Cactus in the Valley

"Cactus in the Valley" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter named Lights. It was released on March 15, 2013, as the lead single from her second acoustic album, Siberia Acoustic. The song features American electronica artist, Owl City.

Background and composition
"Cactus in the Valley" was written and produced by Lights Poxleitner. On March 5, 2013, Lights announced that she would be releasing her second acoustic album, Siberia Acoustic on April 30. Along with this announcement, the lead single "Cactus in the Valley" was released on March 15. The song was made available for streaming on USA Today on March 18.

Critical reception
"Cactus in the Valley" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. Brent Faulkner of PopMatters stated, "Lights continues to deliver, exhibiting a lovely vocal tone. Owl City's vocals are most surprising; rarely has Adam Young sounded so smooth. The vocal blend between the two is superb." Buzznet complimented how "lovely," Young and Poxleitner's voices blend together. Claire Louise Sheridan of Alter the Press! remarked, "With the help of Adam Young, aka Owl City, the already ballad-like 'Cactus in the Valley' is transformed into a harmonious duet full of intrigue and wonder. The melody of the piano combines beautifully with the almost ethereal tone of Lights' voice to create nothing short of a work of art."

Chart performance
"Cactus in the Valley" debuted and peaked at number nine on the UK  Cross Rhythms Weekly Chart. On the week of March 25 to March 31, 2013, the song reached number seven on the Spotify Viral Chart's Top 10.