Giant in My Heart

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"Giant in My Heart"
A portrait of a young woman with tied-up red hair portrayed as mannequin split in half from her waist area. Her backdrop is a blue sky smitten with white clouds. She sport a white tank top, navy pants and bright red lipstick. Below her in large white font stands the title in capital letters 'Giant in My Heart', and in the top-left corner of the portrait stands the woman's name 'Kiesza' in small bold red font, also in capital letters.
Single by Kiesza
from the EP Hideaway and the album Sound of a Woman
ReleasedAugust 8, 2014
Genre
Length4:29
LabelLokal Legend
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Rami Samir Afuni
Kiesza singles chronology
"Hideaway"
(2014) 		"Giant in My Heart"
(2014) 		"Bad Thing"
(2014)

"Giant in My Heart" is a song by Canadian recording artist Kiesza from her debut EP Hideaway (2014) and her debut studio album, Sound of a Woman (2014). It was released by record label Lokal Legend as the second single from both the EP and the album on August 8, 2014. The song was co-written by Kiesza and Rami Samir Afuni, and produced by the latter. "Giant in My Heart" is an electropop and house track sung in an emotive falsetto tone and features a combination of scat-singing, a pounding 808 and softer synth-led sections. Lyrically, the song focuses on subjects of love lost and the aftermath of a breakup.

"Giant in My Heart" garnered positive reviews from contemporary music critics, who commended the song for its sonic similarities with Kiesza's debut single "

UK Dance Chart and selling 33,414 copies in its first week. "Giant in My Heart" marked Kiesza's second consecutive top five single in the United Kingdom and has also had success in Germany and Belgium where it peaked at numbers 11 and 12 respectively. The song was accompanied by a short film music video directed by producer Afuni in New York City. The clip premiered on July 1, 2014 and was acclaimed by several critics. It features a frustrated male office worker living a double life as a crossdresser. Kiesza has performed "Giant in My Heart" on American television show Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and the song has been covered by English singer Florrie
.

Background

"Giant in My Heart" was written by Kiesza and Rami Samir Afuni, and produced by the latter.[1] In an interview with KAMP-FM's Carson Daly, Kiesza elaborated on the anonymous male vocalist featured in "Giant in My Heart",

"I've never actually met him. My friend, who was my roommate, we were like, 'I need a voice of like, an older, black guy.' You know that like soulful, old man voice? And then my friend's like, 'I know someone!' So, we just sent it to him and he brings it back and this was the voice and we were like, 'Awesome!'"[2]

The song serves as the second single from Kiesza's forthcoming debut album, Sound of a Woman (2014). It was premiered on Annie Mac's BBC Radio 1 show on June 13, 2014.[3] "Giant in My Heart" was digitally released as a single and four-track remixes extended play (EP) in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2014.[4][5] A two-track CD single was later released in Germany on September 5, 2014.[6]

Composition

"Giant in My Heart" is an

beats per minute. It is composed in the key of G minor with Kiesza's vocals spanning the tonal nodes of G3 to G5.[11] It features a pounding 808 which fades into softer synth-led sections that space out Kiesza's vocal range and emotive falsetto tone.[12] Funk-inspired scat-singing performed by an anonymous male vocalist begins featuring midway through the song.[2] Lyrically, "Giant in My Heart" deals with subjects of heartbreak, love lost and the aftermath of a breakup.[7] Musically, the track has been compared to its predecessor "Hideaway" for having a similar simplistic, bass-rooted, house inspired dance sound; the song's production is however fuller and more rounded-off than "Hideaway".[12][13]

Critical reception

"Giant in My Heart" was positively received by contemporary music critics. Digital Spy's Amy Davidson awarded the song a three (out of five)-star rating and stated that it successfully showcased "the sheer power" in Kiesza's vocal abilities. Davidson felt that the track proved that the singer "has the potential to push boundaries and create sounds that stand apart from the acres of generic dance music that saturate the current state of music".[8] Killian Young of Spin deemed the song "a gem" and opined that "Kiesza's commanding voice triumphs over the heartbreak".[7] Vice journalist Ryan Bassil felt that "Giant in My Heart" would become "absolutely massive",[14] while Tina Campbell of Metro said the song is "sure to get you heading to the dance-floor."[15] Music website Popjustice awarded the song an eight (out of ten)-star rating and mentioned, "Ambition, talent, a refreshing songwriting sensibility and a working knowledge of dance music that sounds like pop music as well as pop music that sounds like dance music. There aren't many artists you can say that about."[16] Michael Baggs of Gigwise felt that "Giant in My Heart" proved that Kiesza was not a one-hit wonder and wrote, "It's pretty damn good, and suggests she has a big future ahead of her."[10]

UK radio station

Idolator felt that "Giant in My Heart" was a "fantastic" follow-up to "Hideaway" and stated, "[the song is] a nice gesture toward fans who got on board with her retro sound, given that debut singles can often be misleading representations of an artist's overall material these days."[13] Marissa Muller of CBS Radio felt that "Giant in My Heart" built on the "diva vocals" and "lose yourself-beat" that made "Hideaway" a success.[18] Idol Magazine's Margherita Maspero described the song as having a "winning formula of dance beats, electronica pounding and catchy lyrics." Maspero concluded,"With a good dose of 90s nostalgia, the track is a rhythmic powerhouse that will get you on your feet from start to finish."[19]

Chart performance

Upon the release of "Giant in My Heart" in the United Kingdom, the

Hot Dance/Electronic Songs,[24] number 53 in Austria,[25] and number 72 in Ireland.[26]

Music video

Background and development

"One of the main characters in the video never showed up for the shoot. So I had to get one of my friends to take his place. There's some drag queens in the video, and the character who didn't show up was a drag queen, so my friend, who's actually like a well-known writer, stepped up. And dressed up in drag! He's completely straight, and just the best sport ever."

—Kiesza on the filming of the music video for "Giant in My Heart".[27]

Following the low-budget clip for predecessor "Hideaway", Kiesza chose to make a short film for "Giant in My Heart" that would be different in style and content in comparison to the former. The music video was shot in New York City, where one of the clip's main crossdressing characters failed to show up for filming. As a result, Kiesza called on one of her close friends, a well-known writer, as the replacement for the video's absent character.[27] It was directed by the song's producer Rami Samir Afuni. Jason Ano was responsible for the visual's camera operations while Joseph Robbins handled its visual effects and editing.[28] Thematically, the clip draws parallels between the constraints of the mundaneness of life, and the constraints of being a cross dressing man in our society.[12] The music video premiered on Kiesza's Vevo channel on July 1, 2014.[28]

Synopsis

The video sees a male office worker living a double life.[15] During the day he is seen going through the motions of his job where he suffers several inconveniences and misfortunes.[12] While after hours, he returns to his apartment and resorts to an alter ego of a drag queen as a coping mechanism for his occupational stress and being bullied and pushed around at work.[29] The man's crossdress includes a long black wig, a sparkling blue dress, and a pair of stilettos. He then joins two like-minded crossdressing friends as they take to the streets of New York City. The three later arrive at club where Kiesza is seen performing.[15] Idolator reviewer Robbie Daw noted, "Kiesza takes the backseat in this one by playing the part of a club performer who gives a little inspiration to our troubled hero (ine)".[30] During her performance at the club, Kiesza engages in a '90s-inspired dance sequence.[18] The man's crossdressing personality is secretively portrayed as more care-free and confident than his one while at work.[31] The video ends with the man frustrated and dispensing of his bosses in an office with a stapler,[12] and later resigning.[32]

Reception

The music video was met with positive reviews from critics. Tina Campbell of Metro deemed the clip "quirky" and described the drag queen portrayed as "fierce".

MuchMusic honed the clip as an inspiration for its viewers.[31] CBS Radio reviewer Marissa Muller commended the video for being a definite departure from the visual for "Hideaway", she also praised Kiesza's "great dance sequence in theme with the song's '90s vibes."[18]

Live performances and cover versions

Kiesza first performed "Giant in My Heart" at XOYO in

London Evening Standard positively reviewed the performance writing, "Her stirring vocals over the insidious groove of 'Giant in My Heart' were as bold as her choreography."[33] On July 30, 2014, the singer reprised the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.[34] Dan Macrae of Entertainment Tonight Canada praised the Kiesza's "kick-heavy dance moves" during the performance.[35] On August 14, 2014, the singer performed an acoustic version of the track during a NME Basement Session.[36]

"Giant in My Heart" was covered by English singer Florrie during an acoustic session on July 29, 2014. Idolator's Bradley Stern praised the version, writing, "[Florrie] turns the bouncy House anthem into a truly gorgeous, gentle guitar-led production — that is, before she starts riffing loudly against a lively guitar strum. The cover showcases not only Florrie's more than capable chops, but her ability to really kill it as a guitarist."[37]

Formats and track listings

  1. "Giant in My Heart" – 4:29
  2. "Giant in My Heart" (Billon Remix) – 5:29
  • Digital remixes EP[5]
  1. "Giant in My Heart" (Billon Remix) – 5:29
  2. "Giant in My Heart" (Blood Diamonds Remix) – 5:20
  3. "Giant in My Heart" (No Artificial Colours Remix) – 5:39
  4. "Giant in My Heart" (Archers Remix) – 5:49

Charts

Chart (2014) Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[25] 53
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[23] 12
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[38] 1
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[39] 43
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[40] 21
Belgium Dance (Ultratop Flanders)[23] 5
Belgium Dance (Ultratop Wallonia)[23] 38
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[41] 52
Canada
CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[42]
 18
Canada
Hot AC (Billboard)[43]
 33
Germany (Official German Charts)[22] 11
Ireland (IRMA)[26] 72
Poland (Dance Top 50)[44] 32
Scotland (OCC)[45] 4
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[46] 48
UK Dance (OCC)[47] 1
UK Singles (OCC)[20]
 4
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[24] 47

Release history

Country Date Format Label
United Kingdom August 8, 2014 Digital download[4] Lokal Legend
Germany September 5, 2014 CD single[6]

See also

  • List of UK Dance Chart number-one singles of 2014
  • List of UK top 10 singles in 2014

References

  1. All Media Network
    . Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Carroll, Sarah (August 27, 2014). "'Hideaway's' Kiesza Comes Clean To Carson Daly About Her Ballerina & Sniper Past". KAMP-FM. CBS Radio. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  3. ^ Levine, Nick (June 13, 2014). "Listen to Kiesza's follow-up to Number One hit 'Hideaway'". Attitude. Attitude Media Ltd. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Giant In My Heart - Single by Kiesza". iTunes Store (GB). Apple Inc. August 8, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Giant In My Heart (The Remixes) - EP by Kiesza". iTunes Store (GB). Apple Inc. August 8, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c "Giant in My Heart (2-Track): Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. September 5, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  7. ^
    Spin Media
    . Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  8. ^
    Hearst Magazines UK
    . Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  9. ^ a b Copsey, Rob (August 13, 2014). "Kiesza's Giant In My Heart set for this week's highest new singles entry". Official Charts Company. British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  10. ^ a b Baggs, Michael (June 17, 2014). "Listen: Kiesza reveals 'Hideway' follow-up, 'Giant In My Heart'". Gigwise. Giant Digital. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  11. ^ "Kiesza – 'Giant in My Heart' – Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. Universal Music Publishing Group. 27 August 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  12. ^ a b c d e f Eze, Theo (July 28, 2014). "Kiesza Reveals Video For 'Giant In My Heart'". MUZU.TV. Our Digital Universe Limited. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  13. ^
    Idolator
    . Spin Media. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  14. ^ Bassil, Ryan (June 13, 2014). "Listen to 'Giant In My Heart,' the New Single from Kiesza". Vice. Vice Media. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  15. ^ a b c d Campbell, Tina (July 2, 2014). "Hideaway singer Kiesza premieres video for new single Giant In My Heart". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  16. ^ "Listen: Kiesza - 'Giant In My Heart'". Popjustice. Peter Robinson. June 13, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  17. Bauer Radio. June 16, 2014. Archived from the original
    on August 21, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  18. ^ a b c Muller, Marissa (July 2, 2014). "Kiesza Dials Up Her Love of '90s Dance in 'Giant in My Heart'". CBS Radio. CBS Corporation. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  19. ^ Maspero, Margherita. "Kiesza's New Single 'Giant In My Heart'". Idol Magazine. Icaria Digital. Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  20. ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  21. ^ "UK Singles Chart runs". Polyhex.com. Archived from the original (in the "Artist" field, enter "Kiesza"; select "Submit") on March 10, 2010. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  22. ^ a b "Kiesza – Giant In My Heart" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved March 3, 2020.
  23. ^ a b c d "Kiesza – Giant In My Heart" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  24. ^ a b "Kiesza Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  25. ^ a b "Kiesza – Giant In My Heart" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  26. ^ a b "Chart Track: Week 35, 2014". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  27. ^ a b Knaggs, Rob (August 19, 2014). "Taking Things Higher: Kiesza Interviewed". Clash. Jon O'Rourke. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  28. ^ a b "Kiesza - Giant In My Heart (2014)". IMVDb. FilmedInsert, LLC. July 1, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  29. Box Television. Archived from the original
    on May 4, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  30. ^ Daw, Robbie (July 2, 2014). "Kiesza's 'Giant In My Heart' Video: Watch The Singer Inspire A Frustrated Drag Queen". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  31. ^
    MuchMusic. Bell Media. July 3, 2014. Archived from the original
    on August 30, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  32. Viacom International
    . July 2, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  33. London Evening Standard. Alexander Lebedev, Evgeny Lebedev, Daily Mail and General Trust
    . Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  34. ^ Daw, Robbie (July 30, 2014). "Kiesza Performs 'Hideaway' And 'Giant In My Heart' On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live': Watch". Idolator. Spin Media. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  35. ^ Macrae, Dan (July 30, 2014). "Kiesza Brings 'Giant In My Heart' To 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Shaw Media. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  36. IPC Media – Inspire (Time Inc.)
    . August 14, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
  37. ^ Stern, Bradley (29 July 2014). "Florrie Covers Kiesza's 'Giant In My Heart': Watch The Acoustic Session". July 29, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  38. Ultratip
    . Retrieved October 9, 2014.
  39. ^ "Kiesza – Giant In My Heart" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  40. Ultratip
    . Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  41. ^ "Kiesza Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  42. ^ "Kiesza Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  43. ^ "Kiesza Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  44. Polish Dance Top 50
    . Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  45. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  46. ^ "Kiesza – Giant In My Heart". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  47. ^ "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved September 24, 2014.

External links

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