Teardrops (Liam Payne song) explained

Teardrops
Cover:Teardrops Liam Payne.jpg
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Liam Payne
Genre:R&B[1]
Prev Title:Sunshine
Prev Year:2021

"Teardrops" is a song by English singer Liam Payne, released on 1 March 2024, via Capitol and Hampton Records.[2] It was released as the lead single from his upcoming second studio album.[3] The song was written by Liam Payne, JC Chasez and Jamie Scott. It is Payne's first single in three years since "Sunshine", released in 2021.

Background

On 3 February 2024, Payne announced via social media that he would be releasing his new single "Teardrops", on 1 March.[4] In his newsletter, Payne wrote that it is, "a song that is born from many tears. Some are mine. Others are not."[4] He also stated that the track is about "the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments."[5]

A lyric video for "Teardrops" premiered via YouTube on 1 March 2024.[6]

Composition

"Teardrops" was written by Liam Payne, JC Chasez and Jamie Scott, while production was handled by Martin Hannah, Daniel Bryer and Scott.[7] The song has been described as late-90s sounding, blending rhythmic pop and R&B with a twinkling guitar on its "booming pop production."[8] [9] Co-writer Jamie Scott described writing the track as a "year long process of self-reflection."[10]

Critical reception

A positive review came from Hannah Sinclair of Clash. She praised Payne's vocals, as well as the catchy lyrics that "resonate with listeners going through similar emotions and pain." She also felt that the track had "more intimate feeling" compared to previous tracks from his first album. She ended the review stating, "The single shows a subtle change in direction which will speak to people far beyond his original fanbase. Polished and defined, Liam Payne is truly developing his solo voice, while maturing as a songwriting." However, Sydney Brasil of Exclaim! gave a negative review calling the track bland and how it "sounds exactly like a song from an ex-boyband member. She also added, "The Justin Timberlake-goes-R&B safety net is always waiting for you after you sacrifice your teen years to late capitalism."[1]

Personnel

Musicians

Additional musicians

Production

Charts

Chart performance for "Teardrops"
Chart (2024)Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[11] 31
UK Physical Singles (OCC)[12] 5

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormat(s)Label(s)
Various1 March 2024[13]
ItalyRadio airplayUniversal[14]
Various28 March 2024[15]
United Kingdom24 May 2024VinylEMI[16]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Liam Payne's "Teardrops" Are Just Crocodile Tears. Exclaim!. Sydney Brasil. 1 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  2. Web site: Liam Payne Is Kicking Off a New Era With Heartbreak Single 'Teardrops'. Readdork. Sam Taylor. 1 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  3. Web site: Liam Payne presents 'Teardrops', the introductory letter of his second album. WECB.fm. 2 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  4. Web site: Liam Payne reveals the date and title of his new single: 'Teardrops'. WECB.fm. 3 February 2024. 10 March 2024.
  5. Liam Payne Shares New Single 'Teardrops' — Written Alongside *NSYNC's JC Chasez!. People. Brenton Blanchet. 1 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  6. Web site: Liam Payne - Teardrops (Lyric Video). YouTube. March 2024 . 10 March 2024.
  7. Web site: Teardrops - Single by Liam Payne. Spotify. 10 March 2024.
  8. 1D Meets 'NSync as Liam Payne, JC Chasez Team Up for New Song 'Teardrops'. Rolling Stone. Jon Blisten. 1 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  9. Web site: Liam Payne announces his return with new single 'Teardrops'. NME. Liberty Dunworth. 1 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  10. Liam Payne shares comeback single 'Teardrops'. Rolling Stone UK. Nick Reilly. 1 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  11. Web site: NZ Hot Singles Chart. Recorded Music NZ. 11 March 2024. 10 March 2024.
  12. Web site: Official Physical Singles Chart. Official Charts Company. 31 May 2024. 5 June 2024.
  13. Web site: Teardrops - Single by Liam Payne. Apple Music. 3 April 2024.
  14. Web site: Liam Payne - Teardrops (Radio Date: 01-03-2024). EarOne. Dario Bellone. 3 April 2024. it. 1 March 2024.
  15. Web site: Teardrops (Acoustic) - Single by Liam Payne. Apple Music. 3 April 2024.
  16. Web site: Teardrops 7" Vinyl Liam Payne. liampayneofficial.com. 3 April 2024.