Little Mix have found the perfect way to celebrate their historic win at the BRIT Awards — they’ve only gone and released a new track with David Guetta and Galantis! As can be expected from their collaborators, “Heartbreak Anthem” is an absolute dance-pop banger.
The feature has been a long time in the making, with Galantis noting in a press release that they’ve been working on the track for over a year. The wait has surely paid off, especially now that it’s not inconceivable that we’ll find ourselves returning to clubs in the summer — something we’ve sorely missed this past year. In a way, the sound feels a little bit nostalgic, reminiscent of the mega rave-hits in the early 2010s. As a result, it’s incredibly easy to bop along from the first listen. Starting with some strings and piano, the song builds slowly with some bright synths, swelling into a massive chorus that immediately makes you want to dance and clap along.
Contrary to what the title may suggest, “Heartbreak Anthem” isn’t sad at all. If anything, it’s a track that’ll encourage you to dance through the tears and heartache. “This ain’t a heartbreak anthem / I don’t care what happens, but I ain’t got no time to dwell on it,” Perrie Edwards croons in the pre-chorus, using more twang in her voice than she usually does in Little Mix’s own records.
The free-spirited take on liberating yourself from a past relationship is a slightly different tune than the one Little Mix took in their smash hit “Shout Out to My Ex.” In fact, Jade Thirlwall even starts off the song saying, “Hello, it’s me your ex / I called to say not sorry, but I wish you the best.” Rather than a diss track (although it is undoubtedly one of the best out there for when the mood strikes), “Heartbreak Anthem” is one of embracing the past and understanding things don’t always go the way you’d like them to. Like Leigh-Anne Pinnock belts out in the verses, “Sometimes it works out, sometimes it don’t / maybe we’ll fix this, maybe we won’t.”
While the song was partly recorded prior to Jesy Nelson’s departure, it’s somewhat fitting that “Heartbreak Anthem” is released now. A triumphant song that promises no grudges but compassion for people’s roads diverging — reflecting the band and their fans’ perspectives.
Accompanied by a video that depicts the trio as glamorous, glittery angels, it feels a little bit like redemption, and a lot like another guaranteed hit.