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Sleeping Satellite
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Wikipedia article
"'Sleeping Satellite'" is the debut single of British singer-songwriter Tasmin Archer, released as the first single from the album 'Great Expectations' in September 1992. The song was a number-one hit in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It also became an international hit, reaching the top 20 in 13 other countries and number 32 on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100.
Lyrics and music
Although "Sleeping Satellite" was first released in 1992, Archer and her co-writers, John Beck and John Hughes, actually wrote and composed the song in the late 1980s. It was only when Archer got a record deal that the song saw the light of day.
On the song, John Hughes and Robbie McIntosh played guitar, with John Beck and Paul Wickens playing keyboards. The drummer was Graham Broadhead, whilst Gary Maughan played the Fairlight. Archer sings backing vocals on the track along with Tessa Niles and Carol Kenyon. The lyrics of the song reference the Apollo Missions of the 1960s, characterised as "man's greatest adventure"; the sleeping satellite of the title being the Moon.
Critical reception
AllMusic editor Roch Parisien noted the song as a "hypnotic, fashionably retro-psych-soul beauty". Steve Morse from 'The Boston Globe' said, "Heady stuff for a newcomer, but Archer sounds timeless with her deep, mind-imprinting voice."Morse, Steve (20 May 1993). "Tasmin Archer Great Expectations". p. 8. 'The Boston Globe'. Tom Ewing of Freaky Trigger wrote, "This, it seems to me, is part of what "Sleeping Satellite"'s articulating: a sense of disappointment bordering on betrayal that having dreamed of the Moon or indeed, because it got there humanity now seems confined to a slowly boiling Earth. This is potent, raw stuff and very difficult indeed to cover effectively in a pop song. And in truth Archer doesn't cover it effectively the song's ambiguous and flowery, its emotional kick comes from Archer's self-belief more than anything you can read into it. But I have to say I like the idea that she tried." Kent Zimmerman from the 'Gavin Report' deemed it "a treasure of a song from England", adding, "As the seconds tick away, the song keeps right on building, with guitars, keyboards and a fantastic chorus."
Music writer James Masterton viewed it as a "classy ballad from a new singer-songwriter" in his weekly UK chart commentary. Pan-European magazine 'Music & Media' said it's a "brilliant soulful pop song with a slightly spacey production". A reviewer from 'Music Week' called it "stylish", adding it as "both commercial and credible and should prompt a higher than average take-up for her aptly-named debut album". Gerald Martinez from 'New Sunday Times' wrote, "While the lyrics were evocative and interesting, it was the overall feel of the music, plus her low evocative voice, that had a quietly propulsive rhythm that made it special." In 2012, 'Porcys' listed the song at number 59 in their ranking of "100 Singles 1990-1999", noting it as an "ideal pop-soul ballad". They added that "technically, "Sleeping Satellite" is an elegant blend of acoustics with synthetics, starting from the chic cascade, unloading the pomposity of a piece on a bridge built of psychedelic keyboard variations." Nick Duerden from 'Select' described it as "sultry" and "soulful".
Chart performance
"Sleeping Satellite" was released in the United Kingdom on 1 September 1992 and swiftly rose up the charts, replacing the Shamen's "Ebeneezer Goode" at number one in October. It stayed at the top for two weeks before being dethroned by Boyz II Men's "End of the Road". It also topped the charts in neighbouring Ireland, spending four weeks at number one. It remains Archer's only top-ten hit in both the UK and Ireland to date.
Outside the UK and Ireland, "Sleeping Satellite" topped the chart in Greece and was a top-ten hit in numerous other European countries, including France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland. To date, it is Archer's only charting single in the United States, peaking at number 32 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 in June 1993 and number 24 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In neighbouring Canada, "Sleeping Satellite" reached number six.
Music video
Two different music videos were made for the song; a European version and a US version. The European music video was directed by Zanna.
Track listings
* 'UK 7-inch and cassette single'
:'US and Australasian cassette single'
# "Sleeping Satellite" 4:41
# "Sleeping Satellite" (acoustic version) 3:21
* 'UK 12-inch single'
:A1. "Sleeping Satellite"
:A2. "Sleeping Satellite" (acoustic version)
:B1. "Sleeping Satellite" (extended version)
* 'UK CD single'
# "Sleeping Satellite"
# "Sleeping Satellite" (acoustic version)
# "Man at the Window" (acoustic version)
# "Sleeping Satellite" (extended version)
* 'US CD single'
# "Sleeping Satellite" 4:41
# "Sleeping Satellite" (acoustic version) 3:21
# Interview
* 'Japanese mini-CD single'
# "Sleeping Satellite"
# "In Your Care
Charts and certifications
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
Release history
Cover versions
* 1992: A dance remake was released by Italy-based Ketty DB featuring the same lyrics and melody but with a danceable, haunting arrangement.
* 2003: Another dance remix was released by Aurora. A selection of the original lyrics were used with an electronic synth sound as a backing track.
* 2005: The song was covered by Australian progressive rock band Karnivool and was released as the B-side to their single "Themata".
*2007: Danish singer Bryan Rice covered the song for his second album 'Good News'.
*2007: Russian vocal drum and bass duo Stim Axel mixed a cover.
* 2008: A house remix of the song was released by French DJ Junior Caldera and peaked at number 37 on the French singles chart."Sleeping Satellite", by Junior Caldera, French Singles Chart [http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?key=512299&cat=s Lescharts.com] (Retrieved 28 September 2008)
* 2009: Lady Gaga was inspired by the song for her track "So Happy I Could Die" on 'The Fame Monster'.
* 2009: Jan Johnston released a cover with multiple mixes on the Perfecto label.
* 2010: Enduser used the sample from the song in his song "2/3" (from "1/3" EP).
* 2011: Kim Wilde recorded the song for her covers album, 'Snapshots', and it was released as the lead single along with "It's Alright".
*2012: Stereolove (also known as James Fraser) released an electronic down-tempo cover in August. The track reached number one on the Juno Records UK Pop/Trance charts in November 2012, as well as reaching the top on Kiss FM and Joy 94.9 in Melbourne, Australia. The track reached number 23 on the US DJ Pool Starfleet Top 50 Dance chart.
References
Category:1992 songs
Category:1992 debut singles
Category:Tasmin Archer songs
Category:2011 singles
Category:Kim Wilde songs
Category:Works about the Moon
Category:Number-one singles in Greece
Category:Number-one singles in Israel
Category:Irish Singles Chart number-one singles
Category:UK Singles Chart number-one singles
Category:Songs written by Tasmin Archer
Category:Songs written by John Beck (songwriter)
Category:Song recordings produced by Julian Mendelsohn
Category:EMI Records singles
Category:SBK Records singles
Category:Music videos directed by Zanna
Category:Songs about outer space
Category:Songs based on actual events
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