Escaping (song)


"Escaping" is the 1989 debut solo single from New Zealand singer Margaret Urlich. The song charted at number one for three weeks in the New Zealand singles chart, later reaching number 17 in Australia. The song is the opening track on Urlich's debut album Safety in Numbers, and also features on her 1994 live album Live.

Awards

At the 1989 New Zealand Music Awards, "Escaping" won Single of the Year. At the same awards, Urlich won Best Female Vocalist, and her debut album Safety in Numbers won Album of the Year and Best Cover Design.

Track listing

; 7" single
  1. "Escaping" - 4:36
  2. "God Bless This Child" - 3:55
; 12" single
  1. "Escaping" - 4:36
  2. "Your Love" - 4:30
  3. "God Bless This Child" - 3:55
; CD single
  1. "Escaping" - 4:36
  2. "Your Love" - 4:30
  3. "God Bless This Child" - 3:55

    Charts

Chart Peak
position

Year-end chart Position
Australia 79

Asia Blue version

British female soul trio Asia Blue released a cover of the song as their debut single in 1992. Their version was produced by Barry Blue, who had originally written the song. The single peaked at #50 in the UK in June 1992, becoming the group's biggest hit. The trio released two more singles, "Connect" and "Boy In The Moon" in 1992 and 1993 respectively, which failed to chart inside the UK top 75. A 10-track album titled Escaping was recorded and set to be released in early 1993, but due to the singles' lack of success it was shelved by the label.

Critical reception

Music & Media wrote in their review that "this female vocal trio excels with a soulful ballad including a virtually classic chorus reminiscent of Donna Summer's State of Independence." Miranda Sawyer from Select noted its "gloriously syrupy chorus that would do Quincy Jones proud. 'Escaping' slicks and smooches in creditable En Vogue style."

Track listing

; 7" single
  1. "Escaping" - 4:46
  2. "I Want The Right " - 4:07
; 12" single
  1. "Escaping" - 6:07
  2. "Escaping" - 5:32
  3. "I Want The Right " - 4:07
; CD single
  1. "Escaping" - 4:46
  2. "Escaping" - 6:07
  3. "Escaping" - 5:32
  4. "I Want The Right " - 4:07

    Charts

Dina Carroll version

British artist Dina Carroll released a cover of the song in September 1996. For her version, Carroll and producer Nigel Lowis rewrote a good part of the original lyrics, but maintained the same musical structure of the previous versions. The video clip heavily featured a documentary of Balinese people culture and social life.
Her first single after a three-year absence, "Escaping" became Carroll's highest charting hit in the UK, peaking at No. 3, equalling the position of her ballad "Don't Be a Stranger". The B-side, "Mind Body & Soul" was a dance track that topped the UK Dance Chart.

Critical reception

Evening Herald commented on the song, that Carroll "certainly knows how to make a comeback in style". Music & Media wrote, "Most well-known for her 1993 hit Don't Be A Stranger Dina Caroll is already receiving airplay with this cover version of the Asia Blue song. Don't expect R&B: this is a well-produced velvety gospel ballad."

Track listing

; CD single
  1. "Escaping"
  2. "Escaping"
  3. "Mind Body & Soul"
  4. "Mind Body & Soul"
; Cassette single, European CD single
  1. "Escaping"
  2. "Escaping"
; Promo CD single
  1. "Escaping"
  2. "Escaping"

    Charts