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| artist = [[Shontelle]] |
| artist = [[Shontelle]] |
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| album = [[No Gravity (Shontelle album)|No Gravity]] |
| album = [[No Gravity (Shontelle album)|No Gravity]] |
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| released = |
| released = February 9, 2010 |
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| recorded = 2009 |
| recorded = 2009 |
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| studio = {{hlist| |
| studio = {{hlist|Chalice Recording Studios, [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], U.S.|The Vault, [[Stockholm]], Sweden}} |
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| venue = |
| venue = |
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| genre = |
| genre = [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] |
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| length = 3: |
| length = 3:47 |
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| label = {{hlist|[[SRC Records|SRC]]|[[Motown]]}} |
| label = {{hlist|[[SRC Records|SRC]]|[[Motown]]}} |
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| writer = {{hlist|[[Arnthor Birgisson]]|[[Ina Wroldsen]]}} |
| writer = {{hlist|[[Arnthor Birgisson]]|[[Ina Wroldsen]]}} |
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| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
| prev_title = [[Battle Cry (Shontelle song)|Battle Cry]] |
| prev_title = [[Battle Cry (Shontelle song)|Battle Cry]] |
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| prev_year = 2009 |
| prev_year = 2009 |
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| next_title = [[Perfect Nightmare]] |
| next_title = [[Perfect Nightmare (song)|Perfect Nightmare]] |
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| next_year = 2010 |
| next_year = 2010 |
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| misc = {{External music video| |
| misc = {{External music video| |
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{{YouTube|NWdrO4BoCu8|Impossible}} }} |
{{YouTube|NWdrO4BoCu8|Impossible}} }} |
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}} |
}} |
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"'''Impossible'''" is a song by Barbadian singer [[Shontelle]]. It is the lead single from her second studio album, ''[[No Gravity (Shontelle album)|No Gravity]]'' (2010). The song was written by [[Arnthor Birgisson]] and [[Ina Wroldsen]], and produced by Birgisson. It was released digitally on |
"'''Impossible'''" is a song by Barbadian singer [[Shontelle]]. It is the lead single from her second studio album, ''[[No Gravity (Shontelle album)|No Gravity]]'' (2010). The song was written by [[Arnthor Birgisson]] and [[Ina Wroldsen]], and produced by Birgisson. It was released digitally on February 9, 2010. "Impossible" peaked at number 13 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] in the United States, number 33 in Canada, number nine in the United Kingdom and number five in Denmark. |
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''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' winner [[James Arthur]] released a cover version of the song after winning the [[The X Factor (British series 9)|ninth series]] of the talent competition in December 2012. It was released shortly after his win and reached number one in the UK and Ireland, as well as charting in the top ten in 20 other countries. As of 2021, it has sold 1,940,010 copies in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/james-arthur-on-new-music-respect-and-making-bangers/082616|title = James Arthur on new music, respect and making bangers}}</ref> |
''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' winner [[James Arthur]] released a cover version of the song after winning the [[The X Factor (British series 9)|ninth series]] of the talent competition in December 2012. It was released shortly after his win and reached number one in the UK and Ireland, as well as charting in the top ten in 20 other countries. As of 2021, it has sold 1,940,010 copies in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/james-arthur-on-new-music-respect-and-making-bangers/082616|title = James Arthur on new music, respect and making bangers}}</ref> |
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The international symphonic metal band [[Exit Eden]] released their cover version of the song in 2017 for their album ''Rhapsodies in Black'' via Starwatch Entertainment and [[Napalm Records]]. The song was accompanied by an official music video and a live video.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSKX0YwiZ-U | title=EXIT EDEN - Impossible (Shontelle Cover) | Napalm Records | website=[[YouTube]] | date=21 July 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCXDvj9tTmM | title=EXIT EDEN - Impossible (Shontelle Cover) LIVE @ HH Metal Dayz | Napalm Records | website=[[YouTube]] | date=17 November 2017 }}</ref> |
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==Inspiration and composition== |
==Inspiration and composition== |
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"Impossible" is a midtempo [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] [[sentimental ballad|ballad]]<ref name="Lamb"/> written by [[Arnthor Birgisson]] and [[Ina Wroldsen]], in the musical key of [[A-flat major|A{{flat}} major]] with a [[time signature]] in [[common time]] and a [[tempo]] of 92 beats per minute. The melody is to be played in a moderate tone and tempo. The song's backing track consists of a simple [[chord progression]] of [[F minor|Fm<sup>7</sup>]]—[[A♭ (musical note)|A{{flat}}]]—[[E♭ (musical note)|E{{flat}}]]—[[D♭ (musical note)|D{{flat}}]].<ref name="sheet">{{cite journal|title=Shontelle – ''Impossible'' sheet music |website=Musicnotes.com |publisher=[[Alfred Publishing]]}}</ref> It was conceived after Shontelle stated that she felt that radio was currently missing a "heartbreak ballad". In an interview with ''[[J-14 (magazine)|J-14]]'' magazine she said "I knew that there was no song out there for heartbroken people. I just wanted to put a song out that gave people hope – things may not work out the way you want them to, but you can move past it and everything is gonna be okay... [I want to help listeners] draw the strength to carry on past a break up where you're the one in the embarrassing position."<ref name="J-14">{{cite web|title=Exclusive Q&A with Shontelle|url=http://www.j-14.com/2010/07/exclusive-qa-with-shontelle.html|work=[[J-14 (magazine)|J-14]]|publisher=([[Bauer Media Group]])|access-date=27 July 2010|date=9 July 2010}}</ref> Shontelle uses a vocal range from E{{flat}}<sup>3</sup> to D{{flat}}<sup>5</sup> in the song.<ref name="sheet"/> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s Michael Menachem described her vocal precision as similar to that of [[Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé]]'s in "[[Irreplaceable]]".<ref name="Menachem"/> Meanwhile, the production, helmed by Birgisson, was compared to Norwegian production team, [[Stargate (production team)|StarGate]]<ref name="Love"/> who are, coincidentally, the team responsible for producing "Irreplaceable".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580808/20080201/knowles_beyonce.jhtml |title=Beyoncé's 'Irreplaceable' Could Have Gone Country: Behind The Grammys |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[MTV Networks]] ([[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]) |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=2 January 2011}}</ref> |
"Impossible" is a midtempo [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] [[sentimental ballad|ballad]]<ref name="Lamb"/> written by [[Arnthor Birgisson]] and [[Ina Wroldsen]], in the musical key of [[A-flat major|A{{flat}} major]] with a [[time signature]] in [[common time]] and a [[tempo]] of 92 beats per minute. The melody is to be played in a moderate tone and tempo. The song's backing track consists of a simple [[chord progression]] of [[F minor|Fm<sup>7</sup>]]—[[A♭ (musical note)|A{{flat}}]]—[[E♭ (musical note)|E{{flat}}]]—[[D♭ (musical note)|D{{flat}}]].<ref name="sheet">{{cite journal|title=Shontelle – ''Impossible'' sheet music |website=Musicnotes.com |publisher=[[Alfred Publishing]]}}</ref> It was conceived after Shontelle stated that she felt that radio was currently missing a "heartbreak ballad". In an interview with ''[[J-14 (magazine)|J-14]]'' magazine she said "I knew that there was no song out there for heartbroken people. I just wanted to put a song out that gave people hope – things may not work out the way you want them to, but you can move past it and everything is gonna be okay... [I want to help listeners] draw the strength to carry on past a break up where you're the one in the embarrassing position."<ref name="J-14">{{cite web|title=Exclusive Q&A with Shontelle|url=http://www.j-14.com/2010/07/exclusive-qa-with-shontelle.html|work=[[J-14 (magazine)|J-14]]|publisher=([[Bauer Media Group]])|access-date=27 July 2010|date=9 July 2010}}</ref> Shontelle uses a vocal range from E{{flat}}<sup>3</sup> to D{{flat}}<sup>5</sup> in the song.<ref name="sheet"/> ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]''{{'}}s Michael Menachem described her vocal precision as similar to that of [[Beyoncé Knowles|Beyoncé]]'s in "[[Irreplaceable]]".<ref name="Menachem"/> Meanwhile, the production, helmed by Birgisson, was compared to Norwegian production team, [[Stargate (production team)|StarGate]]<ref name="Love"/> who are, coincidentally, the team responsible for producing "Irreplaceable".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580808/20080201/knowles_beyonce.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207153837/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580808/20080201/knowles_beyonce.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=7 February 2008 |title=Beyoncé's 'Irreplaceable' Could Have Gone Country: Behind The Grammys |work=[[MTV News]] |publisher=[[MTV Networks]] ([[Viacom (2005–present)|Viacom]]) |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=5 February 2008 |access-date=2 January 2011}}</ref> |
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==Reception== |
==Reception== |
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===Critical response=== |
===Critical response=== |
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Michael Menachem of ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' loved the song. He said "Shontelle shines on 'Impossible', giving one of the year's standout female vocal performances and recalling the poignancy and technical precision of [[Beyoncé]]'s "[[Irreplaceable]]". The 24-year-old's vulnerable delivery demands attention ... releasing the pain of a broken heart... Nothing is impossible when a vocal sounds as effortless and anthemic as this."<ref name="Menachem">{{cite |
Michael Menachem of ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' loved the song. He said "Shontelle shines on 'Impossible', giving one of the year's standout female vocal performances and recalling the poignancy and technical precision of [[Beyoncé]]'s "[[Irreplaceable]]". The 24-year-old's vulnerable delivery demands attention ... releasing the pain of a broken heart... Nothing is impossible when a vocal sounds as effortless and anthemic as this."<ref name="Menachem">{{cite magazine|last=Menachem|first=Michael|title=Shontelle, "Impossible"|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1069135/shontelle-impossible|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|publisher=(Nielsen Business Media, Inc)|access-date=23 June 2010|date=18 June 2010}}</ref> Ryan Love of [[Digital Spy]] gave the song five out of five stars, writing: "[[Arnthor Birgisson]]'s [[Stargate (production team)|StarGate]]-style production is appealingly restrained, Ina Wroldsen's lyrics are blunt and utterly relatable, and Shontelle gives her strongest vocal performance yet without ever overdoing it. The result? A treat for everyone except the people at Greenpeace, who might not approve of a song that requires at least two Kleenex mansize every time you play it."<ref name="Love">{{cite web|last=Love|first=Ryan|title=Singles Review – Shontelle: 'Impossible'|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a271461/shontelle-impossible.html|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=3 September 2010|date=3 September 2010}}</ref> Financial website [[MarketWatch]] branded the song a "passionate ballad" and Shontelle's vocals "soulful".<ref name="mw"/> |
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Carmen Castro of ''The Canadian Press'' said "Shontelle hits the right notes on "Impossible", the album's only standout track."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jVOoQ2eBPTQ1m0yElrtP1ZkpyfSQ |title=Music Review: Shontelle delivers bland sound, weak lyrics on new album, 'No Gravity' |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |last=Castro |first=Carmen |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5skZ97K4a?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jVOoQ2eBPTQ1m0yElrtP1ZkpyfSQ |archive-date= |
Carmen Castro of ''The Canadian Press'' said "Shontelle hits the right notes on "Impossible", the album's only standout track."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jVOoQ2eBPTQ1m0yElrtP1ZkpyfSQ |title=Music Review: Shontelle delivers bland sound, weak lyrics on new album, 'No Gravity' |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |last=Castro |first=Carmen |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525004801/https://www.webcitation.org/5skZ97K4a?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jVOoQ2eBPTQ1m0yElrtP1ZkpyfSQ |archive-date=25 May 2024 |date=14 September 2010 |access-date=15 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A reviewer from Entertainment Focus said "'Impossible' showcases undeniably strong vocals from the 24-year-old. ... It's easily a contender for breakup song of 2010 and Shontelle sings with such passion that you can't help but hold back the tears. Things are about to turn around for Shontelle. 'Impossible' is the strongest release we've had from the young singer yet and it's a sign of bigger things to come."<ref>{{cite web |last=Ellwood |first=Pip |url=http://www.entertainment-focus.com/music/articles/shontelle-impossible-0 |title=Shontelle – Impossible |publisher=Entertainment Focus |date=13 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923003820/http://entertainment-focus.com/music/articles/shontelle-impossible-0 |archive-date=23 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Meanwhile Bill Lamb of about.com said "Shontelle delivers a strong, emotional R&B ballad. This smooth soul sound provides a valuable counterpart to the dominant [[uptempo]] [[dance music]] on current [[Contemporary hit radio|pop radio]]."<ref name="Lamb">{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/top40essentialpopsongs.htm|title=Top 40 Essential Pop Songs – The top 40 songs that define pop music today|publisher=Top40.about.com|date=24 December 2009|access-date=15 September 2010|archive-date=16 February 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100216225656/http://top40.about.com/od/top10lists/tp/top40essentialpopsongs.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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===Chart performance=== |
===Chart performance=== |
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"Impossible" made its US [[Mainstream Top 40]] chart debut at number 40 on 1 May 2010, two months after the song was first released.<ref>{{cite |
"Impossible" made its US [[Mainstream Top 40]] chart debut at number 40 on 1 May 2010, two months after the song was first released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2010-05-01/pop-songs?order=gainer|title=Pop Music: Top Pop Songs Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> The following week it debuted on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], at number 88.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2010-05-08/hot-100?order=gainer|title=Music: Top 100 Songs – Billboard Hot 100 Chart|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> It continued to rise up both charts, before eventually peaking at number nine on the US Pop Songs chart, number eleven on the Hot Digital Songs chart and number thirteen on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. Consequently, it is Shontelle's most successful single in the United States.<ref name="Allmusic Discog">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/shontelle-p920467/charts-awards/billboard-singles |title=Shontelle – Billboard Singles |publisher=[[Allmusic]] (Rovicorp/[[Macrovision]]) |access-date=12 January 2011}}</ref> On 27 August 2010, "Impossible" was [[RIAA certification|certified]] platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA), for selling one million copies.<ref name="US Cert">{{cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=Impossible&artist=Shontelle&perPage=25 |title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum |publisher=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |date=27 August 2010 |access-date=13 September 2010}}</ref> |
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"Impossible" equalled its US success in the United Kingdom, peaking at number three on the [[UK R&B Chart]]<ref name="UK R&B"/> and number nine on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="UK Singles"/> It became Shontelle's second top-ten hit and her best chart peak since her 2009 debut single "[[T-Shirt (Shontelle song)|T-Shirt]]" which reached number six.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/shontelle/ |title=Artist History: Shontelle |publisher=theofficialcharts.com |access-date=19 September 2010}}</ref> It was also the only newly released track to reach the top-twenty that week,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE68I1UQ20100919 |title=Alexandra Burke at top of UK charts for 2nd week |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=19 September 2010 |access-date=2 January 2011}}</ref> selling 22,292 copies according to [[Music Week]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1042572&c=1 |title=Burke and The Script are top of charts |date=20 September 2010 |archive-url=https:// |
"Impossible" equalled its US success in the United Kingdom, peaking at number three on the [[UK R&B Chart]]<ref name="UK R&B"/> and number nine on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="UK Singles"/> It became Shontelle's second top-ten hit and her best chart peak since her 2009 debut single "[[T-Shirt (Shontelle song)|T-Shirt]]" which reached number six.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/shontelle/ |title=Artist History: Shontelle |publisher=theofficialcharts.com |access-date=19 September 2010}}</ref> It was also the only newly released track to reach the top-twenty that week,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE68I1UQ20100919 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717121625/http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE68I1UQ20100919 |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 July 2012 |title=Alexandra Burke at top of UK charts for 2nd week |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=19 September 2010 |access-date=2 January 2011}}</ref> selling 22,292 copies according to [[Music Week]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1042572&c=1 |title=Burke and The Script are top of charts |date=20 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722170420/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1042572&c=1 |archive-date=22 July 2012 |access-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally it achieved some success in Europe too, reaching number five in Denmark,<ref name="Denmark"/> fifteen on the Slovakia Airplay chart<ref name="Slovakia"/> and number twenty in Norway.<ref name="Norway"/> It also peaked in Canada at number 33.<ref name="Allmusic Discog"/> It was certified gold by the [[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry]] (IFPI) in Denmark, for selling 15,000 copies.<ref name="DK Cert">{{cite web |url=http://www.hitlisterne.dk/default.asp?list=t40|title=Tracklisten Week 43 – 2010|publisher=[[IFPI]] & [[Hitlisten]]|access-date=5 November 2010}}</ref> |
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On 16 December 2012, "Impossible" re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 22 after James Arthur won ''[[The X Factor ( |
On 16 December 2012, "Impossible" re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 22 after James Arthur won ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'' and released the song as his winner's single.<ref name="James UK chart"/> |
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==Music video== |
==Music video== |
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The official video was directed by Taj Stansberry, Represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/5464541/shontelle-shows-a-deeper-side-in-her-impossible-video|title=Shontelle Shows A Deeper Side in Her "Impossible" Video|work=Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com|date=April 2010}}</ref> It premiered on 14 April 2010 and according to 92.3 Now FM's Ed Easton, the video is "a great visualization of her struggles, professionally and personally."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://923now.radio.com/2010/04/14/shontelles-impossible-video-premiere/|title=Protected Blog|work=radio.com|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124185444/http://923now.radio.com/2010/04/14/shontelles-impossible-video-premiere/|archive-date=24 November 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the video, singer |
The official video was directed by Taj Stansberry, Represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://idolator.com/5464541/shontelle-shows-a-deeper-side-in-her-impossible-video|title=Shontelle Shows A Deeper Side in Her "Impossible" Video|work=Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com|date=April 2010|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207144454/https://www.idolator.com/5464541/shontelle-shows-a-deeper-side-in-her-impossible-video|url-status=dead}}</ref> It premiered on 14 April 2010 and according to 92.3 Now FM's Ed Easton, the video is "a great visualization of her struggles, professionally and personally."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://923now.radio.com/2010/04/14/shontelles-impossible-video-premiere/|title=Protected Blog|work=radio.com|access-date=12 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124185444/http://923now.radio.com/2010/04/14/shontelles-impossible-video-premiere/|archive-date=24 November 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the video, singer Steph Jones plays Shontelle's love interest. The video opens with Shontelle entering an apartment at 12:14 p.m. The video is a reflection of the past. During the first chorus, Shontelle is talking to her boyfriend and they start caressing. In the second chorus, Shontelle and her boyfriend are arguing while Shontelle is also shown writing a song and scribbling off words. Later, her boyfriend is having a beer at a party. He is celebrating his platinum success. Afterwards, Shontelle receives a letter from a recording studio, and realizes her own dreams are coming second to her boyfriends. Later, she is putting away glasses and bottles. At the end, a reflection is shown in black and white. The final scene is kissing her boyfriend on the head, taking the demo CD he made for her and leaving him. It then goes back to the present, where Shontelle is getting into a taxi while her boyfriend sleeps on the sofa. |
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==Live performances== |
==Live performances== |
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==Credits== |
==Credits== |
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"Impossible" was recorded at |
"Impossible" was recorded at Chalice Recording Studios in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] and The Vault in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]].<ref name="Album Credits">{{cite AV media notes |title=No Gravity |title-link=No Gravity (Shontelle album) |others=Shontelle |year=2010 |type=Booklet |publisher=[[SRC Records|SRC]], [[Universal Motown Records]] (Cat no. 602527462707)}}</ref> |
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*[[Songwriter|Songwriting]] – [[Arnthor Birgisson]], Ina Wroldsen |
*[[Songwriter|Songwriting]] – [[Arnthor Birgisson]], Ina Wroldsen |
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*[[Record producer]] and programmer – Arnthor Birgisson |
*[[Record producer]] and programmer – Arnthor Birgisson |
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*Recording engineer – Chris Kesychs |
*Recording engineer – Chris Kesychs |
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*Mixing – Phil Tan, Damien Lewis (assistant) |
*Mixing – Phil Tan, Damien Lewis (assistant) |
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*[[Guitar]]s – |
*[[Guitar]]s – Esbjörn Öhrwall |
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*Lead vocals – [[Shontelle|Shontelle Layne]] |
*Lead vocals – [[Shontelle|Shontelle Layne]] |
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*[[Background vocals]] – Ina Wroldsen |
*[[Background vocals]] – [[Ina Wroldsen]] |
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==Charts and certifications== |
==Charts and certifications== |
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=== Year-end charts=== |
=== Year-end charts=== |
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{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;" |
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!scope="col"|Chart (2010) |
!scope="col"|Chart (2010) |
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!scope="col"|Position |
!scope="col"|Position |
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!scope="row"|Denmark ([[Tracklisten]])<ref>{{Cite web|title=Track 2010 Top-50 |work=[[Tracklisten]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Company|Nielsen Music Control]] |language=da |year=2010 |url=http://www.hitlisterne.dk/yearlist.asp?list=download%2050 |archive-url=https:// |
!scope="row"|Denmark ([[Tracklisten]])<ref>{{Cite web|title=Track 2010 Top-50 |work=[[Tracklisten]] |publisher=[[Nielsen Company|Nielsen Music Control]] |language=da |year=2010 |url=http://www.hitlisterne.dk/yearlist.asp?list=download%2050 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123205923/http://hitlisterne.dk/yearlist.asp?list=download%2050 |archive-date=23 November 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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| 50 |
| 50 |
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!scope="row"| UK Singles ([[Official Charts Company]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|title=End Of Year Charts: 2010|publisher=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=10 August 2011}}</ref> |
!scope="row"| UK Singles ([[Official Charts Company]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|title=End Of Year Charts: 2010|publisher=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=10 August 2011|archive-date=28 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628170049/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusYE2010.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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!scope="row"| US [[Mainstream Top 40]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite |
!scope="row"| US [[Mainstream Top 40]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2010/pop-songs|title=Pop Songs – Year-End 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=26 September 2019}}</ref> |
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===Certifications=== |
===Certifications=== |
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{{Certification Table Top}} |
{{Certification Table Top}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|title=Impossible|artist=Shpntelle|award=Platinum|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|access-date=July 16, 2024}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|award=Gold|relyear=2010|type=single|artist=Shontelle|title=Impossible|access-date=August 2, 2013|certyear=2010|id=43|relmonth=2|source=chart}} |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|award=Gold|relyear=2010|type=single|artist=Shontelle|title=Impossible|access-date=August 2, 2013|certyear=2010|id=43|relmonth=2|source=chart}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2010|artist=Shontelle|title=Impossible|certyear=2021|certmonth=9|id=8911-3459-1|access-date=September 17, 2021}} |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2010|artist=Shontelle|title=Impossible|certyear=2021|certmonth=9|id=8911-3459-1|access-date=September 17, 2021}} |
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[[James Arthur]], the winner of the [[The X Factor (British series 9)|ninth series]] of ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'', released a cover version of "Impossible" [[Music download|digitally]] on 9 December 2012, immediately after winning the show.<ref name="Digital Download JA">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Impossible/dp/B00ALJ33K4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355094922&sr=8-2|title=Impossible|work=amazon.co.uk}}</ref> The CD single was released on 12 December 2012.<ref name="CD single JA">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Impossible-The-Factor-Winners-Single/dp/B00AI145PC/|title=Impossible by James Arthur: Amazon.co.uk: Music|work=amazon.co.uk}}</ref> Profits from each download were expected to be at least £0.25 and all profits from CD and download sales were to be donated to the charity [[Together for Short Lives]].<ref name="Digital Download JA"/><ref name=iTunes> |
[[James Arthur]], the winner of the [[The X Factor (British series 9)|ninth series]] of ''[[The X Factor (British TV series)|The X Factor]]'', released a cover version of "Impossible" [[Music download|digitally]] on 9 December 2012, immediately after winning the show.<ref name="Digital Download JA">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Impossible/dp/B00ALJ33K4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355094922&sr=8-2|title=Impossible|work=amazon.co.uk}}</ref> The CD single was released on 12 December 2012.<ref name="CD single JA">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Impossible-The-Factor-Winners-Single/dp/B00AI145PC/|title=Impossible by James Arthur: Amazon.co.uk: Music|work=amazon.co.uk}}</ref> Profits from each download were expected to be at least £0.25 and all profits from CD and download sales were to be donated to the charity [[Together for Short Lives]].<ref name="Digital Download JA"/><ref name=iTunes>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/impossible-single/589034620|title=Impossible - Single by James Arthur|date=9 December 2012|via=music.apple.com}}</ref> The charity works with "children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions."<ref name="Single Details"/> Speaking on the decision to support Together for Short Lives, [[Simon Cowell]] creator and executive producer of ''The X Factor'' said, "[it] is such an inspiring and important charity for so many kids and their families who really need help and support. I'm delighted that ''The X Factor''{{'}}s winner single sales will go directly to helping them."<ref name="Single Details"/> |
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In its first week, the single sold 489,560 copies, making it the UK's fastest-selling single of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/james-arthur-heading-towards-half-a-million-sales-of-debut-single-1757/|title=James Arthur heading towards half a million sales of debut single|work=officialcharts.com}}</ref> The song also peaked at number one in Ireland,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=James+Arthur|title=James Arthur – Irish Charts|publisher=irish-charts.com Hung Medien}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IFPI SR: Hitparáda: Radio Top 100 Oficiálna: Týždeň: 201306 |url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?hitp=R |publisher=[[IFPI]] |access-date=23 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110021817/http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?hitp=R |archive-date=10 January 2007 }}</ref> number two in both Australia and Switzerland, and number one in Slovakia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/133080-xfactor-champ-james-arthur-a-hit-in-australia-and-switzerland.html|title=XFactor champ James Arthur a hit in Australia... and Switzerland|last=Darvill|first=Josh|work=tellymix|date=15 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013}}</ref> |
In its first week, the single sold 489,560 copies, making it the UK's fastest-selling single of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/james-arthur-heading-towards-half-a-million-sales-of-debut-single-1757/|title=James Arthur heading towards half a million sales of debut single|work=officialcharts.com}}</ref> The song also peaked at number one in Ireland,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=James+Arthur|title=James Arthur – Irish Charts|publisher=irish-charts.com Hung Medien}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=IFPI SR: Hitparáda: Radio Top 100 Oficiálna: Týždeň: 201306 |url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?hitp=R |publisher=[[IFPI]] |access-date=23 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110021817/http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?hitp=R |archive-date=10 January 2007 }}</ref> number two in both Australia and Switzerland, and number one in Slovakia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/133080-xfactor-champ-james-arthur-a-hit-in-australia-and-switzerland.html|title=XFactor champ James Arthur a hit in Australia... and Switzerland|last=Darvill|first=Josh|work=tellymix|date=15 February 2013|access-date=23 February 2013|archive-date=6 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606072622/http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/133080-xfactor-champ-james-arthur-a-hit-in-australia-and-switzerland.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> As of 2023, the single has sold over 2 million copies in the UK, becoming the biggest-selling single by an X Factor winner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rawlinson |first=Kevin |date=2021-07-29 |title=It's a no from me: ITV confirms The X Factor will not be back |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/jul/29/its-a-no-from-me-itv-confirms-the-x-factor-will-not-be-back |access-date=2023-03-03 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> |
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===Critical reception=== |
===Critical reception=== |
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===Chart performance and sales=== |
===Chart performance and sales=== |
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In the [[United Kingdom]], "Impossible" sold over 187,000 downloads during its first 24 hours on sale; making Arthur the fastest-selling winner in ''X Factor'' history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s103/the-x-factor/news/a444440/x-factor-james-arthur-beats-little-mix-leona-lewis-to-become-fastest-seller.html|title=James Arthur beats Little Mix, Leona Lewis to become fastest seller|last=Corner|first=Lewis|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=11 December 2012|access-date=12 December 2012}}</ref> By the end of the week, the track had sold over 490,000 copies, enough to debut at number-one on the [[UK Singles Chart]]; achieving the largest first week sales of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/dec/17/james-arthur-fastest-selling-single|title=James Arthur scores fastest selling single of the year|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=17 December 2012|access-date=18 December 2012}}</ref> After eleven days, "Impossible" had become the seventh biggest-selling debut single from any ''X Factor'' contestant, with sales of over 622,000; enough to overtake the lifetime sales of the debut singles of [[The X Factor ( |
In the [[United Kingdom]], "Impossible" sold over 187,000 downloads during its first 24 hours on sale; making Arthur the fastest-selling winner in ''X Factor'' history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/s103/the-x-factor/news/a444440/x-factor-james-arthur-beats-little-mix-leona-lewis-to-become-fastest-seller.html|title=James Arthur beats Little Mix, Leona Lewis to become fastest seller|last=Corner|first=Lewis|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|date=11 December 2012|access-date=12 December 2012}}</ref> By the end of the week, the track had sold over 490,000 copies, enough to debut at number-one on the [[UK Singles Chart]]; achieving the largest first week sales of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/dec/17/james-arthur-fastest-selling-single|title=James Arthur scores fastest selling single of the year|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=17 December 2012|access-date=18 December 2012}}</ref> After eleven days, "Impossible" had become the seventh biggest-selling debut single from any ''X Factor'' contestant, with sales of over 622,000; enough to overtake the lifetime sales of the debut singles of [[The X Factor (British series 8)|series 8]] winners [[Little Mix]] ("[[Cannonball (Damien Rice song)#Little Mix version|Cannonball]]"), [[The X Factor (British series 5)|series 5]] runners-up [[JLS]] ("[[Beat Again]]") and [[The X Factor (British series 4)|series 4]] winner [[Leon Jackson]] ("[[When You Believe#Leon Jackson version|When You Believe]]").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/hillsborough-tribute-extends-lead-over-james-arthur-in-christmas-number-1-race-1767/|title=Hillsborough tribute extends lead over James Arthur in Christmas number 1 race|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|date=20 December 2012|access-date=23 December 2012}}</ref> In its second charting week, sales of "Impossible" fell to 233,770 copies as it dropped to number two behind "[[He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother#The Justice Collective version|He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother]]" from [[The Justice Collective]], the Christmas number one single of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/67876|title=Hillsborough charity single beats James Arthur to Christmas number one|work=[[NME]]|date=23 December 2012|access-date=23 December 2012}}</ref> In its third charting week, "Impossible" reclaimed the number-one position; with sales of 183,660 copies.<ref name="returntotop"/> As of 29 December, "Impossible" had sold 896,990 copies, enough to overtake [[The X Factor (British series 3)|series 3]] winner [[Leona Lewis]] ("[[A Moment Like This#Leona Lewis|A Moment Like This]]") and make it the fourth highest-selling single of the nine ''The X Factor'' winners; behind [[The X Factor (British series 7)|series 7]] winner [[Matt Cardle]] ("[[Many of Horror#Matt Cardle version|When We Collide]]"), [[The X Factor (British series 2)|series 2]] winner [[Shayne Ward]] ("[[That's My Goal]]") and series 5 winner [[Alexandra Burke]] ("[[Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen song)#Alexandra Burke|Hallelujah]]").<ref name="returntotop">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/james-arthur-is-back-at-number-1-with-impossible-1780/|title=James Arthur is back at number 1 with Impossible|work=[[NME]]|date=29 December 2012|access-date=2 January 2013}}</ref> On 31 December, it was announced that the track had finished 2012 as the fifth highest-selling single.<ref name="returntotop"/> By February 2013, it had become the second best selling ''The X Factor'' winner's single with 1.25 million copies sold.<ref name="sales_feb2013">{{cite news|url=http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/131056-xfactor-winner-james-arthurs-impossible-is-biggest-selling-x-factor-debut-ever.html|title=X Factor winner James Arthur's Impossible is biggest selling X Factor debut ever|last=Darvill|first=Josh|work=Tellymix|date=6 February 2013|access-date=7 February 2013|archive-date=6 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606072633/http://tellymix.co.uk/reality-tv/the-x-factor/131056-xfactor-winner-james-arthurs-impossible-is-biggest-selling-x-factor-debut-ever.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2015, it overtook [[Alexandra Burke]]'s "Hallelujah" to become the best-selling winners single ever.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/james-arthur-makes-top-selling-singles-9506224 |title= James Arthur makes top-selling singles list of the DECADE – beating Ed Sheeran and Katy Perry |last=Smiles |first=Mieka |work= Gazette Live |date= 22 June 2015 |access-date= 3 October 2016}}</ref> |
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Arthur's version of "Impossible" was also the best-selling single of 2012 in the Republic of Ireland, where it became the 2012 Christmas number one, with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" peaking at number four. The track also became a huge success worldwide, topping the charts in the Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg and Slovakia. It also reached number two in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland, number three in Belgium, number four in Austria, number five in Germany and number six in France and Hungary.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a491032/james-arthurs-x-factor-single-impossible-continues-global-success.html|title=James Arthur's 'X Factor' single 'Impossible' continues global success|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=18 June 2013|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|access-date=18 June 2013}}</ref> |
Arthur's version of "Impossible" was also the best-selling single of 2012 in the Republic of Ireland, where it became the 2012 Christmas number one, with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" peaking at number four. The track also became a huge success worldwide, topping the charts in the Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg and Slovakia. It also reached number two in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland, number three in Belgium, number four in Austria, number five in Germany and number six in France and Hungary.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a491032/james-arthurs-x-factor-single-impossible-continues-global-success.html|title=James Arthur's 'X Factor' single 'Impossible' continues global success|last=Corner|first=Lewis|date=18 June 2013|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Magazines UK]]|access-date=18 June 2013}}</ref> |
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| Greece ([[IFPI Greece]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/chart.php?cid=2&date=2013-01-19|title=Greek Singles Chart Top 40 – 19th January 2013|publisher=[[IFPI Greece]]|access-date=15 May 2013}}</ref> |
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|Italy ([[FIMI]])<ref>{{cite web | title=FIMI | url=http://www.fimi.it/ricerca#/type:artists/show:charts/keyword:James%20Arthur/page:0|publisher=FIMI}}</ref> |
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|Luxembourg Digital Songs (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{Cite |
|Luxembourg Digital Songs (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'')<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2013-04-13/luxembourg-digital-songs |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=6 April 2013 |archive-date=6 April 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130406192732/http://www.billboard.com/biz/charts/2013-04-13/luxembourg-digital-songs |title=Luxembourg Digital Songs – April 13, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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|UK Singles ([[UK Singles Chart|Official Charts Company]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/UKChartsPlusEOY2013.pdf|title=End of Year Charts: 2013|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=12 October 2015}}</ref> |
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| Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/radios/2022|title=Rádiós Top 100 - hallgatottsági adatok alapján - 2022|publisher=Mahasz|language=hu|access-date=4 February 2023|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203044628/https://slagerlistak.hu/archivum/eves-osszesitett-listak/radios/2022|url-status=live}}</ref> |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|award=Platinum|relyear=2012|certyear=2014|artist=James Arthur|type=single|title=Impossible}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|title=Impossible|artist=James Arthur|award= |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|title=Impossible|artist=James Arthur|award=Diamond|relyear=2012|certyear=2022|access-date=October 21, 2021}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=James Arthur|title=Impossible|certyear= |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=James Arthur|title=Impossible|certyear=2024|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|access-date=24 April 2024}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=James Arthur|title=Impossible|relyear=2012|certyear=2021|id=9967|access-date=1 October 2021}} |
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=James Arthur|title=Impossible|relyear=2012|certyear=2021|id=9967|access-date=1 October 2021}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|award=Gold|relyear=2013|certyear=2013|type=single|artist=James Arthur|title=Impossible|source=archvie|access-date=7 September 2014}} |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|certyear= |
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|certyear=2013|relyear=2012|artist=James Arthur|title=Impossible|award=Gold|certref=<ref>{{cite web|access-date=20 December 2013 |title= Top 100 Streaming – Semana 46: del 11.11.2013 al 17.11.2013|url= http://www.promusicae.es/listas/semana/2410-streaming-semana-46-2013 |publisher= [[PROMUSICAE]]|language = es}}</ref>|type=single|certmonth=11|streamsonly=true}} |
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===Release history=== |
===Release history=== |
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[[Category:2010 singles]] |
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[[Category:Shontelle songs]] |
[[Category:Shontelle songs]] |
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[[Category:UK singles chart number-one singles]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:14, 20 November 2024
| "Impossible" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) | ||||
| Single by Shontelle | ||||
| from the album No Gravity | ||||
| Released | February 9, 2010 | |||
| Recorded | 2009 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | R&B | |||
| Length | 3:47 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Arnthor Birgisson | |||
| Shontelle singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| Impossible on YouTube | ||||
"Impossible" is a song by Barbadian singer Shontelle. It is the lead single from her second studio album, No Gravity (2010). The song was written by Arnthor Birgisson and Ina Wroldsen, and produced by Birgisson. It was released digitally on February 9, 2010. "Impossible" peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, number 33 in Canada, number nine in the United Kingdom and number five in Denmark.
The X Factor winner James Arthur released a cover version of the song after winning the ninth series of the talent competition in December 2012. It was released shortly after his win and reached number one in the UK and Ireland, as well as charting in the top ten in 20 other countries. As of 2021, it has sold 1,940,010 copies in the UK.[1]
The international symphonic metal band Exit Eden released their cover version of the song in 2017 for their album Rhapsodies in Black via Starwatch Entertainment and Napalm Records. The song was accompanied by an official music video and a live video.[2][3]
Inspiration and composition
[edit]"Impossible" is a midtempo R&B ballad[4] written by Arnthor Birgisson and Ina Wroldsen, in the musical key of A♭ major with a time signature in common time and a tempo of 92 beats per minute. The melody is to be played in a moderate tone and tempo. The song's backing track consists of a simple chord progression of Fm7—A♭—E♭—D♭.[5] It was conceived after Shontelle stated that she felt that radio was currently missing a "heartbreak ballad". In an interview with J-14 magazine she said "I knew that there was no song out there for heartbroken people. I just wanted to put a song out that gave people hope – things may not work out the way you want them to, but you can move past it and everything is gonna be okay... [I want to help listeners] draw the strength to carry on past a break up where you're the one in the embarrassing position."[6] Shontelle uses a vocal range from E♭3 to D♭5 in the song.[5] Billboard's Michael Menachem described her vocal precision as similar to that of Beyoncé's in "Irreplaceable".[7] Meanwhile, the production, helmed by Birgisson, was compared to Norwegian production team, StarGate[8] who are, coincidentally, the team responsible for producing "Irreplaceable".[9]
Reception
[edit]Critical response
[edit]Michael Menachem of Billboard loved the song. He said "Shontelle shines on 'Impossible', giving one of the year's standout female vocal performances and recalling the poignancy and technical precision of Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable". The 24-year-old's vulnerable delivery demands attention ... releasing the pain of a broken heart... Nothing is impossible when a vocal sounds as effortless and anthemic as this."[7] Ryan Love of Digital Spy gave the song five out of five stars, writing: "Arnthor Birgisson's StarGate-style production is appealingly restrained, Ina Wroldsen's lyrics are blunt and utterly relatable, and Shontelle gives her strongest vocal performance yet without ever overdoing it. The result? A treat for everyone except the people at Greenpeace, who might not approve of a song that requires at least two Kleenex mansize every time you play it."[8] Financial website MarketWatch branded the song a "passionate ballad" and Shontelle's vocals "soulful".[10]
Carmen Castro of The Canadian Press said "Shontelle hits the right notes on "Impossible", the album's only standout track."[11] A reviewer from Entertainment Focus said "'Impossible' showcases undeniably strong vocals from the 24-year-old. ... It's easily a contender for breakup song of 2010 and Shontelle sings with such passion that you can't help but hold back the tears. Things are about to turn around for Shontelle. 'Impossible' is the strongest release we've had from the young singer yet and it's a sign of bigger things to come."[12] Meanwhile Bill Lamb of about.com said "Shontelle delivers a strong, emotional R&B ballad. This smooth soul sound provides a valuable counterpart to the dominant uptempo dance music on current pop radio."[4]
Chart performance
[edit]"Impossible" made its US Mainstream Top 40 chart debut at number 40 on 1 May 2010, two months after the song was first released.[13] The following week it debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, at number 88.[14] It continued to rise up both charts, before eventually peaking at number nine on the US Pop Songs chart, number eleven on the Hot Digital Songs chart and number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100. Consequently, it is Shontelle's most successful single in the United States.[15] On 27 August 2010, "Impossible" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), for selling one million copies.[16]
"Impossible" equalled its US success in the United Kingdom, peaking at number three on the UK R&B Chart[17] and number nine on the UK Singles Chart.[18] It became Shontelle's second top-ten hit and her best chart peak since her 2009 debut single "T-Shirt" which reached number six.[19] It was also the only newly released track to reach the top-twenty that week,[20] selling 22,292 copies according to Music Week.[21] Additionally it achieved some success in Europe too, reaching number five in Denmark,[22] fifteen on the Slovakia Airplay chart[23] and number twenty in Norway.[24] It also peaked in Canada at number 33.[15] It was certified gold by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) in Denmark, for selling 15,000 copies.[25]
On 16 December 2012, "Impossible" re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 22 after James Arthur won The X Factor and released the song as his winner's single.[26]
Music video
[edit]The official video was directed by Taj Stansberry, Represented by Leah Harmony and Ciarra Pardo.[27] It premiered on 14 April 2010 and according to 92.3 Now FM's Ed Easton, the video is "a great visualization of her struggles, professionally and personally."[28] In the video, singer Steph Jones plays Shontelle's love interest. The video opens with Shontelle entering an apartment at 12:14 p.m. The video is a reflection of the past. During the first chorus, Shontelle is talking to her boyfriend and they start caressing. In the second chorus, Shontelle and her boyfriend are arguing while Shontelle is also shown writing a song and scribbling off words. Later, her boyfriend is having a beer at a party. He is celebrating his platinum success. Afterwards, Shontelle receives a letter from a recording studio, and realizes her own dreams are coming second to her boyfriends. Later, she is putting away glasses and bottles. At the end, a reflection is shown in black and white. The final scene is kissing her boyfriend on the head, taking the demo CD he made for her and leaving him. It then goes back to the present, where Shontelle is getting into a taxi while her boyfriend sleeps on the sofa.
Live performances
[edit]Shontelle performed the song at the NewNowNext Awards televised on digital cable television channel Logo.[10] The event marked her first live performance on television.[10]
Track listing
[edit]- "Impossible" – 3:46
- "Impossible" (Jonas Jeberg Remix) – 3:11
- "Impossible" (Smasher Remix) – 4:36
- "Impossible" (Superdef & Jecto Remix) – 7:18
Credits
[edit]"Impossible" was recorded at Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California and The Vault in Stockholm, Sweden.[31]
- Songwriting – Arnthor Birgisson, Ina Wroldsen
- Record producer and programmer – Arnthor Birgisson
- Recording engineer – Chris Kesychs
- Mixing – Phil Tan, Damien Lewis (assistant)
- Guitars – Esbjörn Öhrwall
- Lead vocals – Shontelle Layne
- Background vocals – Ina Wroldsen
Charts and certifications
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
Certifications[edit]
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Radio and release history
[edit]Radio adds
[edit]| Region | Date | Format |
|---|---|---|
| United States[53] | 2 February 2010 | Top 40/Mainstream |
| 18 May 2010 | Rhythmic/Crossover |
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada[54] | 9 February 2010 | Digital download | Universal |
| Denmark[55] | |||
| Ireland[56] | |||
| United States[57] | SRC | ||
| Belgium[58] | 15 February 2010 | Universal | |
| Netherlands[59] | |||
| Norway[60] | |||
| Sweden[61] | |||
| Switzerland[62] | |||
| United Kingdom[29][30] | 9 September 2010 | Digital download | Island |
James Arthur version
[edit]| "Impossible" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by James Arthur | ||||
| from the album James Arthur | ||||
| Released | 9 December 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2012 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:29 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
| |||
| James Arthur singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
James Arthur, the winner of the ninth series of The X Factor, released a cover version of "Impossible" digitally on 9 December 2012, immediately after winning the show.[64] The CD single was released on 12 December 2012.[65] Profits from each download were expected to be at least £0.25 and all profits from CD and download sales were to be donated to the charity Together for Short Lives.[64][66] The charity works with "children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions."[67] Speaking on the decision to support Together for Short Lives, Simon Cowell creator and executive producer of The X Factor said, "[it] is such an inspiring and important charity for so many kids and their families who really need help and support. I'm delighted that The X Factor's winner single sales will go directly to helping them."[67]
In its first week, the single sold 489,560 copies, making it the UK's fastest-selling single of 2012.[68] The song also peaked at number one in Ireland,[69][70] number two in both Australia and Switzerland, and number one in Slovakia.[71] As of 2023, the single has sold over 2 million copies in the UK, becoming the biggest-selling single by an X Factor winner.[72]
Critical reception
[edit]Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song a positive review stating, "of course, making such a decision based on his victory single – a cover of Shontelle's 2010 hit 'Impossible' – is a futile exercise. The track, which was once sidelined for former finalist Cher Lloyd, has been drained of its R&B sassiness and re-worked into a swooping ballad, saved only by Arthur's quivering and gutsy vocal. Fortunately for him, at this stage that's the only bit that matters." He gave the song three out of five stars.[73] The song was nominated for "British Single of the Year" at the 2013 BRIT Awards, but lost out to "Skyfall" by Adele.
Chart performance and sales
[edit]In the United Kingdom, "Impossible" sold over 187,000 downloads during its first 24 hours on sale; making Arthur the fastest-selling winner in X Factor history.[74] By the end of the week, the track had sold over 490,000 copies, enough to debut at number-one on the UK Singles Chart; achieving the largest first week sales of the year.[75] After eleven days, "Impossible" had become the seventh biggest-selling debut single from any X Factor contestant, with sales of over 622,000; enough to overtake the lifetime sales of the debut singles of series 8 winners Little Mix ("Cannonball"), series 5 runners-up JLS ("Beat Again") and series 4 winner Leon Jackson ("When You Believe").[76] In its second charting week, sales of "Impossible" fell to 233,770 copies as it dropped to number two behind "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" from The Justice Collective, the Christmas number one single of 2012.[77] In its third charting week, "Impossible" reclaimed the number-one position; with sales of 183,660 copies.[78] As of 29 December, "Impossible" had sold 896,990 copies, enough to overtake series 3 winner Leona Lewis ("A Moment Like This") and make it the fourth highest-selling single of the nine The X Factor winners; behind series 7 winner Matt Cardle ("When We Collide"), series 2 winner Shayne Ward ("That's My Goal") and series 5 winner Alexandra Burke ("Hallelujah").[78] On 31 December, it was announced that the track had finished 2012 as the fifth highest-selling single.[78] By February 2013, it had become the second best selling The X Factor winner's single with 1.25 million copies sold.[79] In 2015, it overtook Alexandra Burke's "Hallelujah" to become the best-selling winners single ever.[80]
Arthur's version of "Impossible" was also the best-selling single of 2012 in the Republic of Ireland, where it became the 2012 Christmas number one, with "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" peaking at number four. The track also became a huge success worldwide, topping the charts in the Czech Republic, Greece, Luxembourg and Slovakia. It also reached number two in Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland, number three in Belgium, number four in Austria, number five in Germany and number six in France and Hungary.[81]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Impossible" | 3:29 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Impossible" |
| 3:29 |
| 2. | "Sexy and I Know It" (The X Factor performance) |
| 3:19 |
| 3. | "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (The X Factor performance) | 3:35 | |
| 4. | "Hometown Glory" (The X Factor performance) | Adele Adkins | 4:31 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Impossible" |
| 3:27 |
| 2. | "Hometown Glory" | Adkins | 2:21 |
Charts and certifications
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit] |
Year-end charts[edit]
Decade-end charts[edit]
Certifications[edit]
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Release history
[edit]| Region | Date | Format | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 9 December 2012[64] | Digital download | |
| 12 December 2012[65] | CD single | ||
| Germany[82] | 24 May 2013 | CD single | Sony |
References
[edit]- ^ "James Arthur on new music, respect and making bangers".
- ^ "EXIT EDEN - Impossible (Shontelle Cover) | Napalm Records". YouTube. 21 July 2017.
- ^ "EXIT EDEN - Impossible (Shontelle Cover) LIVE @ HH Metal Dayz | Napalm Records". YouTube. 17 November 2017.
- ^ a b "Top 40 Essential Pop Songs – The top 40 songs that define pop music today". Top40.about.com. 24 December 2009. Archived from the original on 16 February 2010. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Shontelle – Impossible sheet music". Musicnotes.com. Alfred Publishing.
- ^ "Exclusive Q&A with Shontelle". J-14. (Bauer Media Group). 9 July 2010. Retrieved 27 July 2010.
- ^ a b Menachem, Michael (18 June 2010). "Shontelle, "Impossible"". Billboard. (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ a b Love, Ryan (3 September 2010). "Singles Review – Shontelle: 'Impossible'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
- ^ Kaufman, Gil (5 February 2008). "Beyoncé's 'Irreplaceable' Could Have Gone Country: Behind The Grammys". MTV News. MTV Networks (Viacom). Archived from the original on 7 February 2008. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
- ^ a b c "Logo's 'NewNowNext Awards' Fired up the Fierce in Los Angeles". MarketWatch. (Dow Jones). 9 June 2010. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ Castro, Carmen (14 September 2010). "Music Review: Shontelle delivers bland sound, weak lyrics on new album, 'No Gravity'". The Canadian Press. Archived from the original on 25 May 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2010.
- ^ Ellwood, Pip (13 September 2010). "Shontelle – Impossible". Entertainment Focus. Archived from the original on 23 September 2010.
- ^ "Pop Music: Top Pop Songs Chart". Billboard.
- ^ "Music: Top 100 Songs – Billboard Hot 100 Chart". Billboard.
- ^ a b "Shontelle – Billboard Singles". Allmusic (Rovicorp/Macrovision). Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "RIAA – Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America. 27 August 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
- ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Artist History: Shontelle". theofficialcharts.com. Retrieved 19 September 2010.
- ^ "Alexandra Burke at top of UK charts for 2nd week". Reuters. 19 September 2010. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 2 January 2011.
- ^ "Burke and The Script are top of charts". 20 September 2010. Archived from the original on 22 July 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Shontelle – Impossible". Tracklisten.
- ^ a b "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201049 into search.
- ^ a b "Shontelle – Impossible". VG-lista.
- ^ "Tracklisten Week 43 – 2010". IFPI & Hitlisten. Retrieved 5 November 2010.
- ^ a b "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Shontelle Shows A Deeper Side in Her "Impossible" Video". Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com. April 2010. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ "Protected Blog". radio.com. Archived from the original on 24 November 2010. Retrieved 12 January 2011.
- ^ a b "Impossible: Shontelle: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 17 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Impossible – EP by Shontelle – Download Impossible – EP on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. 9 September 2010. Retrieved 13 September 2010.
- ^ No Gravity (Booklet). Shontelle. SRC, Universal Motown Records (Cat no. 602527462707). 2010.
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ "Shontelle – Impossible" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
- ^ "Shontelle – Impossible" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
- ^ "Shontelle – Impossible" (in French). Ultratip.
- ^ "Brazil Hot 100 Airplay" (in Portuguese). Billboard Brasil (Brazil: bpp) (2): 100. 18 October 2010.
- ^ "Shontelle Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 44. týden 2010 in the date selector.
- ^ "Shontelle – Chart Search" Billboard European Hot 100 Singles for Shontelle. [dead link]
- ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
- ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Impossible". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
- ^ "Shontelle – Impossible". Top 40 Singles.
- ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ "Shontelle Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Shontelle Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
- ^ "Track 2010 Top-50". Tracklisten (in Danish). Nielsen Music Control. 2010. Archived from the original on 23 November 2010.
- ^ "End Of Year Charts: 2010" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2011.
- ^ " Top 100 Music Hits, Top 100 Music Charts, Top 100 Songs & The Hot 100: Best of 2010 (61–70)". Billboard.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
- ^ "Pop Songs – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
- ^ "Brazilian single certifications – Shpntelle – Impossible" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 16 July 2024.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Shontelle – Impossible". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
- ^ "British single certifications – Shontelle – Impossible". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
- ^ "American single certifications – Shontelle – Impossible". Recording Industry Association of America.
- ^ "FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more!". fmqb.com. Archived from the original on 1 November 2009.
- ^ "iTunes CA – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ "iTunes DK – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ "iTunes IRE – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. January 2010. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
- ^ "iTunes US – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 23 June 2010.
- ^ "iTunes BEL – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
- ^ "iTunes NED – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
- ^ "iTunes NO – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 9 September 2010.
- ^ "iTunes SWE – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
- ^ "iTunes CHE – Impossible – Single". iTunes. Apple Inc. Retrieved 2 October 2010.
- ^ Corner, Lewis (30 October 2013). "James Arthur album review: 'The angst of Plan B and defiance of Sandé". Digital Spy. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Impossible". amazon.co.uk.
- ^ a b "Impossible by James Arthur: Amazon.co.uk: Music". amazon.co.uk.
- ^ "Impossible - Single by James Arthur". 9 December 2012 – via music.apple.com.
- ^ a b c "'X Factor' James Arthur winner's single 'Impossible' details revealed". Digital Spy. 10 December 2012.
- ^ "James Arthur heading towards half a million sales of debut single". officialcharts.com.
- ^ "James Arthur – Irish Charts". irish-charts.com Hung Medien.
- ^ "IFPI SR: Hitparáda: Radio Top 100 Oficiálna: Týždeň: 201306". IFPI. Archived from the original on 10 January 2007. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ Darvill, Josh (15 February 2013). "XFactor champ James Arthur a hit in Australia... and Switzerland". tellymix. Archived from the original on 6 June 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2013.
- ^ Rawlinson, Kevin (29 July 2021). "It's a no from me: ITV confirms The X Factor will not be back". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ Robert Copsey (10 December 2012). "James Arthur: 'Impossible' – Single review". Digital Spy. digitalspy.co.uk.
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External links
[edit]
Categories:
- 2010 songs
- 2010 singles
- 2012 debut singles
- Shontelle songs
- James Arthur songs
- Contemporary R&B ballads
- Pop ballads
- Synth-pop ballads
- Songs written by Arnthor Birgisson
- Songs written by Ina Wroldsen
- The X Factor (British TV series)
- Irish Singles Chart number-one singles
- Number-one singles in Greece
- Number-one singles in Scotland
- UK singles chart number-one singles
- Motown singles
- Syco Music singles
- SRC Records singles
- Sony Music UK singles