| Steam | |
| Cover: | East_17-Steam.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | East 17 |
| Album: | Steam |
| Genre: | |
| Length: | 3:25 |
| Label: | London |
| Producer: |
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| Prev Title: | Around the World |
| Prev Year: | 1994 |
| Next Title: | Stay Another Day |
| Next Year: | 1994 |
"Steam" is a song by English pop boy band East 17, released on 19 September 1994 by London Records as the second single from their second album by the same name (1994). The song was written by band member Tony Mortimer with its producers, Matt Rowe and Richard Stannard. It was a major hit in Europe, peaking at number six in Portugal, number seven in the UK and number eight in Scotland, while becoming a top-20 hit in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Its accompanying music video was directed by Kevin Godley, featuring the band performing onstage at a concert.
In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton said, "Whilst the last single was in truth a little wimpy "Steam" cranks up the pace and marks a return to the white-boy pop/rap the band have carved a niche for themselves with."[2] Victoria Segal from Melody Maker named it a "pop spectacular", noting its "Gett Off" rip-off.[3] Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "Street cred they've always had, more than all their competitors combined, but even with a Carter USM remix to their account, it's a proven fact that these lads have grown up."[4] Alan Jones from Music Week gave "Steam" four out of five and named it Single of the Week, adding, "Rock guitars and whistling are just two elements of this introductory jackswing-style single from the forthcoming East 17 album. Far from their best, but they have enough impetus to score Top 10 hits at will."[1] Iestyn George from NME commented, "A sweaty swingbeat vibe prevails on "Steam", coupled with a natty whistling riff that'll annoy the f— out of Credit to the Nation fans. Naturally, it is ACE and will be Number One for 16 weeks."[5]
A music video was produced to promote the single. It features the band performing at a concert, and was directed by English singer, songwriter, musician and music video director Kevin Godley.[6] "Steam" was later made available by London Records on YouTube in 2017[7] and had generated almost one million views as of October 2023.
| Chart (1994) | Peak position | |
|---|---|---|
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[8] | 17 | |
| Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[9] | 12 | |
| Italy (Musica e dischi)[10] | 19 | |
| Lithuania (M-1)[11] | 4 | |
| UK Club Chart (Music Week)[12] | 50 |
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 19 September 1994 | London | [13] | |
| Japan | 2 November 1994 | CD | [14] |