Living in a Box (song)
"Living in a Box" is a song by Living in a Box released on 23 March 1987 as their first single from the album of the same name.
"Living in a Box" | ||||
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Single by Living in a Box | ||||
from the album Living in a Box | ||||
Released | 23 March 1987 | |||
Recorded | 1985–1987 | |||
Genre | Sophisti-pop[1] | |||
Length | 3:02 6:10 | |||
Label | Chrysalis | |||
Songwriter(s) | Marcus Vere, Steve Piggot, Graham Howarth | |||
Producer(s) | Richard James Burgess, Tom Lord-Alge | |||
Living in a Box singles chronology | ||||
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It was the group's biggest hit single, together with 'Room In Your Heart', both reaching No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart,[2] 'Living In A Box' became the group's only Top 40 hit in the United States, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was covered by Bobby Womack, who had worked with Living in a Box on their debut album; his version reached No. 70 in the UK,[3] and was a minor US hit. The song's title came from a comment by a friend of the band's songwriter and keyboard player Marcus Vere. The friend lived in a small council flat in Sheffield prompting him to remark "I feel like I'm living in a cardboard box!", referring to the sense of feeling enclosed.
Use in media
- Was used in the 1987 live action Masters of the Universe movie.
- Was featured in the 1987 coming of age teen drama Can't Buy Me Love.
- From August 2013, the song was used in a Vodafone TV commercial.
- The song is featured in the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows versions of Grand Theft Auto V on Non Stop Pop FM.
- Was featured in the 2016 Black Mirror episode, San Junipero.
- Has been used numerous times on BBC renovation show Homes Under the Hammer, particularly when the show is featuring very small properties / rooms.
- Opening theme song of The Aaron Rand Show on CJAD 800, a radio station in Montreal.
References
- Inskeep, Thomas; Soto, Alfred. "The Bluffer's Guide – Sophisti-Pop". Stylus. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
- Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 325. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 608. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.