Searching (China Black song)

"Searching" was originally recorded in 1991 and released the following year; however, it did not become a hit, initially selling 10,000 to 15,000 copies. Two years after its original release, Johnny Lords of Jago, at the time known for his work with British singer Gabrielle, decided to pick up the single. At Lords' suggestion, the song was re-recorded to tone down its reggae sound in order to garner radio airplay and re-released on 4 July 1994 to British audiences. A month later, on 8 August 1994, "Searching" was given an international release.[1]

The re-released debuted at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart on 10 July 1994 and rose to its peak of number four on 7 August, where it stayed for two weeks.[2] On 1 August, the song was awarded a Silver sales certification from the British Phonographic Industry for shipping over 200,000 copies,[2] and it ended the year as the UK's 25th-highest-selling single.[3] In Ireland, the song debuted on the chart on 4 August 1994 and peaked at number 11.[4] Following its international release, the song charted in Germany, Iceland, and the Flanders region of Belgium, peaking at numbers 82, 27, and 49, respectively.[5][6][7] In March 1995, the single charted in France, reaching a peak of number 17 on 15 April and spending a total of 11 weeks on the French chart.[8]

Music & Media magazine said of the song, "Through this single you get an idea what it would be like if Michael Jackson tried his luck on swingbeat. The current trend for slower beats would make the accompanying dance a lot easier".[9] James Hamilton from Record Mirror described the 1992 version as "a sweet reggae styled jogger".[10]