Sweet Dreams My LA Ex
Encyclopedia
"Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" is the debut single
by English singer-songwriter Rachel Stevens
. It was released on 15 September 2003 as lead single from her debut solo album Funky Dory
. Originally written for Britney Spears
, the song was produced by Swedish Bloodshy & Avant
, and received a mixed reception from contemporary critics. The single is Stevens' most successful single to date, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart
. It was the twenty-second best selling single of 2003 in the United Kingdom
, selling 210,000 copies.
The name uses a pun
on LAX, the IATA airport code for Los Angeles International Airport
.
's "Cry Me a River
", which is believed to be aimed at Britney Spears
, his ex-girlfriend. The lyrics are a message to the famous ex-partner who has talked about the relationship and break-up in public, with the person in the song now taking the time to deliver their side of the story.
The person in the song wishes their ex "sweet dreams", but accuses them of using the break-up to further themselves.
Originally the song was written by Dennis for Britney Spears
, who turned it down due to its subject matter. A few months later Dennis still had not found someone to perform the song and offered it to Stevens, whom she had worked with when Stevens was a member of S Club 7. At the time Stevens had just begun work on her debut solo album and thought the song, which did not sound like anything out at the time, would make a good first single. Stevens said of the song in an interview, "The writers really got my personality and the direction I want to go in," she said. "The first single is a great example –the first time I heard it I knew it’s what I wanted."
called the song "perfectly pleasant" but "unlikely to set the world alight, despite heavy rotation on radio and TV". The review also went onto say that while Stevens is popular, she will "need stronger material than this to maintain a pop career past her first album".
Jamie Gill, in a review for DotMusic.com, called the song "utterly addictive", while Amazon.co.uk called the song "sassy" and full of "feminine confidence". In a separate review on Amazon, Georgina Collins, called the song "corker of a popsong", praising it for being catchy and fun to listen to.
and filmed at Royal Studios in North London.
The video consists of four sequences; it begins with Stevens singing in an enclosed box, representing that she is trapped in a relationship that she no longer wants to be a part of; the next sequence has Stevens singing in front of her "LA Ex", telling him that she no longer wants to be with him; the next scene she is shown dancing with a few female dancers who tie her up in a red ribbon and trap her, which she fights against it and breaks free; the last sequence shows Stevens walking away from her ex, leaving the relationship.
At first Stevens was unsure about the idea when the choreographer told her of the plans for the video but she soon warmed up to it, "It was strange at first but I like it because it's something new and looks great on stage."
The video was slightly edited for the rest of Europe, only taking off the pink light that follows her through the UK Version.
. It stayed in this position for two inconsecutive weeks, with a further three inside the top 10. Elsewhere in Europe
the song was a minor pop hit, reaching the top ten in Denmark
, Ireland
and Norway
. In the United States
the song received minor airplay, and did not break onto the US Billboard charts.
In December 2003 the single was certified silver status for sales of 275,000 in the UK. At the end of 2003 the song was the 22nd best selling single of the year in the UK. The song was also nominated for ITV1
's annual Record of the Year
prize, finishing 6th behind Westlife
who won with their cover of Barry Manilow
's Mandy
, and was also nominated at the 2004 BRIT Awards
for Best British Single, losing out to Dido
with her song White Flag
.
"Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" is the 186th bestselling single of this decade in the UK, according to the Official Top 200 Bestselling Singles of the 00s List. The song has remained Stevens' biggest success worldwide, with her follow-up singles charting well out of the top ten worldwide. In the UK, only "Some Girls" and "More, More, More" were able to live up their predecessors success reaching the number two and three positions, with "Negotiate With Love" and "So Good" only just breaking the top 10.
Source:
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
by English singer-songwriter Rachel Stevens
Rachel Stevens
Rachel Lauren Stevens is an English singer-songwriter, actress, presenter, dancer, television personality and model. She is a former member of the successful pop group S Club, and launched a solo recording career in 2003, releasing seven singles and two albums in the UK between 2003 and 2005...
. It was released on 15 September 2003 as lead single from her debut solo album Funky Dory
Funky Dory
Funky Dory is the solo debut album by British pop–dance singer Rachel Stevens. It was released by Polydor Records on September 29, 2003 in the United Kingdom. The album was produced by various record producers including Bloodshy & Avant and Richard X...
. Originally written for Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, the song was produced by Swedish Bloodshy & Avant
Bloodshy & Avant
Bloodshy and Avant are a music production and songwriting team from Sweden made up of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg...
, and received a mixed reception from contemporary critics. The single is Stevens' most successful single to date, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. It was the twenty-second best selling single of 2003 in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, selling 210,000 copies.
The name uses a pun
Pun
The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. These ambiguities can arise from the intentional use and abuse of homophonic,...
on LAX, the IATA airport code for Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is the primary airport serving the Greater Los Angeles Area, the second-most populated metropolitan area in the United States. It is most often referred to by its IATA airport code LAX, with the letters pronounced individually...
.
Composition and inspiration
The lyrics of the song, written by Cathy Dennis, were inspired by Justin TimberlakeJustin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
's "Cry Me a River
Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)
"Cry Me a River" is the second single from Justin Timberlake's solo debut album Justified. Released on December 17, 2002, the single, which features guest vocals and production by Timbaland & Scott Storch, won Timberlake a Grammy Award for "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" in 2004.-Background...
", which is believed to be aimed at Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, his ex-girlfriend. The lyrics are a message to the famous ex-partner who has talked about the relationship and break-up in public, with the person in the song now taking the time to deliver their side of the story.
- "Find somebody else to talk about
- If I were in your shoes
- I'd worry of the effects
- You've had your say but now its my turn"
The person in the song wishes their ex "sweet dreams", but accuses them of using the break-up to further themselves.
Originally the song was written by Dennis for Britney Spears
Britney Spears
Britney Jean Spears is an American recording artist and entertainer. Born in McComb, Mississippi, and raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, Spears began performing as a child, landing acting roles in stage productions and television shows. She signed with Jive Records in 1997 and released her debut album...
, who turned it down due to its subject matter. A few months later Dennis still had not found someone to perform the song and offered it to Stevens, whom she had worked with when Stevens was a member of S Club 7. At the time Stevens had just begun work on her debut solo album and thought the song, which did not sound like anything out at the time, would make a good first single. Stevens said of the song in an interview, "The writers really got my personality and the direction I want to go in," she said. "The first single is a great example –the first time I heard it I knew it’s what I wanted."
Critical reception
"Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" received a mixed response from music critics. The BBCBBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
called the song "perfectly pleasant" but "unlikely to set the world alight, despite heavy rotation on radio and TV". The review also went onto say that while Stevens is popular, she will "need stronger material than this to maintain a pop career past her first album".
Jamie Gill, in a review for DotMusic.com, called the song "utterly addictive", while Amazon.co.uk called the song "sassy" and full of "feminine confidence". In a separate review on Amazon, Georgina Collins, called the song "corker of a popsong", praising it for being catchy and fun to listen to.
Music video
The music video for "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" was released prior to the singles commercial release. It was directed by Tim RoyesTim Royes
Tim Royes was a music video director and editor, producing videos for artists such as Melanie C , Emma Bunton , the Sugababes , Rachel Stevens , and Enya...
and filmed at Royal Studios in North London.
The video consists of four sequences; it begins with Stevens singing in an enclosed box, representing that she is trapped in a relationship that she no longer wants to be a part of; the next sequence has Stevens singing in front of her "LA Ex", telling him that she no longer wants to be with him; the next scene she is shown dancing with a few female dancers who tie her up in a red ribbon and trap her, which she fights against it and breaks free; the last sequence shows Stevens walking away from her ex, leaving the relationship.
At first Stevens was unsure about the idea when the choreographer told her of the plans for the video but she soon warmed up to it, "It was strange at first but I like it because it's something new and looks great on stage."
The video was slightly edited for the rest of Europe, only taking off the pink light that follows her through the UK Version.
Chart performance
"Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" was a hit in the UK, debuting at number two on the singles chart behind that year's biggest selling single from Black Eyed Peas' with Where Is the Love?Where Is the Love?
"Where Is the Love?" is a song recorded by the American hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas for their third album, Elephunk. It is the band's first record to feature Fergie. The song features vocals from Justin Timberlake, although he is not officially credited on the single release.The single was...
. It stayed in this position for two inconsecutive weeks, with a further three inside the top 10. Elsewhere in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
the song was a minor pop hit, reaching the top ten in Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
the song received minor airplay, and did not break onto the US Billboard charts.
In December 2003 the single was certified silver status for sales of 275,000 in the UK. At the end of 2003 the song was the 22nd best selling single of the year in the UK. The song was also nominated for ITV1
ITV1
ITV1 is a generic brand that is used by twelve franchises of the British ITV Network in the English regions, Wales, southern Scotland , the Isle of Man and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey. The ITV1 brand was introduced by Carlton and Granada in 2001, alongside the regional identities of their...
's annual Record of the Year
The Record of the Year
The Record of the Year is an award voted by the UK public. For many years it was given in conjunction with television programmes of the same name...
prize, finishing 6th behind Westlife
Westlife
Westlife are an Irish boy band established on 3 July 1998. They are to disband in 2012. The group's line-up was Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan, and Brian McFadden . The group are the only act in British and Irish history to have their first seven singles peak at number one...
who won with their cover of Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, producer, conductor, and performer, best known for such recordings as "Could It Be Magic", "Mandy", "Can't Smile Without You", and "Copacabana ."...
's Mandy
Mandy (song)
"Mandy", originally titled "Brandy", is a song jointly written and composed by Scott English and Richard Kerr."Brandy" had been a hit in 1971 for Scott English in the UK and in 1972 for Bunny Walters in New Zealand...
, and was also nominated at the 2004 BRIT Awards
Brit Awards
The Brit Awards are the British Phonographic Industry's annual pop music awards. The name was originally a shortened form of "British", "Britain" or "Britannia", but subsequently became a backronym for British Record Industry Trust...
for Best British Single, losing out to Dido
Dido (singer)
Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O'Malley Armstrong , known as Dido, is an English singer-songwriter.Dido shot to worldwide success with her debut album, No Angel...
with her song White Flag
White Flag (song)
"White Flag" is a song by English singer-songwriter Dido, released as the lead single from her second album Life for Rent on 1 September 2003. "White Flag" is the biggest hit of Dido's career. It is considered one of her signature songs, and helped Life for Rent sell over ten million copies worldwide...
.
"Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" is the 186th bestselling single of this decade in the UK, according to the Official Top 200 Bestselling Singles of the 00s List. The song has remained Stevens' biggest success worldwide, with her follow-up singles charting well out of the top ten worldwide. In the UK, only "Some Girls" and "More, More, More" were able to live up their predecessors success reaching the number two and three positions, with "Negotiate With Love" and "So Good" only just breaking the top 10.
Track listing
- CD single
- "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" – 3:27
- "Little Secret" (Cathy DennisCathy DennisCathy Dennis is a British dance-oriented pop singer-songwriter, record producer and actress...
, Guy ChambersGuy ChambersGuy Chambers is an English songwriter and record producer, perhaps best known for his long partnership with Robbie Williams.- Biography :...
) – 3:26 - "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" (BMR Peaktime Mix) – 6:15
- CD single
- "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" – 3:27
- "Little Secret" – 3:26
- Enhanced CD single
- "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex"
- "Little Secret"
- "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex" (Bimbo JonesBimbo JonesBimbo Jones is a UK dance music group comprising producers Lee Dagger and Marc JB and vocalist Katherine Ellis. Known for their remix work and white label releases, they produced a remix of Meck's 2006 UK number-one single "Thunder in My Heart Again"...
Mix) - "Sweet Dreams MY LA Ex" (music video)
Personnel
- SongwritingSongwriterA songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
– Cathy DennisCathy DennisCathy Dennis is a British dance-oriented pop singer-songwriter, record producer and actress...
, Christian Karlsson, Pontus WinnbergBloodshy & AvantBloodshy and Avant are a music production and songwriting team from Sweden made up of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg...
, Henrik Jonback - ProductionRecord producerA record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
, arrangementArrangementThe American Federation of Musicians defines arranging as "the art of preparing and adapting an already written composition for presentation in other than its original form. An arrangement may include reharmonization, paraphrasing, and/or development of a composition, so that it fully represents...
, recordingSound recording and reproductionSound recording and reproduction is an electrical or mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording...
and instrument programmingProgramming (music)Programming is a form of music production and performance using electronic devices, often sequencers or computer programs, to generate music. Programming is used in nearly all forms of electronic music and in most hip hop music since the 1990s. It is also frequently used in modern pop and rock...
– Bloodshy & AvantBloodshy & AvantBloodshy and Avant are a music production and songwriting team from Sweden made up of Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg... - MixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
– Niklas Flyckt - Mixing assistant – Jonas Östman
- GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
– Henrik Jonback - Backing vocalsBacking vocalistA backing vocalist or backing singer is a singer who provides vocal harmony with the lead vocalist or other backing vocalists...
– Jeanette Olsson, Cathy Dennis - MasteringAudio masteringMastering, a form of audio post-production, is the process of preparing and transferring recorded audio from a source containing the final mix to a data storage device ; the source from which all copies will be produced...
– Richard Dowling
Source:
Charts and certifications
| Chart (2003) | Peakposition |
|---|---|
| Eurochart Hot 100 Singles | 7 |
| Europe Top 100 | 24 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification Music recording sales certification Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,... (sales thresholds) |
Sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom British Phonographic Industry The British Phonographic Industry is the British record industry's trade association.-Structure:Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four "major" record companies , associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of independent music companies... |
Silver | 210,000 |
Cover versions
- PicturehousePicturehouse (band)Picturehouse are an Irish band from Dublin, Ireland.-Studio albums:-Irish charts:-Compilations:Picturehouse performed a cover version of Sweet Dreams My LA Ex and a hidden track of Papa Don't Preach on Even Better than the Real Thing Vol. 1....
on Even Better than the Real Thing Vol. 1Even Better Than the Real Thing Vol. 1Even Better Than the Real Thing Vol. 1 is an Irish charity album featuring a variety of artists performing acoustic cover versions of popular songs. It was released in 2003 by RMG Chart Entertainment Ltd. The songs on the album were recorded live and acoustic on The Ray D'Arcy Show on Today FM.The... - LostprophetsLostprophetsLostprophets is a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997. Founded by vocalist Ian Watkins, bassist Mike Lewis, drummer Mike Chiplin and guitarist Lee Gaze, they were originally a side-project to hardcore punk band Public Disturbance. To date, Lostprophets have released four studio...
on Last SummerLast Summer (song)-Personnel:* Ian Watkins – lead vocals* Lee Gaze – lead guitar* Mike Lewis – rhythm guitar* Stuart Richardson – bass* Jamie Oliver – synth, turntables, samples, backing vocals* Mike Chiplin – drums, percussion-Chart positions:-External links:**...