"Tears" is a song recorded by South African singer Tyla. It was released on 20 November 2024 by FAX and Epic Records. "Tears" was written by Tyla, Theron Thomas, Michael Pollack, Livvi Franc and its producers Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen of Stargate. The acoustic folk ballad focuses on Tyla connecting with her inner empath and was recorded in 2024 in collaboration with Coca Cola's Coke Studio.[1] A video for the Coke Studio Session of the song premiered the same day.[2] The song was referred to by Jon Pareles of The New York Times as a departure from her signature amapiano-R&B sound.
| "Tears" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Tyla | ||||
| Released | 20 November 2024 | |||
| Recorded | 2024 | |||
| Genre | Folk | |||
| Length | 2:30 | |||
| Label |
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| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | Stargate | |||
| Tyla singles chronology | ||||
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| Promotional video | ||||
| ""Tears" Coke Studio Session" on YouTube | ||||
Background, composition and promotion
edit
Speaking to Nylon, Tyla explained the song came about after songwriter Michael Pollack started strumming a beat on the guitar, Stargate then added production. She also claimed she had co-written the song for her studio album Tyla but did not think it would fit on it as the contemporary folk track deviates from her signature amapiano pop-R&B sound.[3][4] She exclaimed she was so happy to finally release it in partnership with Coke Studio.[5] The song is a sentimental ballad with an acoustic riff. Tyla stated, "it's centered around love and seeing someone you love go through something, and you take all that on yourself. It’s a really important message".[1]
Josh Burke, Coca Cola's Global Head of Music and Marketing stated that Tyla’s uplifting sound and worldwide influence perfectly captured the essence of Coke Studio and that he was excited for people to hear her single, ‘Tears', she'd be releasing in partnership with them. To promote the song, a Coke Studio session in partnership with Coca Cola's Coke Studio was released the same day as the single on 20 November 2024. The video, described as calming and relaxing features Tyla surrounded by three other female vocalists with comforting visuals, allowing viewers to resonate deeper with the song's heartfelt lyrics.[2][6][7][8]
Critical reception
editThe New York Times's Jon Parales referred to "Tears" as a compassionate folk ballad featuring an acoustic guitar that deviates from her amapiano and R&B material.[3] Heran Mamo of Billboard described it as an acoustic driven tune for anyone that needs a "shoulder to cry on".[2] Uproxx's Derrick Rossignol expressed it as Tyla taking on a loved one's burden, while Mbali Mbatha of City Press cited it as a refreshing track which showcases her vocal versatility. [9][10]
Credits and personnel
editCredits are adapted from the digital liner notes.[11]
- Musicians
- Tyla – lead vocals, performer, songwriter
- Divine Lightbody – background vocals, arranger
- Mikkel S. Erksen – songwriter
- Tor Erik Hermansen – songwriter
- Michael Pollack – songwriter
- Theron Thomas – songwriter
- Livvi Franc – songwriter
- Matthew Burnett – arranger
- Stargate – producer
- Technical
- Oscar Cornejo – recording, mixing and mastering engineer
Release history
edit| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 20 November 2024 |
|
[12][2] |
References
edit- ^ a b "Tyla On Her Tigers & Her New Song "Tears"". Nylon. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ a b c d Mamo, Heran (20 November 2024). "Tyla Drops Acoustic-Guitar Driven Ballad 'Tears': Listen to the New Single". Billboard. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
- ^ a b Pareles, Jon. "Jack Harlow Expands His Romantic Options, and 7 More New Songs". The New York Times.
- ^ "New Video: Tyla - 'Tears' - That Grape Juice". thatgrapejuice.net. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Global Superstar Tyla Returns to Her Roots with Emotional New Track "Tears"". Yahoo Entertainment. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ Davis, Zaria (20 November 2024). "Global Superstar Tyla Returns to Her Roots with Emotional New Track "Tears"". Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Tyla Unveils New Single "Tears" for COKE STUDIO™ 2024 Ahead of Live Performance in Johannesburg – EU – AFRICA Chamber of Commerce". eu-africa-chamber.org. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Tyla Unveils New Single "Tears" for COKE STUDIO™ 2024 Ahead of Live Performance in Johannesburg – Africa.com". www.africa.com. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "Tyla Wants To Take Your 'Tears' On Her New Acoustic Song". UPROXX. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
- ^ "'Pretty girl from Joburg' Tyla is nowhere near done, and latest single Tears proves it". News24. 21 November 2024.
- ^ "Tears by Tyla on Apple Music", Apple Music, FAX, Epic Records and Sony Music, 20 November 2024, archived from the original on 20 November 2024, retrieved 20 November 2024
- ^ Sithathu, Nomathamsanqa (14 November 2024). "Get ready for Tyla's new single 'Tears', a fresh sound coming November 20". Independent Online. Archived from the original on 20 November 2024. Retrieved 20 November 2024.