"Arms Around the World" is a song by English singer Louise, released on 22 September 1997 as the lead single from her second studio album, Woman in Me (1997). It appeared on several music charts, peaking at number four on the UK Singles Chart in September 1997. As reported by the Official Charts Company in January 2020, "Arms Around the World" has sold 159,000 copies in the UK. The video was directed by Toby Tremlett.
Critical reception Jon O'Brien from AllMusic viewed "Arms Around the World" as a Janet Jackson-inspired track, adding that it sounds like her 1995 song "Runaway". British magazine Music Week rated it three out of five, writing further that "Louise attempts to do a Kylie with a more complex and mature sound, but her efforts are let down by an unsubstantial song lacking any real sparkle." Gerald Martinez from New Sunday Times described the song as a "anthemic" dance song.
Track listings UK CD1 and Japanese CD single "Arms Around the World" (radio mix) "Arms Around the World" (Rated PG club mix) "Arms Around the World" (T-Empo club mix) "Arms Around the World" (Farley & Heller Fire Island vocal mix)
UK CD2 "Arms Around the World" (radio mix) "Don't Be Shy" "Intimate"
UK cassette single "Arms Around the World" (radio mix) "Don't Be Shy" "Arms Around the World" (T-Empo club mix)
Credits and personnel Credits are adapted from the Woman in Me album booklet.
Studio Mixed at Sarm Hook End (Reading, Berkshire)
Personnel
Oliver Smallman – writing (as George) Denis Ingoldsby – writing (as Noel) Louise Nurding – writing Trevor Steel – writing, production John Holliday – writing, production Maxx – mixing Richard Lowe – mix engineering Niven Garland – engineering
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1997–1998)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)32
Year-end charts Chart (1997)PositionUK Singles (OCC)95
Sales
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom22 September 1997Japan29 October 1997CDEMI Japan
References