Ellie Goulding, ‘Hate Me’ | Track Review

In preparation for her long-awaited new album, English pop star Ellie Goulding drops  and enjoyable single, “Hate Me,” assisted by rapper Juice WRLD.

Four years.  That’s how long it has been since English pop artist Ellie Goulding released an album, specifically, Delirium (2015).  Delirium had some surefire bops including a reprisal of the Grammy-nominated “Love Me Like You Do” from the risqué film, Fifty Shades of Grey. After a long wait, a new album is on the way, and the song at hand, “Hate Me,” serves as the fourth single.  “Hate Me” features no shortage of songwriters (eight), including co-writes from Goulding and featured guest Juice WRLD.  Jason Evigan and The Monsters & Strangerz handle the production work.

“Hate me, hate me, still tryna replace me / Chase me, chase me, tell me how you hate me / Erase me, ‘rase me, wish you never dated me / Lies, tell me lies, baby, tell me how you hate me.” Sigh, Ellie Goulding performs the simplistic, corny, though catchy chorus abruptly at the beginning of the record.  It’s pretty self-explanatory… She goes on to perform the first verse, pre-chorus, and of course, the chorus once more.  Notably, on the pre-chorus, she references the idea of “It’s a thin line between all the love and hate…” Juice WRLD performs the second verse in all his emo-rap sensibilities, showcasing a nice flow that perfectly suits the record:

“Hate me, hate me, tell me how you hate me

Tell me how I’m trash and you could easily replace me

Tell me that I’m strung out, wasted on the daily

Prolly ‘cause there’s no one around me numbin’ all my pain…”

Honestly, that’s about the size of it.  It’s not deep, but effective.

Final Thoughts 

No need to write an extended essay or book about “Hate Me.”  Ellie Goulding delivers an enjoyable record overall. It’s well-produced, catchy, and charming enough.  The guest spot from Juice WRLD contributes to the success when it’s all said and done.  Will it change your life? Absolutely not, but, it is nice to hear Goulding back strong in the pop game.

Ellie Goulding • Hate Me (with Juice WRLD) [Single] • Polydor • Release: 6.26.19

Photo Credit: Polydor