Edit filter log

'{{Short description|2004 single by Sugababes}} {{Good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox song | name = In the Middle | cover = InTheMiddleCD2Cover.jpg | border = yes | type = single | artist = [[Sugababes]] | album = [[Three (Sugababes album)|Three]] | B-side = {{ubl|"Colder in the Rain"|"Disturbed"}} | released = {{start date|2004|3|22|df=y}} | genre = [[Dance-pop]] | length = {{duration|m=3|s=38}} | label = [[Island Records|Island]] | writer = {{hlist|[[Miranda Cooper]]|[[Brian Higgins (producer)|Brian Higgins]]|[[Niara Scarlett]]|[[Shawn Lee (musician)|Shawn Lee]]|Lisa Cowling|[[Keisha Buchanan]]|[[Mutya Buena]]|[[Heidi Range]]|[[Moguai|André Tegeler]]|Phil Fuldner|Michael Bellina}} | producer = {{hlist|[[Brian Higgins (producer)|Brian Higgins]]|[[Xenomania]]|Jeremy Wheatley}} | prev_title = [[Too Lost in You]] | prev_year = 2003 | next_title = [[Caught in a Moment]] | next_year = 2004 }} "'''In the Middle'''" is a song by English [[girl group]] [[Sugababes]], released on 22 March 2004 as the third single from their third studio album, ''[[Three (Sugababes album)|Three]]'' (2003). The Sugababes were inspired to compose the song based upon the different situations experienced on a night out; they wrote it in collaboration with [[Miranda Cooper]], [[Brian Higgins (producer)|Brian Higgins]], [[Niara Scarlett]], [[Shawn Lee (musician)|Shawn Lee]], Lisa Cowling, Andre Tegler, Phil Fuldner and Michael Bellina. Higgins, [[Xenomania]] and Jeremy Wheatley produced the song. "In the Middle" is a [[dance-pop]], [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[funk music|funk]]-influenced record that contains a sample of German [[disc jockey|DJ]] [[Moguai]]'s song "U Know Y". The song received rave reviews from critics, who commended its production and appeal, and was nominated for Best British Single at the 2005 [[BRIT Awards]]. The single reached the top ten on the charts in Hungary, Netherlands and the United Kingdom. It also peaked within the top forty on the charts in Australia, Austria, Germany, Ireland and Switzerland. [[Matthew Rolston]] directed the song's [[music video]], which was filmed at [[Pinewood Studios]], [[London]]. It features the [[green screen]] effect and magical settings for the video's environments. The Sugababes performed the song on their tours in support of ''Three'', ''[[Overloaded: The Singles Collection]]'' (2006) and ''[[Change (Sugababes album)|Change]]'' (2007). ==Development and release== The Sugababes wrote "In the Middle" in collaboration with [[Miranda Cooper]], [[Brian Higgins (producer)|Brian Higgins]], [[Niara Scarlett]], [[Shawn Lee (musician)|Shawn Lee]], Lisa Cowling, [[Moguai|André Tegeler]], Phil Fuldner and Michael Bellina, for their third studio album, ''[[Three (Sugababes album)|Three]]'' (2003).<ref name="Liner Notes"/> Group member [[Heidi Range]] revealed that the band wanted to write a song with which they could have fun; it was inspired by different situations experienced during a night out.<ref name="Sugababes"/> [[Keisha Buchanan]], another member of the Sugababes, told [[Digital Spy]] that she wrote 90% of the song but could not comprehend the meaning of the lyrics: "I think it's because as I've got older I don't really relate to the lyrics. It was more of a fun song but I just don't really feel that attached to it any more."<ref name="Digital Spy">{{cite web|last=Balls |first=David |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a138841/keisha-reveals-her-favourite-sugababes-hits.html |title=Keisha reveals her favourite Sugababes hits |work=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=[[Hearst Magazines]] |date=19 December 2008 |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mwE7lyi?url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a138841/keisha-reveals-her-favourite-sugababes-hits.html |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Higgins, [[Xenomania]] and Jeremy Wheatley produced the song; the latter [[Mixing (music production)|mixed]] it at the Town House Studios, London.<ref name="Liner Notes"/> "In the Middle" was [[Programming (music)|programmed]] by Matt Duguid, [[Nick Coler]], [[Tim Powell (producer)|Tim Powell]] and Tim Larcombe.<ref name="Liner Notes"/> The Sugababes confirmed through their official website in February 2004 that "In the Middle" would be the released as the album's third single.<ref name="Sugababes">{{cite web|url=http://www.sugababes.com/news/details.php?thenewsid=165&thecountryid=8|title=Next single announcement|publisher=Sugababes.com|date=12 February 2004|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040212095010/http://www.sugababes.com/news/details.php?thenewsid=165&thecountryid=8|archive-date=12 February 2004}}</ref> [[Island Records]] released it on 22 March 2004 as a [[CD single]] and [[music download|digital download]].<ref name="MusicOMH"/> The song's release coincided with the commencement of the group's UK tour in March 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-114451121.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171217014257/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-114451121.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 December 2017|title=Five things to do this week|work=[[Sunday Mirror]]|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=21 March 2004|access-date=8 April 2013}} {{subscription}}</ref> The CD single and digital download releases contain a [[B-side]] titled "Disturbed".<ref name="CD Single">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001QNOEM/ref=s9_simh_gw_p15_d11_g15_i4?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0AFH22DKJEJCKNFBTSRY&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467128533&pf_rd_i=468294 |title=In the Middle: Sugababes |publisher=[[Amazon.com|Amazon]] (UK) |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Fj0hHBdv?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-The-Middle-Sugababes/dp/B0001QNOEM |archive-date=8 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Digital Single">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/in-the-middle-single/id14180884|title=In the Middle – Single – Sugababes|work=[[iTunes Store]] (GB)|publisher=[[Apple Inc|Apple]]|access-date=28 June 2012}}</ref> A [[maxi single]] was released; it includes the B-side "Colder in the Rain", and two remixes of the track, including one by [[DJ Hyper]],<ref name="Maxi Single">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Middle-CD/dp/B0001QNOEW/ref=pd_sim_m_h__1 |title=In the Middle: Sugababes |publisher=Amazon (UK) |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Fj0sFbnH?url=http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Middle-CD/dp/B0001QNOEW |archive-date=8 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> which appears on his remix album, ''Wired'' (2004).<ref name="MusicOMH 2">{{cite web|last=Hogwood|first=Ben|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/hyper.htm|title=Hyper – Wired (Thrive)|publisher=musicOMH|access-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214042006/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/hyper.htm|archive-date=14 December 2006}}</ref> In Australia, the song was issued on 5 April 2004 as a CD single.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/issue736.pdf|title=The ARIA Report: New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 5th April 2004|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association|ARIA]]|page=28|date=5 April 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20040406140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20040407-0000/issue736.pdf|archive-date=6 April 2004|access-date=18 May 2021}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> "In the Middle" is featured on the Sugababes' [[greatest hits]] album ''[[Overloaded: The Singles Collection]]''.<ref name="Liner Notes"/> ==Composition and lyrics== {{Listen |pos=right |filename = InTheMiddleSample.ogg |title="In the Middle" |description=A sample of the "[[Club music|club]]-style experimental" "In the Middle".<ref name="MusicOMH"/> The song is reminiscent of previous productions by Xenomania, namely "[[Round Round]]" and "[[Hole in the Head]]".<ref name="MusicOMH"/><ref name="Yahoo"/> }} "In the Middle" is a [[dance-pop]] song with elements of [[contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[funk music|funk]].<ref name="Daily Record">{{cite news|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-114616466|title=The Razz: Singles and albums|work=[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]|publisher=[[Trinity Mirror]]|date=26 March 2004|access-date=28 June 2012}} {{subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-109539713|title=Three is the magic number for the babes|work=[[Birmingham Post]]|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=1 November 2003|access-date=8 April 2013}} {{subscription}}</ref> The ''[[Jerusalem Post]]'''s Harry Rubenstein described it as a "[[Club music|club]]-style experimental".<ref name="Jerusalem Post">{{cite news|last=Rubenstein|first=Harry|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-90557202.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610085844/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-90557202.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 June 2014|title=Sugababes: Pop girls with a difference|work=[[Jerusalem Post]]|publisher=Mirkaei Tikshoret|date=3 February 2004|access-date=8 April 2013}} {{subscription}}</ref> According to the digital [[sheet music]] published by [[Hal Leonard Publishing]], "In the Middle" was composed in the [[key (music)|key]] of [[B minor]] using [[common time]], with a [[tempo (music)|tempo]] of 128 [[beats per minute]].<ref name="Sheet Music">{{cite journal|title=Digital Sheet Music&nbsp;– Sugababes&nbsp;– In the Middle|year=2003|website=Musicnotes.com|publisher=[[Hal Leonard Publishing]]|id=SC0012998}}</ref> It is reminiscent of the group's singles "[[Round Round]]" and "[[Hole in the Head]]", both of which were also produced by Xenomania.<ref name="MusicOMH"/><ref name="Yahoo"/> "In the Middle" contains a [[Sampling (music)|sample]] of "[[Moguai|U Know Y]]" by German DJ [[Moguai]], and features guitar and keyboard [[instrumentation (music)|instrumentation]].<ref name="Liner Notes"/> The song contains a low [[bassline]] that derives from a synthesised [[trombone]].<ref name="MusicOMH"/> The lyrical content of "In the Middle" is about finding a man after a night out,<ref name="Contactmusic.com">{{cite web|last=Perry |first=Natasha |url=http://www.contactmusic.com/pages/sugababesx09x12x03 |title=Sugababes – Three – Album Review |publisher=[[Contactmusic.com]] |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mwGeAkr?url=http://www.contactmusic.com/pages/sugababesx09x12x03 |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in which the [[refrain|chorus]] is opened with the lines, "I'm caught up in the middle, jumping through the riddle, I'm falling just a little tonight".<ref name="Sheet Music"/> ==Reception== ===Critical response=== "In the Middle" received rave reviews from critics. Natasha Perry of [[Contactmusic.com]] named the song one of ''Three'''s "instant winners";<ref name="Contactmusic.com"/> Harry Rubenstein from the ''[[Jerusalem Post]]'' similarly considered it one of the album's best tracks.<ref name="Jerusalem Post"/> ''[[The Guardian]]'' writer Andrew Mueller regarded "In the Middle" as "vastly superior",<ref>{{cite news |last=Mueller |first=Andrew |url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguide/music/story/0,,1721677,00.html |title=New singles |work=[[The Guardian]] |publisher=[[Guardian News & Media]] |date=4 March 2006 |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mw8BBIT?url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguide/music/story/0,,1721677,00.html |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> while Alan Braidwood of [[BBC]] described it as quality pop.<ref>{{cite web|last=Braidwood |first=Alan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pg63 |title=Sugababes – Three – Review |work=[[BBC Music]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |date=23 September 2003 |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mw4eGcR?url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/pg63 |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ben Hogwood of [[musicOMH]] questioned the number of songwriters it took to write the track, although cited this as reasons for the "polished production and slicker than slick chorus".<ref name="MusicOMH">{{cite web|last=Hogwood|first=Ben|url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/sugababes-2.htm|title=Sugababes – In the Middle (MCA)|publisher=[[musicOMH]]|access-date=26 June 2012|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mw6nYrC?url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/sugababes-2.htm|archive-date=9 August 2012}}</ref> Writing for the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'', Gavin Martin commended the Sugababes' attitude in the song, which he described as "colourful and explosive".<ref>{{cite news|last=Martin|first=Gavin|url=https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-109198766|title=Going into Threefall|work=[[Daily Mirror]]|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=24 October 2003|access-date=8 April 2013}} {{subscription}}</ref> Dan Gennoe of [[Yahoo! Music]] characterised "In the Middle" as a "retro hip-shake".<ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|last=Gennoe |first=Dan |url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/31323.html |title=Sugababes – ''Three'' |work=[[Yahoo! Music]] |publisher=[[Yahoo! UK & Ireland]] |date=28 October 2003 |access-date=26 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040406194343/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/l_reviews_a/31323.html |archive-date=6 April 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A critic from the ''Daily Record'' regarded the song as "addictive and dancey" and wrote that it highlights the group's "considerable charms".<ref name="Daily Record"/> The writer noted that it echoes the appeal of their number-one singles, "[[Freak Like Me#Sugababes version|Freak Like Me]]" and "Round Round".<ref name="Daily Record"/> James Mortlock of the ''[[Eastern Daily Press]]'' described "In the Middle" as a pop classic from the Sugababes,<ref>{{cite news|last=Mortlock |first=James |url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/sugababes_go_down_to_the_woods_1_170383 |title=Sugababes go down to the woods |work=[[Eastern Daily Press]] |publisher=[[Archant]] |date=9 February 2009 |access-date=8 April 2013 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Fik4zriF?url=http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/sugababes_go_down_to_the_woods_1_170383 |archive-date=8 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> while ''[[Hot Press]]'' magazine's Phil Udell considered it one of the finest pop songs of the 2000s.<ref name="Hot Press"/> "In the Middle" earned the Sugababes a 2005 [[BRIT Award]] nomination for Best British Single.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/2005 |title=The BRITs 2005 |publisher=[[BRIT Awards]] |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mvwmIKj?url=http://www.brits.co.uk/history/shows/2005 |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the song was added to the category after the BRIT Awards organisers had made an error with the original list, as it was drawn up with the incorrect timescale.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4195615.stm |title=Brits admit error in awards list |work=[[BBC|BBC News]] |publisher=BBC |date=21 January 2005 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mvz4yA2?url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4195615.stm |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ===Chart performance=== "In the Middle" made its first chart appearance on the [[Irish Singles Chart]] on 25 March 2004 in which it peaked at number thirteen.<ref name="Ireland"/> It spent seven weeks on the chart, and was their second consecutive single to peak at this position.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Sugababes|title=Discography Sugababes|work=Irish-charts.com|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=9 April 2013}}</ref> The song debuted and peaked at number eight on the [[UK Singles Chart]] for the issue dated 3 April 2004 and became the group's 6th consecutive top-ten hit in the UK.<ref name="UK"/><ref name="Sugababes UK">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/sugababes/|title=Sugababes|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=23 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419005418/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/Sugababes/|archive-date=19 April 2012}}</ref> It spent eight weeks on the chart.<ref name="Sugababes UK"/> The single's highest chart peak was on the Netherlands' [[Dutch Top 40]] chart, where it debuted at number thirty-one and reached number seven three weeks later.<ref name="Dutch40"/> It became the chart's 70th best-performing single of 2004.<ref name="Dutch Yearly"/> "In the Middle" peaked at number twenty-three on the [[Swiss Singles Chart]],<ref name="Switzerland"/> number twenty-nine on the [[German Singles Chart]],<ref name="Germany">{{cite web|url=http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Sugababes/?type=longplay|title=Longplay-Chartverfolgung at Musicline|work=Musicline.de|publisher=[[Media Control]]|access-date=17 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201180039/http://musicline.de/de/chartverfolgung_summary/artist/Sugababes/?type=longplay|archive-date=1 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> number thirty-three on the [[Austrian Singles Chart]],<ref name="Austria"/> and number forty on the Belgian (Flanders) [[Ultratop]] chart.<ref name="Flanders"/> The single reached number nine on the [[Mahasz|Hungarian Dance Chart]] and number thirty-three on the [[Mahasz|Hungarian Radio Chart]].<ref name="Hungary"/><ref name="Hungary Dance"/> "In the Middle" charted at number thirty-three on [[Australian Singles Chart]], becoming the Sugababes' third consecutive top-forty hit in Australia.<ref name="Australia"/> ==Promotion== ===Music video=== [[File:007 Stage.JPG|thumb|right|190px|The music video was directed by [[Matthew Rolston]] and filmed at [[Pinewood Studios]], London in February 2004.]] The [[music video]] for "In the Middle" was directed by [[Matthew Rolston]],<ref name="DVD">{{cite AV media notes|title=Overloaded: The Singles Collection|type=DVD liner notes|publisher=[[Island Records]]}}</ref><ref name="Dineor">{{cite web|url=http://www.dinedormanagement.co.uk/resumes_folder/mahlgren.pdf |title=Martin Ahlgren – Director of Photography |publisher=Dineor Management |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mvujPMI?url=http://www.dinedormanagement.co.uk/resumes_folder/mahlgren.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> who directed the video for the group's previous single "[[Hole in the Head]]".<ref name="DVD"/> It was filmed at [[Pinewood Studios]], [[London]] in February 2004.<ref name="Animation Artist"/> The [[photography]] was completed by Martin Ahlgren.<ref name="Dineor"/> Buchanan refrained from revealing details about the video before its release, saying: "The shoot went very well but what actually happens in the video is being kept a secret until it's shown. We’re all really excited and can't wait to hear what our fans think about it!"<ref name="Sugababes 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.sugababes.com/news/details.php?thenewsid=171&thecountryid=8|title=In The Middle video|publisher=Sugababes.com|access-date=17 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040212095955/http://www.sugababes.com/news/details.php?thenewsid=171&thecountryid=8|archive-date=12 February 2004}}</ref> It aired on the Sugababes' official website, and on television, on 20 February 2004 and was included on the single's CD release.<ref name="Maxi Single"/><ref name="Sugababes 2"/> Rolston used the [[green screen]] effect to produce the video, while the designs and effects for its environments were created by Jerry Steele.<ref name="Animation Artist"/> Rolston conceptualised a "prism-like" glass room with six sides and large glass walls, in which Steele was inspired to enhance it with effects including reflections and lights.<ref name="Animation Artist"/> The video was developed in magical settings, as STEELE VFX created "glamorous virtual environments" such as a sparkling glass room.<ref name="Animation Artist">{{cite web|url=http://www.animationartist.com/2004/04_apr/news/v8xzp9zj.htm |title=STEELE VFX Creates Virtual Magic For Hot Sugababes Video |publisher=Animation Artist |date=13 April 2004 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mvqo2Al?url=http://www.animationartist.com/2004/04_apr/news/v8xzp9zj.htm |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Buchanan wore a bikini, covered in chains and spikes, for the video.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/keisha-buchanan-i-always-say-183374 |title=Keisha Buchanan: 'I always say be better, not bitter' |work=Daily Mirror |publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=18 July 2011 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mvsGabp?url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/keisha-buchanan-i-always-say-183374 |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> She is featured in a blue room and has rainbow-coloured sparkles on her face.<ref name="Animation Artist"/> Buena, who is seen [[pole dance|pole dancing]] in a green-coloured room, is shown controlling "smoke elements" with her hands.<ref name="Animation Artist"/> Range is shown in a pink room, and dances around a chair and against a wall.<ref name="MTV">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com.au/music/artists/sugababes/videos/in-the-middle-124640/ |title=Sugababes: In the Middle |work=[[MTV Australia]] |publisher=[[MTV Networks]] |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69mihMK96?url=http://www.mtv.com.au/music/artists/sugababes/videos/in-the-middle-124640/ |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Throughout the video, each group member's first name appears on screen, Buena's is formed by smoke, Buchanan's is formed by diamonds and Range's is formed by metallic cubes.<ref name="Animation Artist"/> The video uses the radio edit of the song, which is slightly re-recorded and remixed from the album version, and cuts the chorus between Buchanan's and Range's verses in half. ===Live performances=== The Sugababes performed an extended version of "In the Middle" during their UK tour in March and April 2004 to promote ''Three'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Hayden|first=Charlotte|url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0300entertainment/0500music/tm_objectid=14102132&method=full&siteid=50081&headline=in-the-pink-name_page.html|title=In the Pink|work=icNewcastle|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=31 March 2004|access-date=30 June 2012|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69miXxzqn?url=http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/0300entertainment/0500music/tm_objectid%3D14102132%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D50081%26headline%3Din-the-pink-name_page.html|archive-date=9 August 2012}}</ref> in which they were supported by a four-piece band.<ref>{{cite news|last=Caffery|first=Adrian|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-114676779.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409051957/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-114676779.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 April 2016|title=Sugababes spice up the stage|work=[[Birmingham Mail]]|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=27 March 2004|access-date=8 April 2013}} {{subscription}}</ref> The group performed the single, along with "Hole in the Head" and "[[Too Lost in You]]", at [[Birmingham]]'s [[Party in the Park]] festival on 10 July 2004 and also the following day at the festival of the same name in [[London]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid=14418675&method=full&siteid=50002&headline=singing-in-the-rain--name_page.html |title=Singing in the rain! |work=[[Birmingham Evening Mail]] |publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=12 July 2004 |access-date=28 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040803082459/http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100localnews/tm_objectid%3D14418675%26method%3Dfull%26siteid%3D50002%26headline%3Dsinging-in-the-rain--name_page.html |archive-date=3 August 2004 |url-status=dead }}</ref> "In the Middle" was included in the [[set list]] for the band's 2007 tour in support of ''Overloaded: The Singles Collection''.<ref name="Hot Press">{{cite web|last=Udell |first=Phil |url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2918990.html |title=Sugababes live at The Point, Dublin |work=[[Hot Press]] |publisher=[[Niall Stokes]] |date=10 April 2007 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69miVtMyO?url=http://www.hotpress.com/archive/2918990.html |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, it was performed as part of the group's 2008 [[Change Tour]],<ref>{{cite news|last=Sharp |first=Rob |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/sugababes-royal-albert-hall-london-801143.html |title=Sugababes, Royal Albert Hall, London |work=[[The Independent]] |publisher=[[Independent News & Media]] |date=27 March 2008 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69miO2yR1?url=http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/sugababes-royal-albert-hall-london-801143.html |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Journal">{{cite news|last=Keogh |first=Kat |url=http://www.journallive.co.uk/culture-newcastle/2008/03/26/review-sugababes-newcastle-city-hall-61634-20674595/ |title=Review: Sugababes, Newcastle City Hall |work=[[The Journal (Newcastle upon Tyne newspaper)|The Journal]] |publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=26 March 2008 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69miSE4Jf?url=http://www.journallive.co.uk/culture-newcastle/2008/03/26/review-sugababes-newcastle-city-hall-61634-20674595/ |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in which the performances featured the group in large, mirrored skirts, while rays of light were reflecting around the venue.<ref name="The Scotsman">{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/sugababes-review-the-new-material-girls-1-1257867 |title=Sugababes review: The new material girls |work=[[The Scotsman]] |publisher=[[Johnston Publishing]] |date=28 April 2008 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69miJivSV?url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/sugababes-review-the-new-material-girls-1-1257867 |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Kat Keogh of ''[[The Journal (Newcastle upon Tyne newspaper)|The Journal]]'' praised their performance at the [[Newcastle City Hall]] as one of the show's highlights,<ref name="Journal"/> while a critic from ''[[The Scotsman]]'' described their performance at the [[Edinburgh Playhouse]] as "ridiculously camp", although admitted that the light effect was "simple yet fantastically effective".<ref name="The Scotsman"/> The Sugababes performed "In the Middle" on 10 July 2009 at the [[Riverside Ground]] in [[County Durham]], England, as part of a set list.<ref>{{cite news|last=Barr |first=Gordon |url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/sugababes-thrill-durham-riverside-crowd-1457119 |title=Sugababes thrill Durham Riverside crowd |work=Chronicle Live |publisher=Trinity Mirror |date=11 July 2009 |access-date=24 April 2013 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6G5luwRQc?url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/sugababes-thrill-durham-riverside-crowd-1457119 |archive-date=23 April 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> ==Track listings== {{tracklist | headline = CD1 single / digital download<ref name="CD Single"/><ref name="Digital Single"/> | extra_column = Producer(s) | title1 = In the Middle | note1 = radio edit | writer1 = {{hlist|[[Miranda Cooper]]|[[Brian Higgins (producer)|Brian Higgins]]|[[Niara Scarlett]]|[[Shawn Lee (musician)|Shawn Lee]]|Lisa Cowling|[[Keisha Buchanan]]|[[Mutya Buena]]|[[Heidi Range]]|[[Moguai|André Tegeler]]|Phil Fuldner|Michael Bellina}} | extra1 = {{hlist|Higgins|[[Xenomania]]|Jeremy Wheatley|[[Moguai]]{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fuldner{{ref|a|[a]}}|Bellina{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length1 = 3:38 | title2 = Disturbed | writer2 = {{hlist|Dawn Joseph|Michael Scherchen|Naomi Striemer}} | extra2 = {{hlist|Ben Thomas|Scherchen|[[Nigel Frieda]]{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length2 = 3:52 }} {{tracklist | headline = CD2 single<ref name="Maxi Single"/> | extra_column = Producer(s) | title1 = In the Middle | note1 = single version | writer1 = {{hlist|Cooper|Higgins|Scarlett|Lee|Cowling|Buchanan|Buena|Range|Tegeler|Fuldner|Bellina}} | extra1 = {{hlist|Higgins|Xenomania|Wheatley|Moguai{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fuldner{{ref|a|[a]}}|Bellina{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length1 = 3:54 | title2 = Colder in the Rain | writer2 = {{hlist|Buchanan|Buena|[[Tom Elmhirst]]|Felix Howard|Jony Lipsey|Range|Jeremy Shaw}} | extra2 = Jony Rockstar | length2 = 4:34 | title3 = In the Middle | note3 = Ruff & Jam MetalTronik mix edit | writer3 = {{hlist|Cooper|Higgins|Scarlett|Lee|Cowling|Buchanan|Buena|Range|Tegeler|Fuldner|Bellina}} | extra3 = {{hlist|Higgins|Xenomania|Wheatley|Moguai{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fuldner{{ref|a|[a]}}|Bellina{{ref|a|[a]}}|Jean-Marie Moens{{ref|a|[a]}}|Luke Mourinet{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length3 = 5:43 | title4 = In the Middle | note4 = Hyper remix edit | writer4 = {{hlist|Cooper|Higgins|Scarlett|Lee|Cowling|Buchanan|Buena|Range|Tegeler|Fuldner|Bellina}} | extra4 = {{hlist|Higgins|Xenomania|Wheatley|Moguai{{ref|a|[a]}}|Fuldner{{ref|a|[a]}}|Bellina{{ref|a|[a]}}|Hyper{{ref|a|[a]}}}} | length4 = 5:46 | title5 = In the Middle | note5 = video | length5 = 3:54 }} '''Notes''' *"In the Middle" contains a sample by "U Know Y" by [[Moguai]]. ==Credits and personnel== Credits are adapted from the liner notes of ''[[Overloaded: The Singles Collection]]''.<ref name="Liner Notes">{{cite AV media notes|title=Overloaded: The Singles Collection|title-link=Overloaded: The Singles Collection|others=[[Sugababes]]|year=2006|pages=13–14|type=album|publisher=[[Island Records|Universal Island Records]]|id=1712650}}</ref> * [[Songwriter|Songwriting]] – [[Miranda Cooper]], [[Brian Higgins (producer)|Brian Higgins]], [[Niara Scarlett]], [[Shawn Lee (musician)|Shawn Lee]], Lisa Cowling, [[Keisha Buchanan]], [[Mutya Buena]], [[Heidi Range]], Andre Tegler, Phil Fuldner, Michael Bellina * [[Music production|Production]] – Brian Higgins, [[Xenomania]], Jeremy Wheatley * Additional production – [[Moguai|MOGUAI]], Phil Fuldner, Michael Bellina * [[Mixing (music production)|Mixed]] by Jeremy Wheatley at the [[Townhouse Studios]], [[London]] * [[Programming (music)|Programming]] – Matt Duguid, [[Nick Coler]], [[Tim Powell (producer)|Tim Powell]], Tim Larcombe * [[Keyboard instrument|Keyboard]]s – Brian Higgins, Tim Powell, Tim Larcombe * [[Guitar]]s – Nick Coler, Shawn Lee ==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} ===Weekly charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Weekly chart performance for "In the Middle" !scope="col"|Chart (2004) !scope="col"|Peak<br />position |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Australia|33|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Australia"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Austria|33|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Austria"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|9|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Wallonia"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Flanders|40|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Flanders"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Germany|29|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|songid=6095|access-date=14 October 2018}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Hungarydance|9|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|year=2004|week=21|access-date=27 October 2012|refname="Hungary Dance"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Hungary|33|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|year=2004|week=29|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Hungary"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Ireland2|13|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=21 January 2020|refname="Ireland"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Dutch40|7|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|year=2004|week=15|access-date=30 June 2012|refname="Dutch40"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Dutch100|20|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Dutch100"}} |- !scope="row"|Romania ([[Romanian Top 100]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10117.html|title=Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 18, saptamina 3.05 – 9.05, 2004|publisher=[[Romanian Top 100]]|language=ro|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050221022100/http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10117.html|archive-date=21 February 2005|access-date=16 May 2020}}</ref> |42 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Scotland|8|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|date=20040403|access-date=16 May 2020}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Switzerland|23|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="Switzerland"}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|UK|8|artist=Sugababes|song=In the Middle|date=20040403|access-date=10 June 2012|refname="UK"}} |} {{col-2}} ===Year-end charts=== {|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Year-end chart performance for "In the Middle" !scope="col"|Chart (2004) !scope="col"|Position |- !scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)<ref name="Dutch Yearly">{{cite web|url=http://www.top40.nl/pdf/top100/top100-2004.pdf |title=De Nederlandse Top 100 |publisher=Dutch Top 40 Stichting Nederlandse Top 40 |access-date=30 June 2012 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69miFaeXk?url=http://www.top40.nl/pdf/top100/top100-2004.pdf |archive-date=9 August 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |70 |- !scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2004.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2004|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=3 April 2020}}</ref> |133 |} {{col-end}} ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Sugababes songs}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:In The Middle}} [[Category:Sugababes songs]] [[Category:2003 songs]] [[Category:2004 singles]] [[Category:Dance-pop songs]] [[Category:Island Records singles]] [[Category:Song recordings produced by Xenomania]] [[Category:Songs written by Brian Higgins (producer)]] [[Category:Songs written by Heidi Range]] [[Category:Songs written by Keisha Buchanan]] [[Category:Songs written by Miranda Cooper]] [[Category:Songs written by Mutya Buena]] [[Category:Songs written by Niara Scarlett]] [[Category:Songs written by Nick Coler]] [[Category:Songs written by Shawn Lee (musician)]]'