"Babylon" is a song by British singer-songwriter David Gray. Originally released on 12 July 1999 as the second single from his fourth album, ''

White Ladder ''White Ladder'' is the fourth studio album by English folk singer-songwriter David Gray. It was first released in March 1999 through Gray's own record label, IHT Records, but failed to chart. On 24 April 2000, the album was re-released by Da ...

'' (1998), it was re-released as the fourth single on 19 June 2000. "Babylon" peaked at number five on the

UK Singles Chart The UK Singles Chart (currently titled Official Singles Chart, with the upper section more commonly known as the Official UK Top 40) is compiled by the Official Charts Company (OCC), on behalf of the British record industry, listing the top-s ...

in June 2000 and received a platinum certification from the

British Phonographic Industry British Phonographic Industry (BPI) is the British recorded music industry's Trade association. It runs the BRIT Awards, the Classic BRIT Awards, National Album Day, is home to the Mercury Prize, and co-owns the Official Charts Company with th ...

(BPI) in January 2021. The single also charted in the United States, peaking at number 57 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number one on the ''

Billboard A billboard (also called a hoarding in the UK and many other parts of the world) is a large outdoor advertising structure (a billing board), typically found in high-traffic areas such as alongside busy roads. Billboards present large advertise ...

Adult Alternative Songs Adult Alternative Airplay (also known as Triple A or Triple A Airplay, and formerly Adult Alternative Songs and Triple A Songs) is a record chart currently published by ''Billboard'' that ranks the most popular songs on adult album alternative radi ...

chart. A remix titled "Babylon II" appears exclusively on the US version of the album. The B-side "Over My Head" also appears on the Japanese pressing of the album as a bonus track. Remixes by Flightcrank were also commissioned in 2000, appearing on several promotional releases.

Music videos

Two videos were produced to accompany the song. Version one was released in 2000 and directed by Kieran Evans. It features David Gray singing directly into the camera as it pans from right to left across a number of scenes throughout the city of London at nighttime. A second, and stylistically similar, video was also released which shows Gray performing the song intercut with live concert footage and street scenes in San Francisco.

Track listings

UK CD single (1999) # "Babylon" # "Lead Me Upstairs" (live at the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin, on 16 December 1998) # "New Horizons" (live at the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin, on 16 December 1998) UK CD and cassette single (2000); Australian CD single # "Babylon" (radio mix one) # "Tell Me More Lies" # "Over My Head" European CD single # "Babylon" (radio mix one) # "Tell Me More Lies"

Personnel

Personnel are taken from the 2000 UK CD single liner notes and the ''

'' album booklet. * David Gray – writing, vocals, guitar, piano, production *

Craig McClune Craig McClune, commonly known as Clune, is a British musician and producer, known mostly as the drummer, percussionist, backing vocalist and bass player for David Gray. He first appeared with Gray on his second studio album, 1994's ''Flesh'', ...

– drums, vocals, bass, production * Tim Bradshaw – keyboards *

Iestyn Polson Iestyn Polson is an English music producer, engineer, songwriter, musician, and mixer best known for his work with David Gray, Patti Smith and David Bowie. Originally from London, Polson is currently based in New York City. Iestyn Polson gre ...

– production, programming, engineering * Phil Knott – cover photo * Yumi Matote – design

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history

Cover versions

In 2008, Australian singer

Kate Ceberano Catherine Yvette Ceberano ( or , born 17 November 1966) is an Australian singer and actress who performs in the soul, jazz, and pop genres, as well as in film and musicals such as '' Jesus Christ Superstar''. Her song " Pash" received a gold ...

recorded a version for her album ''

So Much Beauty ''So Much Beauty'' is a studio album by Australian recording artist, Kate Ceberano. It was released on April 26, 2008. Excluding the three new tracks, "So Much Beauty", "Stars and Satellites" and "Never Say Never", the remaining 9 songs are cove ...

''.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Babylon (David Gray Song) 1998 songs 1999 singles David Gray (musician) songs East West Records singles RCA Records singles Songs written by David Gray (musician)