Joy Crookes Releases Powerful New Single "Painkiller"
London‑born singer Joy Crookes unveiled her latest single "Painkiller", a candid exploration of an abusive relationship that nearly broke her. The track, written in 2022, marks a new chapter as she works on her third album and reflects on her healing process.
By Felo News Desk · Published
London‑born, Irish‑Bangladeshi singer Joy Crookes has dropped a new single, "Painkiller", that dives into the emotional aftermath of an abusive relationship. The track, written in 2022 after a painful breakup, serves as both a cathartic release and a statement of resilience.
From Pain to Power: The Song’s Genesis
After ending a relationship she described as "genuinely nasty", Crookes channeled her heartbreak into music. She admits the experience left her feeling like a shell, but she has since found healing. The song’s lyrics question why she allowed herself to love someone who was clearly abusive, a theme that resonates with many who have faced similar situations.
Career Highlights and Recent Milestones
Crookes first burst onto the mainstream scene in 2021 with the sultry single "Feet Don’t Fail Me Now" from her debut album Skin, which earned a Mercury Prize shortlist. The track critiques performative activism and the pressure to stay silent for fear of backlash. Since then, she has released her second album, Juniper, in 2023, which explored darker, more vulnerable territory and was influenced by her own mental health struggles.
Despite a promising start—including a BBC Sound of 2020 poll nomination and a Brit Awards Rising Star nod—Crookes’ career faced setbacks during the pandemic. A planned support slot for Harry Styles was canceled, and lockdowns halted live performances. Nevertheless, she persevered, using the period to focus on recovery and creative growth.
Personal Growth and Creative Process
Raised in Elephant and Castle by a Bangladeshi mother and Irish father, Crookes’ music blends soul, pop, dub, ska, jazz, and hip‑hop. Her upbringing exposed her to Pakistani songs, US rap, and Jamaican reggae, creating a rich sonic palette that she has become a key figure in the UK soul revival scene.
She describes her recent summer as a whirlwind of fun and connection—attending the Montreux Jazz Festival, collaborating with friends, and immersing herself in music. This period of joy, however, also served as a reminder of how fleeting such moments can be, prompting a deeper reflection on her future work.
Collaborations and the Making of “Painkiller”
The music video for "Painkiller" features actor Matt Whipps as the protagonist’s toxic love interest. Crookes wanted the narrative to reflect her own role in the relationship’s dynamics, rather than placing blame solely on the other person. She criticized the oversimplification of relationships through “therapy‑speak” and emphasized the need for genuine emotional understanding.
Working with producer Danny Herman, Crookes crafted a video that feels both personal and universally relatable. The creative process has become a form of worship for her, with the studio described as a sacred space where she can fully express herself.
Looking Ahead: The Third Album
Collaborating with close friend and producer Harvey Grant, Crookes is developing her third album. The duo’s creative sessions involve playful activities like billiards and exploring vintage electronics at local shops, creating an atmosphere that feels like a playground.
Tracks such as the “pansexual anthem” "Chop Chop Honey" and a song inspired by a TikTok comment about white male podcasters showcase Crookes’ willingness to tackle contemporary cultural conversations. She also reflects on her Irish‑Bangladeshi heritage, Catholic upbringing, and the spiritual curiosity that has emerged in her recent work.
With "Painkiller" now available, Crookes signals a new era of authenticity and empowerment in her music career.
Key facts
- "Painkiller" is a personal exploration of abuse and healing
- Crookes blends diverse cultural influences in her music
- She critiques oversimplified relationship narratives
- Her third album is a collaborative, playful project
- Her heritage shapes both her sound and lyrical themes
Why it matters
Joy Crookes’ new single offers a raw, relatable narrative on abuse and recovery, while her evolving sound continues to influence the contemporary UK soul scene.
Frequently asked questions
When will Joy Crookes’ third album be released?
The exact release date has not been announced yet, but production is underway.
What inspired the music video for "Painkiller"?
The video was inspired by Crookes’ desire to portray her own involvement in a toxic relationship rather than blaming the other party.
How does Crookes incorporate her heritage into her music?
She blends Pakistani, Irish, and Bangladeshi musical elements, creating a unique fusion that appears in tracks like "Chop Chop Honey".
What is Crookes’ stance on therapy‑speak?
She believes it can oversimplify complex relationships and encourages deeper emotional engagement.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Joy Crookes is finally poised to get her moment”
