Make Me (Cry)

"Make Me (Cry)"
Single by Noah Cyrus featuring Labrinth
Released	November 15, 2016 (2016-11-15)
Format	Digital download
Genre	Electropop[1]
Length	4:02
Label	RECORDS
Writer(s)	Noah Cyrus Labrinth
Producer(s)	Labrinth
Labrinth singles chronology "Higher" (2015) "Make Me (Cry)" (2016) Music video "Make Me (Cry)" on YouTube

"Make Me (Cry)" is the debut single recorded by American actress and singer Noah Cyrus. It features vocals from English producer, singer, and songwriter Labrinth, and was released on November 15, 2016.^[2] The song was written by Cyrus and Labrinth, with the production being handled by the latter.^[3]

Background

In an interview with V, Cyrus said about the song: "It was really conversational. Lab[rinth] had a chorus, and then we started just going back and forth writing lyrics together. It turned into being about a toxic love and that's when I was like, 'Lab, there's no way I'm doing this without you.' It was so organic, and I think that shows in the video, because it's very real. I think it's cool because they're asleep the whole time and you're trying to get into this person and they're just not listening to you. The video really explains the song."^[3]

Critical reception

Inquisitr's Patricia Ramirez said the song "is considerably darker and more angst-filled than Miley Cyrus' early work, but listeners will definitely detect a similarity in the voices of the Cyrus sisters" as well as stating "16-year-old Noah touches on the heart wrenching emotions of a difficult breakup with a poignancy far beyond her years."^[4] PopCrush labeled it "an electronic pop lament for a relationship that's too addicting to leave for good."^[1] Teen Vogue's De Elizabeth dubbed it a "gut-wrenching power-ballad that will resonate with anyone who has suffered a broken heart" and went on to say that "the song seems to reinforce the idea that sometimes you can be lonely even when you're in a relationship, and that being with someone can sometimes create more pain than being alone."^[5] Deepa Lakshmin of MTV claimed Noah's vocals "sound awfully similar to Miley's circa 2008. [Make Me (Cry)] is a song about love that's anything but easy," as well as calling it an "emotional duet" and "the perfect breakup song."^[6] E! Online's Kendall Fisher said the song is "way more different than most artist's first, pop inspired hit—including Miley's—as it follows a slower beat with a theme relating to toxic love and heartbreak."^[7] Ian David Monroe of V stated "while Cyrus may be young, the track itself feels anything but, with emotionally mature lyrics and an entirely adult sound. It is an impressive start for an artist with plenty of potential, and lays the groundwork for a career to launch in any direction she chooses. With powerhouse vocals and a strong vision (attributes that seem to run in the family), Noah Cyrus may just have the music world at her fingertips."^[3]

Music video

A music video for the song, directed by Sophie Muller was released on November 22, 2016.^[8] De Elizabeth of Teen Vogue described the music video: "The video depicts the two singers waking up in their respective beds with their partners who are seemingly disinterested in their affection. In alternating shots, we see Noah's sadness, and then Labrinth's, and back again, as they sing about their significant others. As the song reaches it's climax, the video goes into a split-screen so we can see Noah and Labrinth at the same time - and their raging around the apartment will give you major 'Wrecking Ball' vibes. The video ends in silence as Noah and Labrinth walk across their apartments, sitting down wordlessly."^[5]

Charts

Release history

References