Genre Synthpop Label Polydor | Length 3:19 | |
Released 27 September 2009 (2009-09-27) Format CD single
digital download
12" single Recorded Elfin Studios
(Teddington, London, England) | ||
"I'm Not Your Toy" is a song by English synthpop duo La Roux from their self-titled debut album, La Roux. Written and produced by Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid, the song was released as the album's fourth single on 28 September 2009. It is available on CD, 12" and digital formats including two new remixes by Jack Beats and DatA. The single made its debut on the UK Singles Chart at number ninety-one on the issue dated 20 September 2009—due to digital downloads from the La Roux album—, peaking at number twenty-seven two weeks later. The song has a distinctly Caribbean vibe, incorporating the famous Stylophone synthesizer (marketed as a children's toy in the 60s and 70s) as a main lead and bass sound.
Contents
Critical reception
"I'm Not Your Toy" received mixed reviews from music critics. David Balls of Digital Spy gave the song only two stars—after previous hits "In for the Kill" and "Bulletproof" both received five stars—, stating, "Neither as charming as their breakthrough nor as instantly catchy as their recent chart-topper, 'I'm Not Your Toy' is a plodding and disposable effort that lacks any real magic or flare." He also characterised the song's choice for a single as "a missed opportunity" since "[t]heir album offers more depth and variety than the uninitiated might expect." Luke Turner of the NME, however, wrote that the song's "calypso flick no doubt had Lily Allen green-faced during La Roux's recent support slot." The magazine later placed the song at number forty-one on its list of the 50 Best Tracks of 2009, further commenting that "Elly's voice never embodied heartbreak more sharply."
Music video
The setting of the AlexandLiane-directed video appears to be a futuristic spa resort with tropical plants and fruits surrounding a swimming pool. The video shows Jackson sitting on a throne, watching an alter ego version of herself performing the song. Slowly her music attracts a large audience of all ages. Originally they listen with skeptical expressions on their faces, but they begin to enjoy the rhythm of the song. Knowing that the onlookers are happy, Jackson relaxes, and enjoys singing the song alongside four female dancers. Jackson looks again into another room, where several people from the previous scene and others put on sunglasses that seem to be playing the music. The people then start dancing while two children watch with further skepticism. The scene then swaps back to the spa location, where all the group are dancing and laughing. La Roux bandmates Mickey, Mikey and Will have a brief cameo amongst the crowd that Jackson attracted.
Track listings
- "I'm Not Your Toy" – 3:19
- "I'm Not Your Toy" (Jack Beats Remix) – 5:37
- "I'm Not Your Toy" (DatA Remix) – 5:16
- "I'm Not Your Toy" – 3:19
- "I'm Not Your Toy" (Jack Beats Remix) – 5:37
- "I'm Not Your Toy" (DatA Remix) – 5:15
- "I'm Not Your Toy" (Nero Remix) – 5:34