Lost Hit: Kylie Minogue’s “Butterfly” Should Have Been A Single

 

Few pop stars enjoy one imperial phase, let alone two. But that’s what Kylie Minogue achieved with her career-reviving Light Years. The project returned her to the very top of the pop ladder (a view she first enjoyed in the late 1980s) and began a run of 16 consecutive UK top 10 hits. Given the role the album played in cementing her legacy, it feels a little redundant to speak of missed opportunities, but fans are still arguing — 20 years later — about the choice of singles. Particularly, the 4th.

 

After landing three massive hits with “Spinning Around,” “On A Night Like This” and the Robbie Williams-assisted “Kids,” the stakes were unusually high. Another smash would seal Kylie’s comeback, while an underperforming song might call it into question. Fans hard lobbied for “Your Disco Needs You,” going as far as protesting her record label. For whatever reason, Parlophone didn’t budge — opting for the Latin-flavored “Please Stay.” I adore that song (and its iconic firehouse-themed visual), but there was a third option.

 

And that’s “Butterfly.” Time has taken its toll on the fluttery banger somewhat, but it was very much on-trend in 2000. With club music taking over the wider music industry, particularly in Europe, this could have introduced Kylie to a whole new audience. Not only that, but it was absolutely catchy enough to please pop aficionados. “You are more than you’ll ever know and your love teaches me to grow,” the pop icon coos over Mark Picchiotti’s cascading synths. “You are more than my everything and your love gives me wings — like a butterfly.”

 

Interestingly, “Butterfly” was the only single from Light Years officially released in the US. Without so much as a video or physical release (still the norm back then), the dizzying bop became a club hit — peaking at number 14 on Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. It was subsequently added to the US release of Fever because of its popularity. I can’t help but think it would have been a worldwide hit with a visual and promo campaign.

(Source: Idolator)

 

What are your thoughts - should 'Butterfly' have been a single?

Yes a million times. What a joyous, euphoric song :wub:

I wouldn't have minded that happening!

 

Perhaps not ahead of 'Disco Down' though.

I'm voting yes but I'd say the same for light tears, disco down and under the influence.Album is full of brilliant tracks.

Definitely not - it’s an ok track but releasing it as a random single in the US via an indie label was the most it should have got tbh (I think I’m just bitter due to how much all the US promos and releases cost me :drama: :lol: ).

Out of interest how did butterfly cost you, I got a copy myself when in Australia and it was normal price.

Not at all, never understood it’s appeal

Its a great club track and i thought it came across brilliant on the tour.

Out of interest how did butterfly cost you, I got a copy myself when in Australia and it was normal price.

 

The 6 different vinyls cost me between £30-60, the CD I ordered at the time for the normal price and another CD cost me £50 I think.

Not at all, never understood it’s appeal

 

Totally this - it seemed like it just become overhyped due to the fact it was released in the US, the mixes were not even that great!

I think it would have been a good single choice, great song!

It could have been a great single.

A double A of this and something like disco down would have been good.

Light Years stands out as the album that had multiple options for singles with Butterfly one of them.

 

It was full of them but as I said before there are a few tracks on the album that I prefer to all the singles.

I've always been team 'Your Disco Needs You' as fifth single but I'm siding with 'Butterfly' more recently. It still has the camp element but lends itself to a wider audience with its strong European club sound. I'm with Bal that it's an utterly joyous song, such an intense production!

 

It seems Mark Picchiotti has worked with Kylie again on 'DISCO' if those instagram clips are anything to go by (which sound amazing).

Butterfly oozes that european club sound and i loved how it came across on the tour at the time.