Gravity (Embrace song)

“Gravity” was written by Chris Martin of Coldplay, who offered the song to Embrace after the band's label, Independiente, approached him for material.¹ Martin had originally intended the song for Coldplay's third album, X&Y, but decided to give it away, feeling it did not fit the album's direction.² Embrace's lead singer, Danny McNamara, recalled that Martin played the song on piano and the band immediately connected with it, recording it with producer Youth.³

“Gravity” was released on 27 September 2004 as the lead single from Out of Nothing. It entered the UK Singles Chart at number one, becoming Embrace's first and only chart-topper in the UK. The single also charted in Ireland (number 20) and in several European territories.⁴ The song's success helped propel Out of Nothing to number one on the UK Albums Chart in October 2004.⁵

Critics noted the song's anthemic, piano-driven melody and soaring chorus, typical of both Embrace's and Coldplay's styles. NME described it as “a stadium-sized ballad with a chorus that could level mountains,” while Drowned in Sound praised McNamara's vocal delivery.⁶ The song has been covered by other artists, including a notable live rendition by Coldplay themselves, which Martin has performed at several concerts.²

“Gravity” is often cited as a highlight of Embrace's discography and a key example of a successful songwriting collaboration between major artists.¹ In 2019, The Guardian included it in a list of “great songs written by other artists,” noting how Martin's gift helped revitalize Embrace's career. The song remains a staple in Embrace's live performances and has been streamed over 20 million times on Spotify.⁷

Despite its success, “Gravity” was not originally intended for Embrace; Martin had also offered the song to other artists, including Will Young, who turned it down.² The single's B-side, “The Good Will Out,” is a re-recording of a track from Embrace's 1998 debut album, giving longtime fans a nostalgic nod.⁸ The music video, directed by Jake Scott, features the band performing in a dark, atmospheric setting with abstract imagery, a departure from their earlier, more straightforward performance videos.⁹ Additionally, the song's working title was “Gravity (Pull Me Down),” but it was shortened before release.¹⁰

Independiente

British independent record label that released Embrace's albums from 1997 to 2007.

Youth

British record producer (Martin Glover) who produced Embrace's 'Out of Nothing'.

X&Y

Coldplay's third studio album (2005), for which 'Gravity' was originally considered.