As the winner of The X Factor, Burke released her debut single, "Hallelujah", originally a Leonard Cohen song, that became the current European record holder for single sales over a period of 24 hours: selling 105,000 copies in one day; but also, the top-selling song of the year in the UK as well as becoming the 2008 Christmas number one single in the UK. By January 2009, sales of Burke's version of "Hallelujah" had passed one million copies which made her the first British female soloist to sell that amount of copies in the UK.
Her debut album, Overcome, was released in October 2009 and entered the UK Albums Chart at number one. The album's lead single "Bad Boys" was released a week in advance to the album and debuted at number one in the UK: becoming her second consecutive number-one single and first Brit-nominated single. She has sinced followed "Bad Boys" with singles that have consecutively stole top ten places in the UK Singles Chart. To date, Alexandra has achieved 4 Number one singles across the UK and Ireland: "Hallelujah", "Bad Boys", "All Night Long" and "Start Without You".
Burke has been nominated twice for Brit Awards and has achieved four solo number one singles: her most recent single "Start Without You" became her third solo UK number one hit; as well as two number one singles as a featured artist in charity singles "Hero" and "Everybody Hurts". As of December 2010, Burke has sold over 4 million records in the U.K alone with combined sales of her singles and her debut album Overcome.
Burke auditioned for the second series of The X Factor in 2005 (which was eventually won by Shayne Ward). She made it through to the final seven in Louis Walsh's 16–24 category, effectively the top 21 of the competition; however, Walsh did not choose her for his final four as he felt that she was too young for the competition. Burke however did not give up and went on to seek professional singing lessons over the next three years, proving her dedication and commitment to becoming a pop star. Burke's second bid to win The X Factor came in 2009. Falling into the "Girls" category, she was mentored by Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole who selected her for the finals—a series of ten weekly live shows in which contestants are progressively eliminated by public vote. On the first live show, Burke performed Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance with Somebody". For the second live show she covered "I'll Be There" by The Jackson 5. In week three, big band week, Burke performed Christina Aguilera's "Candyman" and received her first standing ovation. For the disco-themed fourth live show, Burke performed Donna Summer's "On the Radio". During Mariah Carey week on 8 November, Burke and the other finalists met Carey for individual masterclasses, with Carey complimenting Burke on her voice. Burke performed "Without You" and received a standing ovation from the judges who all gave her positive comments. Cowell commented that "by any standard, that was just outstanding". Following the show Burke's performance was also praised by Carey who called her rendition of the song "absolutely amazing".
On 13 February 2009 it was reported that Burke signed a £3.5 million, five-album US record deal with Epic Records. Burke's first album was originally scheduled for March 2009, however, Simon Cowell confirmed that her album was scheduled for release later in the year to allow Burke to polish her skills and find the right songs for the album, so that it would not be rushed. The album was released on 19 October 2009 in the UK, titled Overcome.
"Elephant", the lead single off Alexandra Burke's second album finds the Londoner singing of a relationship breaking down and not discussing the "elephant standing in the room." Burke performed the song live for the very first time during her set for Asda's Tickled Pink charity concert on January 12, 2012. It will bereleased on March 11, 2012. (Elephant Songfacts).
Alexandra revealed that her next album will get "down and dirty", promising the record that will take risks. "It’s got to be sexy. So I’m going to get a lot fiercer and sexier. We’re just getting down and dirty with the next album. I’m going to take a lot more risks and it’s going to be insane." She also hinted at any collaborations on the LP, "I can’t say too much because my management will kill me if I let loose. But I have a special duet planned. I have the ideas, the collaborations in my mind - it’s all locked up in my head." The album is confirmed to be "half-way" finished, and revealed that she is planning to go to New York to record some new tracks. Recording is expected to stop from January to March, and then resuming after. Alex confirmed that she has worked with RedOne for a lot of the album, but hopes to work with David Guetta, Bruno Mars, Stargate and Ne-Yo, among others.
Broken Heels
Alexandra Burke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
RedOne, you know I can do it better than you
I can do it even better in broken heels
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better in broken heels
There's no sign on the road so I never stop
Can you catch me? Yeah, yeah, yeah
You'll never catch me, ay, ay, ay
I'm fresh out the box, fast like a fox
Boss in my shoes, tick tock, 12 o'clock
You better watch me, yeah, yeah, yeah
Sit back and watch me, ay, ay, ay
You go hard, yes, you do
But when I go it's a magic show
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I get it when I want it and I get it right
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better with broken heels
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better in broken heels
Anything you can do I can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken heels
Anything you can do we can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken, broken heels
When you step it up I'm 20 levels up
I took the escalator, elevator to the top
How you like me? Yeah, yeah, yeah
You gotta like me, ay, ay, ay
Oh, you know we rock, we control the block
Whatever's going down, ladies take the biggest cut
We bring the party, yeah, yeah, yeah
We bought the party, ay, ay, ay
You go hard, yes, you do
But when I go it's a magic show
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
I get it when I want it and I get it right
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better in broken heels
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better in broken heels
Anything you can do I can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken heels
Anything you can do we can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken, broken heels
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better in broken heels
Hey, hey
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
We can do it even better in broken heels
Anything you can do I can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken heels
Anything you can do we can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken, broken heels
Anything you can do I can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken heels
Anything you can do we can do better
Boy, I can do it in broken, broken heels
The song “Broken Heels” by Alexandra Burke is an anthem for female empowerment. The lyrics encourage women to step up and show that they can do anything men can do, even better, while wearing “broken heels”. The usage of broken heels is a metaphor for not letting anything hold women back, even if it's something as small as their shoes malfunctioning. The verses of “Broken Heels” encourage women to roll up their sleeves and get to work, and let their actions speak louder than words. The chorus is a repetitive reminder to tell the fellas that women can do anything they can do, they can do it better and even in broken heels.
The song's upbeat melody and catchy lyrics makes it very danceable and entertaining. It's a fun song to sing along to and it promotes a positive message for women. It encourages them to push past any limitations they might face and be confident in themselves. The song's producer, RedOne, who previously worked with pop icons like Lady Gaga and Jennifer Lopez, created the perfect track with killer beats, to accompany the song's lyrics with a message.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, hey
Addressing and acknowledging the producer RedOne, and expressing confidence in ability
RedOne, you know I can do it better than you
Asserting a challenge against RedOne in producing
I can do it even better in broken heels
Claiming superiority even when at a physical disadvantage
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
Challenging the stereotype that men are superior
We can do it even better in broken heels
Reinforcing the idea that women can excel despite adversity
I roll my sleeves up, wrap my hair up
Preparing to work hard and get down to business
There's no sign on the road so I never stop
Determined to accomplish goals without distractions or limitations
Can you catch me? Yeah, yeah, yeah
Questioning if anyone can keep up with her pace and drive
You'll never catch me, ay, ay, ay
Believing in herself and her ability to succeed
I'm fresh out the box, fast like a fox
Feeling new and energized, moving quickly like a fox
Boss in my shoes, tick tock, 12 o'clock
Confidently owning her power and control
You better watch me, yeah, yeah, yeah
Warning others to pay attention to her success
Sit back and watch me, ay, ay, ay
Encouraging others to observe her and learn from her abilities
You go hard, yes, you do
Acknowledging others' efforts and hard work
But when I go it's a magic show
Suggesting that her accomplishments are impressive and awe-inspiring
I get it when I want it and I get it right
Self-assured in obtaining what she wants, and succeeding at it
Anything you can do I can do better
Asserting equality and a challenge to others to prove otherwise
Boy, I can do it in broken heels
Reinforcing the theme of overcoming difficulties to succeed
When you step it up I'm 20 levels up
When faced with competition, she rises above and excels
I took the escalator, elevator to the top
Progressing quickly and efficiently to her goals
How you like me? Yeah, yeah, yeah
Asking others for their opinions and approval of her abilities
You gotta like me, ay, ay, ay
Asserting confidence in winning others over with her skills
Oh, you know we rock, we control the block
Acknowledging the strength and power of women in the music industry
Whatever's going down, ladies take the biggest cut
Asserting that women deserve a fair share and recognition in their accomplishments
We bring the party, yeah, yeah, yeah
Creating a fun and energetic atmosphere with their music and performance
We bought the party, ay, ay, ay
Investing and owning their own success and opportunities
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Expressing excitement and enthusiasm
Anything you can do I can do better
Asserting equality and a challenge to others to prove otherwise
Boy, I can do it in broken heels
Reinforcing the theme of overcoming difficulties to succeed
Hey, hey
Repeating the opening address and acknowledgement to RedOne
All the ladies tell the fellas we can do what they can do
Repeating the challenge to break gender stereotypes and prove women's abilities
Anything you can do we can do better
Asserting equality and a challenge to others to prove otherwise
Boy, I can do it in broken, broken heels
Reinforcing the theme of overcoming difficulties to succeed
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: NADIR KHAYAT, BILAL HAJJI, SAVAN KOTECHA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tereraikarenge3721
this lady is proof that the music industry is a shady business, someone like her who is beautiful with pure talent and dance moves should be comfortably sitting on the throne all things being equal
@annhastie8739
They did the cabal shut her down@@amazingunreleasedalbums
@politefan8141
Loved this era of pop music. So fun and energetic. Little did I know in only a few years time, the influence of streaming and trap music would come and ruin it.
@DamienHurts
Same! It was more fun, more carefree and you could tell they weren't trying to be so cool like singers today seem to be trying to do. And I was just listening to that terrrible new Tate McRae song Greedy... and i can't believe how many people are praising her for her vocals?! comparing her singing to Alexandra Burke, it's so clear where the true talent is. These new pop 'stars' are so forgettable and mediocre... this generation seems to be okay with that, which i feel bad for lol
@adamtrzuskowski4538
Nie wyląd ,Nie aparycja, ale głos ,robi to co kocham
@oleczek4699
Czyli co robi? 🤔
@javiergomezmoreno4962
Powerful song, it did me move frenetically. Hi Alexandra from Spain. Good job.
@connorhanlon1209
Alexandra Burke. CONNOR ❤❤❤❤❤❤
@beverleyevans7406
Half 1 in the morning and I'm dancing round my front room to this with a bottle of wine, vibinggggg
@chromicapop4595
yahhh