Heartbreak Anniversary

"Heartbreak Anniversary" was written by Giveon from the perspective of someone else, as Giveon explained: "I was talking to a friend, and they told me they broke up with their significant other exactly a year ago, and I was like, 'Oh, alright, I'm going to write a song about that'. In an interview with Billboard, Giveon said that he drew further inspiration from how he copes with a day that continues to bring many "lovesick" memories every year. He stated, "Heartbreak Anniversary" was released on Giveon's birthday. In early 2021, the song went viral on the video-sharing app, TikTok. By March 15, 2021, the song had surpassed 143 million streams, including 97 million streams on Spotify. ==Composition and lyrics==

On "Heartbreak Anniversary", Giveon sings about the day his heart was broken, reminiscing about every detail, and the pain that comes with heartbreak. "foolishly" hoping that his ex lover will return. Musically, Giveon delivers soaring vocals over a largely piano and percussion-based mid-tempo electro and soul merged instrumental. Apple Music noted how he creates "harmonies with himself that render a simple line like 'Don't want to let you out my head' as gospel". Rolling Stones Elias Leight labeled the song "a swelling, disconsolate ballad built around mournful piano and gnarled guitars. Giveon's vocals on the song was compared to that of Frank Sinatra, but "with an R&B flavour and a young fresh take on the Rat Pack style". ==Critical reception==

Milcah P. of HotNewHipHop called the song "enchanting", further stating: "The cut is characterized by a seamless mixture of Giveon's signature baritone and flawless falsettos. It's a wonderful display of range and composition and easily has Giveon pegged as one to watch within the R&B realm". Similarly, Billboards Carl Lamarre said "Highlights [on Take Time] like 'Heartbreak Anniversary' and 'Favorite Mistake' showcase his penchant for pensive lyrics and moody soundscapes". Pitchfork named the song among their "Pitchfork Selects" playlist for the week of March 22, 2021. NPR's Sidney Madden included the song in their Heat Check feature for February 2021, noting the wishful lyrics: "being 'foolishly patient' will serve you no good here. This is the type of firmly rooted pain that only twists deeper". ==Accolades==

The official video was released on March 12, 2021, over a year after the single's release. It was directed by Salomon Ligthelm, ==Commercial performance==

The song initially broke out in Southeast Asia, reaching number one on the Spotify charts in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, and the top 10 of various other countries. ==Credits and personnel==

Credits adapted from Billboard. • Giveon – vocals, songwriter, composer • Sevn Thomas – songwriter, composer, production • Maneesh Bidaye – songwriter, composer, production • Varren Wade – songwriter, composer ==Charts==

Weekly charts Year-end charts ==Certifications==