Joyride (Kesha song)

"Joyride" is a song by American singer and songwriter Kesha. It was released on July 4, 2024, by her own self-titled record label as the lead single from her upcoming sixth studio album. An official lyric video was released on the same day. The song marks Kesha's first release since departing from RCA and Kemosabe Records. The single was written by Kesha, Madison Love, and Zhone, who also produced the song.

"Joyride" debuted at number 88 on the UK Singles Chart, which marked her first solo entry since "Praying" (2017).

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. 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. She signed with a new management team, Crush Music in late February 2024. In an interview with V Magazine, Kesha had hinted about music saying there is a day marked when she is free to release music.

Kesha announced the single on June 29, 2024 with a teaser video. She initially teased a lyric, "GET IN LOSER" with a photo on social media teasing the song's title and release date. The singer was seen sporting red vinyl and sheer looks. The single was released by Kesha's self-titled label, Kesha Records published through Warner Chappell Music. The song marks Kesha's first release since departing from RCA and Kemosabe Records, as well as her first release as an independent artist. Kesha unveiled the song four days before its release in Brooklyn at Planet Pride.

Composition
"Joyride" runs a total of two minutes and thirty seconds, and is described as an electropop and EDM track. The song is a "bold" celebration composition with hyperpop and polka influences utilizing accordions, heavy synths, and modulated vocals. The song sees the return of Kesha's "talk-singing" style, reminiscent of her earlier works. Lyrically, Kesha uses metaphors comparing driving cars to self-love and self-empowerment.

Critical reception
"Joyride" received positive reviews from critics and publications. Zoe Guy of Vulture called the song a "banger" that is perfectly in sync with summer. Tomás Mier of Rolling Stone called the song "delightfully campy" with a taste of a "carefree Kesha summer". Variety echoed Guy's sentiments, describing the song as an "electro-banger" perfectly timed for the summer, as well as a callback to her earlier hits such as "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R".

Track listing
Digital download and streaming
 * 1) "Joyride" – 2:30

Digital download and streaming – EP
 * 1) "Joyride" – 2:30
 * 2) "Joyride" (radio edit) – 2:30
 * 3) "Joyride" (instrumental) – 2:28
 * 4) "Joyride" (acapella) – 2:22