ESCAPISM
by RAYE
RAYE's first-ever UK Number 1 single came from a moment of complete vindication. Escapism., a jagged electronic banger about Raye's experiences of addiction, was one of her first releases after splitting from her long-time record label and heading out on her own as an independent artist.
She had swapped her early dance-pop sound for an edgier approach, and the song - an R&B-flavoured collaboration with singer-rapper 070 Shake - was swiftly embraced by TikTok. Its beat is instantly infectious, but RAYE's unflinching lyrics about a brutal breakup and its messy repercussions are every bit as arresting. "Now it's back to the intro, back to the bar, to the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways," she sings regretfully on the first verse.
Tken from RAYE's debut album My 21st Century Blues, Escapism. quickly became Raye's first solo Top 10 entry in the UK, even challenging for the 2022 Christmas Number 1, before finally ascending to the top of the Official Singles Chart at the start of 2023. "This is proof you should back yourself no matter what," Raye said upon accepting her Number 1 Award. She was right.
Escapism. went on to win several industry prizes including Best Contemporary Song at the Ivor Novello Awards, while her acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues followed soon after in early 2023.
Music video
Official Singles Chart
Official Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 1No. 1
- 12Top. 10
- 21Top. 20
- 26Top. 40
- 47Top. 75
- 58Top. 100
Chart run
54 weeks - 01/12/2022 to 07/12/2023
1 week - 08/02/2024
1 week - 14/03/2024
Buy
Official Singles Sales Chart
Official Singles Sales Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position3
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 5Top. 10
- 14Top. 20
- 16Top. 40
- 24Top. 75
- 30Top. 100
Chart run
1 week - 01/06/2023
1 week - 29/06/2023
1 week - 01/02/2024
1 week - 14/03/2024
Buy
Official Singles Downloads Chart
Official Singles Downloads ChartChart facts
- Peak position2
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 5Top. 10
- 14Top. 20
- 17Top. 40
- 25Top. 75
- 30Top. 100
Chart run
1 week - 01/06/2023
1 week - 29/06/2023
1 week - 01/02/2024
1 week - 14/03/2024
Buy
End of Year Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position3
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No. 1
- 1Top. 10
- 1Top. 20
- 1Top. 40
- 1Top. 75
- 1Top. 100
Chart run
1 week - 01/01/2023
Buy
Official Independent Singles Chart
Official Independent Singles ChartChart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 24No. 1
- 66Top. 10
- 68Top. 20
- 69Top. 40
- 69Top. 75
- 69Top. 100
Chart run
69 weeks - 24/11/2022 to 14/03/2024
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