"Pocketful of Sunshine" | ||||||||||
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Single by Natasha Bedingfield | ||||||||||
from the album Pocketful of Sunshine and Strip Me Away | ||||||||||
Released | 15 January 2008 (U.S.) 15 April 2011 (Germany) 27 May 2011 (Italy) |
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Format | Digital download, CD single | |||||||||
Recorded | 2006 | |||||||||
Genre | Pop | |||||||||
Length | 3:23 (Album version) 3:02 (Radio edit) |
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Label | Epic | |||||||||
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Natasha Bedingfield singles chronology | ||||||||||
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"Pocketful of Sunshine" is a song performed by British singer and songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, released as the second single from her second North American studio album of the same name (2008). Bedingfield co-wrote the song together with American songwriter Danielle Brisebois and American musician and songwriter John Shanks; Shanks also produced the track as well as performing on most of the instruments present. Epic Records serviced the song to mainstream radios on 11 February 2008 in the United States. It received an international release in spring 2011 to promote the release of Strip Me Away (2011).
Bedingfield noted "Pocketful of Sunshine" as her favorite, stating that it centers on escaping from one's troubles. It adapts dance-pop and adult contemporary styles, differing from her previous recordings. Lyrically, the song discusses escapism and finding a peaceful place in difficult situations. The message is amplified by the melancholic tone of the lyrics mixing with the exuberance displayed in Bedingfield's voice. "Pocketful of Sunshine" was well received by contemporary music critics; the majority of them named it as one of the album's highlights. Several critics also praised it as a bright and lively summer tune.
"Pocketful of Sunshine" experienced commercial success in North America, peaking at number five in the United States on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold three million downloads, becoming her most successful single there. It also charted in Canada, peaking at #3 and receiving the platinum certification. It however did not replicate the success in North America as it charted moderately in several countries, reaching the top thirty in international territories.
The music video for "Pocketful of Sunshine" was released in spring 2008 and features Bedingfield escaping from a stressful situation and dancing on a roof with other background dancers. The video also portrays scenes of other people escaping their troubles, coming to Bedingfield for comfort. The single has been used widely in the media, being featured in movies and television series like Easy A, Degrassi: The Next Generation and The Ugly Truth.