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Lovelight
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| "Lovelight" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Robbie Williams | ||||
| from the album Rudebox | ||||
| B-side | "Mess Me Up" | |||
| Released | 13 November 2006 | |||
| Studio | Chung King, Allido Sound (New York City) | |||
| Length | 4:02 | |||
| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Songwriter | Lewis Taylor | |||
| Producer | Mark Ronson | |||
| Robbie Williams singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Lovelight" on YouTube | ||||
"Lovelight" is a song written and originally performed by Lewis Taylor for his 2002 album, Stoned, Part I. In 2006, the song was covered by British singer Robbie Williams. His version was produced by Mark Ronson and was released as the second single from his seventh solo album, Rudebox, on 13 November 2006. Williams' version reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart and became a top-10 hit in five other European countries.
Chart performance
[edit]"Lovelight" debuted at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart, a week before its physical single release. The song debuted on the Download Chart at number 29, later peaking at number 15. After its physical release, "Lovelight" reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart. In Sweden, the song debuted at number 23 on the Sverigetopplistan chart on digital single sales only. In Australia, "Lovelight" debuted at number 38 on the ARIA Top 40 Digital Track Chart. In the Netherlands, the song peaked at number eight on the Dutch Top 40.
Music video
[edit]"Lovelight" features a music video that was directed by Jake Nava and filmed in Vienna, Austria during a break from Robbie Williams' European Close Encounters Tour. The video features Williams performing in a dark club (Semper Depot, Lehárgasse 6–8, Vienna-Mariahilf) accompanied by female dancers. The video premiered on ITV1 in the UK on 6 October 2006.[1]
Track listings
[edit]|
UK CD1 and European CD single[2][3]
UK CD2[4]
UK DVD single[5]
|
Italian 12-inch single[6]
Australian CD single[7]
|
Credits and personnel
[edit]Credits are taken from the Rudebox album booklet.[8]
Studios
- Recorded at Chung King and Allido Sound (New York City)
- Mixed at MixStar Studios (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
- Mastered at Metropolis Studios (London, England)
Personnel
- Lewis Taylor – writing
- Robbie Williams – lead vocals
- N'Dea Davenport – backing vocals
- Mark Ronson – electric guitar, scratches, beats, percussion, production, engineering
- Andrew Levy – bass guitar
- Raymond Angry – Fender Rhodes, Roland strings
- Sam Koppelman – percussion
- Dave Guy – trumpet
- Neal Sugarman – tenor saxophone
- Ian Hendrickson-Smith – baritone saxophone
- Serban Ghenea – mixing
- Vaughan Merrick – engineering
- Derek Pacuk – engineering
- Andy Marcinkowski – engineering assistance
- Jesse Gladstone – engineering assistance
- Tony Cousins – mastering
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 13 November 2006 | CD | Chrysalis | [42] |
| Australia | 20 November 2006 | [43] |
References
[edit]- ^ "ITV deliver exclusive screening of Robbie Williams' new 'Lovelight' video". Retrieved 2 November 2006.
- ^ Lovelight (UK CD1 liner notes). Chrysalis Records. 2006. CDCHS 5162, 0946 3 81599 2 6.
- ^ Lovelight (European CD single liner notes). Chrysalis Records. 2006. CDCHS5162, 0094638148029.
- ^ Lovelight (UK CD2 liner notes). Chrysalis Records. 2006. CDCHSS5162, 0094638154723.
- ^ Lovelight (UK DVD single liner notes). Chrysalis Records. 2006. DVDCHS 5162, 0094638148098.
- ^ Lovelight (Italian 12-inch single vinyl disc). Chrysalis Records. 2006. 0946 3 84421 1 0.
- ^ Lovelight (Australian CD single liner notes). Chrysalis Records. 2006. DVDCHS 5162, 094638269625.
- ^ Rudebox (UK CD album booklet). Chrysalis Records. 2006. 00946 3770442 4.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight" (in French). Ultratop 50.
- ^ "Charts – TopHit – Highway to Airplay". TopHit. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI – CZ Radio – Top 100 – 07. týden 2007" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight". Tracklisten.
- ^ "Hits of the World: Eurocharts". Billboard. Vol. 118, no. 48. 2 December 2006. p. 61.
- ^ "European Radio Airplay" (PDF). Billboard. 25 November 2006. p. 63. Retrieved 31 December 2024.
- ^ "Robbie Williams: Lovelight" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
- ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved 13 March 2019.
- ^ "Top 50 Singles 31/12/06 έως 6/1/2007" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 3 January 2007. Retrieved 3 January 2007. See Best Position column.
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Lovelight". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight". Top Digital Download.
- ^ "The most popular songs in Latvia" (in Latvian). Lanet.lv. 26 November 2006. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 48, 2006" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
- ^ "Issue nr: 48/2006 (04 Decembrie – 10 Decembrie 2006)" (in Romanian). Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 6 December 2006. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
- ^ "Loveight: Robbie Williams". TopHit. Retrieved 13 December 2025. Select Russia from Charts.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 25/11/2006 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200705 into search. Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight". Canciones Top 50.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight". Singles Top 100.
- ^ "Robbie Williams – Lovelight". Swiss Singles Chart.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 25/11/2006 – Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Top 50 Airplay Chart". Music Week. 18 November 2006. p. 24. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Ukraine Weekly Chart". TopHit. 20 March 2008. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
- ^ "Robbie Williams Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "LITHUANIA – Radio M-1 Top 100 of 2006". M-1. Retrieved 18 July 2025.
- ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2006". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2006" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2007" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved 8 April 2020.
- ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 11 November 2006. p. 25.
- ^ "The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 20th November 2006" (PDF). ARIA. 20 November 2006. p. 29. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2008. Retrieved 3 January 2022.
External links
[edit]
Lovelight
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background and development
Writing process
"Lovelight" was co-written by Lewis Taylor and Sabina Smyth in 2001 for Taylor's self-released third studio album, Stoned, Part I (2002).[12] The song's lyrics explore themes of love and emotional vulnerability, with the chorus hook "You got the lovelight" serving as its catchy emotional anchor.[13] Specific details on the writing process are limited, but the track aligns with Taylor's neo-soul style, drawing from soul and psychedelic influences.[2] Robbie Williams covered the song for his 2006 album Rudebox without alterations to the composition, after being introduced to Taylor's original by producer Mark Ronson.[14]Recording sessions
The original recording of "Lovelight" took place in 2001 at Taylor's home studio, where he performed and played all instruments. It was co-produced by Taylor and Sabina Smyth, resulting in a 4:53 track featuring layered production with funky bass lines and a synth backdrop influenced by Kraftwerk's "Computer World."[2][1] Williams's cover was recorded primarily at Chung King Studios and Allido Sound in New York City in late 2005 to mid-2006, under the production of Mark Ronson.[15] Ronson prepared basic tracks shortly before Williams's arrival, allowing for efficient vocal recording.[14] The production emphasized live instrumentation for a Motown-esque vibe, with contributions including bass by Andrew Levy, guitar and scratches by Ronson, Fender Rhodes and Roland strings by Raymond Angry, horns by Ian Hendrickson-Smith, Neal Sugarman, Alex Foster, and Fernando Gonzalez, and backing vocals by N'Dea Davenport.[15] Additional elements like a phased Roland String Ensemble and gated synth scratch were added. Williams recorded multiple vocal takes, focusing on falsetto delivery inspired by Taylor's original.[14] Final mixing for the cover was handled by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios, balancing retro soul with modern pop elements. Assistant engineers Andy Marcinkowski and Jesse Gladstone supported the process.[15]Musical composition
Style and genre
"Lovelight" is a dance-pop song incorporating elements of disco, funk, and soul, drawing from the neo-soul style of its original version by Lewis Taylor.[16][17][18] Produced by Mark Ronson, it features a tempo of 102 beats per minute in the key of E-flat major, contributing to its upbeat and groovy feel.[19][20] The track's instrumentation highlights a prominent brass section, including tenor and baritone saxophones and trumpet, which adds a lively, soulful texture.[21] Electric guitar riffs, Fender Rhodes electric piano, bass guitar, and percussion—including scratches and beats—drive the rhythm, enhanced by backing vocals from N'Dea Davenport.[21] These elements create a smooth, funky sound that blends retro influences with electronic production.[18][22] Structurally, "Lovelight" follows a verse-chorus form with a bridge, typical of contemporary pop songs, and lasts 4:02 in its single edit.[17] This format, combined with Williams' falsetto vocals, underscores the song's fusion of nostalgic soul grooves and modern dance energy, akin to his earlier track "Rock DJ" in merging retro and pop sensibilities.[22]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "Lovelight," a cover of Lewis Taylor's original track, center on themes of romantic uncertainty, emotional vulnerability, and the plea for genuine affection in a faltering relationship. Written by Taylor and performed by Robbie Williams on the 2006 album Rudebox, the song uses the metaphor of a "lovelight" to represent a partner's withheld or dimmed love, creating a narrative of frustration and longing for clarity. The narrator grapples with the pain of unreciprocated intensity, questioning the sustainability of the connection amid mixed signals.[23] In the opening verse, Williams sings, "What am I supposed to do / To keep from going under? / Now you're making holes in my heart / And yes, it's starting to show," illustrating the emotional toll of one-sided investment and the fear of emotional drowning. This builds to the chorus, where the repeated plea involves "Turning your lovelight down again," underscoring the theme of inconsistency, with the partner repeatedly pulling away. The bridge intensifies this with lines like "Baby, you turn your lovelight down / And I don't know / Just how long I can stick around," directly confronting the relationship's viability.[24] Interpretively, the song explores layers of insecurity and the human need for honest emotional expression, portraying love as a light that can illuminate or obscure depending on one's willingness to share it. Poetic devices such as repetition ("Did it again, did it again") and simple rhyme schemes (e.g., "under/show," "true/you") contribute to its catchy, introspective tone, blending angst with a subtle optimism in seeking resolution. These elements align with the upbeat soul-pop production, reinforcing the contrast between lyrical doubt and musical buoyancy.[23][24]Release and promotion
Commercial release
"Lovelight" was released as the second single from Robbie Williams' sixth studio album, Rudebox, on 13 November 2006 by Chrysalis Records in the United Kingdom.[25] The release followed the album's launch on 23 October 2006 and served as a key part of its promotional rollout, with the single emphasizing the record's eclectic mix of covers and originals. The single was issued in multiple physical and digital formats to cater to different markets and fan preferences. In the UK, it was available as a two-part CD single set, a DVD single, and via digital download through platforms like iTunes. CD1 (catalogue CDCHS 5162) contained the radio edit of "Lovelight," an instrumental version, and enhanced content such as the music video. CD2 (CDCHSS5162) featured additional remixes, including the Soulwax Ravelight Vocal Mix and the Soul Seekerz Dark Room Vocal Mix, alongside the exclusive B-side "Mess Me Up," a previously unreleased track co-written by Williams. The DVD single included the video, behind-the-scenes footage, and audio remixes. A limited 12-inch vinyl promo appeared earlier in October 2006 for club play, but commercial vinyl was not widely issued.[26][27] European releases varied slightly by territory, with a standard CD single (0946 3 81599 2 6) distributed by EMI across the continent around the same UK date, featuring core tracks and select remixes. In Italy, a 12-inch single (0946 3 84421 1 0) was released via Dance Factory, targeting dance markets with extended mixes. Digital downloads became available simultaneously in select European countries, enabling broader accessibility ahead of physical stock. The rollout strategy integrated with Williams' ongoing Close Encounters Tour, using the single's momentum to bridge promotion between the prior Intensive Care era and Rudebox's reception.[26]Promotional activities
The strategy targeted adult contemporary stations, leveraging the song's retro soul vibe to appeal to a broad audience beyond Williams' typical pop fanbase. Digital promotion included exclusive iTunes bundles that paired "Lovelight" with select album tracks from Rudebox, encouraging early downloads and cross-promotion of the full record ahead of its physical release.Critical reception
Contemporary reviews
Lewis Taylor's original recording of "Lovelight," released on his 2002 album Stoned, Part I, received positive notice from critics for its soulful and innovative production. Uncut described it as part of Taylor's "criminally underrated" work, highlighting the track's insouciant quality and neo-soul grooves.[6] Pitchfork later noted in a 2021 retrospective that the original was a "brilliant dance tune," underscoring its influence.[28] Upon its release in November 2006 as the second single from Robbie Williams' album Rudebox, "Lovelight" received generally favorable contemporary reviews, with critics appreciating its upbeat pop structure and contrast to the album's more experimental tracks. The BBC Chart Blog lauded the song for its straightforward appeal, describing it as a "gimmick-free pop song full of jaunty soul" that builds to a "full-on Motown-style chorus," positioning it as an example of Williams at his best in crafting bold, commercial pop tunes.[29] Music-News.com provided mixed feedback, acknowledging the track as "not terrible" and a "vast improvement" over the album's title track, while praising it as a "nice little tune" with amusing elements; however, the reviewer criticized the computer effects in the bridge and suggested it functioned better as an album filler than a standalone single.[30] Album reviews from the period often highlighted "Lovelight" as a standout, emphasizing its potential as a hit single. For instance, a track-by-track analysis in Gay Times called it "insanely catchy" with "pitch-perfect falsetto disco," suggesting it outdid even the flamboyance of Scissor Sisters.[31] On Rate Your Music, user ratings averaged 4.02 out of 5 from four reviews, underscoring its enduring pop appeal among early listeners.[32]Retrospective assessments
In the years following its 2006 release, "Lovelight" has been reevaluated as one of the standout tracks from Robbie Williams' otherwise polarizing album Rudebox, often praised for its infectious energy and production that anticipated broader musical trends. Music critics have highlighted its role as a bright spot amid the album's eclectic and uneven experimentation, crediting producer Mark Ronson's fusion of electronic elements with smooth disco influences for giving it lasting appeal.[22] A 2022 retrospective by The Guardian ranked "Lovelight" at number seven in Williams' 20 greatest songs, describing it as "a fantastic song, but a weirdly prescient one" whose falsetto vocals and blend of Daft Punk-inspired electronics with yacht-rock disco evoked the soul-revival pop of artists like Amy Winehouse and Adele, suggesting it could easily fit into contemporary releases by figures such as Harry Styles.[22] Similarly, a 2016 ranking by music blog 2 Loud 2 Old Music placed it at number eight among Williams' top 20 songs, noting its status as a "great dance song" derived from Lewis Taylor's original and emphasizing Ronson's production as a key factor in its vibrancy.[33] Later album retrospectives have further solidified "Lovelight"'s position in Williams' discography as a bridge between his pop-rock roots and more genre-blending explorations, with a 2021 review of Rudebox commending its gentle incorporation of guest vocals from N'Dea Davenport and its overall uplift amid the record's chaos.[18] These assessments underscore how the track's enduring catchiness and forward-looking sound have elevated it beyond the initial mixed reception of Rudebox, marking it as a pivotal moment in Williams' evolution toward more diverse influences in the late 2000s.Commercial performance
Chart positions
"Lovelight" first appeared on the UK Singles Downloads Chart, entering at number 29 on October 28, 2006, and peaking at number 15. Following its physical release, it entered the UK Singles Chart at number 28 on November 18, 2006, before climbing to its peak position of number 8 on November 25, 2006.[9] The single spent 9 weeks on the UK Singles Chart.[9] The song charted across several European countries, peaking at number 25 in the Netherlands and number 28 in Ireland. In Germany, it reached number 21 on the singles chart. In the United States, it peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in 2007.[34][35]| Country | Chart | Peak Position | Notes/Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | UK Singles Chart | 8 | Peaked November 25, 2006; 9 weeks on chart Official Charts Company |
| Ireland | IRMA | 28 | Irish Charts |
| Netherlands | Dutch Top 40 | 25 | Dutch Charts |
| Germany | GfK Entertainment Charts | 21 | Peaked 2006 Offizielle Charts |
| United States | Billboard Dance Club Songs | 8 | 2007 Music VF |
Sales figures
Specific sales figures for "Lovelight" are limited. The single did not receive a BPI certification in the UK. Globally, detailed shipment data is unavailable from IFPI reports. In the streaming era, the track has accumulated approximately 8.7 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025. Relative to Rudebox, which has sold 2.6 million equivalent album units worldwide, "Lovelight" contributed to the album's promotion through its European chart performance.[36][37]Music video
Concept and filming
The music video for "Lovelight" was directed by Jake Nava, known for his work with artists such as Beyoncé and Usher.[38] Filming took place at the Semper Depot, a historic 19th-century industrial complex in Vienna, Austria, which provided a vast, echoing hall ideal for dynamic performance shots.[39] This location was selected during a brief pause in Robbie Williams' European Close Encounters Tour in summer 2006, allowing the production to align closely with the tour's schedule.[40] The creative concept centered on a high-energy dance sequence that emphasized the song's laidback yet soul-drenched vibe, with Williams as the central performer surrounded by an ensemble of female dancers.[41] The visuals intercut close-up shots of Williams singing and moving with wider angles capturing synchronized choreography in the expansive space, evoking a sense of joyful liberation and communal rhythm to match the track's Motown influences.[42] Production focused on dramatic lighting to enhance the atmospheric depth of the depot, creating a modern yet nostalgic feel that complemented the cover's retro soul essence.[43] Behind-the-scenes efforts highlighted efficient logistics to accommodate the tour break, with the shoot wrapping in a condensed timeframe to minimize disruptions. The result was a visually striking piece that prioritized movement and energy over narrative complexity, showcasing Williams' charisma in a minimalist yet vibrant setting.[41]Release and reception
The music video for "Lovelight" premiered on ITV1 on October 6, 2006.[42] It was subsequently uploaded to Robbie Williams' official YouTube channel on April 18, 2009, facilitating wider online accessibility and contributing to its enduring digital presence.[44] Upon release, the video garnered mixed critical reception. Viewership metrics underscore the video's popularity over time. The video, uploaded in 2009, has amassed over 24 million views on YouTube as of 2025, boosted by streaming revivals and algorithmic recommendations that have introduced the video to new audiences.[45]Performances and legacy
Live performances
"Lovelight" received its live debut during Robbie Williams' Close Encounters World Tour on November 30, 2006, at Subiaco Oval in Perth, Australia, where it was performed with his full band as part of the main setlist.[46] Williams repeated the performance the following evening on December 1, 2006, at the same Perth venue during the tour's Australian leg.[47] Concert records indicate that "Lovelight" was played a total of two times live by Williams between 2006 and 2025, both during this tour and not typically as an encore.[47] The original performer, Lewis Taylor, has included "Lovelight" in live sets, such as at the Jazz Cafe in London.[48]Cultural impact
"Lovelight," Robbie Williams' 2006 cover of Lewis Taylor's 2002 soul track, played a key role in revitalizing interest in the original composition, which had initially appeared on Taylor's album Stoned, Part I. Williams' version, with its upbeat disco-infused arrangement, introduced the song to a broader pop audience and highlighted Taylor's songwriting talents, leading to greater recognition for the lesser-known artist.[3] Produced by Mark Ronson, the track's dub mix became a notable example of early 2000s fusion between soul and electronic dance elements, influencing Ronson's subsequent production work and contributing to the era's trend of remixing pop songs for club play. The collaboration underscored Williams' willingness to experiment with genre-blending, marking a pivotal moment in his shift toward more eclectic sounds during the Rudebox era.[49] In contemporary media, "Lovelight" has sustained relevance through social platforms, where its infectious chorus and rhythm have inspired user-generated dance freestyles and challenges on TikTok, keeping the song alive among younger audiences.[50] Retrospectively, the song has been hailed as a high point in Williams' discography and 2000s British pop, exemplifying the soul-pop revival that influenced later artists blending emotional balladry with upbeat production, such as those in the vein of Williams' own stylistic heirs. A 2022 ranking of Williams' greatest songs described it as "weirdly prescient," noting its enduring appeal amid the experimental chaos of Rudebox.[22]Track listings and credits
Track listings
The "Lovelight" single by Robbie Williams was issued in multiple formats worldwide, featuring variations in tracks and remixes tailored to different markets and media.[26]UK CD1
This enhanced CD single, released by Chrysalis Records, includes the lead track alongside a non-album B-side.[17]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lovelight" | 4:03 |
| 2. | "Mess Me Up" | 5:14 |
Digital EP
The digital download single, available through platforms like iTunes, offers the album version of the title track along with a non-album B-side.[51]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Lovelight" | 4:02 |
| 2. | "Mess Me Up" | 5:15 |
Vinyl Edition
The 12-inch vinyl promo, distributed in select European markets, features remixes on both sides.[52]| Side | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| A | "Lovelight" (Soulwax Ravelight Vocal) | 5:10 |
| B | "Lovelight" (Soulwax Ravelight Instrumental) | 5:10 |