ESCAPISM
by RAYE
RAYE's first-ever UK Number 1 single came from a moment of complete vindication. Escapism., a jagged electronic banger about Raye's experiences of addiction, was one of her first releases after splitting from her long-time record label and heading out on her own as an independent artist.
She had swapped her early dance-pop sound for an edgier approach, and the song - an R&B-flavoured collaboration with singer-rapper 070 Shake - was swiftly embraced by TikTok. Its beat is instantly infectious, but RAYE's unflinching lyrics about a brutal breakup and its messy repercussions are every bit as arresting. "Now it's back to the intro, back to the bar, to the Bentley, to the hotel, to my old ways," she sings regretfully on the first verse.
Tken from RAYE's debut album My 21st Century Blues, Escapism. quickly became Raye's first solo Top 10 entry in the UK, even challenging for the 2022 Christmas Number 1, before finally ascending to the top of the Official Singles Chart at the start of 2023. "This is proof you should back yourself no matter what," Raye said upon accepting her Number 1 Award. She was right.
Escapism. went on to win several industry prizes including Best Contemporary Song at the Ivor Novello Awards, while her acclaimed debut album My 21st Century Blues followed soon after in early 2023.
Music video
Official Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 1No1
- 12Top 10
- 21Top 20
- 29Top 40
- 50Top 75
- 62Top 100
Chart run
54 weeks - 01/12/2022 to 07/12/2023
1 week - 08/02/2024
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Official Singles Chart Update
Chart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 1No1
- 11Top 10
- 20Top 20
- 26Top 40
- 42Top 75
- 59Top 100
Chart run
51 weeks - 27/11/2022 to 26/11/2023
1 week - 04/02/2024
Buy
Official Singles Sales Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position3
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No1
- 5Top 10
- 14Top 20
- 17Top 40
- 28Top 75
- 36Top 100
Chart run
1 week - 01/06/2023
1 week - 29/06/2023
1 week - 01/02/2024
1 week - 06/06/2024
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Official Singles Downloads Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position2
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No1
- 5Top 10
- 14Top 20
- 18Top 40
- 29Top 75
- 37Top 100
Chart run
1 week - 01/06/2023
1 week - 29/06/2023
1 week - 01/02/2024
1 week - 06/06/2024
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Official Albums Chart Update
Chart facts
- Peak position41
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No1
- 0Top 10
- 0Top 20
- 0Top 40
- 1Top 75
- 1Top 100
Chart run
1 week - 21/05/2023
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End of Year Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position3
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 0No1
- 1Top 10
- 1Top 20
- 1Top 40
- 1Top 75
- 1Top 100
Chart run
1 week - 01/01/2023
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Official Independent Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 24No1
- 78Top 10
- 99Top 20
- 105Top 40
- 105Top 75
- 105Top 100
Chart run
105 weeks - 24/11/2022 to 21/11/2024
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Official Irish Singles Chart
Chart facts
- Peak position1
- LabelHUMAN RE SOURCES
- Catalogue numberQMDA62217995
- First Chart Date
Weeks on chart
- 5No1
- 14Top 10
- 22Top 20
- 28Top 40
- 29Top 75
- 29Top 100
Chart run
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