Sax (song)
| "Sax" | |
|---|---|
| Song |
"Sax" is a song recorded by English recording artist Fleur East for her debut studio album Love, Sax and Flashbacks (2015). It was released as the lead single from the album on 6 November 2015 by Syco Records.
Background
After being announced as the runner-up of 11th series of The X Factor, East signed a recording contract with Syco Music in January 2015. She began working on her debut studio album after the X Factor tour was over,[1] splitting her time between London and Los Angeles to record it. During recording, she was inspired by "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, and described the songs on the album as "very uptempo and very energetic with lots of attitude. [The album has] got loads of influences from the old school. Lots of funk, hip-hop, soul; loads of different sounds fused together. Everything about that song - the uptempo vibe, the high energy, the brass, the old school funk sound - was just right up my street. I've definitely taken a few influences from that."[2]
In July 2015, Syco's head Simon Cowell told The Sun: "I've heard it and it's world class. She has discovered who she wanted to be. Sometimes you just spot someone who's not obvious and Fleur's a good example of that".[3] "Sax" was originally slated for release on 23 October 2015, then on 30 October, before being finally released on 6 November 2015 to coincide with her performance of the song on X Factor.[4]
Critical reception
Upon release, 'Sax' was met with critical acclaim. Digital Spy's writer Lewis Corner noted that the song was clearly inspired by "Uptown Funk", but its "brassed-up chorus, sassy lyrics and funky hook means it stands tall as a potential smash hit in its own right".[5]
Track listing
- Digital download
- "Sax" – 3:56
- Digital download – The Selection EP
- "Sax" (Dance Rehearsal) [Video] – 3:56
- "Sax" (Wideboys Remix) – 4:02
- "Sax" (LuvBug Remix) – 3:36
- "Sax" (Steve Smart Remix) – 3:34
- "Sax" (Interview) – 3:57
- Other version
"Sax" (Wideboys Club Mix) – 6:05
Live performances
"Sax" was first performed by East on Oxford Street Christmas lights switch-on event on 1 November 2015.[6] She also performed it on the 12th series of The X Factor on 8 November.[7] She performed the track on Alan Carr: Chatty Man on the 20 November 2015.
Usage in media
"Sax" was used in Asda's 2015 Christmas television advert.[8]
Charts
| Chart (2015) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Ireland (IRMA)[9] | 6 |
| Scotland (OCC)[10] | 2 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[11] | 3 |
Certifications
! scope="row" | United Kingdom (BPI)[12] | Silver | 200,000‡ |-
References
- ^ "X Factor's Fleur East signs record deal with Simon Cowell's label Syco". Digital Spy.
- ^ "Fleur East: 'There's definitely a few Uptown Funk influences on my album'". Digital Spy.
- ^ "X Factor's Simon Cowell: 'Fleur East's album is world class'". Reveal.
- ^ Lewis Corner. "Fleur East pushes back new single 'Sax'". Digital Spy.
- ^ "Fleur East releases big and brassy new single 'Sax'". Digital Spy.
- ^ "Fleur East's 'Sax' Revealed As 'X Factor' Star Performs New Song At Oxford Street Christmas Light Switch-On (VIDEO)". The Huffington Post UK.
- ^ Lee, Ben (27 October 2015). "Fleur East pushes back single 'Sax' yet again to coincide with her X Factor performance". Digital Spy. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
- ^ "Asda fires first shot in Christmas TV advertising war with festive ad starring Fleur East... and yes, it does get earlier every year". Daily Mail.
- ^ "Chart Track: Week 49, 2015". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 November 2015.
- ^ "British single certifications – Fleur East – Sax". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 4 December 2015. Select singles in the Format field. Select Silver in the Certification field. Type Sax in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.