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"Carry You"
Single by Union J
from the album Union J
Released	2 June 2013
Recorded	2013
Genre	Pop dance-pop
Length	3:06
Label	Syco RCA Sony
Songwriter(s)	Steve Mac Claude Kelly
Union J singles chronology
"Carry You" (2013) "Beautiful Life" (2013)

"Carry You" is the debut single by English boy band Union J. It was released in Ireland and the United Kingdom on 2 June 2013 as the lead single from their debut studio album, Union J (2013).

Background

During a performance in Cardiff on 15 December 2012, Union J announced that they had signed a recording contract with Sony Music. It was later revealed, in January 2013, that the record label was that of sub-division, RCA Records. On 14 January, it was announced that Union J were in London recording their debut single that day, and on 8 April 2013, the group confirmed the title and release of their debut single, "Carry You". This was followed by the unveiling of the accompanying artwork, which also debuted the band's logo.

The track was given its radio premiere on 22 April, which was followed by the upload of an audio version of the single on the official Vevo account for Union J. Whilst explaining the meaning behind the single, band member Jaymi Hensley said, "The message of the song is we've been on a massive rollercoaster the last year with each other, and it's about being there for each other." He also revealed, "It's there for the fans, we really wouldn't be here without them."

Music videos

On 30 March 2013, Union J announced via their official Twitter account that the music video for the single had been filmed. An official teaser for the video was uploaded to the group's Vevo account on 26 April 2013. The full video first premiered through Capital TV on 29 April.

The video was filmed in Nottingham and includes the band shopping, skateboarding and performing a gig. George Shelley had to learn how to skateboard, while JJ Hamblett said he disliked having to ride a pink flowery bicycle, admitting he would "rather be on a horse."

In July 2013, a second video for the track was released, featuring scenes from Kick-Ass 2, which features the track. Clips of the music video were also featured in a scene of the film.

Critical reception

Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave the song a mixed review, while mentioning how Union J's constant comparisons to One Direction could hinder future success.

Union J's post-X Factor debut is a highly calculated exercise in muscling their way in without ruffling too many feathers. "Don't ever say you're lonely/ Just lay your problems on me" George Shelley insists over defiant piano and spacious synths, ahead of a cutesy chorus with a suitably niggling hook. The result achieves its objective, but in doing so, lacks the impact needed for survival.

Live performances

The track was performed live for the first time at Futurehits Live 2013. Union J performed the song on Britain's Got More Talent on 30 May 2013. They also sang it at Capital FM's Summertime Ball at Wembley Stadium on 9 June 2013 and at Chester Rocks 2013 on 15 June.

Track listing

Digital download

1. Carry You - 3:06
2. Carry You (Karaoke Version) - 3:06
3. Carry You (Steve Smart & WestFunk Remix) - 2:55
4. Carry You (Cutmore Remix) - 3:02

Charts

Release history

References

1. Sperling, Daniel (17 December 2013). "'X Factor' Union J sign Sony record deal". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
2. McKnight, Jenni (28 January 2013). "X Factor boyband Union J sign record deal with RCA Records". Metro. Associated Newspapers. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
3. Daniels, Colin (14 January 2013). "'X Factor's Union J record debut single". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 27 June 2013.
4. Smith, Carl (8 April 2013). "We're fangirling like Jaymi at the Breaking Dawn premiere". Sugarscape. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
5. Daniels, Colin (14 April 2013). "Union J reveal artwork for debut single 'Carry You' - picture". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
6. "Union J - Carry You (Audio)". YouTube. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
7. ^ Adejobi, Alicia (22 April 2013). "Union J Admit 'Crying' After Premiering Debut Single 'Carry You'". Entertainmentwise.com. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
8. "We've filmed the music video and are releasing our first ever single in JUNE!! :D HASHTAG #UnionJuneSingle if you are going to get behind it!". Twitter. 30 March 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
9. "Union J - Carry You (Official Video Teaser)". YouTube. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
10. "Union J's 'Carry You' Music Video To Get First Play On Capital TV Monday 29th April". Capital FM. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
11. Brankin, Emma; Sampson, Issy (20-26 April 2013). "Screeeeam! It's Union J's first video!". Heat (Bauer Media Group) (727): 32–33.
12. Copsey, Robert (23 May 2013). "Union J: 'Carry You' - Single review". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 27 May 2013.
13. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
14. "Union J Join Capital FM Summertime Ball 2013 Line-Up". Capitalfm.com. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
15. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 5 October 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
16. ^ "Carry You - EP - Union J". iTunes Store - UK (Apple Inc.). Retrieved 22 April 2013.
17. "Chart Track: Week 23, 2013". Irish Singles Chart.
18. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
19. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201330 into search.
20. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
21. "End of Year Charts 2013" (PDF). Ukchartsplus.co.uk. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
22. "Carry You - Single - Union J". iTunes Store -ID (Apple Inc.). Retrieved 23 May 2013.
23. "Carry You - EP - Union J". iTunes Store - IRE (Apple Inc.). Retrieved 22 April 2013.

• 2013 songs
• 2013 debut singles
• Union J songs
• RCA Records singles
• Syco Music singles
• Songs written by Claude Kelly
• Songs written by Steve Mac
• Song recordings produced by Steve Mac