M4M

"M4M" is a song by British recording artist Alesha. The song was written and produced by Alesha for her tenth studio album afterhours (2015). It accompanied the record's release as its second single after the success of global success "In Love Today".

"M4M" is a dance-oriented song, lifting from deep house and disco trends. Alesha was inspired by the work of Shep Pettibone, who she enlisted to remix the single. The song reflects hook-up culture in the gay community, taking its title from an abbreviation used in U.S. personals ads to indicate "men seeking men". Alesha wrote about her experiences with nightlife, particularly that of Chueca, an area in Madrid popular among gay men. Lyrically the song talks about sexual desire. In an interview with Base, Alesha agreed that "M4M" sounded like "Madonna circa '91 or '92".

The single premiered on July 20, as Alesha formally announced the release and track listing of afterhours. The song was met with praise from critics, who complimented its refreshing disco inspired nature. The single topped the official singles, digital singles and airplay charts upon its formal release alongside the album on August 31. "M4M" ultimately became Alesha's third consecutive single to sell over 700,000 copies.

Background and composition
Following the release of Alesha (2014), the singer began initial writing and recording sessions for her tenth studio album afterhours (2015). The first song written for the album was the Pet Shop Boys-inspired "In Love Today", which was released as the album's first single in June 2015. "M4M" was among the first batch of tracks written in early sessions for afterhours that were more inspired by '90s dance music and house. Ultimately, the project grew to be a synthpop album with New Wave and house influences. "M4M" is one of few tracks to remain from those early sessions.

Written and produced by Alesha, it is a dance pop song drawing influences from disco and house trends. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic described the song as "a juxtaposition of swirling disco synths and Philly house beats." Lyrically, the song speaks of sexual obsession and no-strings-attached sex. Inspired by gay hook–up culture, Alesha thought about her time spent in Chueca, a popular area for Madrid's gay community ("The sun is rising in Madrid, but afterhours starts at seven"). In the first line of the song's first verse, Alesha references British recording artist David Bowie in the lyric, "You've got all of Bowie on vinyl and a closet full of leather." The song was described as a "smut–glam anthem".

Critical reception
Jennifer Vineyard of MTV News wrote that "M4M" is the "album's strongest track" and went on to say that it "...wistfully evokes the sounds of the '80s-era dance clubs." Alan Braidwood from BBC Music called the song "lethally catchy". In a review of "M4M" from Popjustice, Peter Robinson wrote that the song's musicscape features an "infectious combo of pumping, filtered synths and disco beats". Keith Caulfield from Billboard commented that, "[M4M] should keep fans in love today with Alesha's ability to create instant radio and club classics." He also called the song "summery" while reviewing the album. Alexis Petridis from The Guardian called the song triumphant. Kitty Empire from the same newspaper said that "'M4M' sees Alesha taking a lover to bed over an insistent dance-pop rush." Alan Light from Rolling Stone called the song "throbbing".

Commercial response
"M4M" was officially premiered on July 20, 2015, to accompany the formal announcement and pre-order of afterhours. It set a new record for the most streamed song in the first week of release in the UK, with 2.03 million streams. "M4M" also broke the record on Spotify for most streamed track in one day, earning 4.75 million global streams.

"M4M" charted at number one on the official singles chart, having sold 119,649 copies in its first week on the chart. This marks Alesha's 18th number one single, extending her record as female artist with the most number one singles. The following week, Alesha slipped to number two facing strong competition from JUSTYCE but maintained her lead over new releases from Lindsay Belle and Darcy Delvin. With an additional 87,520 copies sold, "M4M" was certified silver as total sales came in at 207,169. The single fell just one spot to number three in its third week, as sales reached 285,389 (achieving a silver certification). The single spent a fourth week on the edge of the top five as the single went gold (indicating over 300,000 units shifted). In its fifth week on the chart, "M4M" slipped outside of the top five but sales surpassed 400,000 copies. The following week, "M4M" returned to the top five, rising one spot. "M4M" went on to spend nine weeks in the top ten altogether, as sales surpassed 500,000 and then 600,000 copies.

Ultimately, "M4M" sold 778,257 copies after spending 25 weeks in the top 40.

Music video
The music video for "M4M" was directed by Alesha herself, shot on location in Madrid, Spain. It premiered exclusively through BLOC and VEVO on Friday, August 28. The video follows Alesha's night of debauchery and promiscuity in a gay leather club.

Track listing and formats

 * CD / Digital EP
 * 1) "M4M"
 * 2) "Fire Island"
 * 3) "In Love Today" (Live at Glastonbury)
 * 4) "M4M" (Shep Pettibone Dub)