Released 1953 Genre Big band, pop | Recorded 1953 | |
Writer(s) Luis Demetrio, Pablo Beltran Ruiz |
"Sway" is the English version of "¿Quién será?", a 1953 Cumbia instrumental song by Mexican composers Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltrán Ruiz. Famous English versions have been recorded by Dean Martin, in 1954, and the Austrian singer Markus Haider, frontman of the Rat Pack tribute band, the Gang Guys. English lyrics are by Norman Gimbel. Since then the song has been recorded and remixed by many artists (see discography below).
Contents
- Quin ser by Pablo Beltrn Y Su Orchestra
- Dean Martin version
- Michael Bubl version
- Background
- Track listing
- The Pussycat Dolls version
- Critical reception
- Promotion
- Credits and personnel
- Charts
- Il Divo version
- Originals
- English and Spanish versions
- Live renditions
- Language versions
- Instrumental Versions
- In popular culture
- References
"¿Quién será?" by Pablo Beltrán Y Su Orchestra
"¿Quién será?" is a Spanish song written and recorded by Luis Demetrio and Pablo Beltran Ruiz.
Dean Martin version
In 1954 the English lyrics were written by Norman Gimbel and recorded by Dean Martin (his recording reached number fifteen on the Billboard magazine best-seller chart and number six on the UK chart).
This same version was recorded by Dean's daughter, Deana Martin, on her first studio album released on 2006 by Big Fish Records, Memories Are Made Of This.
Michael Bublé version
"Sway" was covered by Canadian singer Michael Bublé for his debut major-label studio album, Michael Bublé, released in 2003. Sway was chosen for release as the album's third single, and was released in Australia on June 22, 2004.
Background
Sway was only released as an individual single in Australia. In many other countries, the release of the track was held back until July 26, and packaged as a double A-side with the album's fourth single, Spider-Man Theme. However, due to its popularity with Australian radio stations, the track was given a separate release in the region, with Spider-Man Theme being released three months later in September 2004, as a separate release. Bublé's version of the song has appeared in such television shows and films as Las Vegas, CSI: NY, Malcolm in the Middle, The Wedding Date and No Reservations. The music video for the track was directed by Peter Kasden, who also filmed a music video for the single's B-side, Moondance, which was released exclusively to Australian music channels to promote the release of the single. The video features scenes of Bublé performing the song in the studio, intercut with scenes of Bublé driving a car through the Australian outback. The separate release, two music videos and strong radio airplay meant that Sway reached a peak of #15 on the ARIA Singles Chart, making it Bublé's highest charting single to that date.
Track listing
- "Sway" (Junkie XL Mix) – 3:46
- "Sway" (acoustic version) – 3:08
- "Moondance" (live version) – 3:45
The Pussycat Dolls version
American girl group The Pussycat Dolls recorded "Sway" for the Shall We Dance? soundtrack. The song was later included as a bonus track on their debut album PCD (2005).
Critical reception
While reviewing the Shall We Dance? soundtrack, Heather Phares cited "Sway" as one of the highlights of the album. Ashley Spencer from the Orlando Sentinel described the rendition as having a "mesmerizing rhythm". While reviewing the DVD of Shall We Dance? Renata Joy of Dvdizzy.com pointed the song out as "a catchy tune". Rachel Sexton of MovieFreak.com called the cover "great" and noted it as "a classic updated".
Promotion
The music video for "Sway" was directed by Steve Antin, the brother of The Pussycat Dolls creator, Robin Antin. The video features The Pussycat Dolls dancing against a backdrop of scenes from the movie. The music video was included as bonus clip in the DVD release of Shall We Dance. Reviewers for Comingsoon.net, Edward Douglas and Scott Chitwood described the video as "sexy" and "stylish". They also wrote that "it perfectly fits the mood of the film." Slant Magazine's writer Ed Gonzales wondered if the editors of Maxim financed the video. Rachel Sexton of MovieFreak.com suggested buyers to skip the video calling it "cheesy". Renata Joy of Dvdizzy.com noted that "the song is much more enjoyable when not watching the accompanying video." "Sway" was performed on Dancing with the Stars along with "Don't Cha" during the results show on January 27, 2006.
Track listing
- "Sway" (Alternate version) – 3:12
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the liner notes of Shall We Dance - Soundtrack from the Motion Picture.
Charts
In 2012, the song charted on the South Korea Gaon International Chart at number 111, due to strong digital downloads.
Il Divo version
Originals
English and Spanish versions
"¿Quién será?" and "Sway" have been recorded dozens of times by many artists over the decades. This is merely a select list of popular recordings, not a comprehensive listing.
Live renditions
Language versions
The song has been translated and covered in several languages. Here is a selective listing of language versions