News of the World (song)

"News of the World" is a single by British group the Jam released on 3 March 1978. The single reached No. 27 in the UK Singles Chart.[2] "Aunties and Uncles (Impulsive Youths)" and "Innocent Man" appeared as its B-sides. The title refers to the former British tabloid newspaper, News of the World.

"News of the World"
Single by the Jam
B-side"Aunties and Uncles (Impulsive Youths)", "Innocent Man"
Released3 March 1978
GenreMod revival, new wave[1]
Length3:31
LabelPolydor
Songwriter(s)Bruce Foxton
Producer(s)Vic Smith and Chris Parry
The Jam singles chronology
"The Modern World"
(1977)
"News of the World"
(1978)
"David Watts" / ""A" Bomb in Wardour Street"
(1978)
Music video
"News of the World" on YouTube

"News of the World" is not included on any of the band's studio albums. It was written and sung by bass guitarist Bruce Foxton rather than the band's usual frontman Paul Weller. It was the only Jam single to be written by Foxton apart from "Funeral Pyre" which was co-written by all three band members.[3]

The video for the single was filmed on the roof of Battersea Power Station in Battersea, London.[4]

The song was used as the theme tune for the British satirical panel game Mock the Week.[5]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Bruce Foxton, except where noted

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."News of the World" 3:31
2."Aunties and Uncles (Impulsive Youths)"Paul Weller2:35
3."Innocent Man" 4:20
Total length:10:26

References

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  1. ^ "The Mods march on..." Smash Hits. December 1978. p. 21. "News of the World", written by Bruce, stayed in the tradition of the new wave
  2. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 277. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ^ That's Entertainment: My Life in the Jam p. 82
  4. ^ "Battersea Power Station to have Arts Centre". The Telegraph. 26 June 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2019.
  5. ^ "Mocking the week for a decade". BBC. 30 August 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2015.