Potential Breakup Song

Last updated

"Potential Breakup Song"
Potential Breakup Song coverUS.jpg
Single by Aly & AJ
from the album Insomniatic
B-side "Careful with Words"
ReleasedJune 26, 2007
Recorded2006
Genre
Length3:39
Label Hollywood
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Antonina Armato
  • Tim James
Aly & AJ singles chronology
"Greatest Time of Year"
(2006)
"Potential Breakup Song"
(2007)
"Like Whoa"
(2008)
Music video
Potential Breakup Song on YouTube

"Potential Breakup Song" is a song co-written and performed by pop rock duo Aly & AJ and is the first single from their third studio album, Insomniatic . It was released on June 26, 2007, going on to top many video countdowns, and becoming Aly & AJ's most successful single to date. In November 2020, the song saw a resurgence in popularity due to its widespread use on the app TikTok, receiving over 26 million viewers for the month.

Contents

The song was certified platinum by the RIAA for sales over 1,000,000 copies. Time magazine ranked "Potential Breakup Song" the ninth best song of 2007. [2] [3] The song received generally positive reviews from other music critics as well, many praising its lyrical content and its maturity, as well as the "adventurous" synth-based production.

In December 2020, the duo released a re-recording of the song with explicit lyrics.

Background and composition

There are two versions of this song played on the radio. One is the official album version, which is played on mainstream radio, while a version with all of the violence and sexual innuendo removed is played on Radio Disney. In the Radio Disney chorus, when Aly and AJ sing, "gettin' me", the edited version adds a to between gettin' and me. Also, in the spoken word middle-eight, when Aly sings, "without me, you're gonna die," die is replaced with cry.

A departure from the duo's earlier guitar-based sound, "Potential Breakup Song" is primarily a pop song. It makes heavy use of vocal processing effects during the verses; and its lyrical content is, as the title states, about a break-up, mentioning that "our album needs just one".

Release

The single was released on Radio Disney on May 12, 2007, containing the edited lyrics rather than the official version of the single. The song was made available for sale on the US iTunes Store on June 26, 2007, [4] along with a pre-order offer for their second studio album, Insomniatic.

The single was released digitally in the UK on October 1, 2007, followed by a physical CD single release on October 8. The album followed two weeks later on October 22. The song served as the group's second UK single when it was released in October, after their debut UK single, "Chemicals React" failed to chart in the UK in May 2007. Also, the bonus track for the United States Wal-Mart collector's edition "Careful With Words" serves as the B-side of the CD single in the United Kingdom.

After a resurgence in popularity of the song due to widespread use on TikTok, and requests from fans, [5] the duo released a re-recording of the song as a promotional single on December 29, 2020. The new recording has reworked vocals and production, with some changes in the lyrics such as replacing "stupid birthday" with "fucking birthday" that had previously been performed live. The duo dedicated the song to "breaking up" with 2020. [6]

Critical reception

Upon its release, "Potential Breakup Song" has received generally positive reviews from critics. Digital Spy said that, "by Disney Channel standards at least, 'Potential Breakup Song' is fairly adventurous, riding its bassline and tango-inflected rhythm track to a chipper, synth-fueled chorus." [7] The Celebrity Cafe said that the song "has an electronica-like melody to it that is perfect to be played in listeners' dance clubs." [8] Tommy2.Net said that "several tracks [on the Insomniatic album] point toward synth rock by the use of samples, loops and vocal processing including the lead single, 'Potential Breakup Song,' which proves to be a good barometer for the direction they're heading." [9] BBC Music said that they "already introduced 'Potential Breakup Song' on Back of the Sofa Tunes pt.2, after I bullied Steve P into listening to it until the poor lad was quite overcome by its brilliance and subsequently forced to bully Fraser into covering it." [10] Time voted it the ninth best song of the year, describing it as "winking pop that doesn't skimp on the hook ... or the emotion." [1]

Music video

The music video, directed by Chris Applebaum, [11] was shot on May 17, 2007, and was premiered on TRL on June 18, 2007. [12] It debuted at number ten on TRL on August 21, 2007, and peaked at number six on August 28, 2007. [13] On July 18, 2007, the video reached number one on AOL Music's Top 10 Video Countdown.

The video shows Aly and AJ singing the song on a grey set dressed in black, and oftentimes acting like DJ's assembling sets of drum machines. At the end of the video, the black ink floating on the air stains a blank paper, forming the group's new logo, as well as the sequence of letters XOXO. It also includes the web address to PotentialBreakup.com.

In the Disney Channel version of the video, the Radio Disney lyrics are used. The version also does not include the web address at the end. The music video was sometimes shown on Nickelodeon Asia.[ citation needed ]

Chart performance

"Potential Breakup Song" debuted at number 77 on the US Billboard Hot 100 on July 14, 2007. [14] The song peaked at number 17, becoming the group's best performing single on the Hot 100. As the song began to fall down the chart, dropping to number 50 about a month after its peak, it recovered and bounced back up to number 41 after Aly and AJ co-hosted MTV's TRL for one week. [15] As of March 2009, the song has sold over 1,000,000 digital downloads in the United States, enabling it to be certified Platinum by the RIAA.

In the United Kingdom, the single was released to download on October 1, 2007, and debuted at number 33 on the UK Singles Chart. Following the release of the physical CD, the song later peaked at number 22 in Britain.

Uses in pop culture

Track listing

CD single and digital download [16]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Potential Breakup Song (Radio Disney edit)"
  • Alyson Michalka
  • Amanda Michalka
  • Antonina Armato
  • Tim James
3:39
2."Careful with Words"
  • Al. Michalka
  • Am. Michalka
2:20
Total length:5:59

Charts

Sales and certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [28] Silver200,000
United States (RIAA) [29] Platinum1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

DateRegionFormatVersionLabel
May 12, 2007 United States Radio DisneyOriginal Hollywood
June 26, 2007Mainstream radio
Digital download
October 1, 2007 United Kingdom EMI
October 8, 2007CD single
December 29, 2020Various
  • Digital download
  • streaming
  • 7” Vinyl
ExplicitSelf-released

Ami Suzuki version

"Potential Breakup Song"
Potential Breakup Song CD.jpg
Single by Ami Suzuki
from the album Dolce
LanguageJapanese
B-side "Feel the Beat"
ReleasedNovember 28, 2007 (2007-11-28)
Genre
Length3:57
Label Avex Trax
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Sugiurumn
Ami Suzuki singles chronology
"Free Free/Super Music Maker"
(2007)
"Potential Breakup Song"
(2007)
"One"
(2008)
Music video
Potential Breakup Song on YouTube

"Potential Breakup Song" was covered by Japanese singer Ami Suzuki under the label Avex Trax. It was released on November 28, 2007. [30]

The song was used in the Japanese horror film X-Cross, in which Suzuki had a lead role, alongside the original Aly & AJ version. The single was produced by Japanese DJ Sugiurumn and has a stronger club feel than Aly & AJ's version.

In June 2008, it was announced that the single would be Suzuki's final "joins" single.

Track listing

All music is arranged by Sugiurumn.

CD single
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."Potential Breakup Song"
  • Fumihito Morita
  • Ami Suzuki
  • Alyson Michalka
  • Amanda Michalka
  • Antonina Armato
  • Tim James
  • Al. Michalka
  • Am. Michalka
  • Armato
  • James
3:57
2."Feel the Beat"SugiurumnSugiurumn8:18
3."Potential Breakup Song" (Sugiurumn Remix)
  • Morita
  • Suzuki
  • Al. Michalka
  • Am. Michalka
  • Armato
  • James
  • Al. Michalka
  • Am. Michalka
  • Armato
  • James
8:15
4."Potential Breakup Song" (Instrumental)  3:56
Total length:24:27
DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Potential Breakup Song" (Music clip) 

Charts

Oricon Sales Chart (Japan)

ReleaseChartPeak positionFirst week salesTotal sales
November 28, 2007 Oricon Daily Singles Chart164,1515,315
Oricon Weekly Singles Chart34

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do You Believe in Magic (song)</span> 1965 single by the Lovin Spoonful

"Do You Believe in Magic" is a song by American rock band the Lovin' Spoonful, written by John Sebastian in 1965. The single peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1978, Shaun Cassidy reached the Top 40 with his cover version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Underneath It All</span> 2002 single by No Doubt

"Underneath It All" is a song by American ska band No Doubt from their fourth studio album Rock Steady (2001). It was written by the band's lead singer Gwen Stefani and David Stewart. The song features a reggae production from Sly and Robbie and guest vocals from Lady Saw. The song received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics.

<i>Into the Rush</i> 2005 studio album by Aly & AJ

Into the Rush is the debut studio album by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ. The album was released on August 16, 2005, by Disney-owned label Hollywood Records. The album features 14 tracks, including the singles "Rush" and "Do You Believe in Magic". A deluxe edition of the album was released on August 8, 2006, featuring three all new songs, two new mixes of previous songs, and a bonus DVD.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can I Have It Like That</span> 2005 single by Pharrell Williams and Gwen Stefani

"Can I Have It Like That" is a song written, produced, and performed by American musician Pharrell Williams featuring vocals from fellow American singer Gwen Stefani from the former's 2006 debut album In My Mind and it’s the opening track. The song's hook comes from a one-line contribution from Stefani, used as part of a call and response in the chorus. "Can I Have It Like That" was released as the album's lead single October 10, 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aly & AJ</span> American indie pop duo

Aly & AJ is an American pop rock duo consisting of sisters Aly Michalka and AJ Michalka from Torrance, California. They signed with Hollywood Records and in 2005, they released their debut album Into the Rush. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and contained the singles "Rush" and "Chemicals React". They followed this release with the albums Acoustic Hearts of Winter (2006) and Insomniatic (2007). The latter contained the Platinum single "Potential Breakup Song", which was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rush (Aly & AJ song)</span> 2006 single by Aly & AJ

"Rush" is a pop rock song recorded by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ for their debut album Into the Rush. The track was released as their first official single nationwide by their label Hollywood Records, and as the album’s fifth single overall. It was first released to Radio Disney on October 14, 2005 to promote the Disney Channel Original Movie Twitches, but later grew to become extremely popular, which led to a mainstream release on February 28, 2006. It was later released for digital download on July 11, 2006 and on November 25, 2006 in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Knew</span> 2006 single by Pink

"Who Knew" is a song by American singer Pink from her fourth studio album, I'm Not Dead (2006). Written by Pink, Max Martin and Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, the song was originally released on May 8, 2006, by the LaFace label to radio as the album's second single, but was only a moderate success. The song saw more success upon its re-release in the United States in June 2007. Musically, "Who Knew" is a pop song. Lyrically, it regards the loss of a good friend of hers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chemicals React</span> 2006 single by Aly & AJ

"Chemicals React" is a song written and recorded by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, for the deluxe edition reissue of their debut album Into the Rush (2005). The Michalka sisters co-wrote the song with Antonina Armato and Tim James of production duo Rock Mafia, who also produced the track. It was the second mainstream single from Into the Rush and seventh overall single, released to radio by Hollywood Records on June 27, 2006. "Chemicals React" served as the group's debut international release. A re-recorded version of the song was released on July 22, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aly & AJ discography</span>

The discography of Aly & AJ, an American pop rock duo, consists of four studio albums, one video album, two extended plays and compilation albums, 32 singles, 10 music videos and various album appearances. They released their debut studio album Into the Rush on August 17, 2005. The album debuted at number 36 in the United States, selling over 24,000 copies in its first week and was later certified Gold by the RIAA. Into the Rush earned them the "Contemporary Inspirational Artists of the Year" nomination at the 2006 American Music Awards. Into the Rush has sold 839,000 copies in the United States and 1,000,000 worldwide.

<i>Acoustic Hearts of Winter</i> 2006 studio album by Aly & AJ

Acoustic Hearts of Winter is a Christmas album and the second studio album by American pop duo Aly & AJ. The album was released on September 26, 2006 in the United States, via Hollywood Records. The album was conceived as a project after completing the deluxe edition of their debut album, Into the Rush (2005). All production of the album was done by Antonina Armato and Tim James. The majority of songs are cover versions of religious Christmas carols or contemporary classics. Two originals appear on the set, which were written by Aly & AJ with Armato and James. Musically, the album has an instrument-driven acoustic feel, primarily by guitar. It utilizes pop music influences on Christmas music. The album sold 110,000 copies in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greatest Time of Year</span> 2006 single by Aly & AJ

"Greatest Time of Year" is a song from Aly & AJ's Christmas album Acoustic Hearts of Winter. The single was used for The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, similar to the way Hilary Duff's song "Santa Claus Lane" was used for The Santa Clause 2, and the music video also had scenes from the film. The video first aired on October 16, 2006 on the Disney Channel. The single debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do It (Nelly Furtado song)</span> 2007 single by Nelly Furtado

"Do It" is a song by Canadian singer Nelly Furtado from her third studio album, Loose (2006). It was written by Furtado, Danja, and Timbaland, and was also produced by Danja and Timbaland. The song is strongly influenced by 1980s dance music and features sexually suggestive lyrics, in which the song's protagonist asks a lover to satisfy her sexually.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Be Good to Me</span> 2006 single by Ashley Tisdale

"Be Good to Me" is a song recorded by American singer Ashley Tisdale, released in the United States on December 26, 2006 by Warner Bros. Records as the lead single from her debut studio album, Headstrong (2007). It was written by Kara DioGuardi, Joacim Persson and Niclas Molinder, and produced by Twin. The album version features uncredited rap vocals by Swedish musician David Jassy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">With Love (Hilary Duff song)</span> 2007 single by Hilary Duff

"With Love" is a song recorded by American recording artist Hilary Duff for her fourth studio album, Dignity (2007). It was written by Duff and Kara DioGuardi with the song's producers Vada Nobles and Julius "Logic" Diaz. According to Duff, the song is about having a "crazy job" but being kept "sane" by a lover. Musically, "With Love" has a dance-rock guitar throughout its hook while it presents more mature vocals by Duff in contrast to her previous works. The song was released as the second single from Dignity on February 20, 2007, by Hollywood Records.

<i>Insomniatic</i> 2007 studio album by Aly & AJ

Insomniatic is the third studio album by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, released on July 10, 2007 by Hollywood Records. The album features an electronic based sound, differing from their previous pop-rock and acoustic releases, that was accented with the use of synthesizers, sampling, drum programming and vocal processing effects. The lyrical content of the album is centered heavily around heartbreak, which some critics noted for its contrast to the electronic elements presented.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Like Whoa</span> 2008 single by Aly & AJ

"Like Whoa" is a song by American pop rock duo Aly & AJ, written and recorded by the duo for their second studio album, Insomniatic. It is the second and final single from the album, released in 2008. The single release in the UK was cancelled for unknown reasons. It was their final single to be released before departing from Hollywood Records. A re-recorded version of the song was released on May 2, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Me (Aly & AJ song)</span> 2017 single by Aly & AJ

"Take Me" is a song recorded by American music duo Aly & AJ. It was released on August 18, 2017 as the lead single from the duo's debut EP Ten Years (2017). It serves as their first release since their name change from 78Violet to Aly & AJ, as well as their first release as Aly & AJ in ten years. The single was silently released on June 2, 2017, but was taken down quickly after. "Take Me" was penned by the duo, along with Jamie Sierota and Ryan Spraker.

<i>Ten Years</i> (EP) 0000 EP by Aly & AJ

Ten Years is the first extended play (EP) by American pop music duo Aly & AJ. It was released on November 17, 2017. Ten Years serves as their first release in ten years, following the release of their third studio album Insomniatic (2007), which reached number 15 on the Billboard 200. It is additionally their first release since their departure from Hollywood Records in 2010; the record was released on their own label, Aly & AJ Music, LLC.

<i>A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun</i> 2021 studio album by Aly & AJ

A Touch of the Beat Gets You Up on Your Feet Gets You Out and Then Into the Sun is the fourth studio album by American duo Aly & AJ, released on May 7, 2021. The release marks their first studio album in 14 years, following Insomniatic in 2007. The album was produced by Yves Rothman, and each track holds writing credits from both Michalka sisters. Aly & AJ stated that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it did not hinder their writing process, as they felt that they were "born to make" this album. They stated that while making the album, they were influenced by 1960s and 1970s music, and that it would differ from their two previous projects, Ten Years (2017) and Sanctuary (2019), which were influenced by 1980s music. The duo also wanted to capture the music of their home state California, and create a body of work that felt "timeless" to listeners. The result was a pop and pop rock record that draws musical influence from disco, soft rock, and country.

References

  1. 1 2 Tyrangiel, Josh (December 9, 2007). Stengel, Richard (ed.). "Top 10 Songs". Time . ISSN   0040-781X. OCLC   1311479. Archived from the original on March 28, 2010. Retrieved June 12, 2013.
  2. Tyrangiel, Josh; "The Best Top 10 Lists of the Year"; "The 10 Best Songs"; Time magazine; December 24, 2007; Page 39.
  3. Tyrangiel, Josh (December 9, 2007). "Time magazine's Top 10 Songs of 2007 at". Time.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  4. 6/26 Mainstream Archived January 1, 2010, at the Wayback Machine . FMQB.com. Retrieved on July 31, 2007.
  5. "Aly & AJ Came to F––k 2021 Up". Vulture. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  6. "Let's break up with 2020". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  7. "Aly & AJ: 'Potential Breakup Song' - Music Singles Review". Digital Spy. October 8, 2007. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  8. Sari N. Kent (August 16, 2007). "Insomniatic". TheCelebrityCafe.com. Archived from the original on September 29, 2011. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  9. "Tommy2.Net". Tommy2.Net. July 10, 2007. Archived from the original on February 19, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  10. "Chart Blog: Aly & AJ - 'Potential Breakup Song'". BBC. October 4, 2007. Archived from the original on December 20, 2020. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  11. "Potential Breakup Song | Aly & AJ | Music Video". MTV. 2007. Archived from the original on January 16, 2009. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  12. "The TRL Archive - Recap: June 2007 - Classic ATRL". classic.atrl.net. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  13. "The TRL Archive - Recap: August 2007 - Classic ATRL". classic.atrl.net. Archived from the original on May 17, 2018. Retrieved May 16, 2018.
  14. "Potential Breakup Song" Debut Position on the Billboard Hot 100 Archived June 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine . Billboard. Retrieved on August 8, 2007.
  15. "Potential Breakup Song" chart trajectory Archived 2009-07-22 at the Wayback Machine . Aly & AJ Reaction
  16. "Aly & AJ "Potential Breakup Song" Digital download". Musicbrainz.org. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  17. "Aly & AJ Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard.
  18. "Aly & AJ – Chart Search" Billboard European Hot 100 Singles for Aly & AJ. [ dead link ]
  19. "Chart Track: Week 41, 2007". Irish Singles Chart.
  20. "Aly & AJ – Potential Breakup Song" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  21. "Aly & AJ – Potential Breakup Song". VG-lista.
  22. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  23. "Aly & AJ: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company.
  24. "Aly & AJ Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  25. "R&R BDS CHR/Top 40" (PDF). Radio & Records . Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  26. "Pop Rock" (in Spanish). Record Report. December 1, 2007. Archived from the original on July 2, 2007.
  27. "Aly & AJ Chart History (Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  28. "British single certifications – Aly & AJ – Potential Break Up Song". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved June 7, 2022.
  29. "American single certifications – Aly & AJ – Potential Breakup Song". Recording Industry Association of America.
  30. (in Japanese) Hot News|鈴木 亜美(すずき あみ)avex Official WebSite Archived 2008-03-17 at the Wayback Machine

Aly & AJ version

Ami Suzuki version