Don't Need You (No More) (Sabrina Carpenter Song)

"Don't Need You (No More)" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter, released under Starlight Records on February 4th, 2020. The single was Carpenter's first ever music release, originally intended to be the lead single for her debut EP before it was scrapped. However, the track still found it's way onto her debut album, On My Mind, despite not being considered it's lead single.

The song was written by Carpenter herself along with Sidney Swift, while being produced by Mike Sabath. Taking on an unabashedly pop sound, the track received mixed reviews from critics who praised the production choices and message but felt the writing itself was unpolished.

"Don't Need You (No More)" debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 100,000 copies in it's opening week. The track continued to climb, peaking at No. 16 on the chart and becoming her first Top 20 single, and also became her first Top 10 single in Europe (peaking at No. 7). Upon the album's release week, Carpenter's single reached a new peak of No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

By July 2020, "Don't Need You (No More)" was certified gold as it had sold over 800,000 copies worldwide. Carpenter gave many performances of the single, including on popular japanese television show SMAPxSMAP as well as the 2020 GRAMMYs Pre-Show.

Background and release
"Don't Need You (No More)" was written by Carpenter along with Sidney Swift, and was produced by Mike Sabath while Brett McLaughlin handled vocal production. The track was mixed by Serban Ghenea and mastered by Chris Gerhinger, both of whom respectfully mixed and mastered all tracks on the singer's debut studio album, On My Mind. Carpenter has stated that the track was originally intended to be the lead single for her debut extended play, which she had planned to release later that year. However, plans quickly changed as she grew unhappy with the direction of the project, and reworked it into what was released as On My Mind. The track is one of three from the original EP to see an official release, and the only one to make it's way onto the album's standard edition.

Before this occurred, Carpenter announced the release of the single through Twitter on February 1st, just three days before it's eventual release. It is speculated the singer had planned to announce the single on her SMAPxSMAP appearance the day after release, but Sony Music Group pushed her to release the single earlier. The single was announced along with the single cover, and was released worldwide on February 4th, 2020.

Critical reception
"Don't Need You (No More)" received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It was praised for it's solid production and unabashedly pop sound, however some noted that it did little to break Carpenter away from the Disney image she held from her time on Girl Meets World.

The song wasn't received as well lyrically, with critics claiming the writing was at parts, "under polished" and "odd", however forgivable due Carpenter's inexperience as a young songwriter. Now, considered one of the weaker points of her eventual full length album release, the song is looked upon as a starting point to view Carpenter's evolution as an artist and songwriter.

Commercial performance
"Don't Need You (No More)" was considered a massive success as Carpenter's first ever release. It debuted at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 with over 100,000 copies in it's first week, marking one of the biggest opening weeks for a female artist's debut in history. The track didn't debut on the Encore Streaming Charts, gaining 3.55 million streams in it's first week. The single grew in both streams and sales over the following weeks, eventually peaking at No. 16 and becoming Carpenter's first Top 10 single. It would later re-enter the chart following the release of On My Mind at No. 13, marking a new peak for the single. The track has been certified gold for selling over 500,000 copies worldwide, currently sitting with 800,000 as of July 2020.

Regionally, the song's biggest success was in Europe. Peaking at No. 7 in the region, the track sold 275,000 copies and hit No. 5 on EU iTunes. The song was also a success in the USA, peaking at No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and selling 285,000 copies there. "Don't Need You (No More)" was a Top 40 hit in every region apart from South America, where it failed to chart. The track was certified Silver in the UK for selling over 60,000 copies there.

Live performances
"Don't Need You (No More)" made it's television debut on popular japanese television show SMAPxSMAP on February 5th, the day following it's release. Carpenter would perform it on smaller television shows throughout it's promotional campaign, before her biggest performance yet at the 2020 GRAMMY Pre-Show.

The track found itself included in Carpenter's set as an opening act on Ariana Grande's Liability Tour, as well as her set as a performer at Lana Del Rey's Freedom Festival. Carpenter's last performance of the single was on Saturday Night Live on July 18th, where she performed the song in a medley with the album's lead single, On My Mind.

Recording

 * Recorded at The Stellar House (Venice, California)

Management

 * All rights administered by Sony Music Group/Starlight Records

Personnel

 * Sabrina Carpenter - lead vocals, songwriter
 * Sidney Swift - songwriter
 * Mike Sabath - producer
 * Brett McLaughlin - vocal production
 * Serban Ghenea - mixing
 * Chris Gerhinger - mastering