Kesha Takes A ‘Joyride’ On Her New Single

Kesha’s recent years in the music industry haven’t been easy, to say the least. The hit-making singer was embroiled in a years-long legal battle with Dr. Luke that finally ended with a settlement last June. At that time, she parted ways with her record label and officially became an independent artist, leaving many eager fans waiting to see what she’ll do next.

Her first single as a free woman, “Joyride,” is out now, making it a fitting release for Independence Day. The track is the first on her newly launched label, Kesha Records, and comes a year after the release of her fifth album Gag Order, her last project released by Luke’s Kemosabe Records in conjunction with RCA.

“Joyride” might sound familiar to longtime Kesha fans. The track sonically resembles the party-ready pop music that she first burst onto the scene with at the turn of the last decade rather than the more acoustic offerings she’s released in recent years. It’s a long-overdue return to form for the “Tik Tok” singer.

“Rev my engine ’til you make it purr / Keep it kinky, but I come first / Beep-beep, b***h, I’m outside / Get in, loser, for the joyride,” she invites listeners on the song. “Making every motherf**ker turn / Fell from heaven, no, it didn’t hurt / Beep-beep, best night, your life / Get in, loser, for the joyride.”

The song comes after she teased in a February interview with V Magazine that the last few years have “been a ride.” She marked the date in March on social media when she gained complete legal and creative control over her voice. And while she hasn’t announced a new album yet, it’s safe to say “Joyride” is a welcome gift regardless of if her next era is imminent.

“I couldn’t have made it through without all of you,” she wrote on X celebrating the song’s release. “Now, we joyride.”