Lecture Notes: "You're Gorgeous" by Babybird

Overview

• "You're Gorgeous" is a single by British musical project Babybird, released on 30 September 1996 by The Echo Label.
• Written and co-produced by Stephen Jones and Steve Power.
• Achieved number three on the UK Singles Chart and top-40 status in several other countries: Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and Sweden.
• Ranked number 11 on Melody Maker’s "Singles of the Year" list for 1996.

Song Details

• Released: 30 September 1996
• Genre: Pop
• Length: 3:44
• Label: Echo
• Songwriter(s): Stephen Jones
• Producer(s): Stephen Jones, Steve Power

B-Sides

• "You're Gorgeous Too"
• "Hing King Blues"
• "KW Jesus TV Roof Appeal"
• "Bb Limonade"
• "Ooh Yeah"
• "Carcrash"

Lyrical Meaning

• Often mistaken as a love song, it actually narrates the exploitation by a photographer of his models, from the perspective of a female model.

Critical Reception

• Stephen Thomas Erlewine (AllMusic): Described it as "effortlessly catchy" with "twisted sexuality."
• The Independent: Compares it to "The One I Love" by REM, noting the sinister undercurrents in the lyrics.
• Kevin Courtney (Irish Times): Called it "catchy, slightly risque."
• Ian Watson (Melody Maker): Criticized it as "haughty" and "narcissistic."
• Caitlin Moran (Melody Maker): Described the lyrics as feminist with a humorous angle.
• Music Week: Rated it four out of five, noting Stephen Jones's rich baritone.

Impact and Legacy

• Featured in Melody Maker’s "Singles of the Year" list in December 1996.

Track Listings

• UK CD1
  • "You're Gorgeous"
  • "You're Gorgeous Too"
  • "Hing King Blues"
  • "KW Jesus TV Roof Appeal"
• UK CD2
  • "You're Gorgeous"
  • "Bb Limonade"
  • "Ooh Yeah"
  • "Carcrash"
• UK 7-inch Gold Vinyl
  • A1: "You're Gorgeous"
  • B1: "You're Gorgeous Too"
  • B2: "Bb Limonade"
• UK Cassette Single
  • A1: "You're Gorgeous"
  • A2: "You're Gorgeous Too"
  • B1: "You're Gorgeous"
  • B2: "Bb Limonade"
• European and Australian CD Single
  • "You're Gorgeous"
  • "Bb Limonade" (featuring Olivia Trench)
  • "You're Gorgeous Too"
  • "Carcrash"

Charts

• Weekly Charts:

  • Australia: #28
  • Belgium: #14
  • Europe: #30
  • France: #42
  • Germany: #74
  • Iceland: #2
  • Ireland: #16
  • Italy: #18
  • New Zealand: #22
  • Scotland: #7
  • Sweden: #17
  • UK: #3

• Year-end Charts:

  • 1996 UK: #30
  • 1997 Iceland: #88

Certifications

• UK: Platinum (600,000 units)

Release History

• UK: 30 September 1996 (CD, cassette)
• US: 31 October 1997 (modern rock/triple-A radio) and 13 January 1998 (Contemporary hit radio)

These notes summarize the important aspects of the song "You're Gorgeous", its critical reception, cultural impact, and various release formats, as well as its performance on the charts.