Figure 8 (song)

"Figure 8" received mostly positive reviews from music critics. Michael Roffman of Time called it "a defensive track that finds [Goulding] reasoning with her scorched paths", adding that Spencer's work with Jamiroquai or Kylie Minogue "injects a scenic quality that bludgeons with cinematic density."^[3] Digital Spy's Lewis Corner noted the song "continues to explore Ellie's ascent into womanhood, centering around her experience of being left heartbroken by a former love over a buzzing dubstep bassline that vibrates with a gentle nod to the album's namesake."^[4]

Sam Lansky of Idolator opined that "Figure 8" "gives the obligatory concession to dubstep, with production by MONSTA serving as effectively, if not more so, than [...] Skrillex himself would have done."^[1] Scott Shetler of PopCrush wrote, "Built around piano and electronics, 'Figure 8' has a moody vibe that matches its heartbreaking lyrics", while comparing it to Alex Clare's "Too Close", a song co-produced by Spencer.^[5] However, in a review of Halcyon, BBC Music's Ben Hewitt expressed, "Far from showing off her talents, the likes of 'Figure 8' and 'Atlantis' become bottomless pits filled with heavy-handed knob-twiddling."^[6]

"Figure 8" debuted at number 121 on the UK Singles Chart dated 8 December 2012, ahead of its single release, entering the top 100 at number 82 the following week.^[7] After jumping to number 49, the single peaked at number 33 in its fourth week on the chart.^[8] The song fared better in New Zealand, where it peaked at number seven, her highest-charting single in that country at that point, and was later certified platinum by Recorded Music NZ.^[9][10] "Figure 8" became Goulding's first song to chart in Finland, reaching number eight.^[11]

The music video for "Figure 8", directed by W.I.Z., was filmed in a mansion outside London, and features freerunner Tim Shieff.^[12] The video premiered on 19 November 2012.^[13] Switching constantly between black-and-white and coloured shots, the video reflects on breaking up with an ex and then missing them.^[14] It consists of intercut scenes of Goulding in the mansion in several different situations, such as lying on a mattress as she clutches a red piece of cloth, lying in bed with her on-screen boyfriend, dressed in a red, flowing gown while covered in a red veil, blindfolded, and breaking dishes. Towards the end of the video, Goulding's lit-up body is shown levitating off the bed, as she lets go of the red cloth.

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Halcyon.^[16]

• Ellie Goulding – vocals
• Rufio Sandilands – arrangement, all instruments
• Rocky Morris – arrangement, all instruments
• Monsta – production, additional vocal production, recording
• Mike Spencer – additional production, mix, additional vocal production, all instruments, recording
• Jonny Lattimer – vocal production
• Naweed – mastering