"Stand Above Me" is a song by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released as the first single from their album Liberator (released a few weeks ahead of the album), and their 26th single overall. It was the last OMD single released on a 12" format before the group took a break in 1996. The next 12" to be released under the OMD name was "Metroland" in March 2013.
"Stand Above Me" | ||||
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Single by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark | ||||
from the album Liberator | ||||
B-side | "Can I Believe You" | |||
Released | 3 May 1993 (1993-05-03)[1] | |||
Studio | The Pink Museum, The Ministry (Liverpool, England) | |||
Genre | Synthpop | |||
Length | 3:33 | |||
Label | Virgin | |||
Songwriter(s) | Andy McCluskey, Stuart Kershaw, Lloyd Massett | |||
Producer(s) | Andy McCluskey, Phil Coxon | |||
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark singles chronology | ||||
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An "anonymous" club 12" was released as "Liberator: Stand Above Me". It appeared to be credited to the act "Liberator". The song peaked at number 5 on the US modern rock chart and number 6 on the US dance chart.[2]
The Huddersfield Daily Examiner named "Stand Above Me" their "Single of the Week", observing "a strong slice of synth-pop with a grinding bass swell".[3] Billboard wrote, "For public tastes that run to infectiously upbeat bubblegum pop with some muscle, this track, from the chronically overlooked venerable British pop outfit, will do the trick. Features fat, raspy synths, a rollicking beat, and sweet, strong vocal harmonies."[4] Music Week scored the single 3/5 but considered it "bland" in comparison to OMD's earlier work.[5]
Virgin / VS 1444 (UK)
Virgin / VST1444 (UK)
Virgin / SPRO-12777 (USA, promo)
Union Recordings / ucrtdj18 (USA)
Virgin / VSCDT 1444 (UK, Jewel case), VSCDG 1444 (UK, Digipack)
Virgin / VSC 1444 (UK)
Both sides of the cassette have the same track listing.
Chart (1993) | Peak position |
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Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[6] | 29 |
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[7] | 53 |
Germany (Official German Charts)[8] | 33 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[9] | 39 |
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[10] | 28 |
UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 21 |
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[12] | 11 |
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[13] | 5 |
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[14] | 6 |