How Saltburn is set to give this Sophie Ellis-Bextor track a chart comeback after 20 years
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In a surprising turn of events, Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s iconic pop hit “Murder on the Dancefloor” is making a comeback on the charts, all thanks to the success of Emerald Fennell’s queer film, Saltburn. If you’ve seen the film, you’ll understand why this camp anthem is soaring up the charts once again.
Without giving away any spoilers, let’s just say that the film features a scene where actor Barry Keoghan dances completely nude. And yes, his penis is on full display. This shocking scene has sent viewers straight to Spotify to listen to “Murder on the Dancefloor,” propelling it back into the UK top 40.
But let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember when this perfect pop tune was first released. It was December 2001, just over a year after Sophie Ellis-Bextor famously beat Spice Girl Victoria Beckham to number one with her smash hit “Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love).” She had already released her debut single, a cover of Cher’s “Take Me Home,” which reached number two on the charts. Her debut album, Read My Lips, was also already available.
After initially planning to release the album track “Lover” as her second single, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and songwriter Gregg Alexander decided to go with “Murder on the Dancefloor” instead. The song, written by Ellis-Bextor herself, was released on December 3, 2001.
Despite facing tough competition from Daniel Bedingfield’s “Gotta Get Thru This,” “Murder on the Dancefloor” entered the charts at number two. It spent an impressive six weeks inside the top ten and 13 weeks inside the top 40 before leaving the charts in March 2002. The song became Ellis-Bextor’s best-selling single, achieving platinum status in both the UK and Australia. It was also the most listened to song in Europe in 2002 and remains a staple in the singer’s live performances.
Not only is the song a pop masterpiece, but its music video also contributed to its success. Directed by Sophie Muller, the video features Ellis-Bextor as a dance contest entrant who stops at nothing to take home the prize. She secretly sabotages her competitors, tripping them, making them slip on butter, and even poisoning them. Eventually, she uses her glittering green eye shadow to charm the head judge into giving her the win.
Fast forward to the present, and Saltburn has breathed new life into “Murder on the Dancefloor.” The film has introduced Sophie Ellis-Bextor to a whole new audience, leading to a resurgence of interest in the song. Currently, it is on track to become a top 30 hit once again in the UK, according to the Official Charts.
During an interview with PinkNews, Ellis-Bextor expressed her excitement about the song’s involvement in Saltburn. She praised the film’s script for being witty and sharp and described the dance scene featuring her song as brilliant. The chart return of “Murder on the Dancefloor” has also sparked calls from fans for other Ellis-Bextor hits, such as “Catch You” and “Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer),” to receive similar recognition.
It’s clear that Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s “Murder on the Dancefloor” has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences. Its catchy pop hooks and infectious energy have made it a beloved pop anthem. So, let’s celebrate its return to the charts and enjoy dancing along to this iconic track once again.
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“Saltburn”
