The instrumental version, largely based on the traditional spiritual song "Glory, Glory (Lay My Burden Down)", was performed by a formation named "Glory" with Charles John Skarbek as producer, Richard Simon Blaskey as executive producer with Snake (Chris) Davis featured prominently playing on the saxophone.[1]
It was released on Mercury Records for American distribution and PolyGram Records Inc. worldwide. The instrumental appears in the 1994 album released under the album entitled Soccer Rocks the Globe.
Daryl Hall and Sounds of Blackness also sang it at the opening ceremonies of the FIFA World Cup with lyrics. It was also used as the theme to ITV's coverage of the tournament.
Critical reception
Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "Patterned after 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic', single from the just-issued Soccer Rocks the World is awash in dewy-eyed sincerity. With Hall trading off lead lines with various members of S.O.B., this sweet and slow pop/R&B track builds to a blasting, gospel-like climax. Expect this one to connect with the same folks who tear up during Whitney Houston's 'One Moment in Time'."[3]Dele Fadele from NME said, "'Gloryland' is sentimental, self-regarding and overblown in excelsis — true adult-orientated mush."[4] Alex Kadis from Smash Hits gave it two out of five, viewing it as "a big, patriotic American tune which is overblown, overemotional and, erm, over the hill."[5]
