I Will Never Let You Down

Background and composition

In January 2014, Ora appeared alongside Nick Grimshaw and Paolo Nutini to announce Radio 1's Big Weekend 2014 in Glasgow. During the promotion, she confirmed she had collaborated with Calvin Harris on a new song. The preview of the song was featured in Ora's commercial advertisement for Rimmel London Cosmetics during the 2014 BRIT Awards on 19 February. The song premiered in full on Capital FM on 31 March 2014.

"I Will Never Let You Down" is an up-tempo dance-pop song. It is set at a tempo of 128 beats per minute. Ora herself has likened the song to the work of Whitney Houston, particularly her 1985 song "How Will I Know".

Critical response

Digital Spy's Lewis Corner gave the song 4 stars out of 5, praising the musical arrangement of the song. Ultimate Music critic said that the song "is without doubt an almighty global smash, the perfect union of two powerhouses making the ultimate feel good love song." In July 2014, Billboard listed "I Will Never Let You Down" as one of the "10 Best Songs of 2014 (So Far)" saying that "one listen to that delicious synth line and gooey chorus will whet your appetite for more listens." Popjustice named it the 5th best single of 2014.

Commercial performance

On 18 May 2014, the song debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart with sales of 105,095 copies, making it Ora's fourth overall single to reach the top of the chart, and third as a solo artist. As of January 2016, the song has sold 600,000 copies in the UK.

On 20 April 2014, "I Will Never Let You Down" debuted on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart at number nineteen. Two weeks later, the song reached its peak at number five making it Ora's first top five single in the country, and third overall top ten track on this chart. In New Zealand, the recording entered the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart at number 38, and peaked at number nine after three weeks on the chart. In the United States, the song peaked at number seventy-seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "I Will Never Let You Down" also peaked at number twenty-two on the Mainstream Top 40 chart and topped Dance Club Songs chart.

Music video

The music video for "I Will Never Let You Down" was filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Francesco Carrozzini. The video features twin dancers Polly and Sophie Duniam. Ora premiered the video in Leicester Square on 31 March 2014. It was uploaded to her official Vevo account the same day.

Live performances

Ora performed "I Will Never Let You Down" for the first time on television on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon which aired on 22 April 2014. Towards the end of the performance, pop artist Mr. Brainwash appeared, dousing her with colorful paint while she continued to sing. On 8 May 2014, she performed "I Will Never Let You Down" on the finale of Germany's Next Topmodel. Ora was supposed to perform the song at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards, but was reportedly forced to pull out after ex-boyfriend, Calvin Harris, refused to allow her to perform their song.

Remix

"I Will Never Let You Down" was remixed for the Pepsi visual album, Pepsi Beats of the Beautiful Game (2014). The production was done by British record producer Switch.

Track listing

1. "I Will Never Let You Down" – 3:23

1. "I Will Never Let You Down" – 3:23
2. "I Will Never Let You Down" (R3hab Remix Radio Edit) – 3:36

1. "I Will Never Let You Down" (R3hab Remix) – 4:11
2. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Gregor Salto Vegas Club Mix) – 6:17
3. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Gregor Salto Vegas Radio Mix) – 3:41
4. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Gregor Salto Vegas Radio Instrumental) – 3:42
5. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Steve Smart and WestFunk Club Mix) – 4:51
6. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Steve Smart and WestFunk Radio Edit) – 3:08
7. "I Will Never Let You Down" (DJ Escape and Tony Coluccio Man Mix) – 7:41
8. "I Will Never Let You Down" (DJ Escape and Tony Coluccio Radio Mix) – 4:38
9. "I Will Never Let You Down" (DJ Escape and Tony Coluccio Dub) – 6:41
10. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Digital Dog Remix) – 5:52
11. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Digital Dog Radio Edit) – 4:00

1. "I Will Never Let You Down" (R3hab Remix) – 4:11
2. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Gregor Salto Vegas Club Mix) – 6:17
3. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Steve Smart and WestFunk Club Mix) – 4:50

1. "I Will Never Let You Down" – 3:23
2. "I Will Never Let You Down" (R3hab Remix Radio Edit) – 3:36
3. "I Will Never Let You Down" (DJ Escape & Tony Coluccio Radio Mix) – 4:38
4. "I Will Never Let You Down" (Digital Dog Radio Edit) – 4:00