Happy Now (Zedd and Elley Duhé song)

"Happy Now" is a song by German music producer Zedd and American singer Elley Duhé. Written by Noonie Bao, Sarah Aarons and its producers Zedd and Lotus IV, the song was released by Interscope Records on 18 July 2018.

"Happy Now"
Single by Zedd and Elley Duhé
Released	18 July 2018 (2018-07-18)
Recorded	2 July 2018
Genre	Pop
Length	3:27
Label	Interscope
Songwriter(s)	Noonie Bao Sarah Aarons Linus Wiklund Anton Zaslavski Eric Barker
Producer(s)	Lotus IV Zedd
Zedd singles chronology
"Stay (Covered by Riri)" (2018) "Happy Now" (2018) "Lost in Japan" (remix) (2018)
Elley Duhé singles chronology
"Lost My Mind" (2018) "Happy Now" (2018) "Way Down Low" (2018)
Music video
"Happy Now" on YouTube

Background

Initially titled "Are You Happy Now" featuring Norwegian singer Sigrid, the song was first revealed during a cover shoot interview in 2017 with Billboard magazine.^[1][2] On 3 July 2018, Zedd debuted the song at his Zedd in the Park festival, where he brought Elley Duhé on stage for a live performance.^[3] Duhé posted a short video of the performance on social media with the caption: "Not gonna lie my [heart] is pretty full".^[4] Zedd officially announced the song's release date and unveiled its cover art on 13 July,^[5] and later teased the lyrics in multiple tweets.^[6] He premiered the song on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show as the World Record of the day.^[7]

During the radio interview, Zedd explained the reason behind working with Duhé: "I think why I really gravitated towards her was that she had a genuine and honest approach to the song and she felt vulnerable and real."^[8] Duhé said of the song in a press statement: "To me, 'Happy Now' is more than just a song. It's a significant moment in my life, the golden opportunity to work with one of the greatest DJ's/producer of our time. Being able to come together with complete strangers to do something beautiful, sing something meaningful, to share something special is what 'Happy Now' is all about."^[9]

Composition

"Happy Now" is a post-breakup pop ballad,^[7][10] stylized as a "vocal-centric pop/electronic hybrid".^[11] It opens with an acoustic guitar line, before becoming "a bounding, chiming pile of percussion",^[1] eventually ending with "Zedd's signature robotic voice".^[7][12] The drop features a "memorable beat" composed of "whimsical, multi-toned synths cascading in mid-tempo, mellifluous breakdowns".^[11] In a press release, Zedd regarded "Happy Now" as "the most organic sounding song [he has] made in a long time", noting that the majority of the song was recorded using real instrumentation, specifically "a lot of pianos and a lot of guitars". Lyrically, he described the song as "both happy and sad at the same time", while musically, the song "rather leans towards a happier, sunnier side".^[13]

Remixes

On 21 September 2018, the official remix EP was released consisting of 5 remixes from DJ Marc Benjamin, DJ duo BEAUZ, DJ duo Duke & Jones, DJ MXXWLL & DJ duo Magnificence.

Critical reception

Rachel Narozniak of Dancing Astronaut called the song a representation of "yet another sonic step in a direction opposite the high-powered electro constructions of earlier foundational singles like "Clarity" and "Stay the Night'". She noticed a more minimalist melodic arrangement in the song than that in "Stay" or "The Middle".^[11]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.^[14]

• Zedd – production, mixing
• Elley Duhé – vocals
• Lotus IV – production
• Mike Marsh – master engineering

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2018–2019) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[15] 27 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[16] 64 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[17] 33 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[18] 11 Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[19] 53 Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100)[20] 5 Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[21] 16 France (SNEP)[22] 133 Germany (GfK)[23] 64 Greece International Digital Singles (IFPI)[24] 39 Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[25] 26 Hungary (Single Top 40)[26] 29 Hungary (Stream Top 40)[27] 26 Ireland (IRMA)[28] 24 Japan (Japan Hot 100)[29] 58 Malaysia (RIM)[30] 8 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[31] 10 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[32] 21 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[33] 39 Norway (VG-lista)[34] 8 Portugal (AFP)[35] 45 Scotland (OCC)[36] 26 Singapore (RIAS)[37] 8 Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[38] 12 Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[39] 19 Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[40] 64 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[41] 73 UK Singles (OCC)[42] 45 US Billboard Hot 100[43] 90 US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[44] 8 US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[45] 30

Year-end charts Chart (2018) Position Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[46] 53 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[47] 80 US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[48] 22 Chart (2019) Position US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[49] 58

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[50]	2× Platinum	80,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[51]	Gold	40,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[52]	Gold	45,000‡
France (SNEP)[53]	Gold	100,000‡
Italy (FIMI)[54]	Gold	25,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[55]	Platinum	10,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[56]	Silver	200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[57]	Platinum	1,000,000‡
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Label	Ref.
Various	18 July 2018	Digital download streaming	Interscope	[14]
United States	31 July 2018	Contemporary hit radio		[58]

References

1. Zedd (10 August 2017). "Zedd, Dance Music's Anti-Bro, on Making Hits for Selena, Kesha and Liam and Why DJs Should 'Speak Up' On Trump". Billboard (Interview). Interviewed by Chris Martins. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
2. McNeilage, Ross (11 August 2017). "Zedd Announces Collaborations With Sigrid and Khalid". MTV News. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
3. Pimentel, Julia (19 July 2018). "Zedd and Elley Duhé Share Catchy New Track "Happy Now"". Complex. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
4. Powell, Karlie (6 July 2018). "Watch Zedd & Elley Duhé Perform Their Pop Hit "Happy Now" Live". Your EDM. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
5. Wass, Mike (16 July 2018). "Zedd & Elley Duhé Team Up For New Single "Happy Now"". Idolator. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
6. Meadow, Matthew (14 July 2018). "Zedd Reveals Release Date Of Next Single, "Happy Now," With Elley Duhé". Your EDM. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
7. Bein, Kat (13 July 2018). "Zedd Teases 'Happy Now' With Elley Duhe". Billboard. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
8. Nied, Mike (18 July 2018). "Zedd & Elley Duhé's "Happy Now" Is A Bittersweet Club Anthem". Idolator. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
9. Rishty, David (18 July 2018). "Zedd Shares Sunny Single 'Happy Now' With Elley Duhé: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
10. Meadow, Matthew (18 July 2018). "Zedd Drops New Song "Happy Now" With Elley Duhé". Your EDM. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
11. Narozniak, Rachel (18 July 2018). "Zedd taps Elley Duhé for distinctive new single, 'Happy Now'". Dancing Astronaut. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
12. Blistein, Jon (18 July 2018). "Hear Zedd's Agile New Breakup Anthem 'Happy Now'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
13. Bitran, Tara (18 July 2018). "Zedd Drops New Single 'Happy Now,' Featuring Elley Duhe". Variety. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
14. "Happy Now / ZEDD TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
15. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
16. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
17. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 28 September 2018.
18. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 1 December 2018.
19. "Zedd Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
20. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 46. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
21. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 35. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
22. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
23. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
24. "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 47/2018". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 3 December 2018. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
25. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 21 December 2018.
26. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
27. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
28. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Zedd". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
29. "Zedd Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
30. "Top 20 Most Streamed International & Domestic Singles in Malaysia" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Malaysia. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
31. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 36, 2018" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
32. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
33. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
34. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". VG-lista. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
35. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
36. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 1 September 2018.
37. "Singapore Top 30 Digital Streaming Chart Week 33" (PDF). Recording Industry Association (Singapore). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2018.
38. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 1. týden 2019 in the date selector. Retrieved 8 January 2019.
39. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 35. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
40. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
41. "Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
42. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
43. "Zedd Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
44. "Zedd Chart History (Hot Dance/Electronic Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
45. "Zedd Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
46. "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 2018" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
47. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2018" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved 5 January 2019.
48. "Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Year-End 2018". Billboard. Retrieved 14 August 2019.
49. "Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Year-End 2019". Billboard. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
50. "Brazilian single certifications – Zedd – Happy Now" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
51. "Canadian single certifications – Zedd & Elley Duhe – Happy Now". Music Canada. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
52. "Danish single certifications – Zedd & Elley Duhé – Happy Now". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
53. "French single certifications – Zedd feat. Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
54. "Italian single certifications – Zedd feat. Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 11 November 2019.
55. "Portuguese single certifications – Zedd feat. Elley Duhé – Happy Now" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
56. "British single certifications – Zedd & Elley Duhe – Happy Now". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
57. "American single certifications – Zedd & Elley Duhe – Happy Now". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
58. "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Archived from the original on 24 July 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2018.

External links

• Lyric video on YouTube
• Official tour edit on YouTube