Parachutes (song)

"Parachutes" is a single by English singer-songwriter Charlie Simpson, from his debut studio album Young Pilgrim (2011). It was released on 5 August 2011 as a digital download in the United Kingdom. The song peaked to number 44 on the UK Singles Chart, his highest charting single to date.

"Parachutes"
Single by Charlie Simpson
from the album Young Pilgrim
Released	5 August 2011
Recorded	2011
Genre	Alternative
Label	PIAS
Songwriter(s)	Charlie Simpson
Charlie Simpson singles chronology
"Down Down Down" (2011) "Parachutes" (2011) "Cemetery" (2011)

Background

In an interview with Digital Spy he was asked to describe the song, he said:

"It's one of the more instrument-heavy songs on the record – I wanted to strike a balance between the acoustic nature and more upbeat instruments. It's also the first track I've ever written with a piano, so it's a good contrast to other songs on the album."[1]

Music video

A music video to accompany the release of "Parachutes" was first released on YouTube on 8 June 2011 at a length of three minutes and thirty-four seconds.[2]

Live performances

Charlie Simpson performed the song Live on OK! TV.[3] Simpson performed the song in the Live Lounge live from Boardmasters in Newquay for Fearne Cotton and BBC Radio 1.[4] He also performed the song live at Xfm in Manchester.[5]

Critical reception

Lewis Corner of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review stating:

"It's a far cry from his tween-pop days of drooling over high school teachers and perky air hostesses – instead focusing on his newfound independence. Something tells us the 'Year 3000' reunion tour is long way off yet. [6]

Track listing

Digital download

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Parachutes"	3:34
2.	"Skin and Bones"	3:36
3.	"Dead Man Walking"	3:23
4.	"Parachutes" (Unplugged)	3:41
5.	"Parachutes" (Live from the Tabernacle)	3:43

Chart performance

Chart (2011)	Peak position
Scotland (OCC)[7]	39
UK Singles (OCC)[8]	44
UK Indie (OCC)[9]	5

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label
United Kingdom	5 August 2011[10]	Digital download	Charlie Simpson music

References

1. Robert Copsey. "Charlie Simpson interview: "Pop music is in a weird place"". Digital Spy. digitalspy.co.uk.
2. Charlie Simpson 'Parachutes' OFFICIAL VIDEO YouTube
3. Charlie Simpson – Parachutes Live On OK! TV YouTube
4. Charlie Simpson – Parachutes Live From Newquay BBC Radio 1
5. Charlie Simpson Parachutes (Live at Xfm Manchester) YouTube
6. Lewis Corner. "Charlie Simpson: 'Parachutes'". Digital Spy. digitalspy.co.uk.
7. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
8. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
9. "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company.
10. Parachutes – EP by Charlie Simpson iTunes