Released 28 August 2011 Genre Dance Label Ministry of Sound | Recorded 2010–11 Length 3:24 | |
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Format Digital download
CD single
12" vinyl | ||
"Stay Awake" is a song by British recording artist Example from his third studio album, Playing in the Shadows. It was released on 28 August 2011 as the album's second single. The song was written by Example, Joseph Ray and Dan Stephens and produced by Nero. The song was added to BBC Radio 1 playlist. The song premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Zane Lowe's 'Hottest Record in the World' on 4 July 2011. On 4 September 2011, the single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 1.
Contents
Live performances
Example performed the song live at V Festival 2011 on the 4Music stage.
Critical reception
Stay Awake generally received a positive response upon its release. Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song a 4/5 star rating and stated it is "the perfect pick-me-up for those on a post-festival comedown... and a harsh lesson for those who aren't.
Music video
A music video to accompany the release of the single "Stay Awake" was first released on YouTube on 18 July 2011. The video lasts 3 minutes and 30 seconds.
Chart performance
The song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking his second number one and sixth top 40 hit. It sold 73,402 copies, beating "Moves like Jagger" by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilera to the top spot by just 266 copies, the smallest gap between the top two in the UK since March 2009.