Sweat (A La La La La Long)

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"Sweat (A La La La La Long)"
Single by Inner Circle
from the album Bad to the Bone
Released10 July 1992 (1992-07-10)
Recorded1992
GenreReggae fusion
Length3:46
Label
Songwriter(s)
  • Ian Lewis
  • Roger Lewis
Producer(s)Ian Lewis, Roger Lewis, Touter Harvey
Inner Circle singles chronology
"Bad Boys"
(1992) 		"Sweat (A La La La La Long)"
(1992) 		"Games People Play"
(1994)
Music video
"Sweat (A La La La La Long)" on YouTube

"Sweat (A La La La La Long)" is a song by Jamaican reggae fusion band Inner Circle, released in July 1992 by Warner Records as the lead single from their twelfth album, Bad to the Bone (1992). It was written by the band's Ian and Roger Lewis, and produced by them with another bandmember, Touter Harvey. The song became a number-one hit in Belgium, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, and Zimbabwe. The music video, depicting the group on the beach, was directed by Mathias Julien. Australian music channel Max included "Sweat" in their list "1000 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2017.[1]

Critical reception[edit]

The song received favorable reviews from music critics. Larry Flick from Billboard noted that it "clips along at a fun and swaying pace. Topping on the cake is a sing-along refrain and chorus that will be the soundtrack to a bright summer day."[2] Troy J. Augusto from Cashbox stated, "Actually, this incredibly catchy and brisk pop/raga-tune will rule the summer airwaves as the band sweats all the way to the bank."[3] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report called it a "winner", adding, "one listen—slam dunk!"[4] Another editor, Rod Edwards wrote that "complete with a "sing-along" chorus, the reggae/dancehall appeal of this song should continue their success in the U.S."[5]

James Masterton said in his weekly UK chart commentary, that "Sweat (A La La La La Long)" "is certainly a cod-reggae classic to rank alongside Girly Girly and Real Fashion Reggae Style which were both Top 10 hits in the mid-80s."[6] James Hamilton from Music Week's RM Dance Update described it as an "appealing but old fashioned pop reggae swayer".[7] Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times constated that "their pop-reggae may not be all that provocative or tough-edged, but it's supple and eminently hummable."[8] Andrew Love from Ocala Star-Banner picked the song as one of the "greats" on their Bad Boys album.[9] Mark Sutherland from Smash Hits declared it as "a bounce-along beach party of a choon with a "la la la" chorus".[10]

Chart performance[edit]

"Sweat (A La La La La Long)" achieved a great success on the charts particularly in Europe, where it was a top 10 hit in Austria (2), Denmark (2), Finland (5), Greece (9), Ireland (3), Norway (8), Sweden (2) and the United Kingdom, as well as on the Eurochart Hot 100, where the single also peaked at number two. In the UK, it hit number three on the UK Singles Chart, on 16 May 1993[11] and number six on the UK Dance Singles Chart. It is the group's highest-charting song in the UK to date, and it topped the charts in Switzerland and Germany for six and twelve weeks, respectively. It also reached number-one in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Outside Europe, "Sweat" was a hit in Israel and Zimbabwe where it was peaking at number-one for three weeks, in Australia, reaching number two, and New Zealand, where it reached number-one. In the United States, the song peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. And in Canada, it went to number 38 on the RPM Top Singles chart. The song was also ranked number 94 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 1993.

It earned a gold record in Austria and the Netherlands, with a sale of 15,000 and 50,000 singles, as well as in the UK and US, where 400,000 and 500,000 units were sold. In Germany, it received a platinum record, with a sale of 200,000 singles.

Music video[edit]

A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Mathias Jullien.[12] In the video, the band performs the song on the beach among bathers. They are often seen in front of female dancers and a colorful backdrop in green, red and yellow. Other times, the band performs on a stage, in front of a large crowd. Occasionally there are some black and white footage. The video was later made available on YouTube in 2009, and had generated more than 145 million views as of February 2024.[13] Julien would also be directing the video for the group's 1994 hit single "Games People Play".

Covers and adaptations[edit]

The popularity of the song has resulted in many covers and even parodies. The song in Malaysia spawned a parody song by Poe called "Alalalala Tuk (Jangan Saman)" (Please Officer, Don't Fine Me).[14]

The winner of season 7 of the German music competition Deutschland sucht den Superstar in 2010 Mehrzad Marashi had it as his debut release after his win. The release also featured Mark Medlock winner in the same show in season four in 2007.

Track listings[edit]

  • 7" single
  1. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  2. "Bad Boys" (original mix) — 3:50
  • 12" maxi, Europe
  1. "Sweat" (swemix remix) — 5:35
  2. "Sweat" (sweatbox construction) — 7:51
  3. "Sweat" (circle zone dub mix) — 5:09
  • 12" maxi, US
  1. "Sweat" (Don T's dancehall version) — 3:54
  2. "Sweat" (JJ's glamarama remix) — 5:27
  3. "Sweat" (Don T's dub version) — 3:53
  4. "Sweat" (Dave Morales def mix) — 4:53
  5. "Sweat" (Dave's def raggamuffin dub) — 4:07
  6. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  • CD single
  1. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  2. "Sweat" (sweatbox construction) — 7:51
  3. "Sweat" (circle zone dub mix) — 5:09
  4. "Bad Boys" (original mix) — 3:50
  • CD maxi
  1. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  2. "Sweat" (sweatbox construction) — 7:56
  3. "Sweat" (circle zone dub mix) — 5:14
  4. "Bad Boys" (original mix) — 3:51
  • CD maxi - Remixes
  1. "Sweat" (swemix edit) — 4:20
  2. "Sweat" (JJ's glamarama remix) — 5:27
  3. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  4. "Sweat" (JJ's ragga zone dub) — 4:16
  5. "Sweat" (DJ beats) — 2:30
  • Cassette
  1. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  2. "Bad Boys" (original mix) — 3:50
  3. "Sweat" (original version) — 3:46
  4. "Bad Boys" (original mix) — 3:50

Charts[edit]

Sales and certifications[edit]

Certifications for "Sweat (A La La La La Long)"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Austria (IFPI Austria)[57] Gold 25,000*
Germany (BVMI)[58] Platinum 500,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[59] Gold 50,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[60] Gold 400,000‡
United States (RIAA)[61] Gold 500,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Mehrzad Marashi and Mark Medlock version[edit]

"Sweat (A La La La La Long)"
Single by Mehrzad Marashi and
Mark Medlock
Released2010
Recorded2010
GenreReggae fusion, pop
Songwriter(s)Ian Lewis, Roger Lewis
Producer(s)Dieter Bohlen

In 2010, Mehrzad Marashi and Mark Medlock (both winners of Deutschland sucht den Superstar) released a joint cover version.

The song was a big success in Europe topping at number two in Germany, number seven in Austria and number 16 in Switzerland.

Other cover versions[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "1000 Greatest Songs Of All Time…". Max. 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
  2. ^ Flick, Larry (3 July 1993). "Single Reviews" (PDF). Billboard. p. 66. Retrieved 1 February 2020.
  3. ^ Augusto, Troy J. (10 July 1993). "Pop Singles: Reviews" (PDF). Cashbox. p. 13. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  4. ^ Sholin, Dave (25 June 1993). "Gavin Picks: Singles" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 46. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  5. ^ Edwards, Rod (16 July 1993). "Urban: New Releases" (PDF). Gavin Report. p. 22. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
  6. ^ Masterton, James (25 April 1993). "Week Ending May 1st 1993". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  7. ^ Hamilton, James (24 April 1993). "Djdirectory" (PDF). Music Week, in Record Mirror (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 2. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  8. ^ "Real blues from living masters". New Straits Times. 2 December 1992. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  9. ^ Love, Andrew (23 July 1993). "'Bad Boys' goes to reggae's roots". Ocala Star-Banner. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  10. ^ Sutherland, Mark (17 August 1994). "New Singles". Smash Hits. p. 51. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  11. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 75 16 May 1993 - 22 May 1993". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
  12. ^ "Games People Play by Inner Circle". IMVDb. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
  13. ^ "Inner Circle - Sweat (A La La Long)". YouTube. 29 December 2009. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  14. ^ "POE - Saman". Youtube. 1 March 2008.
  15. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  16. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  17. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  18. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2305." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  19. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. 17 October 1992. p. 28. Retrieved 21 March 2018.
  20. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 31 October 1992. p. 23. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  21. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin - levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 978-951-1-21053-5.
  22. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)" (in French). Les classement single.
  23. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  24. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. 12 December 1992. p. 22. Retrieved 20 March 2018.
  25. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  26. ^ "Inner Circle - Sweat (a la la la la long)" (PDF). Music Week. 17 April 1993. p. 5. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  27. ^ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 28 May 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Album". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Inner Circle".
  28. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Inner Circle" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  29. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  30. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". Top 40 Singles.
  31. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". VG-lista.
  32. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. 6 February 1993. p. 16. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  33. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". Singles Top 100.
  34. ^ "Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". Swiss Singles Chart.
  35. ^ "Inner Circle: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  36. ^ "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 15 May 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  37. ^ "Inner Circle Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  38. ^ "Inner Circle Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  39. ^ "Inner Circle Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  40. ^ "Inner Circle Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  41. ^ * Zimbabwe. Kimberley, C. Zimbabwe: singles chart book. Harare: C. Kimberley, 2000
  42. ^ "SloTop50: Slovenian official singles weekly chart" (in Slovenian). SloTop50. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  43. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  44. ^ 1992 Austrian Singles Chart. Austriancharts.at. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  45. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1992". Ultratop. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  46. ^ "Top 100 Singles–Jahrescharts 1992" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 30 December 2019.
  47. ^ "Single top 100 over 1992" (PDF) (in Dutch). Top40. Retrieved 14 April 2010.
  48. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1992". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  49. ^ 1992 Swiss Singles Chart. Hitparade.ch. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  50. ^ 1993 Australian Singles Chart. Aria.com. Retrieved 18 September 2008.
  51. ^ "1993 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 18 December 1993. p. 15. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  52. ^ "Top 100 Singles – Jahrescharts 1993" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  53. ^ "Jaarlijsten 1993" (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  54. ^ "End of Year Charts 1993". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
  55. ^ "Top 100 Singles 1993". Music Week. 15 January 1994. p. 24.
  56. ^ "Billboard Top 100 - 1993". Archived from the original on 10 November 2006. Retrieved 27 August 2010.
  57. ^ "Austrian single certifications – Inner Circle – Sweat" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  58. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Inner Circle; 'Sweat')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  59. ^ "Dutch single certifications – Inner Circle – Sweat" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved 16 July 2022. Enter Sweat in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1992 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  60. ^ "British single certifications – Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
  61. ^ "American single certifications – Inner Circle – Sweat (A La La La La Long)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
  62. ^ "VIVA Single Jahrescharts 2010 - 2010 | Charts | VIVA.tv". Archived from the original on 11 January 2011. Retrieved 11 January 2011.
  63. ^ "irishcharts.com - Discography John Gibbons". irish-charts.com. Retrieved 28 May 2023.
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