Gravity (Pixie Lott song)

"Gravity" was written by Pixie Lott alongside Jon Maguire, with production handled by American producer John Shanks, known for his work with artists such as Sheryl Crow and Bon Jovi. The song was recorded in Los Angeles and was chosen as the lead single from Lott's second album, Young Foolish Happy, released on 14 November 2011. It premiered on BBC Radio 1 on 9 September 2011 and was released digitally on 9 October 2011, with a physical CD single following on 10 October.

The single's artwork features a close-up of Lott with a vintage, sepia-toned aesthetic, reflecting the album's retro-pop influences. The song's lyrics explore the emotional pull of a relationship that is hard to resist, using gravity as a metaphor for irresistible attraction.

"Gravity" is a mid-tempo pop-rock song with a prominent guitar riff and a driving beat. It is written in the key of E minor with a moderate tempo of 120 beats per minute. Lott's vocal range spans from E3 to B4. The song features a chord progression of Em–C–G–D throughout the verses and chorus, giving it a anthemic quality. Critics noted its departure from the dance-pop of her debut album, instead embracing a more organic, guitar-led sound reminiscent of 1980s rock.¹

The song received generally positive reviews from music critics. Digital Spy gave it four out of five stars, praising Lott's vocal delivery and the song's "soaring chorus."² BBC Music described it as "a confident step forward" and noted its "radio-friendly sheen." However, some critics felt it was less distinctive than her earlier hits, with The Guardian calling it "competent but unremarkable."

"Gravity" debuted at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart on 16 October 2011, becoming Lott's fifth top-ten single in the UK. It also reached number 14 in Ireland and number 22 in Scotland. The song performed moderately across Europe, charting in Belgium (Ultratip), the Netherlands, and Switzerland. It did not chart on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it did reach number 40 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

The accompanying music video was directed by Jake Nava, known for his work with Beyoncé and Adele. It was filmed in Los Angeles in August 2011 and premiered on 12 September 2011. The video features Lott performing the song in a dimly lit studio with a live band, interspersed with scenes of her wandering through a desert landscape. The visual aesthetic was inspired by classic rock music videos of the 1970s, with a focus on natural lighting and vintage film grain.³

Lott performed "Gravity" on several television programmes, including This Morning and Alan Carr: Chatty Man. She also included the song on the setlist for her 2012 Young Foolish Happy Tour. The song has been covered by various artists, including a notable acoustic version by British singer-songwriter James Morrison during a BBC Radio 2 session. Additionally, the song was used in the soundtrack of the 2012 film Keith Lemon: The Film.⁴

One lesser-known fact is that "Gravity" was originally written for Lott's debut album, but was shelved and later re-recorded for Young Foolish Happy. The demo version, which leaked online in 2010, features a slightly different arrangement with a more prominent synth line. Another obscure detail is that the song's B-side, "You Got the Love," is a cover of the Candi Staton classic, which Lott recorded during the same sessions but never released as a single. Additionally, the song's producer John Shanks played guitar on the track, contributing to its live-in-the-studio feel. The song's music video was shot in the same desert location used for the iconic cover of U2's The Joshua Tree album, though this was coincidental.⁵

Lead single

The first single released from an album, intended to promote the album and generate interest.

Pop-rock

A music genre that combines elements of pop and rock, typically featuring catchy melodies with guitar-driven instrumentation.

B-side

A secondary track on a single, often not included on the album, sometimes a cover or an alternate version.