“Glad He’s Gone by Tove Lo” arrived on May 31, 2019, as the lead single from the Sunshine Kitty album. The track runs 3:16 and blends electropop, pop, and ambient pop with an acoustic guitar line and a low-key rap beat.
The song acts as a playful pep talk from one friend to another after a breakup. Tove Nilsson co-wrote it with Shellback, Ludvig Söderberg, and Jakob Jerlström. Production credits include Shellback and The Struts, with mixing by Serban Ghenea and mastering by Chris Gehringer.
This intro previews how the clever “glad gone” hook reframes classic heartbreak into a confident reset. We will note the single’s video and its role in spreading the story, and touch on studios, critics, and chart markers that shaped the release.
Key Takeaways
- The single marked a brighter, more celebratory era for the artist and the album.
- The core idea is a supportive, friend-to-friend pep talk after a breakup.
- Acoustic-led arrangement plus electropop pulse gives the track instant appeal.
- Top production and strong credits helped the song travel beyond its release.
- The music video amplified the single’s cultural reach and narrative.
Why “Glad He’s Gone” hit a nerve: friendship, breakup, and a feisty pop pep talk
A conversational nudge fuels the song’s power: it sounds like a friend at your door. That voice reframes a raw breakup into a moment of choice. Instead of sobbing, the track offers a plan — snacks, plans, and a little revenge-free joy.
From breakup blues to best-friend bravery: the song’s core message
The lyric role is simple and clear: a friend shows up with unconditional support. This turns sadness into momentum, making the idea of being glad gone feel like a hug and a high-five. It’s an obligatory pep-talk that reads like real talk.
Key lyrics and chorus moments that fuel the empowerment
The chorus works as a release valve. Sharp lines cut the spell of a bad match and swap dwelling on tears for a night of fun. A cheeky one dick reference becomes a laugh and a reset, nudging the listener to choose confidence over clinging.
Female friendship in focus: supporting a friend dating an “idiot”
Critics praised how the song centers friendship over drama. It celebrates the moment a girlfriend leaves a boyfriend who acted like an idiot and shows how friends can turn heartbreak into hope.
- Friendship is the emotional anchor.
- The chorus gives catharsis in three lines.
- The video adds visual punch, but lyrics do the heavy lifting.
Glad He’s Gone by Tove Lo: how it came together and what it sounds like
Snowed in and creative, the writers turned a long night into a tight, sunlit pop moment. A basement studio in Stockholm became the backdrop as Shellback picked up a guitar and set a simple, warm tone. The offhand phrase “glad gone” surfaced and the team built the rest around that hook.
Snowed-in Stockholm session: writers, studios, and the Sunshine Kitty era
The session included Ludvig Söderberg, Jakob Jerlström, Shellback, and the artist. Tracks were finalized at MXM Studios and Wolf Cousins. The blizzard night gave the group a focused, almost cinematic energy that fits the Sunshine Kitty mood. The album leans sunny, even when the subject is boundary-setting.
Acoustic guitar lead, electropop pulse: production, vocals, and that “low-key rap beat”
Production balances an acoustic guitar lead with electropop and ambient textures. A subtle, low-key rap beat keeps the rhythm talk-sung and conversational. Mix engineer Serban Ghenea and mastering by Chris Gehringer sharpened the parts so the voice carries the story.
- The writing angle is friend-forward, not heartbreak-focused, which lets cheeky lines about a boyfriend land as a wink.
- The result sounds like smart pop that plays like new music and feels immediate from day to night.
Reception, visuals, and the numbers behind the single
Reviewers pointed to a sunnier, radio-ready vibe that made the song hard to ignore all summer.
Critics praised the single as a crisp, accessible pop moment. Idolator called it a feisty, radio-friendly electro-pop with a killer chorus. Billboard labeled it smart and summer-ready. Stereogum flagged the warm guitar touch and studio polish. Rolling Stone and Consequence noted its friendship-first twist and self-assured tone.
Videos, rollout, and a Kyiv shoot that became a mini action movie
The visual plan kept momentum. A lyric video dropped at release, a vertical video followed on June 12, then the official video on June 17. A behind-the-scenes clip arrived in August to extend interest.
The main video, shot over four days and nights in Kyiv and directed by Vania Heymann and Gal Muggia, plays like a bizarre mini action movie. Its cinematic tilt pushed the story beyond the song and earned a Grammy nod for Best Music Video.
Numbers, charts, radio strategy, and certifications
The single saw varied chart action: Sweden peak #38, Belgium (Ultratip Wallonia) #40, New Zealand Hot Singles #19, and Lithuania #94. Brazil awarded the track Gold.
| Metric | Peak / Date | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official video release | June 17, 2019 | Global | Directed in Kyiv; Grammy nomination |
| Radio servicing | June 18, 2019 | U.S. Top 40 | Boosted playlist and day/night rotation |
| Certifications & charts | Gold | Brazil | International traction; multiple chart peaks |
| Lyric / vertical videos | May 31 – June 12, 2019 | Online platforms | Staggered visuals maintained visibility |
In short, the combination of tidy production—acoustic guitar warmth, studio finish—and a steady video strategy turned critical praise into measurable numbers. The visuals, press, and radio push made the single a clear highlight of the Sunshine Kitty era.
What this past-era single still says about love, friendship, and fun
This single still works as a pep talk, a small anthem that hands a friend a map for moving on. Its “glad gone” refrain feels like a hug and a nudge at once.
That focus on friendship and care gives the song lasting power. The bright pop sound and quick chorus make the message easy to sing along to during a tough night.
The record fits the Sunshine Kitty era: upbeat without erasing real feelings or tears. The official video and the lyric video keep the idea visible for new listeners.
In short, the single endures because it centers support over drama. Send it to a girlfriend in need, cue it for friends, or share it as new music that still feels like company.
Explore a related take on playful pop and upbeat storytelling at new music.
FAQ
What is the main meaning behind the song "Glad He’s Gone" by Tove Lo?
The track is a feisty pop anthem about relief after a breakup. It celebrates friendship, self-respect, and moving on from a bad relationship. Lyrics and the chorus push an empowering message that it’s OK to be glad someone who caused pain is out of your life, while friends cheer you on through the healing process.
Why did the song connect so strongly with listeners?
The combination of candid lyrics, a singable chorus, and upbeat production made it relatable. Many fans saw their own breakup stories in the narrative, and the theme of female friendship supporting a friend dating an “idiot” added emotional resonance. The song blends humor, sass, and honesty, which helped it land on radio and playlists.
Which lyrics or chorus moments highlight the song’s empowerment theme?
Key moments include straightforward lines about relief and moving on, backed by a catchy hook that’s easy to sing along to. Those lyrics frame a narrative where the protagonist and her friends reclaim agency after a bad relationship, turning sorrow into celebration.
Who worked on the song and where was it made?
The song was written and produced during sessions in Stockholm and aligns with the Sunshine Kitty era. Collaborators included well-known pop writers and producers who helped craft its electropop pulse and acoustic-guitar-led moments. Studio credits reflect a professional pop team shaping a radio-ready single.
What does the production sound like?
The track mixes acoustic guitar leads with an electropop rhythm and a low-key rap beat influence. Tove Lo’s vocal delivery shifts between intimate lines and a stronger, chorus-driven performance, keeping the song both personal and anthemic.
How did critics and audiences respond to the single?
Critics praised its radio-friendly vibe and upbeat feel, calling it a summer-ready pop bop. Fans embraced its blunt honesty and singalong chorus. The single received steady radio rotation and positive streaming numbers, helping it stand out on playlists.
What about the music video and visuals?
The video was described as a bizarre mini action movie and drew attention for its cinematic approach. It added narrative flair to the song and earned industry recognition, including buzz during awards season.
How did the song perform on charts and in certifications?
The single charted in multiple countries and saw solid streaming and radio performance. It earned certifications in several markets as listeners connected with its message and replay value, boosting album visibility during the Sunshine Kitty era.
How does this song reflect on themes of love and friendship today?
The track remains a relatable take on modern breakups: it balances hurt with humor, and it showcases friends helping each other reclaim self-worth. Its blend of pop fun and emotional honesty keeps it relevant for anyone navigating relationships.
Are there notable live or alternate versions, lyric videos, or studio takes?
There are official lyric videos and live performances that highlight different vocal textures and stripped-back arrangements. Fans often point to acoustic or studio session clips to appreciate the songwriting and guitar elements behind the polished single.
