Missing U (song) explained

Missing U
Cover:Robyn MissingU.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Robyn
Album:Honey
Length:4:57
Label:Konichiwa
Prev Title:Hang Me Out to Dry
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:Honey
Next Year:2018

"Missing U" is a song by Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn, released on 1 August 2018 as the lead single from her eighth studio album, Honey (2018).[1] It serves as her first solo single in eight years.[2] The song premiered on Annie Mac's show on BBC Radio 1.[3] The single was preceded by a seven-minute short video used to promote the single.[4]

Background

"Missing U" is Robyn's first solo release since her triple album Body Talk (2010).[5] Robyn released several collaborative EPs including Do It Again (2014) and Love Is Free (2015).[5] Robyn also had an appearance on the HBO series Girls soundtrack with the song "Honey" before work on her eighth studio album began.[6]

The demo for the song was created by Robyn in mid-2014 on her laptop along with a LinnDrum machine and a software synth.[7] She noted that the lyrics for the song took two years to complete before finishing them with producers Joseph Mount and Klas Åhlund.[7]

Composition

"Missing U" is a synth-pop[8] and disco[2] song about when people disappear as well as the singer's relationship with her fans.[9] [10] The chorus is backed by bubbling synths,[11] while the rest of the song contains a minimal drum beat and grandiose synth loops.[12] The song is considered a departure from Robyn's previous work, lacking the climax that her previous songs had, instead taking on a more demo-like quality.[9] The song was written and produced by Robyn, Klas Åhlund, and Joseph Mount.[13]

Critical reception

Amanda Arnold, writing for The Cut, called the song "characteristically dance-y and synth-based and impossible to get out of your head once it's there." She also compared the song favourably to Robyn's previous singles "Dancing on My Own" and "Call Your Girlfriend".[14] Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic wrote that "Robyn holds back just enough to describe something too difficult, or too ephemeral, to deal with otherwise."[15]

Credits and personnel

Adapted from Tidal.[16]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
Australia Digital Tracks (ARIA)[17] 36
Iceland (RÚV)[18] 4
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[19] 21
Norwegian Digital Songs (Billboard)[20] 6

Notes and References

  1. Nolfi. Joey. Robyn roars back with beautifully somber dance anthem 'Missing U'. Entertainment Weekly. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  2. Web site: O'Connor. Roisin. Robyn releases new single 'Missing U', her first official release in eight years. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220515/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/robyn-missing-u-new-single-album-release-date-tracklist-latest-a8474031.html . 15 May 2022 . subscription . live. The Independent. 2 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  3. Web site: Blais-Billie. Braudie. Phillips. Amy. Listen to Robyn's New Song "Missing U". Pitchfork. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  4. Web site: Read. Bridget. Robyn Releases a New Song, "Missing U". Vogue. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  5. Kreps. Daniel. Robyn Returns After Eight Years With Upbeat New Song 'Missing U'. Rolling Stone. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  6. Web site: Daramola. Israel. Robyn "Missing U": Listen. Spin. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  7. Web site: King . Jason . Robyn Breaks Down Every Song on Her New Album, Honey . Pitchfork . 24 October 2018 . 24 October 2018.
  8. Brandle. Lars. Robyn Performed 'Missing U' In Ibiza: Watch. Billboard. 7 August 2018. 20 February 2019.
  9. Feeney. Nolan. Robyn's 'Missing U' Is Classic Robyn With a Defiant Twist. Billboard. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  10. Web site: Renshaw. David. Listen to Robyn's new song "Missing U". The Fader. 30 July 2018. 6 August 2018.
  11. Web site: Gotrich. Lars. Stream Robyn's New Song, 'Missing U'. NPR. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  12. Web site: Willman. Chris. Single Review: Robyn's 'Missing U'. Variety. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  13. Web site: Russo. Carmen. Robyn Releases "Missing U," Her First Solo Single in Eight Years. Slate. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  14. Web site: Arnold. Amanda. Everyone Needs to Listen to Robyn's New Single Immediately. The Cut. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  15. Web site: Kornhaber. Spencer. The Heaviness of Robyn's 'Missing U'. The Atlantic. 1 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  16. Web site: Try the TIDAL Web Player. Tidal. 6 August 2018.
  17. http://cdn.aria.com.au/pdfs/C59F0A334271181ED9323B30BE6A23D715104417DCEF1B637E14A57985F202B8/ARIA%20Digital%20Tracks%20Chart.pdf?seq=13 "ARIA Digital Tracks Chart"
  18. Web site: Topplistinn 15. September 2018. RÚV. http://www.freezepage.com/1536007581UMTTOAKYQC?url=http://www.ruv.is/thaettir/vinsaeldalisti-rasar-2. dead. 3 September 2018. 3 September 2018.
  19. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 13 August 2018. 10 August 2018.
  20. Norway Digital Song Sales. Billboard. 18 August 2018. 1 September 2018.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Missing U (song)".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.