New Rules
A breakup anthem where Dua Lipa sets three rules to resist getting back with an ex, driven by electropop and tropical house production.
"New Rules" is a song by English singer Dua Lipa from her eponymous debut studio album (2017). The song was written by Caroline Ailin, Emily Warren, and Ian Kirkpatrick, who also handled the production. It was released through Warner Bros. Records for digital download and streaming on 7 July 2017 as the album's seventh single. Musically, it is an electropop and tropical house track with an EDM production that includes dance-pop beats and dancehall rhythms. The lyrics see Lipa giving herself a set of rules in order to get over a former boyfriend. Lipa stated that it was the breakup song that she wished she had when she was breaking up with someone.
- Character
- Dua Lipa
- First Appears
- Debut Album: Dua Lipa (2017)
- Status
- Global Hit / Signature Song
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The song was originally written by Caroline Ailin, Emily Warren, and producer Ian Kirkpatrick during a writing camp for English girl band Little Mix. According to Warren, the lyrics were inspired by Ailin's struggles with the temptation of getting back together with a former boyfriend. The song was passed down by a few artists, including one who thought it did not have a notable hook. In January 2017, Dua Lipa announced she was postponing her debut album to record more songs. After traveling to Los Angeles, Kirkpatrick played her "New Rules" and she recorded it. Lipa stated that despite not writing it, she felt so close to the writers that she felt it was written with her in mind, and that when she performs it, it becomes hers.
In Their Own Story
The music video for "New Rules" was directed by Henry Scholfield and takes place at the Confidante Hotel in Miami. It features Lipa staying at a hotel room with her friends, who prevent her from getting back together with her former boyfriend. The video was met with critical acclaim, some of whom commended its themes of female empowerment. It made Lipa the youngest female artist with a video to surpass one billion views on YouTube. The video was nominated for British Music Video of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards and Best Choreography at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.
Reader's Guide
Commercially, the song became Lipa's first number one single on the UK Singles Chart and reached that position in five other territories. As of March 2021 it is the most streamed song by a British female in the UK and it broke the record for the most weeks on the US Mainstream Top 40 chart. It was the second-most played song of the 2010s decade on the format. It became Lipa's first top 10 entry on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 6. The song is certified multi-platinum in 13 territories, including sextuple platinum in the UK and diamond in Canada, France, and Poland. The song's commercial success has been attributed to the popularity of its music video. Lipa promoted the song with performances at the 2017 BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards, 2018 Brit Awards and 2018 Billboard Music Awards. Remixes by Alison Wonderland, Kream and SG Lewis were released for further promotion.
Did You Know?
- The song was originally written for Little Mix but was passed down by several artists, including one who thought it did not have a notable hook.
- The music video made Dua Lipa the youngest female artist with a video to surpass one billion views on YouTube.
- As of March 2021, it is the most streamed song by a British female in the UK.
- The song broke the record for the most weeks on the US Mainstream Top 40 chart.
- The lyrics were inspired by co-writer Caroline Ailin's struggles with the temptation of getting back together with a former boyfriend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which album features the track New Rules?
This defining single appears on the artist's self-titled debut studio record released in 2017.
What message do the lyrics convey to listeners?
The track serves as an empowering anthem encouraging listeners to establish boundaries within their romantic relationships.
How did New Rules impact Dua Lipa's musical style?
It marked a significant shift in sound by blending pop with a grittier, disco-inspired house vibe.
When was the song officially released as a single?
New Rules debuted as the third single from her debut album and quickly became a signature track.
Why is this song considered a career milestone?
The record propelled the artist to worldwide fame and remains one of her most recognized hits.
More in Discography & Albums
Elsewhere in the Dua Lipa universe
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