Lock It Up

"Lock It Up" is a song by Australian-British-Irish boy band Weekend taken from the re-release of their debut album; Fired Up: Reloaded. The single was released as the lead single from the re-release, and their fourth overall, on 26th August 2012. Written by Billy Khan, Dustyn Blue and Sara Hollywood, and produced by Xenomania, "Lock It Up" is an uptempo pop dance song. "Lock It Up" received critical praise for its catchy melody, the vocals from the group and its 'grown up' sound.
"Lock It Up" reached the top 5 in Australia, the UK, the USA, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Sweden and New Zealand whilst reaching the top 10 in France, Canada, Belgium and Slovakia. It also reached the top 40 in Hungary, Poland and the Netherlands. The music video was directed by Emil Nava, who the group worked with on the video fo their previous single Fired Up. The video features Weekend at a dark and dingey disco with each member at a different part of the club. As the song progressess more 'life' is injected into the club as more people start to dance and eminate light, representing life. The band have performed the song live on Alan Carr: Chatty Man and are set to perform it live on The Queen Alexis Show.
==Background and Release==
"Lock It Up" was written by Billy Khan, Dustyn Blue and Sara Hollywood and produced by Xenomania. It premiered live at the Chaos Awards VI on 24th June 2012 however this wasn't the official version as an extra verse was added which sampled 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' by Whitney Houston as a tribute to her duee to the singer's recent passing. Also, the Chaos version contained a 'lighter' sound than the official version. The final and official version of "Lock It Up" premiered on 21st August 2012 via Weekend's official YouTube channel. It was sent to radio the next day.
The single received a worldwide release on 26th August 2012 via CD and digital download. It received it's first radio play in the UK on 22nd August on Capital FM at approximately 18:00. "Lock It Up" was also named 'V.I.P (Very Important Play) of the Week' bu The Hits Radio within hours of being sent to the station. In the US, it was sent to contemporary hit radio playlists on the 22nd August.
==Critical Reception ==
The song received mainly positive reviews from critics and fans upon it's premiere. Many praised the maturer sound it had to their previous singles. Alex Delaney from PopJustice said;
"I've always been a fan of Weekend, yes I'm a male Weekender, but there was always that feeling of embarrassment when your mates heard you singing along or playing one of their songs in your car mainly due to the fact they are teenage boys (excluding Scott) singing about girls, love and heartbreak. Now however, it seems like they have grown and have ditched the soppy songs for a more club ready, aggressive sound. 'Lock It Up' is definitely one of their better songs and I'm sure it will take their already huge careers to the next level"
Many critics also compared the songs to the likes of Britney Spears and Teen Titans for its anthem like chorus' and catchy Euro-pop beat'. Rita Drake from MetaCritic praised the boys vocals on the track, highlighting the fact that Riley and Scott are the first two members to sing as they usually feature less prominantley on other tracks, however expressed a dislike towards the exclusion of Billy's vocals.
==Chart Performace==
"Lock It Up" debuted at No.2 on the Irish Singles Chart on 2nd September 2012. The following week it rose to No.1, giving Weekend their second No.1 hit in Ireland. In Poland, the single entered at No.28 before rising to its current peak of No.22. In the UK, "Lock It Up" entered at No.4 in its first week, becoming the highest new entry in the chart that week. On 9th September 2012, the single rose to No.1, becoming their second No.1 single there. The song is also their fastest selling in the UK to date.
The single entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No.9 in its first week before rising to its current peak of No.4 making it Weekend's 3rd top 5 hit there. In New Zealand, "Lock It Up" entered at No.1, becoming their second No.1 in that region. Also, in Australia, it entered straight in at the top spot making it Weekend's 4th consecutive No.1 in Australia, which happens to be Scott Wellington's native country.
Category:Singles
Category:Pop
Category:Dance
Category:Number 1 Singles in the UK