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Shadowboxer (song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Shadowboxer'" is a song written and performed by American alternative singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. It was released on
July 1, 1996 by Work Records and Columbia Records as her debut single from her debut studio album, 'Tidal'.
Background and release
Apple recorded the song with collaborator Jon Brion in 1995 immediately after being signed to a record deal with Sony Music Entertainment. Its lyrical content mainly explores the themes of the dangers of desire and vulnerability. It was then released as her debut and lead single from her forthcoming debut studio album on July 1, 1996. A music video of the song directed by Jim Gable was released. Apple performed "Shadowboxer" in various events, most notably during the 22nd season of 'Saturday Night Live' and on the television special 'MTV Unplugged: Fiona Apple'.
Music video
Shot entirely in black-and-white, this takes place in a recording studio, with scenes of her playing the piano and in Fostex T20RP headphones singing in front of a microphone.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnXjISlKLuE Fiona Apple music video "Shadowboxer"]
Chart performance
The song charted inside the Top 40 of two different 'Billboard' charts. It spent six weeks on the Alternative Songs chart, peaking at number 34. It fared much better on the Adult Pop Songs, peaking at number 32 and spent over 15 weeks on the chart.
Critical reception
"Shadowboxer" has received critical acclaim from music critics, with many of them comparing Apple's voice to Nina Simone and her lyrical talent to Carole King. Steven Mirkin of 'Entertainment Weekly' gave the song an A, he wrote, "Singing to a former lover, her slurred, smoky vocals float above a loping, gospel-tinged piano, vibes, and string arrangement, making her "Shadowboxer" sound like Nina Simone covering early Elton John. Although she's only 18, she has the poise of a seasoned singer." Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic described the song as "haunting", remarking that while "it strives to say something deep and important, much of the lyrics settle for clichs."
Track listing
'CD single'
#"Shadowboxer" 5:26
#"Never Is a Promise" 5:56
'Maxi single'
#"Shadowboxer" (radio edit)
#"Shadowboxer" (album version)
#"Never Is a Promise"
#"Carrion" (Live)
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of 'Tidal';
*Bass guitar Greg Richling
*Drums Danny Frankel
*Chamberlin Patrick Warren
*Vibraphone, tack piano Jon Brion
*Vocals, piano Fiona Apple
Charts
Release history
References
Category:1996 debut singles
Category:Columbia Records singles
Category:Fiona Apple songs
Category:1996 songs
Category:Songs written by Fiona Apple
Category:1990s ballads
Category:Black-and-white music videos
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