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Perfect Moment

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Wikipedia article




"'Perfect Moment'" is a song originally by Polish singer Edyta Grniak from her first international album, 'Edyta Grniak' (1997). It was written by Jim Marr and Wendy Page and produced by Christopher Neil. A cover by British singer and actress Martine McCutcheon reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in 1999.

Martine McCutcheon version



English actress Martine McCutcheon covered "'Perfect Moment'" and released it as her debut single on 5 April 1999. Her version reached number one on the UK Singles Chart that same month, launching her music career after her leaving BBC soap 'EastEnders', in which she played the character Tiffany Mitchell from 1995 to 1999. Over 12 million viewers tuned in to watch the final scenes of her tragic death after being hit by a car. The song also reached number three in Ireland and peaked at number 10 on the Eurochart Hot 100. It was included on her debut album, 'You Me & Us' (1999). The music video for the song was filmed in New York City.Sullivan, Caroline (26 March 1999). "Albert Square dancing". p. 14. 'The Guardian'.

Critical reception

AllMusic editor John Lucas placed McCutcheon alongside her idols Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion. He stated that "her voice soars on the chart-topping power ballad". Nigel Williamson from 'Billboard' noted it as a "sweeping ballad in the style of Celine Dion". Can't Stop the Pop described it as a "orchestral, sweeping ballad" and a "real showcase for her flexibility as a pop vocalist. The first verse and chorus are strikingly ethereal; theres a calm serenity as the song shimmers and throbs alongside the gentle, warm vocals. If there was any part of Tiffany Mitchell in the song, then this is where she wakes up at the pearly gates of heaven." Tom Ewing from Freaky Trigger noted that the song "starts with a gentle, gauzy arrangement that suggests some kind of celestial waiting room." He added it as "unashamedly, open-heartedly sentimental".

Caroline Sullivan from 'The Guardian' called it "a titanic belter of a ballad", noting the "diva's vibrato". 'Liverpool Echo' said "Perfect Moment" is "one of those soaring, Streisand-like ballads that no one admits to liking but mysteriously sells hundreds of thousands of copies."'Liverpool Echo'. 10 September 1999. p.29. Retrieved 27 November 2020. A reviewer from 'NME' described it as "total rapture". 'Sunday Mirror' commented, "Bound to be a huge hit. Sounds a bit like a breathy Kylie. Which is no bad thing."'Sunday Mirror'. 4 April 1999. p.44. Retrieved 27 November 2020. 'Sunday Mercury' noted, "It's surprising that Martine McCutcheon should release a ballad as her first single, rather than a catchy pop hit. But what's even more surprising is how good it is." They added, "It's a soulful number, sung with feeling by someone blessed with a superb voice. It's a slow burner, but it wasn't long before I was humming it to myself." They also concluded, "Goodbye Albert Square, hello Top of the Pops and a number one hit.""Martine McCutcheon Releases First Single". 'Sunday Mercury'. 4 April 1999. Retrieved 1 December 2020.

Music video

The music video for "Perfect Moment" begins with McCutcheon standing in front of a microphone, in a room overlooking a New York City street. Sometimes she also sits against the wall or lies on a sofa while she sings. Occasionally there are black-and-white clips of McCutcheon at different sites in the city. More than halfway through the video, the singer is seen standing on a roof, singing to the microphone, overlooking the city. As the video nears its end, McCutcheon lies on the couch again, singing the last lines of the song.

Charts



Weekly charts



Year-end charts



Certifications



References





Category:1990s ballads

Category:1997 songs

Category:1999 debut singles

Category:Martine McCutcheon songs

Category:Number-one singles in Scotland

Category:Pop ballads

Category:Songs written by Jim Marr

Category:Songs written by Wendy Page

Category:UK Singles Chart number-one singles

Category:Virgin Records singles

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