"Rock Bottom" is a song by American actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld, featuring a guest appearance from American band DNCE. It was released on February 26, 2016, through Republic Records and Universal Music Group, as the second single from Steinfeld's debut extended play, Haiz (2015).[1][2] In the song, she sings alongside Joe Jonas, the lead singer of DNCE. The song was written by producers Mattias Larsson and Robin Fredriksson (Mattman & Robin), Justin Tranter, and Julia Michaels.[3]
Background
In an interview with People's Jeff Nelson, Steinfeld said "[Rock Bottom] epitomizes me in every damn relationship. I've experienced that relationship in its entirety. I do feel like there are some songs that really represent a relationship for a relationship, and then when you hear it, you think about that specific relationship, and I have that when I hear 'Rock Bottom'."[4]
Critical reception
Access Hollywood deemed the song "a stylistic, upbeat jam full of swagger and soul."[5] Jeff Nelson of People said "a poppy, effervescent jam, 'Rock Bottom' chronicles the highs and lows of young love that keep a couple 'coming back for more'."[4] Mike Wass of Idolator called "Rock Bottom" "the best song on the EP."[6]
Release
In the weeks prior to Haiz's release, "Hell Nos and Headphones" was being touted as the EP's second single, but "You're Such A" was chosen instead, and was set to impact Top 40 radio on February 9, 2016.[5][7] However, the release of "You're Such A" was scrapped in favor of the new version of "Rock Bottom" featuring DNCE.[1][2]
Music video
The music video for the song, directed by Malia James, was released on March 25, 2016.[8]Rolling Stone's Brittany Spanos described the music video: "In the clip, Steinfeld struggles with a tumultuous relationship. The singer and her boyfriend, played by model John Economou, shift dramatically between fighting and joking around, which culminates at a show Steinfeld performs at with DNCE. Economou walks out during the performance, and a distraught Steinfeld leaves to find him, where they kiss and make up."[9]
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 15. týden 2016 in the date selector. Retrieved September 9, 2016.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201616 into search. Retrieved September 9, 2016.