"Sing" | ||||
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Single by Travis | ||||
from the album The Invisible Band | ||||
B-side |
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Written | 1999 | |||
Released | 23 April 2001 | |||
Recorded | October 2000–March 2001 | |||
Studio | Ocean Way (Hollywood, California) | |||
Genre | Pop | |||
Length | 3:48 | |||
Label | Independiente | |||
Songwriter(s) | Fran Healy | |||
Producer(s) | Nigel Godrich | |||
Travis singles chronology | ||||
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Alternative cover | ||||
Music video | ||||
"Sing" on YouTube |
"Sing" is a song by Scottish rock band Travis from their third studio album, The Invisible Band (2001). The song was written in 1999 by frontman Fran Healy, produced by Nigel Godrich and recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Los Angeles. It was released as the album's lead single in the United States on 23 April 2001. Healy originally titled the melody "Swing" but eventually changed the title to "Sing", making it about working past the troubles of a relationship by not being afraid to let oneself go and sing in front of a loved one. The song is noted for its prominent use of the banjo, played by lead guitarist Andy Dunlop, and contains a string arrangement performed by Millennia Strings.
"Sing" received acclaim from contemporary music critics, who often praised its writing and production. The song became the band's highest-charting single in their home country, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart. It was a worldwide success as well, reaching the top 10 in several other European countries, including France, peaking at number two, and New Zealand, peaking at number eight. In the US, the song reached the top 40 of the Billboard Triple-A and Modern Rock Tracks charts.
A music video for the song was released on 20 April 2001—it was directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Filmed in Pasadena, California over three days, it features Travis attending a dinner party that eventually turns into a massive food fight. When Travis appeared on British music programme Top of the Pops, the band members threw pies at each other and the audience while the track played in the background. The video was nominated for Best British Video at the 2002 Brit Awards.