On Hold


"On Hold" is a song by English indie pop band the xx. It was released on 10 November 2016 as the lead single from their third studio album, I See You. The song peaked at number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, and became one of their highest-charting singles internationally.

Composition

The song was produced by band member Jamie xx as well as frequent collaborator Rodaidh McDonald. The instrumental samples "I Can't Go for That " by Hall & Oates. Vocals are sung back-and-forth between Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim.

Release

"On Hold" was released on 10 November 2016 as the lead single promoting their third studio album, I See You. The xx performed the song live on the 19 November 2016 episode of Saturday Night Live.

Commercial performance

"On Hold" entered the UK Singles Chart at number 38 on the week of 18 November 2016, and eventually peaked at number thirty-four, matching their highest-charting position with "Islands". It also peaked at number three on the UK Indie Chart. In the United States, the song entered the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 at number twenty, and eventually peaked at number 2; their third and highest entry on the chart, and the Hot Rock Songs chart at number seven. Elsewhere, the song peaked at number 22 in Belgium's Ultratop 50 Flanders chart, number 34 in Scotland, number 45 in Australia, and number 50 in both Ireland and Spain.

Music video

The music video for "On Hold" was directed by Alasdair McLellan and filmed in Marfa, Texas.

Track listing

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history