"JOYRIDE" is a song by Kesha. The song serves as the lead single of her upcoming sixth studio album. It was released on July 4, 2024 through her own record label, Kesha Records, published through Warner-Chappell publishing company. An official lyric video was released on the same day.
On July 11, Kesha confirmed she is working on a music video. The music video was eventually released on November 20th.
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 shared that she has been writing new music and stated, "There is a day marked on my calendar when I am free to release music."
On June 29, 2024, Kesha posted a photo on her social media teasing the song's title and release date. Hours later, she officially announced the single's release through her self-titled record label, Kesha Records. The single marks Kesha's first release since fulfilling her contract with RCA and Kemosabe Records.[4] Before the song's release, the singer played the song in Brooklyn, NY at Planet Pride on June 30, 2024.
She released an EP containing a radio edit of the single, as well as the instrumental and acapella, on July 19, 2024.
Official versions[]
- Official - 2:30
- Radio edit - 2:30
- Instrumental - 2:28
- Acapella - 2:22
- Extended - 4:25
- Revved Up Remix - 2:04
- Slowed - 2:59
- Sped Up - 2:08
Composition and lyrics[]
The song has been described as an "aggressive", electro, "self-love" anthem, celebrating Kesha's independence since leaving her previous record labels. "JOYRIDE" utilizes accordians throughout the track.[5][6]
Music video[]
| Music video | Information | |
|---|---|---|
|
Released | November 20, 2024 |
| Length | 3:13 | |
| Director | Lauren Gorun, Dimitri Basil, Cooper Roussel, & Kesha | |
| Producer | Ellie Loarca & Kesha Records | |
| Filmed | 2024 | |
| Location | ||
| Vevo views | ||
On November 19, 2024, Kesha announced the official music video on her social medias. The video was released the following day. The video released at 9:30 pm CST. Alongside Kesha starring as Mother, the video stars Marc Hertle as Yippie & the Kiyays, Anna Malygon as Sadie the Stabler & the Crazyboys, Neil Stephens as Rowdy Ricky & the Red Flags, and Mike O'Hearn as Derk Delusional the One to Outrun.
The video starts off with Kesha leaving prison, with her release being announced on the radio which alludes to her recent "freedom", with the completion of her contract with RCA and Kemosabe Records, as well as the recent lawsuit settlement with Dr. Luke. The video then proceeds to show a Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill inspired car chase, with Kesha being pursued by a helicopter and multiple assassins shooting at her.
At the end of the video, a link to Kesha's next single, "Delusional" shows up during the credits.
Accolades[]
| Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exclaim! | 20 Best Songs of 2024 | ||
| Rolling Stone | 100 Best Songs of 2024 |
Lyrics[]
Are you a man? 'Cause I'm a bitch
I'm already rich, just looking for that mmm
This party sucks, I'm 'bout to ditch
Don't, don't, don't, don't even try to gi-give me shit
I've earned the right to b-be like this
Oh, you say you love me?
That's funny, well, so do I
I'm just looking for a joyride, joyride
I'm just looking for a good time tonight
Baby, I want you to
Rev my engine 'til you make it purr
Keep it kinky, but I come first
Beep-beep, bitch, I'm outside
Get in, loser, for the joyride
Makin' every motherfucker turn
Fell from heaven, no, it didn't hurt
Beep-beep, best night of your life
Get in, loser, for the joyride
Joyride
Get in, loser, for the joyride
Keep your eyes on the road
Label whore but I'm bored of wearing clothes
You want kids? Well, I am mother
Don't, don't, don't, don't even try to gi-give me shit
I've earned the right to b-be like this
Joyride, joyride
I'm just looking for a good time tonight
Baby, I want you to
Rev my engine 'til you make it purr
Keep it kinky, but I come first
Beep-beep, bitch, I'm outside
Get in, loser, for the joyride
Makin' every motherfucker turn
Fell from heaven, no, it didn't hurt
Beep-beep, best night of your life
Get in, loser, for the joyride
Don't even, don't give me shit
Don't even, even, 'cause I'm a bitch
Don't even, don't give me shit
I'm a bih, I'm a bitch
Don't even, don't give me shit
Don't even, even, 'cause I'm a bitch
Don't even, don't, don't even, don't, don't even
I'm a bih, I'm a bitch
Joy-joy-joy
Joyride
Joy-joy-joy
Get in, loser, for the joyride
Trivia[]
- This is Kesha's first single released through Kesha Records.
Videos[]
References[]
- ↑ Kesha and Dr. Luke Settle Legal Battle Ahead of Trial
- ↑ Kesha Parts Ways With Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Label, RCA Records and Vector Management
- ↑ Kesha Signs With Crush Management
- ↑ Kesha Teases ‘Joy Ride,’ Which Arrives on Independence Day
- ↑ Kesha to Release New Single ‘JOYRIDE’ on July 4
- ↑ @Popbanghugh on Twitter
- ↑ Exclaim!'s 20 Best Songs of 2024
- ↑ The 100 Best Songs of 2024