"Glory Box" is a song by English electronic band Portishead, released on 24 September 1994 by Go! Beat as the third and final single from their debut album, Dummy (1994). It samples "Ike's Rap II" by Isaac Hayes and peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, the song was a top 10 hit in Iceland, while entering the top 20 in France, Ireland and Scotland.
Background and release
Following the song's release as a single on 24 September 1994,[1] Portishead initially opposed its release, feeling that the track was too commercial compared to the rest of their work.[4]Geoff Barrow remarked on the conflict with their record label, stating, "We had a row with the record company because we didn't want to release it because it felt too commercial."[4] Despite their reservations, the single's success contributed to their financial stability, with Barrow adding, "['Glory Box' is] fine in a body of work, but not as a standalone track. We lost the argument really. But we bought houses!"[4] Subsequently, the success of "Glory Box" not only impacted Beth Gibbons financially but also emotionally, as she commented on the challenges of conveying genuine emotion, stating that achieving success with the song sometimes made her feel more isolated.[5] She reflected on its success in an interview with the Independent: "Then it's sort of successful and you think you've communicated with people, but then you realize you haven't communicated with them at all—you've turned the whole thing into a product, so then you're even more lonely than when you started."[5] She believes that "music is a spiritual thing and it should be treated that way," highlighting its deeper significance beyond commercial success.[5]
Composition and lyrics
"Glory Box" features a blend of trip hop, electronic, and jazz elements, incorporating a prominent sample from Isaac Hayes's "Ike’s Rap 2" alongside original production techniques.[6] It is characterized by a slow, seductive rhythm, deep bassline, and ethereal instrumentation, including a distorted guitar line.[6]
The lyrics explore themes of love and frustration, highlighted by the line, "Give me a reason to be a woman," which conveys a woman's plea for respect and understanding in her relationship.[4][5] Gibbons has expressed concern over the misinterpretation of the song's themes, noting that it reflects feelings of misunderstanding and frustration with life.[4] Gibbons discusses "Glory Box" as a song advocating for sexual equality, stating, "Move over and give us some room," which conveys the idea that men should provide reasons for positive engagement with women.[5] She has emphasized that women are often taken for granted.[7]
Critical reception
In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton said that "Glory Box" "is definitely one of the more gloriously slinky indie records released in ages".[8] A reviewer from Music & Media commented: "Put the violin of the late Papa John Creach on top of it, and you get the Jefferson Airplane for the '90s. Based on a sample from Isaac Hayes's Isaac Moods it's 'suspense dance'."[9] Maria Jimenez from the magazine's Short Grooves wrote: "This bluesy, emotional and hypnotic number is set to a very mellow, minimalistic and spacious hip hop musical backdrop. Potent vocals reminiscent of Cowboy Junkies and intense guitar energy and dub bass amplify the power of 'Glory Box.'"[10]
Andy Beevers from Music Week gave it four out of five, describing it as "another highly original and atmospheric song that is probably too downbeat and leftfield for daytime radioplay, but will still sell well".[1]Andy Richardson from NME felt that "Glory Box" "makes your heart beat even slower and it's got a good groove."[11] David Sinclair from The Times noted, "This is a strange, shimmering affair, which mixes a scratchy hip-hop rhythm track, descending bass line (a la Python Lee Jackson's "In a Broken Dream"), wailing blues guitar and the icily seductive vocals of Beth Gibbons into a highly addictive concoction."[12]
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Glory Box" was directed by Alexander Hemming and released on 14 November.[13] It is set in a 1950s jazz club where Beth Gibbons performs as a jazz singer.[4] The narrative features various office workers, portrayed as separate couples, watching her performance as they attend the club.[4] Sexual tensions begin to rise between them subsequently. The entire cast, apart from the band, appears in drag.[4]
Impact and legacy
Slant Magazine listed the song at number 21 in their ranking of "The 100 Best Singles of the 1990s" in 2011, writing: "Second only to its flawless production, which includes a sample of Isaac Hayes's 'Ike’s Rap II', is Beth Gibbons's impeccable lyrics and vocal performance on 'Glory Box'. Her voice sounding like it’s coming out of an antique radio, she’s at once coquettish and despondent, like a lounge singer delivering her final torch song before slinking off to her dressing room to drown her sorrow in booze and heroin. Her voice blossoms with momentary optimism during the second verse ('A thousand flowers could bloom!') and, of course, during the song’s rousing chorus: 'Give me a reason to love you/Give me a reason to be a woman.' A post-feminist anthem from the hungry, seedy depths of lust."[14]
Track listings
UK CD and 12-inch single; Australian CD single[15][16][17]
^Glory Box (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Portishead. Go! Beat. 1995. GODX 120, 857 767-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Glory Box (Australian CD single liner notes). Portishead. Go! Beat, Polydor Records. 1995. 8577672.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Glory Box (UK cassette single sleeve). Portishead. Go! Beat. 1995. GODMC 120, 857 766-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Glory Box (European CD single liner notes). Portishead. Go! Beat. 1995. 857 770-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
