The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 3 in the UK. In September 2016, "Sax" was certified platinum by the
BPI.
Background
After being announced as the runner-up of 11th series of The X Factor, East signed a recording contract with
Syco Music in January 2015. She began working on her debut studio album after the X Factor tour was over,[1] splitting her time between London and Los Angeles to record it. During recording, she was inspired by "
Uptown Funk" by
Mark Ronson featuring
Bruno Mars, and described the songs on the album as "very uptempo and very energetic with lots of attitude. [The album has] got loads of influences from the old school. Lots of funk, hip-hop, soul; loads of different sounds fused together. Everything about that song - the uptempo vibe, the high energy, the brass, the old school funk sound - was just right up my street. I've definitely taken a few influences from that."[2]
In July 2015, Syco's head
Simon Cowell told The Sun: "I've heard it and it's world class. She has discovered who she wanted to be. Sometimes you just spot someone who's not obvious and Fleur's a good example of that".[3] "Sax" was originally slated for release on 23 October 2015, then on 30 October, before being finally released on 6 November 2015 to coincide with her performance of the song on X Factor.[4]
Critical reception
Digital Spy's writer Lewis Corner noted that the song was clearly inspired by "
Uptown Funk", but its "brassed-up chorus, sassy lyrics and funky hook means it stands tall as a potential smash hit in its own right".[5]
Music video
The official music video for "Sax" was released on 26 November 2015. It was directed by
Colin Tilley.[citation needed] It shows East smiling and walking in a five-colour square tunnel, and later shows her with some dancers in a colourful changing background. On 15 June 2016, another music video, titled "Sax in the City", was released for the song. It features East in different parts of New York City.[6]
^"
ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – RADIO – TOP 100 and insert 201610 into search. Retrieved 15 March 2016.
^"
ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201531 into search. Retrieved 10 August 2015.