Shadowboxer (song)
"Shadowboxer" | ||||
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Work, Columbia | ||||
Songwriter(s) | Fiona Apple | |||
Producer(s) | Andrew Slater | |||
Fiona Apple singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Shadowboxer" on YouTube |
"Shadowboxer" is a song written and performed by American alternative singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. It was released on July 1, 1996, by
Background and release
Apple recorded the song with collaborator
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.[4]
Chart performance
The song charted inside the
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.[6] 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."[7] 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 clichés."[8]
Track listing
CD single[9]
- "Shadowboxer" – 5:26
- "Never Is a Promise" – 5:56
Maxi single[9]
- "Shadowboxer" (radio edit)
- "Shadowboxer" (album version)
- "Never Is a Promise"
- "Carrion" (Live)
Personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Tidal;[10]
- Bass guitar – Greg Richling
- Drums – Danny Frankel
- Chamberlin – Patrick Warren
- Vibraphone, tack piano – Jon Brion
- Vocals, piano – Fiona Apple
Charts
Chart (1996) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[11] | 32 |
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[12] | 34 |
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Label | Catalog | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
United States | July 1, 1996 | CD single | Work, Columbia
|
WRK 663482 1 | [9] |
France | Sony Music Entertainment
|
WRK 663482 1 | |||
Austria | WRK 663482 2 | ||||
United Kingdom | Columbia | SAMPCD 3535 | |||
United States[9] | October 1, 1996 | Contemporary hit radio | Work, Columbia | [13] |
References
- ^ "Fiona Apple - Tidal". Soundstage.com. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- ^ "Saturday Night Live - Robert Downey Jr.-Fiona Apple - Season 22, Episode 6". TV.com. Archived from the original on 5 July 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- ^ "MTV Unplugged - Fiona Apple". TV.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- ^ Fiona Apple music video "Shadowboxer"
- ^ a b "Fiona Apple Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- ^ Helligar, Jeremy (25 November 1996). "Apple's Way". People. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Mirkin, Steven (23 August 1996). "Music Review: Fiona Apple, Shahowboxer' (1996)". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Thomas Erlewine, Stephen (23 July 1996). "Fiona Apple - Tidal - Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ a b c d "Fiona Apple - Shadowboxer". Discogs. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- ^ "Fiona Apple - Tidal". Discogs. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- ^ "Fiona Apple Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Fiona Apple Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard.
- ^ "Selected New Releases: Adds October 1" (PDF). Radio & Records: 43. September 27, 1996.