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. 

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Music video

Official Charts logo Official Singles Chart

Chart facts

  • Peak position1
  • LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
  • Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
  • First Chart Date

Weeks on chart

  1. 1No. 1
  2. 12Top. 10
  3. 21Top. 20
  4. 26Top. 40
  5. 47Top. 75
  6. 58Top. 100

Chart run

= Peak position = This week

54 weeks - 01/12/2022 to 07/12/2023

2 weeks - 11/01/2024 to 18/01/2024

1 week - 08/02/2024

1 week - 14/03/2024

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Official Charts logo Official Singles Sales Chart

Chart facts

  • Peak position3
  • LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
  • Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
  • First Chart Date

Weeks on chart

  1. 0No. 1
  2. 5Top. 10
  3. 14Top. 20
  4. 16Top. 40
  5. 24Top. 75
  6. 30Top. 100

Chart run

= Peak position = This week

24 weeks - 08/12/2022 to 18/05/2023

1 week - 01/06/2023

1 week - 29/06/2023

2 weeks - 11/01/2024 to 18/01/2024

1 week - 01/02/2024

1 week - 14/03/2024

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Official Charts logo Official Singles Downloads Chart

Chart facts

  • Peak position2
  • LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
  • Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
  • First Chart Date

Weeks on chart

  1. 0No. 1
  2. 5Top. 10
  3. 14Top. 20
  4. 17Top. 40
  5. 25Top. 75
  6. 30Top. 100

Chart run

= Peak position = This week

24 weeks - 08/12/2022 to 18/05/2023

1 week - 01/06/2023

1 week - 29/06/2023

2 weeks - 11/01/2024 to 18/01/2024

1 week - 01/02/2024

1 week - 14/03/2024

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End of Year Singles Chart

Chart facts

  • Peak position3
  • LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
  • Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
  • First Chart Date

Weeks on chart

  1. 0No. 1
  2. 1Top. 10
  3. 1Top. 20
  4. 1Top. 40
  5. 1Top. 75
  6. 1Top. 100

Chart run

= Peak position = This week

1 week - 01/01/2023

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Official Charts logo Official Independent Singles Chart

Chart facts

  • Peak position1
  • LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
  • Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
  • First Chart Date

Weeks on chart

  1. 24No. 1
  2. 66Top. 10
  3. 68Top. 20
  4. 69Top. 40
  5. 69Top. 75
  6. 69Top. 100

Chart run

= Peak position = This week

69 weeks - 24/11/2022 to 14/03/2024

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