Teardrops (Liam Payne song)

"Teadrops" 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.

"Teardrops"
Single by Liam Payne
Released	1 March 2024 (2024-03-01)
Genre	R&B^[1]
Length	2:44
Label	Capitol Hampton
Songwriter(s)	Liam Payne JC Chasez Jamie Scott
Producer(s)	Martin Hannah Daniel Bryer Scott
Liam Payne singles chronology
"Sunshine" (2021) "Teardrops" (2024)
Music video
"Teardrops" (lyric video) on YouTube

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 lyrics 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

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Clash	8/10^[11]

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.^[11] 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."^[11] 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]

Track listing

Digital download

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Teardrops"	2:54

Digital download – acoustic^[12]

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Teardrops" (acoustic)	3:06

7" Vinyl

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Teardrops"	2:54
2.	"Teardrops" (acoustic)	3:06

Personnel

Musicians Liam Payne – vocals Additional musicians JC Chasez – backing vocals Jamie Scott – backing vocals, keyboards, percussion Daniel Bryer – backing vocals, keyboards, percussion Martin Hannah – guitar

Production Martin Hannah – producer, programming, recording engineer Jamie Scott – producer, programming Daniel Bryer – producer, programming Jonny Coffer – programming Cameron Gower Poole – vocal producer, recording engineer Trey Station – assistant mixing engineer Anthony Vilchis – assistant mixing engineer Zach Pereyra – mastering, assistant mixing engineer Manny Marroquin – mixing

Charts

Chart performance for "Teardrops"

Chart (2024)	Peak position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)^[13]	31
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)^[14]	44

Release history

"Teardrops" release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
Various	1 March 2024	Digital download streaming	Capitol Hampton	^[15]
Italy		Radio airplay	Universal	^[16]
Various	28 March 2024	Digital download streaming	Capitol Hampton	^[12]
United Kingdom	24 May 2024	Vinyl	EMI	^[17]

References

1. Sydney Brasil (1 March 2024). "Liam Payne's "Teardrops" Are Just Crocodile Tears". Exclaim!. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
2. Sam Taylor (1 March 2024). "Liam Payne Is Kicking Off a New Era With Heartbreak Single 'Teardrops'". Readdork. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
3. "Liam Payne presents 'Teardrops', the introductory letter of his second album". WECB.fm. 2 March 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
4. "Liam Payne reveals the date and title of his new single: 'Teardrops'". WECB.fm. 3 February 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
5. Brenton Blanchet (1 March 2024). "Liam Payne Shares New Single 'Teardrops' — Written Alongside *NSYNC's JC Chasez!". People. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
6. "Liam Payne - Teardrops (Lyric Video)". YouTube. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
7. "Teardrops - Single by Liam Payne". Spotify. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
8. Jon Blisten (1 March 2024). "1D Meets 'NSync as Liam Payne, JC Chasez Team Up for New Song 'Teardrops'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
9. Liberty Dunworth (1 March 2024). "Liam Payne announces his return with new single 'Teardrops'". NME. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
10. Nick Reilly (1 March 2024). "Liam Payne shares comeback single 'Teardrops'". Rolling Stone UK. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
11. Hannah Sinclair (1 March 2024). "First Take: Liam Payne – Teardrops". Clash. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
12. "Teardrops (Acoustic) - Single by Liam Payne". Apple Music. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
13. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 11 March 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
14. "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
15. "Teardrops - Single by Liam Payne". Apple Music. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
16. Dario Bellone (1 March 2024). "Liam Payne - Teardrops (Radio Date: 01-03-2024)". EarOne (in Italian). Retrieved 3 April 2024.
17. "Teardrops 7" Vinyl Liam Payne". liampayneofficial.com. Retrieved 3 April 2024.