2. "Ode to Boy" - 2:52
  3. "Falling " - 8:08
;CD Single
  1. "Falling" - 3:37
;CD Single
  1. "Falling" - 3:37
  2. "Ode to Boy" - 2:52
;CD Single
  1. "Falling" - 3:37
  2. "Ode to Boy" - 2:52
  3. "Falling " - 8:07
  4. "It Won't Be Long " - 4:01

    Chart performance

Personnel

;Production
;Other