Skyscraper-Demi Lovato

"Skyscraper" is a song performed by American recording artist Demi Lovato. It was written byToby Gad, Lindy Robbins and Kerli Kõiv and produced by Gad for Lovato's third studio album,Unbroken (2011). The song was inspired by a picture of the apocalypse, in which the world was in ruins, and among collapsed buildings, one skyscraper was still standing. Kerli originally recorded "Skyscraper" and Gad offered it to Lovato, who wanted to record it as she felt that both she and her fans could relate to it. When recording it in 2010, Lovato was very emotional which triggered outbursts and caused her to start crying. Later the same year, she entered a treatment facility to deal with her personal struggles. After finishing it in early 2011, she re-recorded the song, but kept the original recording as she felt that it was "symbolic" to her. "Skyscraper" was released on July 12, 2011 via Hollywood Records as the first single from Unbroken. According to Lovato, the song represents the journey she had been on the previous year.

Musically, "Skyscraper" is a ballad and the lyrics speak of staying strong and believing in yourself. The track opens with a lonely piano that is soon accompanied by heavy percussion. Lovato showcases breathy and quivering vocals throughout the song. "Skyscraper" received positive reviews from critics, with the majority of them praising Lovato's vocals and the inspirational lyrics. Upon its release, it was also met with praise from celebrities on the microblogging site Twitter. The song debuted at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Lovato's highest-peaking single on the chart since "This Is Me" peaked at number nine in August 2008. "Skyscraper" sold 176,000 paid digital downloads in its first week of release in the United States, setting a sales record for Lovato. Internationally, the song reached the top twenty in Canada and New Zealand. In August 2011, the song was awarded with Summer Song at theTeen Choice Awards. The song has sold over 500,000 digital copies and was officially certified gold on September 28, 2011.

The song's accompanying music video was directed by Mark Pellington and shot in theBonneville Salt Flats for twelve hours. Lovato performed "Skyscraper" for the first time at the Do Something Awards on August 18, 2011.