Gloria (Laura Branigan song)
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- For other songs with this title, see Gloria (song).
| Gloria | ||
|---|---|---|
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| Cassette tape by Laura Branigan | ||
| From the album Branigan | ||
| Released | 1982 | |
| Genre | Pop/Rock. | |
| Length | 4 min, 50 s | |
| Record label | Atlantic | |
"Gloria" is a pop song released by Laura Branigan in 1982 off her debut album, Branigan. Originally written in Italian Umberto Tozzi and Giancarlo Bigazzi, the song's first recording by Tozzi was a success in his home country in 1979. Working with producers Jack White and Greg Mathieson, Branigan gave the song what she called "an American kick," transforming the gentle ode into a searing disco-rock track. With every element more dynamic and urgent, from increased tempo to sharpened instrumental hooks to the sassy sarcasm of new English lyrics by Trevor Veitch, Branigan's gutsy belt drove the song to the top of the charts and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal of the year. Certified Platinum in the U.S., and remaining on Billboard's Hot 100 charts for 22 weeks, Branigan's hit topped charts around the world, peaking at #6 in the UK and notably entrenched at #1 for seven weeks in Australia. Widely considered to have launched her career, "Gloria" became Branigan's signature song.
In a nod to the original "Gloria," Branigan began a holiday medley on a Solid Gold Christmas special singing the Latin refrain of one of the oldest known Christian hymns, dating back to AD 129, and popularly known today as "Angels We Have Heard On High," or "Westminster Carol," the sustained, melismatic tumult "Gloria In Excelsis Deo."
The song is used in the movie Flashdance in the skating scene and is also used in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories on the Flash FM radio station.
Branigan re-recorded the song, and "Gloria 2004" became a Hi-NRG club hit prior to her death in August of that year.
British band Pulp is said to have lifted the guitar line for their "Disco 2000" from the song. Originally, writer Jarvis Cocker was going to call the girl within the song Gloria, but changed her name to Deborah to avoid litigation. More faithful covers of the song include a version featuring the Veitch lyric by Kelly and one with an earlier English translation, by Jonathan King. In 2006, Australian girl group the Young Divas included a cover of Branigan's version of "Gloria" on their successful debut album. The song is also used as the theme song of radio broadcaster Alan Jones on radio station 2GB in Sydney, Australia.
