Weak in the Presence of Beauty (song)

7" single

1. "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" – 3:24
2. "You And Me" – 3:07

12" single

1. "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" (Extended Version) – 5:12
2. "You And Me" – 3:07

Upon release, Billboard said in a review of the song: "Floy Joy, much praised but barely charted (like Working Week), sound like they have the key to both the U.S. and U.K. charts with "Weak in the Presence of Beauty", a Don Was production that's sort of Shannon-meets-"Every Breath You Take". Addictive."[5] Anna Martin of Number One commented: "The release of "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" sees Floy Joy adopting a slightly more melodious sound. Less thrash and more dash. One to watch."[6]

Following the release of her successful debut album Alf, Moyet decided to move to Los Angeles where she remained for almost a year. Once settled, Moyet's manager hired Jimmy Iovine to produce her second studio album. Aware of Floy Joy's "Weak in the Presence of Beauty", Moyet chose to record the song for the album.[9] It was released as the second single from Raindancing in February 1987,[10] and was also the second and final single from the album in the States, where it was released in August that year.[11]

Moyet later revealed in 2004 that she only recorded the song as she knew it would be a hit single. Appearing on the This Morning show, Phillip Schofield asked Moyet why she disliked the song, to which she replied: "Oh, because I know how cynical I was being when I recorded it. I recorded it 'cause I knew it was a hit rather than the fact that I loved it, and that will teach me, you know? You have a massive hit with something you're not particularly fond of, and it's not a good feeling."[12]

Later speaking to The Quietus in 2013, Moyet elaborated: "What I must say is that it's sometimes very easy to sit there and rescind responsibility, but sometimes I couldn't be arsed. That's the truth of it. We can all make the right choices, but sometimes we're just too lazy to. And sometimes I was just too lazy to do it myself. "Love Letters" and "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" – neither song I enjoy now – they're both my fault. I found them. That was when I was feeling smart, thinking that I knew what a hit was - I don't know what's a fucking hit! But they were hits, and now I'm forever to fucking sing them years later!"[13] Speaking of both songs again in an interview with The Electricity Club, Moyet said: ""Love Letters" was me shooting myself in the foot! That was me being a show-off! That was me showing I had an A&R thing... "oh, I know what a hit is"! I did that twice, I did it with that and with "Weak in the Presence of Beauty"! Two times that I recorded songs knowing they were hits as opposed to the fact I loved them! I say that honestly, that's the only time I've ever recorded anything cynically!"[14]

A music video was filmed to promote the single. It was directed by Pete Cornish and produced by Front Row Films.[15]

Upon release, Paul Simper of Number One said: "Not an obvious single with its pleasant production and leisurely chorus but at least Alison Moyet's voice is blossoming in a discreetly unexpected way. A million miles from that Erasure buffoon but just one short stop to Carly Simon."[16] Pete Clarke of Smash Hits commented: "Alison Moyet is, of course, the proud owner of a superb voice that can break down doors at a range of 30 feet. Unfortunately, somebody's forgotten to give her a decent song this time around and there's nothing quite as sad as a voice in search of a tune. Blub!"[17] Bobby Lynch of The Kerryman wrote: "A cover of the brilliant Floy Joy song which should have been a hit for them. Not an obvious single for Moyet to record but the production is pleasant and its different."[18]

American magazine Billboard said: "Yet another potential hit from one of the U.K.'s most acclaimed vocalists; track's loping melody and feel shouldn't be overlooked."[19] Cash Box wrote: "U.K. sensation and stateside rising star Moyet turns in a powerhouse performance on this, the second single from the recent Raindancing LP."[20]

In a review of Raindancing, Spin stated: "There's a tangible effort to push Moyet into the 'til tuesday camp of semisweet pop, especially on "Weak in the Presence of Beauty"."[21] Musician wrote: "...Moyet's interpretive gifts have grown, and Jimmy Iovine's understated production takes pains not to get in the way. Which is why the likes of "Sleep Like Breathing" or "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" hold such lasting allure."[22] Josh Lee of Attitude retrospectively commented: "Big choruses that demand to be sung along to don't come more insistent than "Is This Love?" and "Weak in the Presence of Beauty"."[23] In a 2015 retrospective on Moyet's career, Classic Pop included the song as one of twenty favourites as chosen by the magazine. They commented: "She disowned it; we loved it."[24]

7" single

1. "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" - 3:37
2. "To Work on You" - 4:13

12" single #1

1. "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" (Extended Remix) – 6:04
2. "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" (Single Version) - 3:37
3. "To Work on You" - 4:13

12" single #2

1. "Weak in the Presence of Beauty" (Extended Remix) – 6:04
2. "To Work on You" - 4:13
3. "Take My Imagination To Bed" - 3:41