Format Digital download Genre Pop Label Syco
RCA | Recorded 2015 Length 3:59 | |
Released 16 October 2015 (2015-10-16) | ||
"Second Hand Heart" is a song by English singer Ben Haenow, from his self-titled debut studio album, Ben Haenow (2015). Featuring American singer Kelly Clarkson, it is an upbeat pop song produced by Afterhrs, Jason Halbert, and Pete Hammerton, written by Artist vs. Poet members Joe Kirkland and Jason Dean with Afterhrs members Ian Franzino and Andrew Haas, with additional writing by Neil Ormandy. "Second Hand Heart" was issued as the album's lead and only single on 16 October 2015 by Syco Music and RCA Records.
Contents
Background and release
After winning the eleventh series of The X Factor and releasing a cover version of OneRepublic's "Something I Need" as his debut single in December 2014, Haenow was signed to a recording contract with record label Syco Music on 6 January 2015, and on RCA Records on 14 October 2015. Through music mogul Simon Cowell and Sony Music UK executive Sonny Takhar, Haenow invited Kelly Clarkson to be featured on one of the album's tracks. He remarked: "The idea of a feature wasn't on the cards at first. But when I heard the vocals on it I was blown away as it gave the song a whole new dimension." Clarkson also commented that she fell in love with the song upon listening it for the first time, saying: "Lyrically and musically, it is right up my alley." Haenow further added: "It was originally written as a solo song but the head of Sony recommended releasing it as a duet and suggested Kelly Clarkson. You don't expect that she's going to work with you, especially when you hear she doesn't particularly work with many people."
An upbeat pop rock song accompanied by a subtle country folk undertone, "Second Hand Heart" was produced by Jason Halbert and Pete Hammerton with Ian Franzino and Andrew Haas of Afterhrs, who co-wrote it with Artist vs. Poet members Joe Kirkland and Jason Dean, and songwriter Neil Ormandy. Originally intended to be released on 9 October 2015, Haenow announced that the track would be issued on 16 October 2015 as the lead single from his upcoming self-titled debut studio album. On 2 October 2015, Haenow released a preview of the song.
Live performances and music video
Haenow premiered "Second Hand Heart" in a live performance on the twelfth series of The X Factor on 31 October 2015. Filmed by James Lees in Nashville, Tennessee, the song's accompanying music video premiered on Vevo on 20 October 2015.
Track listing
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the "Second Hand Heart" metadata.