Anne-Marie, Birthday | Track Review 🎵

No, “Birthday” won’t change your life, but Anne-Marie is certainly liberated and relatable on the tongue-n-cheek pop single.

One could argue that British pop singer Anne-Marie took a “L” when she dropped the single, “FRIENDS” (with Marshmello) back in 2018.  The song, all about being in the friend zone, appeared on her debut album, Speak Your Mind, and received its fair share of… um… grief.  Moving beyond “FRIENDS,” Anne-Marie didn’t do too shabby when she collaborated with lauv on “fuck, I’m lonely”, so that’s a win.  But, instead of focusing on past songs, what about her first single of 2020, “Birthday”?

“I’m another year older / I won’t cry about you anymore.” Okay! First and foremost, from Anne-Marie’s perspective, “Birthday” is all about liberation.  This is best exemplified on the big, carefree, and silly but totally memorable chorus:

It’s my birthday
I’ma do what I like
I’ma eat what I like
I’ma kiss who I like
…Goddamn, it’s my birthday
Everybody love me
…Look at me, give me money
Damn, it’s my birthday.”

Listening to the chorus, as well as reading through the lyrics, how can you not feel the liberation? That liberation also includes totally forgetting about an ex – “Whatever I can do to get my mind off you.”  That concept is nothing new, but for what it is – a truly, tongue-in-cheek pop record – it’s effective.  Anne-Marie co-wrote this joint with Delacey, Keith Sorrells, and Warren Okay Felder (Oak), who serves as producer as well.

Final Thoughts 

So, I reprise the question – or formerly phrase it.  How does Anne-Marie’s first single of 2020, “Birthday,” stack up? All in all, it’s an enjoyable and fun pop single.  It’s not deep or the least bit transcendent, but you can’t knock the British pop star from moving on from her ex, can you.  Furthermore, it’s her birthday!

Anne-Marie • “Birthday” – Single • Warner • Release: 2.7.20

Photo Credit: Warner