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Standing on the Sun

{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Standing on the Sun

| version = remix

| type = song

| artist = Beyoncé featuring Mr. Vegas

| album = Beyonce: Platinum Edition

| released = November 24, 2014

| recorded = 2013

| studio = Kings Landing (Bridgehampton, New York)

| genre =

| length = 4:33 (remix version)

| label =

| writer =

| producer =

}}

"Standing on the Sun" is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé, and was chosen as the promotional single for a Beyoncé x H&M curated swimwear collection in 2013.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2013/04/25/watch-beyonce-slithers-in-new-hm-campaign/|title=Beyonce Collaborates With H&M For New Summer Campaign|first=Blue|last=Carreon|website=Forbes|access-date=2023-12-04|archive-date=2013-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630024213/http://www.forbes.com/sites/bluecarreon/2013/04/25/watch-beyonce-slithers-in-new-hm-campaign/|url-status=live}} The released recording featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Mr. Vegas is a remix of the song originally written and recorded for potential inclusion on her 2013 surprise eponymous album, and instead appears on the 2014 Beyonce: Platinum Edition re-package.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/listen-beyonces-new-platinum-edition-751861/|title=Listen to Beyonce's New 'Platinum Edition' Album, Now Streaming on Spotify|first=Lorena|last=O'Neil|website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=November 24, 2014|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=November 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127065321/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/listen-beyonces-new-platinum-edition-751861/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/hitfix/beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-shines-in-new-high-quality-version/|title=Beyonce's 'Standing on the Sun' shines in new high-quality version|first=Whitney|last=Phaneuf|date=April 29, 2014|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=May 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511110416/https://uproxx.com/hitfix/beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-shines-in-new-high-quality-version/|url-status=live}} It was described by music publication Stereogum as a "sweeping, satisfying pop song with a slight dancehall undercurrent."{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1678970/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun/news/|title=Beyoncé – "Standing On The Sun"|date=April 30, 2014|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=November 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108192534/https://www.stereogum.com/1678970/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun/news/|url-status=live}} Upon release, the remix debuted and peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/beyonce/|title=Beyoncé | Biography, Music & News|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2023-12-04|archive-date=2022-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621223842/https://www.billboard.com/artist/beyonce/|url-status=live}}

Background and composition

“Standing on the Sun” was written by Knowles, Sia Furler, and Greg Kurstin for reported inclusion onto what became her 2013 eponymous fifth album.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/22591-final-version-of-beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-should-have-been-on-her-album-listen|title=Final Version of Beyonce's "Standing on the Sun" Should Have Been On Her Album – Listen|date=April 28, 2014|website=Bustle|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202223917/https://www.bustle.com/articles/22591-final-version-of-beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-should-have-been-on-her-album-listen|url-status=live}} The “sun” of the track's title is alluded to be the heat between two people.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/04/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun-commercial-video/|title=Beyonce Teases Smoldering 'Standing on the Sun' in Beach-y Commercial|magazine=Spin|access-date=2023-12-04|archive-date=2022-12-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221202192022/https://www.spin.com/2013/04/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun-commercial-video/|url-status=live}} When Knowles was announced as the spokeswoman of the new 2013 H&M summer swimwear campaign, the song was teased as a new promotional single in a similar manner to "Grown Woman", a single connected to her earlier 2013 Pepsi campaign.{{Cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/03/21/beyonce-is-the-new-face-of-hm/|title=Beyonce is the new face of H&M|website=EW.com|access-date=2023-12-04|archive-date=2021-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020121944/https://ew.com/article/2013/03/21/beyonce-is-the-new-face-of-hm/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://slate.com/culture/2013/04/new-beyonce-song-standing-on-the-sun-debuts-in-h-m-ad-is-that-rare-video.html|title=Is Beyoncé Breaking New Ground by Debuting Her Songs in Commercials?|first=Aisha|last=Harris|magazine=Slate |date=April 25, 2013|via=slate.com|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=December 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210092048/https://slate.com/culture/2013/04/new-beyonce-song-standing-on-the-sun-debuts-in-h-m-ad-is-that-rare-video.html|url-status=live}} Upon release of the campaign, the original version of the single was lauded as having "number one hit single written all over it" by British radio station Capital Xtra and "an empowering anthem... celebrat[ing] female strength and beauty."{{Cite web|url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/beyonce/lists/unreleased-songs/standing-on-the-sun/|title=Beyoncé - 'Standing On The Sun'|website=Capital XTRA|access-date=2023-12-04|archive-date=2023-03-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324010456/https://www.capitalxtra.com/artists/beyonce/lists/unreleased-songs/standing-on-the-sun/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/content/2013-05-22/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun/|title=Beyonce – Standing on the Sun - Singersroom.com|first=Gary|last=Gentles|date=May 22, 2013|access-date=2023-12-04|archive-date=2022-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818194503/https://singersroom.com/content/2013-05-22/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun/|url-status=live}}

Several unofficial versions appeared on various music streaming services at the conclusion of the campaign, before a full leak of the original version was reported by Rolling Stone and several other music publications in June 2013.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-leaks-2-231541/|title=Beyonce's 'Standing on the Sun' Leaks|first=Erin|last=Coulehan|magazine=Rolling Stone |date=June 27, 2013|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=October 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030025252/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-leaks-2-231541/|url-status=live}}

On November 4, 2014, a special box-set repackaged edition of Knowles' fifth album was announced, including a remix of "Standing on the Sun" featuring Jamaican dancehall artist Mr. Vegas.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/11/beyonce-platinum-edition-box-set-release|title=New Beyoncé Music Is Just Three Weeks Away|date=November 4, 2014|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=June 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230602155941/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/11/beyonce-platinum-edition-box-set-release|url-status=live}} The remixed version is credited to original collaborators Knowles, Furler, and Kurstin alongside "Drunk in Love" co-writers Noel Fisher, Andre Eric Proctor, Rasool Diaz, and Brian Soko, Mr. Vegas, "Blow" producer Pharrell Williams, and 80s Jamaican reggae producers Cleveland Browne & Danny Browne.{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/track/7jpSvCrFev9EBb5RSmoRTa|title=Standing on the Sun Remix (feat. Mr. Vegas)|date=November 24, 2014|via=open.spotify.com|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=October 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015162005/https://open.spotify.com/track/7jpSvCrFev9EBb5RSmoRTa|url-status=live}}

Reception

The remix was met with mixed reception, receiving praise for its "summery" sound, acknowledgement that it would not properly fit on the 2013 original track-listing of the album, and slight disappointment for the release of what many publications considered a "diluted" version of the original.{{Cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7571456/beyonce-standing-on-the-sun-mr-vegas-remix-studio-version|title=Beyonce's "Standing On The Sun (Mr. Vegas Remix)" Is Here: Listen To The Finished Studio Version|date=November 21, 2014|website=idolator}} Laurie Tuffrey of The Quietus highlighted the song's "808 trills over tropicalia pop" in comparison to the full-Trap record "Bow Down" released several weeks earlier.{{Cite web|url=https://thequietus.com/articles/12081-beyonce-standing-on-the-sun-video|title=The Quietus | News | WATCH: Beyoncé - Standing On The Sun|website=The Quietus|date=April 25, 2013 }} Alex Kritselis of Bustle called the remix a "triumph", but also opined that the "remix isn't quite as good as the original version."{{Cite web|url=https://www.bustle.com/articles/50773-beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-is-one-of-the-best-tracks-shes-ever-recorded-listen|title=Beyonce's "Standing on the Sun" Is One of the Best Tracks She's Ever Recorded – Listen|date=November 24, 2014|website=Bustle|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=December 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228225310/http://www.bustle.com/articles/50773-beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-is-one-of-the-best-tracks-shes-ever-recorded-listen|url-status=live}} Moises Mendez II of Rolling Stone gave a more nuanced review based on the "darkness" of the original project: He considered the song "breezy... [with a] fun, tropical element", but understood that the "inclu[sion of] something so light on the original version of such a groundbreaking album... might have felt a little out of place", ranking the remix number 70 on the publication's "Beyonce's 70 Best Songs of All-Time" List.{{Cite magazine|url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/-41868/standing-on-the-sun-remix-feat-mr-vegas-2014-41870/|title='Standing on the Sun (Remix),' feat. Mr. Vegas (2014)|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 29, 2022|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=December 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221217025007/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/-41868/standing-on-the-sun-remix-feat-mr-vegas-2014-41870/|url-status=live}}

Visual

90 seconds of the original version were utilized for the H&M campaign commercial in April 2013, directed by noted Swedish music video director Jonas Akurlund, whom Knowles had previously worked with on Lady Gaga collaboration "Telephone", and would direct subsequent visuals for "Haunted" and "Superpower" later in 2013.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/beyonce-previews-new-song-standing-on-the-sun-listen-1559597/|title=Beyonce Previews New Song, 'Standing On The Sun': Listen|first=Erika|last=Ramirez|magazine=Billboard |date=April 25, 2013|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=February 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203171155/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/beyonce-previews-new-song-standing-on-the-sun-listen-1559597/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/12/beyonce-music-video-director-jonas-akerlund-haunted-superpower.html|title=Director Jonas Åkerlund on 'Haunted,' 'Superpower,' and Beyoncé's Many Virtues|first=Jeff|last=Rosenthal|date=December 16, 2013|website=Vulture|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830080108/http://www.vulture.com/2013/12/beyonce-music-video-director-jonas-akerlund-haunted-superpower.html|url-status=live}} Reportedly an homage to the fusion of the four elements (fire, water, wind and earth), the video was shot "on a glistening beach" in Nassau, Bahamas.{{Cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2013/4/beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-hm-commercial-behind-the-scenes|title=Beyoncé's "Standing on the Sun" H&M Commercial (Behind-the-Scenes)|date=April 29, 2013|website=Hypebeast|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=June 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630170201/https://hypebeast.com/2013/4/beyonces-standing-on-the-sun-hm-commercial-behind-the-scenes|url-status=live}} Vanity Fair described the visual as an "affordably outfitted, tribal tiki dance party."{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/04/beyonce-standing-in-the-sun|title=If You Enjoy Experiencing New Beyoncé Songs as Swimwear Commercials, Then the H&M-Sponsored "Standing in the Sun" Is Perfect for You|date=April 25, 2013|magazine=Vanity Fair|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=August 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808094243/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/04/beyonce-standing-in-the-sun|url-status=live}}

Live performances

Knowles performed the song for the first time on May 31, 2013, at her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour concert in Antwerp, Belgium.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/beyonce-premieres-new-track-standing-on-the-sun-live-1565591/|title=Beyonce Premieres New Track 'Standing on the Sun' Live|first=Chris|last=Payne|magazine=Billboard |date=June 2, 2013|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208123524/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/beyonce-premieres-new-track-standing-on-the-sun-live-1565591/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://consequence.net/2013/05/beyonce-debuts-new-song-standing-on-the-sun/|title=Beyoncé debuts new song "Standing on the Sun"|date=May 31, 2013}} The song was debuted as a "special" surprise for the fans, as the show was rescheduled from the originally-planned May 14 date due to dehydration and exhaustion.{{cite web|url=https://abc13.com/archive/9101453/|title=Beyonce cancels Belgium show under doctor's orders|access-date=May 14, 2013|date=May 14, 2013|agency=Associated Press|via=ABC News|archive-date=June 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608143624/http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/entertainment&id=9101453|url-status=live}}

Personnel

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{{div col end}}

Charts

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+ Weekly chart performance for "Standing on the Sun (Remix)"

! scope="col"| Chart (2014)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|France|150|artist=Beyoncé|song=Standing on the Sun|rowheader=true}}
scope="row"|UK Singles Chart (OCC)

|170

scope="row"|UK Hip-Hop and R&B (OCC){{Cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/beyonce-ft-mr-vegas-standing-on-the-sun/|title=STANDING ON THE SUN|date=December 6, 2014|website=Official Charts|access-date=December 4, 2023|archive-date=July 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711221400/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/beyonce-ft-mr-vegas-standing-on-the-sun|url-status=live}}

|23

scope="row"|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)

|45

Release history

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+ "Standing on the Sun" release history

! scope="col"| Region

! scope="col"| Date

! scope="col"| Format(s)

! scope="col"| Version

! scope="col"| Label(s)

! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}

scope="row" rowspan="2"| Various

| July 29, 2013

| rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}}

| Tiësto remix

| Self-released

| align="center"|

November 24, 2014

| Remix version

| {{hlist|Parkwood|Columbia}}

| align="center"|

References

{{reflist}}

{{Beyoncé songs}}

Category:Beyoncé songs

Category:Dancehall songs

Category:Songs written by Sia (musician)

Category:Songs written by Detail (record producer)

Category:Songs written by Beyoncé

Category:Songs written by Dre Moon

Category:Song recordings produced by Greg Kurstin

Category:Song recordings produced by Beyoncé

Category:Song recordings produced by Pharrell Williams

Category:2013 songs