You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You explained

You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You
Cover:James Arthur You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:James Arthur
Album:James Arthur
Recorded:2013
Length:3:20
Label:Syco
Producer:TMS
Prev Title:Impossible
Prev Year:2012
Next Title:Recovery
Next Year:2013

"You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You" is a song by British singer and songwriter James Arthur. Written by Arthur along with TMS, who also produced the record, it serves as his first single since winning the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012, his second single overall after "Impossible", and the lead single from his self-titled debut album.

Background

Speaking to Capital FM about the song, Arthur called it: "One of those big, uplifting anthemic tunes. The rest of the album is quite diverse." The song received its debut airplay on Capital FM on 9 September 2013.[1]

Reception

Critical reception

Writing for the Metro, Seamus Duff said "With a possibly genuine new talent about to take the charts, The X Factor might in fact have produced their best winner yet."[2] Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave it four stars out of five, saying "It's hard times when nobody wants you," he sings in his unmistakably wobbly, soul-soaked vocal over a barrage of horns and toe-tapping percussion. Unsurprisingly, the result feels just as big - if not bigger - than before.[3]

Chart performance

The single reached number 17 in New Zealand on 17 October 2013 and number 22 in Australia three days later. On 27 October, it debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart, behind "Royals" by Lorde.[4]

Music video

The song's official music video was directed by Emil Nava[5] and was uploaded to YouTube on 19 September 2013. It features Arthur performing at a street gig.[6]

Charts and certifications

Year-end charts

Chart (2013)Position
Hungarian Airplay Chart[7] 66
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[8] 121

Certifications

Radio and release history

CountryDateFormatLabel
United Kingdom9 September 2013Radio premiereSyco
Australia[9] 11 October 2013Digital download
New Zealand[10]
Ireland[11] 18 October 2013
United Kingdom[12] 20 October 2013

Notes and References

  1. Web site: James Arthur's New Song 'You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You' Has First Play on Capital. 9 September 2013. Capital FM. 18 September 2013.
  2. News: James Arthur's new single You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You – is he the new Kelly Clarkson and best X Factor winner to date?. Duff. Seamus. 18 September 2013. Metro. DMG Media. 19 September 2013.
  3. News: James Arthur: 'You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You' - Single review. Copsey. Robert. 9 October 2013. Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. 21 October 2013.
  4. News: Lorde royally beats X Factor winner James Arthur to score her first ever chart-topper. Deen. Sarah. 27 October 2013. Metro. DMG Media. 1 November 2013.
  5. News: James Arthur Premieres 'You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Love You' Music Video (WATCH). Odams. Katherine. 19 September 2013. Entertainmentwise. 19 September 2013.
  6. Web site: James Arthur – You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You. YouTube. 19 September 2013.
  7. Web site: MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 - radios 2013 . hu . MAHASZ . 22 January 2014.
  8. Web site: End of Year Charts: 2013. UKChartsPlus. 30 October 2015.
  9. Web site: James Arthur – You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You. iTunes Store – AUS (Apple Inc.). 19 September 2013.
  10. Web site: James Arthur – You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You. iTunes Store – NZ (Apple Inc.). 19 September 2013.
  11. Web site: James Arthur – You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You. iTunes Store – IRE (Apple Inc.). 19 September 2013.
  12. Web site: James Arthur – You're Nobody 'Til Somebody Loves You. iTunes Store – UK (Apple Inc.). 19 September 2013.