"One for Sorrow" is a song by British pop-dance group Steps that became the quintet's first single to reach the top five on the UK Singles Chart. Debuting at number two and spending 11 weeks on the UK chart, the song established Steps's intention to revive the ABBA sound, striking a considerable resemblance to their hit "The Winner Takes It All". A remixed version of this song became their debut US single in 1999 and was featured on the Drive Me Crazy film soundtrack. It became Steps' only single to appear on any US Billboard chart, peaking at number 38 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in October 1999.
Release
Unlike Steps' previous single, "Last Thing on My Mind", which featured solo vocals by all three girls, Claire performs lead vocals of all of the verses, which are harmonised with Faye, before the entire band join for the chorus. Following the group's reformation in 2011, it has since surfaced that after the single, tensions arose in the band due to Richards singing lead vocals on the single, thereby pushing the other four members into the background. On 29 July 2015 Claire Richards premiered a new solo acoustic version of the track at an event celebrating Pete Waterman's career at the Royal Festival Hall.
Critical reception
editor Jon O'Brien described the song as "melancholic dance-pop". Lucas Villa from AXS noted that Richards "took the song's tragic wordplay to church in a powerhouse performance." He added that the song "stands as one of Steps' finest pop moments." Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "U.K. youth quintet Steps is all about conjuring up the timeless Abba in its debut U.S. single, a joyous romp that will propel hands into the air and, with the proper push from Jive, send this song into the upper reaches of the pop charts—where it's already been across much of Europe. This U.S. mix is the tastiest kind of bubble gum, with a happy-go-lucky dance beat from production maestro Tony Moran; a solid, zippy vocal; and a sing-along chorus that sticks with maddening proficiency." CantStopThePop described the song as "a brilliant moment in ‘90s pop music", adding that "this is pop music with a heart". They complimented Richard's vocals, stating that "the track is the perfect showcase for the power and range of her vocals." Gary James from Entertainment Focus noted that "starting with the rain effect and gentle tickle of the piano, Claire’s voice tells the tale of wanting love but getting uncertainity as it builds to a big power chorus."
US 12" Promo a1. One for Sorrow 8:37 a2. One for Sorrow 3:30 b1. One for Sorrow 8:12 b2. One for Sorrow 4:20 c1. One for Sorrow 6:28 c2. One for Sorrow 6:51 d1. One for Sorrow 5:06 d2. One for Sorrow 8:37 US 12" Single a1. One for Sorrow 8:12 a2. One for Sorrow 4:20 b1. One for Sorrow 5:06 B2. One for Sorrow 6:28
