"You're Gorgeous" by Babybird

Overview

• Artist: Babybird
• Release Date: 30 September 1996
• Label: The Echo Label
• Songwriters: Stephen Jones
• Producers: Stephen Jones, Steve Power
• Album: Ugly Beautiful
• Genre: Pop
• Length: 3:44
• Music Video: Available on YouTube

Chart Performance

• UK Singles Chart: Peaked at Number 3
• Top 40: Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden
• Melody Maker: Ranked 11th in "Singles of the Year" for 1996

Lyrical Meaning

• The song is often mistaken for a love song.
• It portrays a story of a female model exploited by a photographer.
  • Lyrics discuss the model's experiences and feelings towards the photographer's manipulation.

Critical Reception

• Stephen Thomas Erlewine (AllMusic): Described as "effortlessly catchy," with "twisted sexuality"
• The Independent: Highlighted the song's sinister undercurrents and portrayal of photographic exploitation.
• Kevin Courtney (Irish Times): Described as a "catchy, slightly risque surprise hit."
• Ian Watson (Melody Maker): Criticized for vanity and narcissism.
• Caitlin Moran (Melody Maker): Noted the quietly feminist perspective.
• Music Week: Rated four out of five, praised Stephen Jones's baritone voice.

Impact and Legacy

• December 1996: Ranked 11th in Melody Maker's "Singles of the Year"
• The song challenges conventional notions of beauty and exploitation.

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 single: "You're Gorgeous", "You're Gorgeous Too", "Bb Limonade"
• UK Cassette Single: "You're Gorgeous", "You're Gorgeous Too", "Bb Limonade"
• European and Australian CD single: "You're Gorgeous", "Bb Limonade (feat. Olivia Trench)", "You're Gorgeous Too", "Carcrash"

Certifications

• United Kingdom: Platinum (600,000 units)

Release History

• UK: 30 September 1996
• US: 31 October 1997 (Modern rock, triple-A radio); 13 January 1998 (Contemporary hit radio)