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"Falling" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Alison Moyet, which was 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.

"Falling"
Single by Alison Moyet
from the album Essex
B-side	"Ode to Boy"
Released	4 October 1993
Genre	Pop, rock
Length	3:37
Label	Columbia Records
Songwriter(s)	Alison Moyet, Pete Glenister
Producer(s)	Ian Broudie
Alison Moyet singles chronology
"Hoodoo" (1991) "Falling" (1993) "Whispering Your Name" (1994)

A music video was filmed to promote the single,[1] which was directed by The Douglas Brothers.[2]

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.[2] 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.[3] In response, "Whispering Your Name", was remixed to become an upbeat dance for release as the following single in early 1994.[4]

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.[5] The b-side, "Ode to Boy", was taken from Essex and is a re-recording of the Moyet-penned song originally recorded by Yazoo.[6] Most CD editions of the single included a third track; "Falling (Infinite Dub)", a remix produced by The Infinite Wheel.[7] The CD version of the single released in the States included a fourth track; an acoustic version of "It Won't Be Long".[8]

Critical reception

On its release, Accrington Observer gave a two out of five star rating and wrote, "Yes, I am afraid you are Ali, which is a shame because you still have a great voice. Unfortunately this is not the song to do it justice."[9] Music & Media commented, "The striking mix of folk pop and dance sounds like a winning combination for radio."[10] Billboard stated, "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."[11]

William Ruhlmann of AllMusic described the song as having a "Revolver-era Beatles sound".[12] Adrian Janes of Penny Black Music noted: "...for the most part [Essex] 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"."[13] 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."[14]

Formats

7-inch 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 (Infinite Dub)" – 8:08

CD Single (UK promo)

1. "Falling" – 3:37

CD Single (Alternative European release)

1. "Falling" – 3:37
2. "Ode to Boy" – 2:52

CD Single (US release)

1. "Falling" – 3:37
2. "Ode to Boy" – 2:52
3. "Falling (Infinite Dub)" – 8:07
4. "It Won't Be Long (Acoustic)" – 4:01

Personnel

• Alison Moyet – lead vocals, backing vocals, backing vocal arrangement, tambourine on "Ode to Boy"
• Ian Broudie, Simon Rogers – guitars on "Falling"
• Pete Glenister, Christian Mars – guitars on "Ode to Boy"
• Andy Coughlan – bass on "Ode to Boy"
• Tony Riley – drums on "Ode to Boy"
• David Ballard – bongos on "Ode to Boy"

Production

• Ian Broudie – producer on "Falling"
• Simon Rogers – programming on "Falling"
• Cenzo Townshend – engineer on "Falling"
• David Leonard – mixing on "Falling"
• The Infinite Wheel – remix and additional production on "Falling (Infinite Dub)"
• Pete Glenister – producer on "Ode to Boy"
• Neil Brockbank, Vic Van Vugt – engineer on "Ode to Boy"
• Alan Winstanley – mixing on "Ode to Boy"

Other

• The Douglas Brothers – photography
• Alison Moyet, Martin Jenkins – design

Charts

Chart (1993)	Peak position
UK Singles Chart[3]	42

References

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