Can't Fight the Moonlight explained

Can't Fight the Moonlight
Cover:Can't Fight the Moonlight.jpg
Type:single
Artist:LeAnn Rimes
Album:Coyote Ugly
B-Side:But I Do Love You
Studio:SARM West Coast, The Ashley Neal Room, Royal Tone, The Mastering Lab (Los Angeles)
Genre:Pop
Label:Curb, London
Producer:Trevor Horn
Prev Title:I Need You
Prev Year:2000
Next Title:But I Do Love You
Next Year:2001

"Can't Fight the Moonlight" is a song written by Diane Warren and performed by American singer LeAnn Rimes. It is the theme song of the film Coyote Ugly.[1] Released as a single on August 22, 2000, the song reached the top 10 in 19 European countries, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, topping the charts in 12 of these territories, including the United Kingdom; it became Australia's best-selling single of 2001. In the United States, the song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2002.

The song appeared on Rimes's I Need You (2002) compilation album and The Best of LeAnn Rimes (2004). The Graham Stack Radio Edit of the song (known as the "Latino Mix" internationally) was included as a bonus track on I Need You and on More Music from Coyote Ugly (2003). The remix was also included on Greatest Hits (2003) as well as on the remix edition of her Best of album.

A music video for the song was released in 2000 including clips taken from the Coyote Ugly film with Rimes performing at the "Coyote Ugly" bar.

Background

Rimes originally auditioned for the 2000 film Coyote Ugly to sing "Can't Fight the Moonlight" at the ending with Piper Perabo but, once Rimes watched some cuts of the film, she decided to provide the singing voice for all the songs sung by Perabo. In the film, the song has a fictional story of being written by main character Violet Sanford, which at the end of the film becomes her big break into the music business after Rimes records it. Rimes later shared with her audience of a 2017 concert that she really wanted “Can’t Fight The Moonlight”, but it was attached to Coyote Ugly. She agreed to sing for Piper Perabo on the movie because she so badly wanted to sing “Can’t Fight The Moonlight”.[2] [3] (this would include "But I Do Love You", as well as two other tracks on the soundtrack). The vocals Rimes provided are altered in their pitch and vocal range in comparison to her natural vocal range; and, the closing scene, wherein she and Perabo's character sing, is effectively her duetting with herself.[3] The song's lyrics were slightly changed for film.[4]

"Can't Fight the Moonlight" is a pop song of 3 minutes and 35 seconds. The song was written by American Grammy Award-winning songwriter, Diane Warren and performed by Rimes. The song's sheet music shows the key of E-flat major with the first and second verses in B minor.[5] The song is produced by Trevor Horn with executive production by Jerry Bruckheimer, Kathy Nelson and Mike Curb. Orchestral arrangements were done by David Campbell with engineering and mixing done by Steve MacMillan. Additional engineering was done by Tim Weidner, Greg Hunt, Gary Leach and Austin Deptula. According to Warren it is the first song she had written with so many key changes. A review by Billboard praised producer Trevor Horn by stating "Oh-so creatively produced by Trevor Horn with guitars, lush layers of harmony, and a funky albeit delicate hip-hop track (no, really), this easy-flowing midtempo popper is a sassy number, demonstrating that Rimes has crossed the line to adult-leaning lyrics."

Release

"Can't Fight the Moonlight" was first released on the soundtrack for Coyote Ugly on August 1, 2000.[6] It was released in the US on a CD single on August 22, 2000, along with the song, "But I Do Love You" (also included on the soundtrack) as the B-side track.[7] The song was later released on a maxi-single which included several remixes of the song. The song was also included on Rimes's 2002 compilation album, I Need You, with the Graham Stack Radio Edit of the song included as a bonus track.[8] In 2003, the Graham Stack Radio Edit of the song would be included on the More Music from Coyote Ugly soundtrack on January 28, 2003.[9] and Rimes' Greatest Hits album on November 18, 2003.[10] In 2004, the song was included on The Best of LeAnn Rimes,[11] while the Graham Stack Radio Edit (known as the "Latino Mix" internationally) was released on the remixed edition.[12] In 2014, a new remix of the song by The Alias was released on her second greatest hits remix album, Dance Like You Don’t Give a… Greatest Hits Remixes.[13] In 2018, Rimes released a live re-reimagined version of the song to digital download and streaming services that was later included on her Re-Imagined EP.[14] In 2020, in celebration of the film's 20th anniversary,[15] a new remix by Dave Audé was released.

Critical reception

Wendy Mitchell of Barnes & Noble.com praised the song calling it "ultra-catchy".[16] Heather Phares of AllMusic considered the song to be a "positively Britney Spearsian power ballad".[17] A review in Billboard about Rimes and the song stated that the song "is by far her most compelling pop offering yet–and one of the more intriguing compositions of late from songwriter superwoman Diane Warren."[18]

Commercial performance

The song reached the top 20 in every country it charted in. In the United Kingdom, "Can't Fight the Moonlight" topped the UK Singles Chart for the week ending November 25, 2000, becoming Britain's 12th biggest-selling song of 2000. It sold over 530,000 copies in the United Kingdom and was the 55th best seller of the 2000s decade in the country.[19] In the Republic of Ireland, it topped the Irish Singles Chart in November 2000 for two weeks.

In Australia, "Can't Fight The Moonlight" topped the ARIA Singles Chart in January 2001 and went on to become the biggest-selling single in Australia of 2001. It went triple platinum in Australia, selling over 210,000 copies. In New Zealand, it went to number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart.

In the US, the song spent two chart runs on the Billboard Hot 100. On its original chart run in 2000, "Can't Fight the Moonlight" stalled at number 71.[20] It regained interest in late 2001 and 2002 and rose up the charts to number 11. It took 29 weeks to reach the top 40.[21] The song spent 42 weeks on the charts and sold 668,000 copies.[22] Even though the song was not officially released to country radio, it debuted at number 61 on the Billboard Country Song chart due to airplay as an album cut.[23] The single was certified gold by the RIAA. The single has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

Music video

A music video for the song was released in 2000 by Touchstone Pictures and directed by David McNally, the director of Coyote Ugly.[24] The video features Rimes wearing a white tank top and brown striped latex pants singing at the "Coyote Ugly" bar, and dancing with Izabella Miko and the other girls who worked at the bar in the film. The video also features various scenes taken from the film.[25] The music video was included as a bonus feature on both the theatrical and uncut DVD releases of the film.[26]

Live performances

On February 1, 2001, Rimes performed the song on Music in High Places. The performance was later featured on the limited edition bonus DVD included with her Greatest Hits album.[27] On April 10, she performed it live at the 7th Blockbuster Entertainment Awards.[28] On May 9, she performed a "beat box-driven" version of the song live at the 36th Academy of Country Music Awards, being accompanied by bare-chested dancers.[29] Rimes also performed the song on Sessions@AOL.[30]

Covers and samples

South Korean singer Lee Hyori performed the song during 2003's MBC Drama Awards.[31] American singer Ava Max sampled the song on her 2022 single "Million Dollar Baby".[32]

Track listings

  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" – 3:35
  2. "But I Do Love You" – 3:20
  3. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Graham Stack Radio Edit) – 3:35
  4. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Thunderpuss Club Mix) – 8:46
  5. "Can't Fight The Moonlight" (Sharp Club Vocal Mix) – 7:35
  6. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Almighty Mix) – 7:52
  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" – 3:35
  2. "But I Do Love You" – 3:20
  3. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Graham Stack Radio Edit) – 3:35
  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Latino Mix) – 3:32
  2. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Thunderpuss Club Mix) – 8:45
  3. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Almighty Radio Edit) – 3:58
  4. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Sharp Radio Edit) – 3:38
  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" – 3:35
  2. "But I Do Love You" – 3:20
  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Graham Stack Radio Edit) – 3:35
  2. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Thunderpuss Radio Edit) – 3:36
  3. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Plasmic Honey Radio Edit) – 3:22
  4. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Almighty Mix) – 7:49
  5. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Sharp Club Vocal Edit) – 5:40
  6. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Thunderpuss Club Mix) – 8:46
  7. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Plasmic Honey Club Mix Edit) – 6:37
  8. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Sharp Pistol Dub) – 5:46
  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Re-Imagined) [Live] – 4:40
  1. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Dave Audé Mix) – 4:02
  2. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" (Dave Audé Extended) – 5:04
  3. "Can't Fight the Moonlight" – 3:36

Personnel

Personnel for "Can't Fight the Moonlight" adapted from the liner notes of the Coyote Ugly soundtrack.[1]

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2000–2002)Peak
position
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[44] 6
Canada CHR (Nielsen BDS)[45] 19
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[46] 3
Greece (IFPI Greece)[47] 5
Hungary (Mahasz)[48] 1
Poland (Music & Media)[49] 6
Poland (Polish Airplay Charts)[50] 2
Romania (Romanian Top 100)[51] 1
US Top Country Singles Sales (Billboard)[52]
1

Year-end charts

Chart (2000)Position
Ireland (IRMA)[53] 3
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[54] 72
UK Singles (OCC)[55] 12
US Top Country Singles Sales (Billboard)[56] 7
Chart (2001)Position
Australia (ARIA)[57] 1
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[58] 40
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[59] 12
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[60] 16
Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[61] 119
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[62] 5
France (SNEP)[63] 24
Germany (Official German Charts)[64] 34
Ireland (IRMA)[65] 74
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[66] 44
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[67] 21
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[68] 7
Romania (Romanian Top 100)23
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[69] 24
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[70] 27
UK Singles (OCC)[71] 142
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[72] 45
US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)[73] 19
US Top Country Singles Sales (Billboard)[74] 1
Chart (2002)Position
Canada Radio (Nielsen BDS)[75] 78
US Billboard Hot 100[76] 56
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[77] 29
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[78] 51
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[79] 39
US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard)[80] 25
US Top Country Singles Sales (Billboard)[81] 1

Decade-end charts

Chart (2000–2009)Position
Australia (ARIA)[82] 46
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[83] 34

Release history

Region!scope="col"
VersionDateFormat(s)Label(s)
United StatesOriginalAugust 22, 2000CD singleCurb
September 5, 2000Contemporary hit radio[84]
September 11, 2000[85]
United KingdomNovember 13, 2000[86]
JapanDecember 1, 2000CD singleCurb Denon[87]
AustraliaJanuary 2001Curb[88]
United States (re-release)October 2, 2001Contemporary hit radio[89]
VariousRe-Imagined (live)May 30, 2018EverLe/Thirty Tigers
Dave Audé remixNovember 13, 2020Curb

See also

Notes and References

  1. Coyote Ugly. Various Artists. 2000. CD. Curb Records. D2-78703.
  2. Coyote Ugly (DVD) Touchstone Pictures. 2000. "Inside the Songs" bonus feature.
  3. Web site: Radio Free Entertainment Exclusive Interview: Piper Perabo. RadioFree.com. March 22, 2007. Lee, Michael J.. October 11, 2011. February 20, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120220101705/http://www.radiofree.com/profiles/piper_perabo/interview03.shtml. dead.
  4. Coyote Ugly Chapter 26: "Gut Check": In the film instead of "It'll steal your heart tonight" the line is "It will take you in tonight" in the first verse of the song.
  5. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight LeAnn Rimes Digital Sheet Music. Musicnotes, Inc.. November 3, 2000. Alfred Publishing. October 8, 2011.
  6. Web site: Coyote Ugly (2000 Film): Various Artists – Soundtrack: Music . Amazon . September 27, 2011.
  7. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight / But I Do Love You: Leann Rimes: Music . Amazon . October 8, 2011.
  8. Web site: I Need You: Leann Rimes: Music . Amazon . September 27, 2011.
  9. Web site: More Music From Coyote Ugly: Various Artists: Music . Amazon . September 27, 2011.
  10. Greatest Hits references:
  11. The Best of LeAnn Rimes references:
  12. Web site: Best of: Remixed: Leann Rimes: Music . Amazon . October 8, 2011.
  13. Web site: Dance Like You Don't Give a… Greatest Hits Remixes by LeAnn Rimes. Apple Music. July 26, 2023.
  14. Web site: Re-Imagined – EP by LeAnn Rimes. Apple Music. July 26, 2023.
  15. Web site: GRAMMY Award-Winning Artist LeAnn Rimes Announces Coyote Ugly 20th Anniversary MegaMix Remixed By Renowned DJ Dave Audé on Curb Records. Curb. July 26, 2023.
  16. Web site: Coyote Ugly, Music CD – Barnes & Noble . https://archive.today/20120711054204/http://music.barnesandnoble.com/Coyote-Ugly/e/715187870321 . dead . July 11, 2012 . . July 19, 2011 . November 2, 2011.
  17. Web site: Coyote Ugly by Soundtrack on Napster . Music.napster.com . November 2, 2011 .
  18. Book: Billboard – Google 도서 . September 16, 2000. April 8, 2011.
  19. Radio 1 Official Chart of the Decade, as broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on Tuesday December 29, 2009, presented by Nihal
  20. Web site: Billboard Hot 100 Chart History for Can't Fight The Moonlight by LeAnn Rimes. song-database.com.
  21. Weekly Chart Notes: The Billboard Music Awards, Part 2 . Billboard . August 29, 1970 . April 1, 2014.
  22. Book: Billboard – Google 도서 . July 19, 2003. November 20, 2011.
  23. Can't Fight the Moonlight [Theme from Coyote Ugly] – LeAnn Rimes|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard.com]]|access-date=November 2, 2011].
  24. At the end of the music video it states (c) 2000 Touchstone Pictures.
  25. Web site: Videos : LeAnn Rimes : Can't Fight The Moonlight (Theme From "Coyote Ugly") . https://web.archive.org/web/20100503114154/http://www.cmt.com/videos/leann-rimes/309701/cant-fight-the-moonlight-theme-from-coyote-ugly.jhtml . dead . May 3, 2010 . . October 11, 2011.
  26. DVD references:
  27. Greatest Hits. LeAnn Rimes. 2003. CD/DVD. Curb Records. D2-78829.
  28. Web site: 'NSync Takes Home Three Blockbuster Entertainment Awards. Fiasco. Lance. idobi Network. April 12, 2001. November 4, 2018.
  29. Web site: Lee Ann Womack, Dixie Chicks Win Big At ACM Awards. https://web.archive.org/web/20181104211048/http://www.mtv.com/news/1443515/lee-ann-womack-dixie-chicks-win-big-at-acm-awards/. dead. November 4, 2018. Orr. Jay. MTV. May 10, 2001. November 4, 2018.
  30. Web site: LeAnn Rimes – Sessions@AOL – ""Can't Fight the Moonlight"" Video by LeAnn Rimes – AOL Music . https://archive.today/20120713041224/http://music.aol.com/video/leann-rimes-sessions-aol-cant-fight-the-moonlight/leann-rimes/bc:10909725001 . dead . July 13, 2012 . . November 20, 2011 .
  31. Web site: Vietsub HVS31 11 03 Lee Hyori Can't Fight the Moonlight, We Will Rock You ft Bi Rain . www.youtube.com.
  32. Web site: Ava Max – Million Dollar Baby. genius.com.
  33. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight: Leann Rimes: Music . Amazon . October 8, 2011.
  34. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight / But I Do Love You / Can't Fight the Moonlight (Graham Stack Radio Edit) : LeAnn Rimes : Music. Amazon . April 23, 2012.
  35. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight: Leann Rimes: Music . Amazon . October 8, 2011.
  36. Web site: Amazon.com: Can't Fight the Moonlight: Leann Rimes: Music. Amazon . April 29, 2012.
  37. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight [Remixes]: Leann Rimes: Music |website=Amazon |access-date=October 8, 2011].
  38. Web site: iTunes – Music – Can't Fight the Moonlight (Dance Mixes) – EP by LeAnn Rimes . . August 22, 2000 . November 2, 2011.
  39. Web site: iTunes – Music – Can't Fight the Moonlight (Dance Mixes) – EP by LeAnn Rimes . Itunes.apple.com . August 22, 2000 . February 18, 2012.
  40. Web site: LeAnn Rimes: Can't Fight the Moonlight (Re-Imagined) (Live). Amazon Music. Amazon.com (US) Amazon.com, Inc. June 3, 2018.
  41. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight (Re-Imagined) [Live] – Single by LeAnn Rimes]. Apple Music. Apple, Inc. July 26, 2023.
  42. Web site: Can't Fight the Moonlight (Dave Audé Mix) – Single by LeAnn Rimes. Apple Music. Apple, Inc. July 26, 2023.
  43. Web site: Can't Fight The Moonlight (Dave Audé Mix) by LeAnn Rimes and Dave Audé. Amazon Music. Amazon.com, Inc. July 26, 2023.
  44. LeAnn Rimes Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs). Billboard. January 15, 2020.
  45. Web site: Canadian Top 20 in 2002. Cross Canada Countdown. https://web.archive.org/web/20050407223203/http://www.crosscanadacountdown.com/pdfs/2002.pdf. 7 April 2005. 19 April 2024.
  46. Eurochart Hot 100 Singles. Music & Media. 18. 4. 16. January 20, 2001. January 15, 2020.
  47. Top National Sellers. Music & Media. 18. 7. 12. February 10, 2001. March 3, 2020.
  48. Web site: MAHASZ TOP 20 Rádiós Slágerlista. Mahasz. hu. August 24, 2018. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20010205154900/http://www.mahasz.hu/slagerrad.htm. February 5, 2001.
  49. Major Market Airplay – Week 10/2001. Music & Media. 18. 10. 21. March 3, 2001. January 21, 2024.
  50. Web site: Polish Airplay Charts – Lista krajowa 02/2001. PiF PaF Production. pl. September 4, 2015. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20010903030056/http://pifpaf.com.pl/airplay/lista_02_2001.html. September 3, 2001.
  51. Web site: Top of the Year 2001. Romanian Top 100. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20021209050311/http://www.rt100.ro/2001.html. December 9, 2002. May 3, 2020.
  52. Billboard Top Country Singles Sales. Billboard. October 16, 2023.
  53. Web site: Top 100 of 2000. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20040602112628/http://www.rte.ie/2fm/charts/top100_2000.html. June 2, 2004. March 16, 2022.
  54. Web site: Årslista Singlar, 2000. Sverigetopplistan. sv. May 20, 2020.
  55. Best Sellers of 2000: Singles Top 100. Music Week. London, England. 25. January 20, 2001.
  56. The Year in Music 2000: Top Country Singles Sales. Billboard. 112. 53. YE-66. December 30, 2000.
  57. Web site: ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2001. ARIA. June 10, 2021.
  58. Web site: Jahreshitparade Singles 2001. de. May 3, 2020.
  59. Web site: Jaaroverzichten 2001. Ultratop. nl. August 10, 2009.
  60. Web site: Rapports annuels 2001. Ultratop. fr. August 10, 2009.
  61. Web site: Canada's Top 200 Singles of 2001. Jam!. https://web.archive.org/web/20020726120310/http://jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2001_singles2.html. July 26, 2002. March 28, 2022.
  62. Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2001. Music & Media. 18. 52. 14. December 22, 2001. February 9, 2020.
  63. Web site: Tops de L'année Top Singles 2001. SNEP. fr. August 17, 2020.
  64. Web site: Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 2001. GfK Entertainment. de. May 22, 2020.
  65. Web site: Ireland – Top Singles for 2001. August 10, 2019.
  66. Web site: Single top 100 over 2001. Top40. nl. May 1, 2010.
  67. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 2001. MegaCharts. nl. January 15, 2020.
  68. Web site: End of Year Charts 2001. Recorded Music NZ. August 17, 2020.
  69. Web site: Årslista Singlar, 2001. Sverigetopplistan. sv. May 3, 2020.
  70. Web site: Swiss Year-End Charts 2001. de. August 10, 2009.
  71. Web site: The Official UK Singles Chart 2001. UKChartsPlus. January 15, 2020.
  72. America's Best: 2001 – Most-Played Adult Contemporary Songs. Airplay Monitor. 9. 51. 55. December 21, 2001.
  73. The Year in Music 2001: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales. Billboard. 113. 52. YE-49. December 29, 2001.
  74. The Year in Music 2001: Top Country Singles Sales. Billboard. 113. 52. YE-53. December 29, 2001.
  75. Web site: Top 100 top played radio tracks in Canada in 2002. Jam!. https://web.archive.org/web/20040906183811/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/100page2_2002.html. September 6, 2004. March 23, 2022.
  76. Web site: Billboard Top 100 – 2002. Billboardtop100of.com. January 15, 2020.
  77. The 2002 Allstars: Most-Played AC Songs of 2002. Airplay Monitor. 10. 51. 19. December 20, 2002.
  78. Most-Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 2002. Airplay Monitor. 10. 51. 16. December 20, 2002.
  79. Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2002. Airplay Monitor. 10. 51. 12. December 20, 2002.
  80. The Year in Music 2002: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales. Billboard. 114. 52. YE-53. December 28, 2002.
  81. The Year in Music 2002: Top Country Singles Sales. Billboard. 114. 52. YE-61. December 28, 2002.
  82. Web site: ARIA . ARIA End of Decade Singles/Top 100 . September 29, 2010 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100917082727/http://aria.com.au/pages/documents/2000sDecadeChartssingles.pdf . September 17, 2010 . ARIA Charts.
  83. Web site: Decennium Charts – Singles 2000–2009. MegaCharts. nl. May 3, 2022.
  84. Gavin Top 40/Rhythm Crossover: Impact Dates. Gavin Report. 2320. 10. September 1, 2000.
  85. Gavin AC/Hot AC: Impact Dates. Gavin Report. 2321. 21. September 8, 2000.
  86. New Releases – For Week Starting November 13, 2000: Singles. Music Week. 29. November 11, 2000. August 7, 2021.
  87. Web site: キャント・ファイト・ザ・ムーンライト リアン・ライムス. Can't Fight the Moonlight LeAnn Rimes. Oricon. ja. August 31, 2023.
  88. Web site: The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 8th January 2001. ARIA. 19. January 8, 2001. https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20080222222432/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20020221-0000/www.aria.com.au/issue567.pdf. February 22, 2008. March 24, 2024. Note: The source erroneously says the song was released on January 8, but that was when it first charted.
  89. Going for Adds. Radio & Records. 1421. 87. September 28, 2001. August 7, 2021.