Fantasy (Earth, Wind & Fire song)

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This article is about Earth, Wind & Fire song. For other uses, see Fantasy (disambiguation).
"Fantasy"
Single by Earth, Wind & Fire
from the album All 'N All
B-side"Be Ever Wonderful (UK) Runnin' (US)"
ReleasedJanuary 1978 (UK)
February 1978 (US)
Recorded1977
Genre
Length3:46 (7-inch version)
4:38 (album version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Maurice White
Earth, Wind & Fire singles chronology
"Serpentine Fire"
(1977) 		"Fantasy"
(1978) 		"Jupiter"
(1977)
Music video
"Fantasy" on YouTube

"Fantasy" is a song by American band Earth, Wind & Fire, which was issued as a single in 1978 by Columbia Records.[1]

Overview[edit]

"Fantasy" was produced by Maurice White, who also composed the song with Eddie Del Barrio and Verdine White.[1] The song took three months to compose, and was only finally finished after Maurice White saw and was inspired by the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.[2]

The US B-side of the single was a song called "Be Ever Wonderful", while the UK B-side was a song called "Runnin'". "Fantasy", "Be Ever Wonderful", and "Runnin'" were all featured on EWF's 1977 studio album All 'n All.[1]

Critical reception[edit]

Blues and Soul declared that "Play it loud and it'll fill any dance floor".[3] Joe McEwen of Rolling Stone wrote "The lyrics of 'Fantasy' (“Come to see, victory, in the land called fantasy”) may be hard to swallow, but the music is as close to elegance as any funk song has come. Voices and a light touch of strings suddenly appear over a choppy, propulsive track, swell and swoop, only to disappear at the snap of a finger and pop up moments later for an exciting, powerful finale. White also utilizes an odd instrumental mix that gives equal emphasis to percussion (except the bass drum, which is usually played down), bass, rhythm guitars and stabbing, staccato horn bursts. The result is light but substantial, and it’s become a model for many other bands."[4] Barry Cain of Record Mirror placed "Fantasy" as one of his four Records of the Week saying "Decontaminated warp factor three faar out felony with a smack of glossy metallic reverence, EW&F transcend the oft restricted peaks of disco into the realms of elaborate, effortless slices of electromania fused into chocolate box acceptance. They sure soar these boys, soaring on the soprano solitude of Maurice White, Mastermind, Mother and Despot."[5] Alex Henderson of AllMusic also called "Fantasy" "dreamy".[6] Record World said that "the horn arrangement and soaring vocals are the chief hook."[7]

"Fantasy" was nominated for a Grammy award in the category of Best R&B Song.[8]

Appearances in other media[edit]

Fantasy appeared on the soundtrack of the 1981 feature film Private Lessons, the 1997 feature film The Sixth Man, the 2005 feature film Be Cool and the 2006 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. It also appears in the second season of the Bob's Burgers episode "Bad Tina" (2012) and at the end of the 2020 Disney+ film, Godmothered.[9][10][11]

Chart performance[edit]

The single reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot Soul Songs chart, No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart.[12][13][14]

After its release in Japan as a digital single to cellphones in 2009, it was certified gold for 100,000 downloads in May 2011.[15]

Charts[edit]

Chart (1978) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[16] 25
Belgium (Ultratop)[17] 13
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[18] 37
France (IFOP)[19] 13
Ireland (IRMA)[20] 4
Netherlands (Dutch Single Top 100)[21] 7
New Zealand (RIANZ)[22] 14
South Africa (Springbok)[23] 7
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[24] 8
UK Singles (OCC)[25] 14
US Billboard Hot 100[26] 32
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 12

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[27] Silver 200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Black Box version[edit]

"Fantasy"
Single by Black Box featuring Martha Wash
from the album Dreamland
B-side"Get Down"
ReleasedOctober 22, 1990 (1990-10-22)[28]
GenreHouse
Length5:14
LabelRCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Daniele Davoli
  • Mirko Limoni
  • Valerio Semplici
Black Box featuring Martha Wash singles chronology
"Everybody Everybody"
(1990) 		"Fantasy"
(1990) 		"The Total Mix"
(1991)
Music video
"Fantasy" on YouTube

In 1990, Italian group Black Box recorded a cover of "Fantasy" for their debut studio album, Dreamland (1990). Their version featured Martha Wash on lead vocals, but their music producers initially failed to credit her. It also contains a sample from the drum pattern of Grace Jones' rendition of "La Vie en rose" (1977).[29] Black Box's version of the song charted at number five in the UK Singles Chart,[30] number 16 in Germany, and number three in Australia.[31][32] In 2013, Australian music channel Max included Black Box' version of the song in their list of "1000 Greatest Songs of All Time".[33]

Critical reception[edit]

In an retrospective review, Matthew Hocter from Albumism stated that the song is "sung to perfection" by Martha Wash, remarking that it "put the band into a different lane. Doing the original version immense justice".[34] Upon the single release, Bill Coleman from Billboard named it one of the "highlights" from the album.[35] Another editor, Larry Flick, described it as a "sleaze-speed house rendition" and an "ethereal remix emphasizing plush strings and Martha Wash's unmistakable voice."[36] Ernest Hardy from Cashbox also named the song a "standout" from the album.[37]

On the single review, Henderson and DeVaney said it is "an example of dance music as it should be—moving, inspired, richly expressive. A belter, the big-voiced Martha Wash brings a great deal of emotion, depth and soul to this inspired remake."[38] The Daily Vault's Michael R. Smith felt that it "sounds like a television theme song that you can't get out of your head."[39] Andrew Smith from Melody Maker called it a "nauseous version".[40] Chris Heath from Smash Hits declared it as a "fairly faithful version" of Earth, Wind & Fire's disco classic.[41]

Music video[edit]

The accompanying music video for "Fantasy" was directed by Neil Thompson.[42]

Track listings[edit]

  • CD maxi and 12-inch maxi - Remixed
  1. "Fantasy" (club mix) – 7:20
  2. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (rap mix) – 6:43
  3. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (Rappapella) – 3:00
  • 7-inch single
  1. "Fantasy" – 3:44
  2. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (Rappapella) – 3:00
  • 7-inch single - Remixed
  1. "Fantasy" (Remixed 7-inch) – 3:44
  2. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (rap mix edit) – 3:34
  • CD maxi - Remixed
  1. "Fantasy" (remixed 7-inch) – 3:44
  2. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (rap mix) – 6:43
  3. "Fantasy" (club mix) – 7:20
  • 12-inch maxi
  1. "Fantasy" (Big Band remix) – 5:48
  2. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (Party remix) – 3:55
  3. "Get Down" Black Box featuring "Stepz" (Afro mix) – 4:15

Charts[edit]

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[61] Gold 35,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[62] Silver 200,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy. Columbia Records. 1978.
  2. ^ Funicello, Tammy (May 18, 2005). "Maurice White Honored". La Valley Star. Archived from the original on June 1, 2009.
  3. ^ Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy. Blues and Soul. March 14, 1978.
  4. ^ McEwen,Joe (January 26, 1978). "Earth, Wind & Fire: All n' All". rollingstone.com. Rolling Stone.
  5. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy" (PDF). Record Mirror. February 4, 1978. p. 16. {{cite magazine}}: Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  6. ^ Henderson, Alex. "Earth, Wind & Fire: All 'n All". allmusic.com. AllMusic.
  7. ^ "Hits of the Week" (PDF). Record World. February 25, 1978. p. 1. Retrieved 2023-02-15.
  8. ^ "Maurice White". grammy.com. The Recording Academy.
  9. ^ "The Sixth Man (Soundtrack)". imdb.com. IMDb.
  10. ^ "Be Cool (Soundtrack)". IMDb.com.
  11. ^ "Grand Theft Auto: Vice Stories (Soundtrack)". imdb.com. IMDb.
  12. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy (Hot Soul Songs)". billboard.com.
  13. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy (Hot 100)". billboard.com.
  14. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire". officialcharts.com.
  15. ^ レコード協会調べ 5月度有料音楽配信認定＜略称：5月度認定＞ [Record Association report: May digital music download certifications (Abbreviation: May Certifications)]. RIAJ (in Japanese). June 20, 2011. Archived from the original on September 15, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  16. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 99. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  17. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy". ultratop.be. Ultratop.
  18. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. 1978-05-20. Retrieved 2018-12-09.
  19. ^ "Toutes les Chansons N° 1 des Années 70" (in French). InfoDisc. 1978-03-10. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
  20. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Fantasy". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  21. ^ "Earth, Wind & Fire: Fantasy". dutchcharts.nl. Dutch Charts.
  22. ^ Flavour of New Zealand, 18 June 1978
  23. ^ "SA Charts 1965–March 1989". Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  24. ^ Steffen Hung. "Earth, Wind & Fire - Fantasy". Swedishcharts.com. Retrieved 2016-10-13.
  25. ^ "Earth Wind & Fire - Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 January 2016.
  26. ^ "Fantasy" by Earth, Wind & Fire, U.S. Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart allmusic.com (Retrieved March 19, 2009)
  27. ^ "British single certifications – Earth Wind & Fire – Fantasy". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved August 21, 2023.
  28. ^ "New Singles". Music Week. October 20, 1990. p. 37.
  29. ^ "dreamland: albums reviews and charts". Black Box. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  30. ^ a b "Black Box". officialcharts.com. Official Charts Company.
  31. ^ a b "Fantasy: Black Box". offiziellecharts.de. GfK Entertainment charts.
  32. ^ a b "australian-charts.com > Black Box - Fantasy (song)". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on April 14, 2016. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  33. ^ "THE TOP 1,000 GREATEST SONGS OF ALL TIME – 2013". Max. 2013. Archived from the original on March 1, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2020.
  34. ^ Hocter, Matthew (May 7, 2020). "Black Box's Debut Album 'Dreamland' Turns 30: Anniversary Retrospective". Albumism. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  35. ^ Coleman, Bill (July 28, 1990). "Dance Trax: Some News On The Noteworthy: Blackbox, Yazz, Clubland, Dynell" (PDF). Billboard. p. 24. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  36. ^ Flick, Larry. "Single Reviews". Billboard. p. 65. vol. 103. August 24, 1991.
  37. ^ Hardy, Ernest (August 4, 1990). "Pop Reviews: Albums" (PDF). Cashbox. p. 20. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  38. ^ Henderson, Alex; DeVaney, Bryan (August 31, 1991). "Music Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Cashbox. p. 5. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  39. ^ Smith, Michael R. (June 21, 2009). "Black Box - Dreamland". The Daily Vault. Retrieved February 25, 2020.
  40. ^ Smith, Andrew (April 21, 1990). "Albums". Melody Maker. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  41. ^ Heath, Chris (May 2, 1990). "Review: LPs". Smash Hits. No. 298. p. 55. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  42. ^ "Fantasy (1990) by Black Box". IMVDb. Retrieved October 21, 2019.
  43. ^ "Black Box – Fantasy" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  44. ^ "Black Box – Fantasy" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  45. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 7, no. 47. November 24, 1990. p. IV. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  46. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Black Box". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF) (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 31. Retrieved June 22, 2022.
  47. ^ "Black Box – Fantasy" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  48. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Blackbox". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  49. ^ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved May 31, 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Black Box".
  50. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Black Box" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  51. ^ "Black Box – Fantasy" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  52. ^ "Black Box – Fantasy". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  53. ^ "Black Box – Fantasy". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  54. ^ "1990 Top 100 Singles". Music Week. London, England: Spotlight Publications. March 2, 1991. p. 41.
  55. ^ "ARIA Charts - End of Year Charts - Top 50 Singles 1991". Aria.com.au. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  56. ^ Steffen Hung (December 22, 1991). "Jahreshitparade 1991". Austriancharts.at. Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  57. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1991" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  58. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 1991" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 8, no. 51–52. December 21, 1991. p. 21. Retrieved January 17, 2020 – via World Radio History.
  59. ^ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1991" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  60. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1991" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
  61. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1991 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  62. ^ "British single certifications – Black Box – Fantasy". British Phonographic Industry.
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