"Really Don't Like U" (stylised in sentence case) is a song by Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo featuring Kylie Minogue. It was released on 6 September 2019, as the fourth single from Tove's upcoming fourth studio album Sunshine Kitty (2019). The song was written by Tove, Caroline Ailin and its producer Ian Kirkpatrick. "Really Don't Like U" is an electropop song with influences of both ambient pop and synth-pop music, with its lyrics discussing feelings of betrayal and dislike towards the new lover of an ex.
Background and composition[]
"Really Don't Like U" was written by Tove, Caroline Ailin and its producer Ian Kirkpatrick. TOve explained how the song came to fruition, stating that she met Kylie in Hong Kong at an AmfAR event and expressed interest to collaborate on a track. Tove then pitched the song to Kylie, who decided to feature. "Really Don't Like U" was then announced in August 2019, as part of the track list of her fourth upcoming album, Sunshine Kitty. In a press release for the single, Kylie commented that their collaboration "seemingly came out of nowhere" but was the "perfect moment". Tove also stated:
| “ | Even though it’s now out, I still can’t believe Kylie is on [the song]. Kylie and I met last year at an amFAR event in Hong Kong. When she said she wanted to work together, I made a serious mental note! I couldn’t be more thrilled and honored to have someone I love and respect so much on this track. | ” |
The song runs for three minutes and 45 seconds. Music critics have described "Really Don't Like U" as an electropop, ambient pop, and synth-pop song. The "slinky" production is based on a skittering, minimal electronic beat, while the duo sing together on the chorus: "I know I’ve got no right to / I know I’ve got no right to / Really, I just don’t like you". Lyrically, the song discusses the feelings of seeing an ex with another girl at a party.
Release and artwork[]
"Really Don't Like U" was released as the fourth single from Tove' fourth studio album, Sunshine Kitty, by Republic Records on 6 September 2019. The cover art depicts a hand holding glittered handcuffs on a pink silk background, and features a love heart shape containing the singers' logos and various icons.
Critical reception[]
The song has received critical acclaim from music critics. Mike Wass of Idolator said that "Really Don't Like U" is a "shimmery electro-pop bop", praising the song for discussing "a very relatable theme". Emily Zemler of Rolling Stone described the song as an "ambient pop number". She commented that "the pair's airy vocals meld together over the chorus". An editor from Out called the collaboration "pop excellence", stating that the song "deconstructs girl-on-girl hate while still acknowledging that just because we know a behavior is wrong doesn’t mean we can stop doing it." Shaad D'Souza of The Fader called the song "a typically sly, chaotic track from the Swedish pop musician".
Music video[]
The accompanying music video for "Really Don't Like U" was uploaded to Tove's official YouTube channel on 13 September. The video was filmed in London and Prague, and begins with "both women anxiously staying in their apartments to avoid confrontation". Scenes of Tove walking down various streets and Kylie singing the song into a microphone at a bar are later featured, with "karaoke booth-style lyric captions" displayed on screen throughout.
Lyrics[]
Scanning you up and down
See you got curves in all the places that count
Only you in the crowd
He's looking at you and he looks happier now
Why, why, why
Why did I go to this party?
Thought I was done feeling sorry
Knew he'd be here with somebody
Why did it have to be you?
I know I've got no right to
I know I've got no right to
Really, I just don't like you
Look prettier than I do tonight
You make it hard to have a good time
Time, time, time (Yeah, yeah)
I know I've got no right to
I know I've got no right to
Really, I just don't like you
Look prettier than I do tonight
You make it hard to have a good time
Time, time, time
None of it is your fault
And when I hate on you, I'm breaking the code
But you got him, I don't, I don't
Hard to be fair to you when I got my heart broke
Why, why, why
Why did I go to this party?
Thought I was done feeling sorry
Knew he'd be here with somebody
Why did it have to be you?
I know I've got no right to
I know I've got no right to
Really, I just don't like you
Look prettier than I do tonight
You make it hard to have a good time
Time, time, time (Yeah, yeah)
I know I've got no right to
I know I've got no right to
Really, I just don't like you
Look prettier than I do tonight
You make it hard to have a good time
Time, time, time
But I'm gonna try
Till my eyes and these drinks run dry
Till I, I don't feel anything
Oh why, why did I go to this party?
Why did it have to be you?
I know I've got no right to (I know)
I know I've got no right to (I know)
Really I just don't like you
Look prettier than I do tonight (Yeah)
You make it hard to have a good time
Time, time, time (Time, yeah)
I know I've got no right to (Oh)
I know I've got no right to (I know)
Really I just don't like you
Look prettier than I do tonight
You make it hard to have a good time
Time, time, time
Wish it wasn't real, girl
You know how I feel, mmm
Wish it wasn't real, girl
But you know how I feel
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