Teardrops (Liam Payne song)

"Teardrops" is a song by English singer Liam Payne, released on 1 March 2024, via Capitol and Hampton Records. It was released as the lead single from his upcoming second studio album. The song was written by Liam Payne, JC Chasez and Jamie Scott. It is Payne's first single in three years since "Sunshine", released in 2021.

Background
On 3 February 2024, Payne announced via social media that he would be releasing his new single "Teardrops", on 1 March. In his newsletter, Payne wrote that it is, "a song that is born from many tears. Some are mine. Others are not." He also stated that the track is about "the vulnerability of heartbreak and the challenge of overcoming those moments."

A lyric video for "Teardrops" premiered via YouTube on 1 March 2024.

Composition
"Teardrops" was written by Liam Payne, JC Chasez and Jamie Scott, while production was handled by Martin Hannah, Daniel Bryer and Scott. The song has been described as late-90s sounding, blending rhythmic pop and R&B with a twinkling guitar on its "booming pop production." Co-writer Jamie Scott described writing the track as a "year long process of self-reflection."

Critical reception
A positive review came from Hannah Sinclair of Clash. She praised Payne's vocals, as well as the catchy lyrics that "resonate with listeners going through similar emotions and pain." She also felt that the track had "more intimate feeling" compared to previous tracks from his first album. She ended the review stating, "The single shows a subtle change in direction which will speak to people far beyond his original fanbase. Polished and defined, Liam Payne is truly developing his solo voice, while maturing as a songwriting." However, Sydney Brasil of Exclaim! gave a negative review calling the track bland and how it "sounds exactly like a song from an ex-boyband member. She also added, "The Justin Timberlake-goes-R&B safety net is always waiting for you after you sacrifice your teen years to late capitalism."

Personnel
Musicians
 * Liam Payne – vocals

Additional musicians
 * JC Chasez – backing vocals
 * Jamie Scott – backing vocals, keyboards, percussion
 * Daniel Bryer – backing vocals, keyboards, percussion
 * Martin Hannah – guitar

Production
 * Martin Hannah – producer, programming, recording engineer
 * Jamie Scott – producer, programming
 * Daniel Bryer – producer, programming
 * Jonny Coffer – programming
 * Cameron Gower Poole – vocal producer, recording engineer
 * Trey Station – assistant mixing engineer
 * Anthony Vilchis – assistant mixing engineer
 * Zach Pereyra – mastering, assistant mixing engineer
 * Manny Marroquin – mixing