Ruben, As Long as I Break Your Heart | Track Review🎵

Norwegian pop artist Ruben delivers a beautiful, expressive & nuanced vocal on stripped, heartbroken single, “As Long as I Break Your Heart.”

“As long as I break your heart / I don’t care how I do it, as long as I go through with it.” Phew, that sounds totally mean, selfish, and vindictive – a total asshole move.  Reading the lyrics from “As Long as I Break Your Heart” without hearing Norwegian artist actually Ruben sing them may lead you to believe he’s a bad person.  That’s certainly not the case when you hear him sing with the most gorgeous tone of voice, exhibiting utmost expressiveness and vulnerability on this stripped ballad.

Of course, backtrack from the aforementioned chorus filled with Ruben’s retaliation, and the listener gets more context on why he’s searching for atoning schadenfreude if you will.  On the first verse, he makes reference to his lover’s bad ego, expounding on it on following pre-chorus:

“You did everything to lift yourself up
But I know you’re just dirty beneath your makeup
So, I’ma do my best to stir some shit up
Goin’ all dramatic with no safe zone.”

Oh snap! On the brief second verse, Ruben plays mind games – gets psychological about how he wants her to feel about him.  “See I want you to worry,” he sings, continuing, “About if I’m un-lonely.” Of course, he concludes this guitar-accompanied gem with an extended version of the chorus, again, stating his heartbreaking intentions.  Safe to say, he does a damn good job of “stirring shit up.”

Final Thoughts

If Ruben Markussen hasn’t entered into your life prior to “As Long as I Break Your Heart,” well, now is the time to embrace this talented musician.  “As Long as I Break Your Heart” is a terrific record, period.  The vocals are sensational, the songwriting is thoughtful, and the stripped production is perfectly suited for such a heartbroken affair.  All in all, this is a must-hear pop record.

Ruben • “As Long as I Break Your Heart” – Single • Plexus / Universal Music AS, Norway • Release: 12.27.19

Photo Credit(s): Plexus / Universal Music AS, Norway