Want U Back

"Want U Back" is a song by English singer Cher Lloyd from her debut studio album, Sticks and Stones (2011). It was released as the third single from the album on 3 February 2012, and it was released as the lead single from the US version of the album on 22 May 2012. The UK single release features guest vocals from The X Factor US contestant Astro. In the United States, the song was released as a solo single, without Astro's verses. Its remix features Snoop Dogg. The song was written by Savan Kotecha and Shellback, with production being handled by the latter. Musically, "Want U Back" is a pop song, with elements of bubblegum and synth-pop, while lyrically the song is about a girl who's jealous of her ex-boyfriend's new relationship, and tries to sabotage the new relationship. The song received acclaim from most music critics, some praised her sassy attitude on the song and labelled it "infectious". There are two videos for the song: the UK version and the US version. The UK video features Lloyd traipsing through old photographs with her former beau and some with his new girlfriend and wreaking havoc on the happy couple, while the US version features Lloyd at a diner (Cadillac Jack's) wreaking havoc on her ex's new girlfriend. The song reached number three on the New Zealand Singles Chart, number 11 on the Canadian Hot 100, number 18 on the Irish Singles Chart and number 25 on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, the song peaked at number nine on Billboards Pop Songs chart, and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it her first top 40 hit in the United States. To date, it is Lloyd's biggest hit worldwide. Background and release On 15 December 2011, it was announced that "Want U Back" would be released as the third single from Lloyd's debut album, Sticks and Stones. The artwork was revealed on 22 December 2011. In an interview with Metro Newss Daniella Graham, Lloyd stated that she hoped the track would help her get into the American market, saying "I don’t expect anyone to know who I am because I live in the UK. I'm from The X Factor and I came fourth. It's crazy and it gives me a lot of hope. With the USA, I'm not going to run before I can walk but you never know what's going to happen." The UK single release features The X Factor US season one contestant Astro. L.A. Reid, who mentored Astro, had recently signed Lloyd to Epic Records in the US. A new version of "Want U Back" was released as Lloyd's debut single in the US.