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{{Short description|1997 single by Gala}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = Let a Boy Cry
| name = Let a Boy Cry
Line 6: Line 8:
| artist = [[Gala (singer)|Gala]]
| artist = [[Gala (singer)|Gala]]
| album = [[Come into My Life (Gala album)|Come into My Life]]
| album = [[Come into My Life (Gala album)|Come into My Life]]
| B-side = Remix
| released = January 1997
| released = January 1997
| format =
| recorded =
⚫
*[[12"|12" single]]
*[[CD single]]
*[[CD maxi]]
| recorded = 1996
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre =
| genre = [[Electronic dance music|Dance]]
*[[Electronic dance music|Dance]]
*[[eurodance]]
*[[House music|house]]
| length = 3:20
| length = 3:20
| label =
| label = Nitelite
*ZYX
*Polygram
| writer =
| writer =
*Filippo Andrea Carmeni
* Filippo Andrea Carmeni
*Gala Rizzatto
* Gala Rizzatto
*Maurizio Molella
* Maurizio Molella
| producer =
| producer =
*Phil Jay
* Phil Jay
*Maurizio Molella
* Maurizio Molella
| prev_title = [[Freed from Desire]]
| prev_title = [[Freed from Desire]]
| prev_year = 1996
| prev_year = 1996
Line 37: Line 29:
}}
}}


⚫
"'''Let a Boy Cry'''" is a song written and recorded by [[Italy|Italian]] singer-songwriter [[Gala (singer)|Gala]]. It was released in January 1997 as the second [[single (music)|single]] from her debut album, ''[[Come into My Life (Gala album)|Come into My Life]]'' (1997). The song achieved success in Europe, receiving a platinum record in France and Belgium. It peaked at number one in Belgium, France, Israel and Italy. On the [[Eurochart Hot 100]], "Let a Boy Cry" reached number three. The song was written and composed by [[Gala (singer)|Gala]], and produced by Filippo Andrea Carmeni and Maurizio Molella. According to Gala, it talks about how in a society where men would not be ridiculed for their sensitivity, women could be freer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/galasound/videos/let-a-boy-cry/10156006979868088/|title=Let A Boy Cry|publisher=[[Facebook]]|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref>
"'''Let a Boy Cry'''" is a song written and recorded by the Brooklyn-based [[Italy|Italian]] singer-songwriter [[Gala (singer)|Gala]].


==Critical reception==
==Release==
British magazine ''[[Music Week]]'' gave the song five out of five, adding, "Already a massive hit in Europe, Gala's second single is easily as catchy as the platinum "[[Freed from Desire|Freed From Desire]]". A broad range of mixes should guarantee strong radio airplay."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-11-15.pdf|title=Reviews: Singles|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=15 November 1997|page=10|access-date=20 September 2022}}</ref> Chris Finan from their ''[[Record Mirror|RM]]'' Dance Update rated it four out of five, commenting that "[it's] needless to say [that] UK demand will be as vigorous on its impending release."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Chris|last=Finan|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1997/Music-Week-1997-11-08.pdf|title=Hot Vinyl|magazine=[[Music Week]], in RM (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)|date=8 November 1997|page=8|access-date=20 September 2022}}</ref> Pop Rescue felt that the track "has a sense of [[Electronic dance music|dance]] about it. At times Gala's vocals sound a bit flat and not unlike those of [[Divine (performer)|Divine]]. However, musically this song definitely lifts the tempo and sound up somewhat, and Gala's vocals fit perfectly in the chorus."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://poprescue.com/2015/07/27/pop-rescue-come-into-my-life-by-gala-cd-1997/|title=Review: "Come Into My Life" By Gala (CD, 1997)|publisher=Pop Rescue|date=27 July 2015|access-date=14 April 2020}}</ref>
It was released in January 1997 as the second [[single (music)|single]] from her first album, ''[[Come into My Life (Gala album)|Come into My Life]]''. The song reached number one in [[Belgium]], [[France]], [[Israel]]<ref>Israeli Singles Chart 11.03.1997, 18.03.1997 & 25.03.1997</ref> and [[Italy]]. "Let A Boy Cry" achieved success in Europe, South America, Russia and Middle East and received a platinum record in France and Benelux.


==Chart performance==
⚫
The song was written and composed by [[Gala (singer)|Gala]], and produced by Filippo Andrea Carmeni and Maurizio Molella. According to Gala, it talks about how in a society where men would not be ridiculed for their sensitivity, women could be freer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/galasound/videos/let-a-boy-cry/10156006979868088/|title=Let A Boy Cry|publisher=[[Facebook]]|accessdate=December 7, 2018}}</ref>
"Let a Boy Cry" was a major hit in several countries and successful on the charts in Europe. It peaked at number-one in Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. The single also made it to a very respectable number three on the [[Eurochart Hot 100]], and number 11 in the United Kingdom. In the latter, it reached that position in its first week on the [[UK Singles Chart]] on 30 November 1997.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 30 November 1997 – 06 December 1997|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19971130/7501/|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=16 September 2020}}</ref> But on the [[UK Indie Chart]], it was an even bigger hit, peaking at number-one. Additionally, it was a top 20 hit also in Ireland and Scotland, and a top 30 hit in Switzerland. "Let a Boy Cry" was awarded with a [[Music recording certification|platinum record]] in France.<ref name=SNEP/>


==Music video==
==Music video==
The music video for "Let a Boy Cry" was directed by director Philippe Antonello, Luca Bigazzi and Gala. It was shot in Venice in San Mark’s square during the Carnival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.galasound.com/2010/08/05/coming-soon-felix-da-house-cat-remix-of-different-kind-of-love/|title=NOTES FROM GALA|publisher=galasound.com|accessdate=December 7, 2018}}</ref> The video is in black-and-white. In a 2014 interview with DNA Magazine, Gala said about the video:
The accompanying [[music video]] for "Let a Boy Cry" was directed by director Philippe Antonello, Luca Bigazzi and Gala. It was shot in Venice in San Mark's square during the Carnival.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.galasound.com/2010/08/05/coming-soon-felix-da-house-cat-remix-of-different-kind-of-love/|title=NOTES FROM GALA|publisher=galasound.com|access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref> The video is in black-and-white.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bxaDvSTGl0|title=GALA – Let a boy cry [Official video HD]|date=28 June 2013 |publisher=YouTube|access-date=18 August 2020}}</ref> In a 2014 interview with ''DNA Magazine'', Gala said about the video:


{{cquote|It’s also funny now when I watch my video for Let A Boy Cry. At the time it was a real problem with Vatican City in Italy because there were two boys kissing in it in a really sweet way. They were actually brothers, the two guys, and I asked them to kiss each other, as I was also co-director. They look like a couple, which was my intention, and people were bothered by it. Now it’s the Same Love era and no one would blink! Yes, but there are still many things to change. For me they are not gay or lesbian issues but human rights issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/dna-magazine/20140201/281668252830133|title=21st Century Gala|publisher=DNA Magazine|accessdate=December 7, 2018}}</ref>}}
{{cquote|It's also funny now when I watch my video for Let A Boy Cry. At the time it was a real problem with Vatican City in Italy because there were two boys kissing in it in a really sweet way. They were actually brothers, the two guys, and I asked them to kiss each other, as I was also co-director. They look like a couple, which was my intention, and people were bothered by it. Now it's the Same Love era and no one would blink! Yes, but there are still many things to change. For me they are not gay or lesbian issues but human rights issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/dna-magazine/20140201/281668252830133|title=21st Century Gala|publisher=DNA Magazine|access-date=December 7, 2018}}</ref>}}


==Track listings==
==Track listings==
⚫
* '''12-inch single'''
⚫
# "Let a Boy Cry" (Full Vocals mix) – 5:06
⚫
# "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) – 3:20
⚫
# "Let a Boy Cry" (the Glittering mix) – 7:16


; CD single
* '''CD single'''
# "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) — 3:20
# "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) – 3:20
# "Let a Boy Cry" (full vocals mix) — 5:06
# "Let a Boy Cry" (Full Vocals mix) – 5:06


; CD maxi
* '''CD maxi'''
# "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) — 3:20
# "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) – 3:20
# "Let a Boy Cry" (full vocals mix) — 5:06
# "Let a Boy Cry" (Full Vocals mix) – 5:06
# "Let a Boy Cry" (the glittering mix) — 7:16
# "Let a Boy Cry" (the Glittering mix) – 7:16


⚫
==Charts==
; 12" single
⚫
# "Let a Boy Cry" (full vocals mix) — 5:06
⚫
# "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) — 3:20
⚫
# "Let a Boy Cry" (the glittering mix) — 7:16

⚫
==Charts and sales==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
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{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Chart (1997)
!Chart (1997)
!Peak<br>position
!Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Flanders|1|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
{{single chart|Flanders|1|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Wallonia|1|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
{{single chart|Wallonia|1|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
|-
|-
|Belgium Dance ([[Ultratop]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/dance/1997/19970301|title=Ultratop Dance 01/03/1997|publisher=ultratop.be|accessdate=May 17, 2018}}</ref>
|Belgium Dance ([[Ultratop]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultratop.be/nl/dance/1997/19970301|title=Ultratop Dance 01/03/1997|publisher=ultratop.be|access-date=17 May 2018}}</ref>
|align="center"|16
|align="center"|16
|-
|-
|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=IQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA49&dq=gala+let+a+boy+cry+spain&hl=en&sa=X&ei=nlYBUZrqD_O-0QGPjIFA&ved=0CDwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=gala%20let%20a%20boy%20cry%20spain&f=false Eurochart peak]</ref>
|Europe ([[Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=IQ8EAAAAMBAJ&dq=gala+let+a+boy+cry+spain&pg=RA1-PA49 Eurochart peak]</ref>
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|3
|-
|-
{{singlechart|France|1|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
{{single chart|France|1|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
|-
|-
|Ireland ([[Irish Singles Chart|IRMA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |title=Irish Singles Chart – Search for song |accessdate=July 6, 2011 |publisher=[[Irish Recorded Music Association]] |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/5hFf8iFDu?url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |archivedate=June 3, 2009 |df= }}</ref>
|Ireland ([[Irish Recorded Music Association|IRMA]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |title=Irish Singles Chart – Search for song |access-date=6 July 2011 |publisher=[[Irish Recorded Music Association]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602061251/http://www.irishcharts.ie/search/placement |archive-date=2 June 2009 }}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|17
| style="text-align:center;"|17
|-
|-
|Israel (Israeli Singles Chart)<ref>Israeli Singles Chart 11.03.1997, 18.03.1997 & 25.03.1997</ref>
|Israel ([[Israel Broadcasting Authority|IBA]])<ref>3 weeks at No. 1 (11 March 1997, 18 March 1997 & 25 March 1997)</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|-
|Italy ([[Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana|FIMI]])<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-02-15.pdf|title=Top National Sellers|magazine=[[Music & Media]]|volume=14|issue=7|page=18|date=15 February 1997|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref>
|Italy (Hit Parade Italia)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hitparadeitalia.it/indici/per_interprete/ag.htm|title=Hit Parade Italia - Indice per Interprete: G|accessdate=July 6, 2012|publisher=Hit Parade Italia}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|1
| style="text-align:center;"|1
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch40|9|year=1997|week=17|accessdate=5 November 2018}}
{{single chart|Dutch40|9|year=1997|week=17|access-date=5 November 2018}}
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Dutch100|11|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
{{single chart|Dutch100|11|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
|-
|-
|Scotland ([[Official Charts Company]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19971130/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=June 5, 2018}}</ref>
|Scotland ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19971130/41/|title=Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=5 June 2018}}</ref>
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|11
|-
|-
|Spain ([[PROMUSICAE|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book |last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002|edition=1st |date=September 2005|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=84-8048-639-2}}</ref>
|Spain Maxi-Singles ([[PROMUSICAE|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book|last=Salaverri|first=Fernando|title=Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002|edition=1st|date=September 2005|publisher=Fundación Autor-SGAE|location=Spain|isbn=84-8048-639-2}}</ref>
|align="center"|8
|align="center"|8
|-
|-
{{singlechart|Swiss|23|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
{{single chart|Switzerland|23|artist=Gala|song=Let a Boy Cry}}
|-
|-
|UK Singles ([[The Official Charts Company]])<ref>UK Singles Chart [http://www.chartstats.com/songinfo.php?id=25874 Chartstats.com] (Retrieved July 1, 2008)</ref>
|[[UK Singles Chart|UK Singles]] ([[Official Charts Company|OCC]])<ref>UK Singles Chart [https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Miyako%20Hideaway Official Charts Company] (Retrieved 1 July 2008)</ref>
|align="center"|11
|align="center"|11
|-
|-
{{singlechart|UKindie|1|date=19971213|accessdate=5 November 2018}}
{{single chart|UKindie|1|date=19971213|access-date=5 November 2018}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
Line 119: Line 111:
!Position
!Position
|-
|-
|Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart<ref>1997 Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart [http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1997 Ultratop.be] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626234224/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1997 |date=June 26, 2009 }} (Retrieved July 1, 2008)</ref>
|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)<ref>1997 Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart [http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1997 Ultratop.be] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090626234224/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/annual.asp?year=1997 |date=26 June 2009 }} (Retrieved 1 July 2008)</ref>
|align="center"|12
|align="center"|12
|-
|-
|Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart<ref>1997 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart [http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=1997 Ultratop.be] (Retrieved July 1, 2008)</ref>
|Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)<ref>1997 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart [http://www.ultratop.be/fr/annual.asp?year=1997 Ultratop.be] (Retrieved 1 July 2008)</ref>
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|9
|-
|-
|Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1997/MM-1997-12-27.pdf|title=1997 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles|date=27 December 1997|access-date=20 December 2019|magazine=[[Music & Media]]}}</ref>
⚫
|Dutch Top 40<ref name="Dutch">{{cite web|url=http://www.top40.nl/pdf/Top%20100/top%20100%20-%201997.pdf |title=Single top 100 over 1997 |publisher=Top40 |language=Dutch |format=pdf |accessdate=20 April 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206113408/http://top40.nl/pdf/Top%20100/top%20100%20-%201997.pdf |archivedate= 6 December 2011 |df= }}</ref>
|align="center"|56
|align="center"|18
|-
|-
|French Singles Chart<ref>1997 French Singles Chart [http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259376.xml?id=259376&year=1997 disqueenfrance.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627115736/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259376.xml?id=259376&year=1997 |date=June 27, 2009 }} (Retrieved July 1, 2008)</ref>
|France (SNEP)<ref>1997 French Singles Chart [http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259376.xml?id=259376&year=1997 disqueenfrance.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090627115736/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/page-259376.xml?id=259376&year=1997 |date=27 June 2009 }} (Retrieved 1 July 2008)</ref>
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|13
|-
|-
⚫
|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref name="Dutch">{{cite web|url=http://www.top40.nl/pdf/Top%20100/top%20100%20-%201997.pdf |title=Single top 100 over 1997 |publisher=Top40 |language=nl |access-date=20 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206113408/http://top40.nl/pdf/Top%20100/top%20100%20-%201997.pdf |archive-date= 6 December 2011 }}</ref>
|}
⚫
|align="center"|56

⚫
===Certifications===
{| class="wikitable"
!Country
⚫
!Certification
!Date
!Sales certified
!Physical sales
|-
|-
|Netherlands (Single Top 100)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/jaaroverzichten.asp?year=1997&cat=s|title=Jaaroverzichten – Single 1997|website=dutchcharts.nl|access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref>
| France<ref>French certifications [http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/monopage.xml?id=259165&year=1997&type=9 Disqueenfrance.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223160036/http://www.disqueenfrance.com/fr/monopage.xml?id=259165&year=1997&type=9 |date=2012-02-23 }} (Retrieved July 1, 2008)</ref>
| align="center"|Platinum
|align="center"|99
⚫
| align="center"|1997
⚫
| align="center"|500,000
| align="center"|497,000<ref>French certifications + sales, database [http://www.infodisc.fr/Single_Certif.php Infodisc.fr] {{webarchive |url=https://www.webcitation.org/697lSTfwO?url=http://www.infodisc.fr/Single_Certif.php |date=2012-07-13 }} (Retrieved July 1, 2008)</ref>
|-
|-
|Romania ([[Romanian Top 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rt100.ro:80/topul-anului-1997.html|title=Romanian Top 100: Top of the Year 1997|publisher=[[Romanian Top 100]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050922001105/http://www.rt100.ro/topul-anului-1997.html|archive-date=22 September 2005}}</ref>
⚫
|align="center"|39
|}
|}
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}

⚫
==Certifications==
⚫
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|title=Let a Boy Cry|artist=Gala|relyear=1996|certyear=1997|award=Platinum|access-date=31 July 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|type=single|title=Let a Boy Cry|artist=Gala|certyear=1997|award=Platinum|access-date=2 May 2022|refname=SNEP}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


{{Authority control}}
==External links==
* {{MetroLyrics song|gala|let-a-boy-cry}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


[[Category:1996 songs]]
[[Category:1996 songs]]
[[Category:1997 singles]]
[[Category:1997 singles]]
[[Category:Black-and-white music videos]]
[[Category:Gala (singer) songs]]
[[Category:Gala (singer) songs]]
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles]]
[[Category:House music songs]]
⚫
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Wallonia) number-one singles]]
[[Category:SNEP Top Singles number-one singles]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Israel]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Israel]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Italy]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Italy]]
[[Category:Number-one singles in Spain]]
[[Category:SNEP Top Singles number-one singles]]
[[Category:House music songs]]
[[Category:Songs about racism and xenophobia]]
[[Category:Songs against racism and xenophobia]]
[[Category:UK Independent Singles Chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:Black-and-white music videos]]
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles]]
⚫
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Wallonia) number-one singles]]

Latest revision as of 09:47, 1 November 2024

"Let a Boy Cry"
Single by Gala
from the album Come into My Life
ReleasedJanuary 1997
GenreDance
Length3:20
LabelNitelite
Songwriter(s)
  • Filippo Andrea Carmeni
  • Gala Rizzatto
  • Maurizio Molella
Producer(s)
  • Phil Jay
  • Maurizio Molella
Gala singles chronology
"Freed from Desire"
(1996) 		"Let a Boy Cry"
(1997) 		"Come into My Life"
(1997)
Music video
"Let a Boy Cry" on YouTube

"Let a Boy Cry" is a song written and recorded by Italian singer-songwriter Gala. It was released in January 1997 as the second single from her debut album, Come into My Life (1997). The song achieved success in Europe, receiving a platinum record in France and Belgium. It peaked at number one in Belgium, France, Israel and Italy. On the Eurochart Hot 100, "Let a Boy Cry" reached number three. The song was written and composed by Gala, and produced by Filippo Andrea Carmeni and Maurizio Molella. According to Gala, it talks about how in a society where men would not be ridiculed for their sensitivity, women could be freer.[1]

Critical reception

[edit]

British magazine Music Week gave the song five out of five, adding, "Already a massive hit in Europe, Gala's second single is easily as catchy as the platinum "Freed From Desire". A broad range of mixes should guarantee strong radio airplay."[2] Chris Finan from their RM Dance Update rated it four out of five, commenting that "[it's] needless to say [that] UK demand will be as vigorous on its impending release."[3] Pop Rescue felt that the track "has a sense of dance about it. At times Gala's vocals sound a bit flat and not unlike those of Divine. However, musically this song definitely lifts the tempo and sound up somewhat, and Gala's vocals fit perfectly in the chorus."[4]

Chart performance

[edit]

"Let a Boy Cry" was a major hit in several countries and successful on the charts in Europe. It peaked at number-one in Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. The single also made it to a very respectable number three on the Eurochart Hot 100, and number 11 in the United Kingdom. In the latter, it reached that position in its first week on the UK Singles Chart on 30 November 1997.[5] But on the UK Indie Chart, it was an even bigger hit, peaking at number-one. Additionally, it was a top 20 hit also in Ireland and Scotland, and a top 30 hit in Switzerland. "Let a Boy Cry" was awarded with a platinum record in France.[6]

Music video

[edit]

The accompanying music video for "Let a Boy Cry" was directed by director Philippe Antonello, Luca Bigazzi and Gala. It was shot in Venice in San Mark's square during the Carnival.[7] The video is in black-and-white.[8] In a 2014 interview with DNA Magazine, Gala said about the video:

It's also funny now when I watch my video for Let A Boy Cry. At the time it was a real problem with Vatican City in Italy because there were two boys kissing in it in a really sweet way. They were actually brothers, the two guys, and I asked them to kiss each other, as I was also co-director. They look like a couple, which was my intention, and people were bothered by it. Now it's the Same Love era and no one would blink! Yes, but there are still many things to change. For me they are not gay or lesbian issues but human rights issues.[9]

Track listings

[edit]
  • 12-inch single
  1. "Let a Boy Cry" (Full Vocals mix) – 5:06
  2. "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) – 3:20
  3. "Let a Boy Cry" (the Glittering mix) – 7:16
  • CD single
  1. "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) – 3:20
  2. "Let a Boy Cry" (Full Vocals mix) – 5:06
  • CD maxi
  1. "Let a Boy Cry" (edit mix) – 3:20
  2. "Let a Boy Cry" (Full Vocals mix) – 5:06
  3. "Let a Boy Cry" (the Glittering mix) – 7:16

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Belgium (BEA)[32] Platinum 50,000*
France (SNEP)[6] Platinum 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Let A Boy Cry". Facebook. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  2. ^ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 15 November 1997. p. 10. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  3. ^ Finan, Chris (8 November 1997). "Hot Vinyl" (PDF). Music Week, in RM (Dance Update Supplemental Insert). p. 8. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  4. ^ "Review: "Come Into My Life" By Gala (CD, 1997)". Pop Rescue. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  5. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100 30 November 1997 – 06 December 1997". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 September 2020.
  6. ^ a b "French single certifications – Gala – Let a Boy Cry" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  7. ^ "NOTES FROM GALA". galasound.com. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  8. ^ "GALA – Let a boy cry [Official video HD]". YouTube. 28 June 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  9. ^ "21st Century Gala". DNA Magazine. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  10. ^ "Gala – Let a Boy Cry" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  11. ^ "Gala – Let a Boy Cry" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  12. ^ "Ultratop Dance 01/03/1997". ultratop.be. Retrieved 17 May 2018.
  13. ^ Eurochart peak
  14. ^ "Gala – Let a Boy Cry" (in French). Les classement single.
  15. ^ "Irish Singles Chart – Search for song". Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on 2 June 2009. Retrieved 6 July 2011.
  16. ^ 3 weeks at No. 1 (11 March 1997, 18 March 1997 & 25 March 1997)
  17. ^ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 7. 15 February 1997. p. 18. Retrieved 27 November 2019.
  18. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 17, 1997" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  19. ^ "Gala – Let a Boy Cry" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  20. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 June 2018.
  21. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  22. ^ "Gala – Let a Boy Cry". Swiss Singles Chart.
  23. ^ UK Singles Chart Official Charts Company (Retrieved 1 July 2008)
  24. ^ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  25. ^ 1997 Belgian (Flanders) Singles Chart Ultratop.be Archived 26 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved 1 July 2008)
  26. ^ 1997 Belgian (Wallonia) Singles Chart Ultratop.be (Retrieved 1 July 2008)
  27. ^ "1997 Year-End Sales Charts: Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 27 December 1997. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  28. ^ 1997 French Singles Chart disqueenfrance.com Archived 27 June 2009 at the Wayback Machine (Retrieved 1 July 2008)
  29. ^ "Single top 100 over 1997" (PDF) (in Dutch). Top40. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2011. Retrieved 20 April 2010.
  30. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1997". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  31. ^ "Romanian Top 100: Top of the Year 1997". Romanian Top 100. Archived from the original on 22 September 2005.
  32. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 1997". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
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