Joyride (Kesha song)

Last updated

"Joyride"
Kesha - Joyride (official single cover).png
Single by Kesha
ReleasedJuly 4, 2024 (2024-07-04)
Genre
Length2:30
Label Kesha
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Zhone
Kesha singles chronology
"Only Love Can Save Us Now"
(2023)
"Joyride"
(2024)
Lyric video
"Joyride" on YouTube

"Joyride" is a song by American singer and songwriter Kesha. It was released on July 4, 2024, by her own self-titled record label as the lead single from her upcoming sixth studio album. An official lyric video was released on the same day. The song marks Kesha's first release since departing from RCA and Kemosabe Records. The single was written by Kesha, Madison Love, and Zhone, who also produced the song.

Contents

"Joyride" debuted at number 88 on the UK Singles Chart, which marked her first solo entry since "Praying" (2017).

Background and release

From 2014–2023, Kesha had been embroiled in a legal battle with her former producer, Dr. Luke. She had originally sued him for sexual assault and battery, then he countersued for defamation. The lawsuit halted Kesha's career for a few years and she had filed a preliminary injunction in 2016 to be released from her contract with RCA Records and Kemosabe Records which she signed when she was 18. She was denied the injunction and has since released three more albums under the label. Her fifth and final album under the labels, Gag Order , was released in May 2023. Her lawsuit was set to go to trial in July 2023, but a settlement was reached a month before the trial date, thus ending the near decade long suit. [1] In December 2023, it was officially reported that Kesha had parted ways with both RCA and Kemosabe, as well as her management team, Vector Management. "In need of a fresh start in my life, we have parted ways, but I will remain forever grateful for the run we had," Kesha said in a statement to Variety. [2] She signed with a new management team, Crush Music in late February 2024. [3] In an interview with V Magazine, Kesha had hinted about music saying there is a day marked when she is free to release music. [4]

Kesha announced the single on June 29, 2024 with a teaser video. She initially teased a lyric, "GET IN LOSER" with a photo on social media teasing the song's title and release date. The singer was seen sporting red vinyl and sheer looks. The single was released by Kesha's self-titled label, Kesha Records published through Warner Chappell Music. The song marks Kesha's first release since departing from RCA and Kemosabe Records, as well as her first release as an independent artist. [5] Kesha unveiled the song four days before its release in Brooklyn at Planet Pride. [4]

Composition

"Joyride" runs a total of two minutes and thirty seconds, and is described as an electropop and EDM track. The song is a "bold" celebration composition with hyperpop and polka influences utilizing accordions, heavy synths, and modulated vocals. The song sees the return of Kesha's "talk-singing" style, reminiscent of her earlier works. [6] [7] [8] [9] Lyrically, Kesha uses metaphors comparing driving cars to self-love and self-empowerment.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Clash 8/10 [10]

"Joyride" received positive reviews from critics and publications. Zoe Guy of Vulture called the song a "banger" that is perfectly in sync with summer. [6] Tomás Mier of Rolling Stone called the song "delightfully campy" with a taste of a "carefree Kesha summer". [11] Variety echoed Guy's sentiments, describing the song as an "electro-banger" perfectly timed for the summer, as well as a callback to her earlier hits such as "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R". [12]

Track listing

Digital download and streaming [13]

  1. "Joyride" – 2:30

Digital download and streaming – EP [14]

  1. "Joyride" – 2:30
  2. "Joyride" (radio edit) – 2:30
  3. "Joyride" (instrumental) – 2:28
  4. "Joyride" (acapella) – 2:22

Digital download and streaming (remixes) [15]

  1. "Joyride" – 2:30
  2. "Joyride" (radio edit) – 2:30
  3. "Joyride" (extended) – 4:25
  4. "Joyride" (Revved Up remix) – 2:04
  5. "Joyride" (slowed) – 2:59
  6. "Joyride" (sped up) – 2:08
  7. "Joyride" (instrumental) – 2:28
  8. "Joyride" (acapella) – 2:22

Charts

Chart performance for "Joyride"
Chart (2024)Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA) [16] 83
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [17] 17
UK Singles (OCC) [18] 88
UK Indie (OCC) [19] 27
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [20] 6
US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs ( Billboard ) [21] 6

Release history

"Joyride" release history
RegionDateFormatsVersion(s)LabelRef.
VariousJuly 4, 2024OriginalKesha Records [13]
July 19, 2024EP [14]
August 2, 2024Remixes [15]
November 2024 7-inch vinyl Original [22]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bonnie McKee</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1984)

Bonnie Leigh McKee is an American singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dr. Luke</span> American songwriter and record producer (born 1973)

Łukasz Sebastian Gottwald, known professionally as Dr. Luke, Tyson Trax, and Made in China, is an American songwriter and record producer. His professional music career began in the late-night television sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live as its house band's lead guitarist in 1996 and producing remixes for artists such as Bon Jovi and Gravediggaz. He came into music prominence in 2004 for producing Kelly Clarkson's single "Since U Been Gone" with Swedish record producer Max Martin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorrie Morgan discography</span>

The discography of American country music artist Lorrie Morgan contains 19 studio albums, nine compilation albums, two video albums, one live album, one extended play, 51 singles and 21 music videos. Morgan early releases were singles that reached lower-charting positions on the American Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Morgan's 1988 single, "Trainwreck of Emotion", was her first to reach the Billboard country top 20. It was followed by her debut studio album in 1989 named Leave the Light On. It reached number six on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and certified platinum in sales by the Recording Industry Association of America. The disc spawned three more top ten singles: "Dear Me", "Out of Your Shoes" and "He Talks to Me". Its fourth single, "Five Minutes", topped the Billboard country chart. Her second album was released in 1991 titled Something in Red. It reached number eight on the country albums chart and number 13 on the Canadian RPM Country Albums chart. In addition to certifying platinum by the RIAA, the disc included three top ten Billboard and RPM country songs: "We Both Walk", "A Picture of Me Without You" and "Except for Monday".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tik Tok (song)</span> 2009 single by Kesha

"Tik Tok" is the debut single by American singer Kesha, who co-wrote the song with its producers Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco. It was released on August 7, 2009, as the lead and debut single from her debut studio album, Animal (2010).

<i>Animal</i> (Kesha album) 2010 studio album by Kesha

Animal is the debut studio album by American singer and songwriter Kesha. The album was released on January 5, 2010, by RCA Records. Kesha worked on the album with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, Benny Blanco, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin, Max Martin and others. Kesha had been recording demos for several years when one eventually ended up in the hands of Samantha Cox, senior director of writer/publisher relations at BMI. Cox passed along the demo and it ended up in the hands of Gottwald, who decided to have Kesha perform on the song "Right Round" with American rapper Flo Rida. Within two months, the song became a hit in multiple countries around the world. The event led to Kesha being sought after by many major labels, and she eventually signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kesha</span> American singer (born 1987)

Kesha Rose Sebert, known mononymously as Kesha, is an American singer and songwriter. Kesha's first major success came in early 2009 when she was featured on rapper Flo Rida's number-one single, "Right Round".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kesha discography</span> Discography of the American singer-songwriter Kesha

American singer Kesha has released five studio albums, one compilation album, three extended plays, 33 singles, 11 promotional singles, and has made seven other guest appearances. As of 2017, she has sold over 41 million tracks and streams in the United States alone, and over 87 million tracks and streams worldwide. As of 2019, she has also accumulated approximately 7 billion on-demand streams and has sold over 14 million album equivalents worldwide bringing her record sales to stand at over 100 million equivalents worldwide. She is also among the highest-certified female artists in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with 35.5 million certified singles and 5 million albums, bringing her total certified record sales to 40.5 million as a lead act in the United States alone. She is also certified for a further 21.5 million digital singles as a featured artist, further bringing her total record certifications to 62 million overall in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinashe</span> American singer (born 1993)

Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California as a child, where she pursued work in entertainment. Her notable roles include a motion-capture performance in the animated film The Polar Express (2004), Robin Wheeler in the Cartoon Network television series Out of Jimmy's Head (2007–2008), and a recurring role in the CBS series Two and a Half Men (2008–2009). From 2007 to 2011, she was a member of the girl group the Stunners. After they disbanded, Tinashe released her first alternative R&B mixtape, In Case We Die (2012), to positive critical reception and then signed with RCA Records. Her second and third mixtapes, Reverie (2012) and Black Water (2013), received further recognition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take It Off (Kesha song)</span> 2010 single by Kesha

"Take It Off" is a song by American recording artist and songwriter Kesha, from her debut album, Animal. It was written by Kesha Sebert, Lukasz Gottwald and Claude Kelly and it was produced by Dr. Luke with vocal editing done by Emily Wright. It was released as the fourth and final single from the album on July 13, 2010. "Take It Off"'s initial writing consisted of Kesha attending a drag show and becoming turned on by drag queens taking their clothing off. The song is an upbeat song that uses heavy amounts of auto tune and utilizes an electro infused beat, driven by a melody known as the Arabian riff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kemosabe Records</span> American record label

Kemosabe Records is an American record label founded by record producer Dr. Luke in 2011. It was launched as an imprint of RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Based in Los Angeles, California, the label has signed acts including Doja Cat, Kesha, Becky G, Juicy J, R. City, Lil Bibby, G.R.L., LunchMoney Lewis, and Yelle.

<i>Kesha v. Dr. Luke</i> Series of civil lawsuits

Kesha v. Dr. Luke refers to a series of lawsuits and countersuits between the singer Kesha Rose Sebert (Kesha) and the music producer Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald. Sebert filed a civil suit against Gottwald in October 2014 for infliction of emotional distress, sex-based hate crimes and employment discrimination. Gottwald filed a lawsuit in New York Supreme Court in which he sued Sebert and her mother, Rosemary Patricia "Pebe" Sebert, for defamation and breach of contract.

<i>Rainbow</i> (Kesha album) 2017 studio album by Kesha

Rainbow is the third studio album by American singer and songwriter Kesha. It was released on August 11, 2017, by Kemosabe and RCA Records. Primarily a pop record, Rainbow incorporates elements of pop rock, glam rock, neo soul, and country pop. Its lyrical themes range from letting go of the past, finding forgiveness within oneself for past mistakes, self-worth, and female empowerment. Kesha assumed an integral role in the album's production and collaborated with several producers, including Ricky Reed, Drew Pearson, Ben Folds, and her mother Pebe Sebert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woman (Kesha song)</span> 2018 single by Kesha featuring the Dap-Kings Horns

"Woman" is a song recorded by American singer Kesha and featuring the Dap-Kings Horns for her third studio album Rainbow (2017). It was released as the first promotional single from the album on July 13, 2017. The song was then released as the second single from the album on January 22, 2018. It has been described as a feminist anthem.

<i>Joyride</i> (Tinashe album) 2018 studio album by Tinashe

Joyride is the third studio album by American singer Tinashe. It was released through RCA Records on April 13, 2018. The album features guest appearances from Offset, Ty Dolla Sign, French Montana, Little Dragon, and Future. The album also features production by Stargate, Dre Moon, Hit-Boy, T-Minus, and others.

<i>High Road</i> (Kesha album) 2020 studio album by Kesha

High Road is the fourth studio album by American singer and songwriter Kesha. It was released on January 31, 2020, through RCA and Kemosabe Records. Announced in late 2019, the album saw the singer once again taking over the role of sole executive producer, following Rainbow (2017). She collaborated with various songwriters and record producers to achieve her desired sonority, combining elements of her career beginnings and Rainbow. Musically, High Road is primarily a pop, country and classic rock record, although it encompasses a variety of genres, including dance-pop, folk, electronic pop, synthpop, trip hop, electro-country, EDM, trap, dream pop, hip hop, and gospel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Candy (Doja Cat song)</span> 2018 song by Doja Cat

"Candy" is a song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat for her debut album, Amala (2018). Released on March 23, 2018, as the second single from the album, through Kemosabe and RCA. The song was written by Doja Cat alongside producers Budo & Yeti Beats and additional producer Cambo. "Candy" peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stars in Your Heart</span> 2016 single by Bonnie McKee

"Stars In Your Heart" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bonnie McKee. The song was independently released to digital outlets as a standalone release on December 16, 2016, and was later included on McKee's second studio album, Hot City (2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freak (Doja Cat song)</span> 2020 promotional single by Doja Cat

"Freak" is a song by American rapper and singer Doja Cat released through Kemosabe Records and RCA Records on August 7, 2020. Originally uploaded exclusively to SoundCloud in 2018, it was repackaged and released commercially due to popular demand by fans online. The single samples the 1959 song, "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" by Paul Anka. A standalone promotional single, "Freak" received a limited vinyl release via Urban Outfitters in November 2020.

<i>Gag Order</i> (album) Studio album by Kesha

Gag Order is the fifth studio album by American singer-songwriter Kesha. It was released on May 19, 2023, by Kemosabe Records and RCA Records. This album marks her final release under her contract with both labels, which she signed when she was 18 years old. The announcement of the album came in late April 2023, with Kesha serving as the executive producer, a role she took on for her previous two albums. She primarily worked with producer Rick Rubin, who helped her dive deep into her more vulnerable side to create the project. Other producers on the album include familiar collaborators such as Stuart Crichton, Stint and Drew Pearson, as well as new collaborators like Jussifer, Hudson Mohawke, Kennedi, and Jason Lader.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boa (song)</span> 2024 single by Megan Thee Stallion

"Boa" is a song by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion from her third studio album, Megan (2024). It was released independently through Hot Girl Productions on May 10, 2024, as the third single from the album. The song samples "What You Waiting For?" by Gwen Stefani, for which both Stefani and songwriter Linda Perry receive a writing credit.

References

  1. Cullins, Ashley (June 22, 2023). "Kesha and Dr. Luke Settle Legal Battle Ahead of Trial". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  2. Aswad, Jem (December 18, 2023). "Kesha Parts Ways With Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Label, RCA Records and Vector Management". Variety . United States: Penske Media Corporation. ISSN   0042-2738. OCLC   810134503. Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  3. Havens, Lyndsey (February 7, 2024). "Kesha Signs With Crush Management". Billboard. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  4. 1 2 Hart, Lily (July 3, 2024). "Kesha to Release New Single 'JOYRIDE' on July 4". Glitter.
  5. Legaspi, Althea (June 29, 2024). "Kesha Teases 'Joy Ride,' Which Arrives on Independence Day". Rolling Stone .
  6. 1 2 Guy, Zoe (July 4, 2024). "Kesha Releases Her First Independent Single". Vulture.
  7. Santiago Cortés, Michelle (July 4, 2024). "Kesha Declares Her Independence With "Joyride"". Nylon.
  8. Dailey, Hannah (July 4, 2024). "Kesha Celebrates an Extra Special Independence Day With New Single 'Joyride': Stream It Now". Billboard.
  9. Currinn, Jonathan (July 10, 2024). ""JOYRIDE": Kesha Stuns With Awesomely Addicting First Independent Single of Her Career". Good Star Vibes.
  10. Murray, Robin (July 4, 2024). "Kesha - 'Joyride'; Pop Icon Taps Into Her Roots | Reviews". Clash . Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  11. Mier, Tomás (July 4, 2024). "Kesha Takes a Pop 'Joyride' as a Free Woman With New Single". Rolling Stone.
  12. Horowitz, Steven J. (July 4, 2024). "Kesha Releases 'Joyride,' Her First Independent Single After Parting Ways With Kemosabe and RCA". Variety. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  13. 1 2 "JOYRIDE by Kesha on Spotify". Spotify . Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  14. 1 2 "JOYRIDE by Kesha on Spotify". Spotify . Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  15. 1 2 "JOYRIDE (The Remixes) by Kesha on Spotify". Spotify . Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  16. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved July 20, 2024.
  17. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 15, 2024. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  18. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
  19. "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  20. "Kesha Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  21. "Kesha Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 23, 2024.
  22. "JOY RIDE LIMITED EDITION 7" VINYL". Kesha Official Store. Retrieved July 15, 2024.