"Stepping Stone" is the fourth single by Welsh singer Duffy from her debut studio album, Rockferry. The single was officially released as both a digital download and CD single on 1 September 2008 in the United Kingdom. Although it followed the massive success of previous singles "Mercy" and "Warwick Avenue", it did not perform well in worldwide music charts. However, the single received widespread acclaim.

"Stepping Stone" was written by Duffy and Steve Booker (who also co-wrote international success "Mercy"), and recorded at Booker's "Bookerland studios". It was the first song the pair completed together. According to Booker in an interview with HitQuarters, Duffy firstly wanted to do the song "completely Supremes and up-tempo" because she felt that her album still needed a "big song" to complete it. The following day she changed her mind about the song's direction and the ongoing search for a big up-tempo song would eventually lead to "Mercy".

It was released worldwide as the third single from Rockferry, and the fourth in the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Ireland, after "Rockferry", "Mercy" and "Warwick Avenue". The single was not released in mainland Europe, despite reaching the charts in many countries in this region. The cover art was produced by Studio Fury, and photographed by Max Dodson.

The single was released in both CD single and 7" vinyl. In a press release for the single it was stated that there would be a two-track exclusive single available for digital download, although this never came to fruition.

One press release commented about the context and content of "Stepping Stone":

"Stepping Stone is one of the many album highlights, it is a song about self-possession, strength and restraint. The music is dramatic, pulsating yet sparse, compelling the listener to focus on Duffy's remarkable vocals and evocative lyrics."
– I Like Music

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Wikipedia