Glitter

Glitter is the lead single, and 18th overall, by American/British artist Ashley! from her fourth studio album, Let The Light In (2014). The track features vocals from global phenomenon Syd Wolfe, who's label (Fusion Records) whom the track was released through. It was released, alongside the album, on October 20th 2014. It was written by Ashley and produced by Dr. Luke and Max Martin. Lyrically, the song is a self-empowerment anthem, with inspiration lyrics encouraging people to show their true colours and be who they are.

The track received praise from critics, who complimented the feel good message the track was portraying, and noted that the collaboration with 'Wolfe' was one of the biggest 'pop events' of 2014. The track peaked at the top of the chart in the first week of release, selling 104,828 copies. Second week on chart, the track managed to remain at the top spot, selling a further 95,590 copies, becoming her first solo single to do this, and second overall after her previous single with Eoin O'Neill managed the same. It remained in the top five for four weeks, and the top ten for x weeks. At this stage, it was on track to become one of her biggest hits to date, managing to reach the recently adjusted Gold certification threshold after just five weeks on chart. The single's live premiere was on The X Factor on the day of release, as well as supporting the album.

It was announced at the end of 2014, during the 12 Hits of Christmas, that Glitter was the highest selling release from it's respective release month, alongside the album and promotional single, In This Moment, being the only artist to 'sweep' a month.

Background
Following her third studio album release, Silver Lining in 2013, Ashley began working immediately on a potential re-release, due for Summer 2014. Whilst on her Silver Lining Showcase however, these plans were scrapped, as the album has already performed well, exceeding all expectations, and going on to be one of the biggest selling albums in Uraps history. She decided then, fuelled with the large quantity of music written and ready for release, to release a complete new collection. Rise From The Ashes was the final single from the album, where Ashley began dropping hints at a new album coming in Q4 of 2014. It was announced after the fifth and final Silver Lining release, that the new album and single would be released in late October.

Glitter was written and recorded in May 2014 and was one of the later additions to the album. Syd Wolfe's vocals came about when she was visiting the artists on the Fusion Roster, and Ashley suggested her feature being 'the spark that was otherwise missing' from the track. The last minute vocals were added just before the album tracklisting was due to be finalised, when the track was decided upon being the lead single from the album. The track opens the album, also. It premiered on September 17th 2014, on Radio One.