Nicky Romero and Norma Jean Martine’s collaboration “I Hope That It Hurts” paints a clear picture of a breakup that is far from resolved. Martine’s spiteful lyrics make it perfectly obvious that there is no love lost, and that any karmic retribution that befalls her ex will be well deserved. The scenario laid out by the song describes is one to which we can all relate: seeing your ex in public, the dread as you see them approach, and the disingenuous small talk as you try to find a way to cordially them to fuck off. Martine does not mince words as she blatantly reminds her ex that their breakup was anything but amicable.
“Coming over, wanna talk
I don't really care 'bout how you've been
A smile can say a thousand words
But there's five that spring to mind
When I see you out, I'm being nice
Don't mean that we're alright
For every bad day I had, you made worse
For every bridge that we built, that you burned
And it might take a little time for you to get what you deserve
But when it hits you, I hope that it hurts”
Martine pointedly dispels the stigma of a “healthy” breakup revolving around remaining close, or even friendly. Though she will remain cordial publicly, she says in no uncertain terms that there will be no reconciliation between her and this ex, and she has no issue with leaving it at that.
Behind Martine’s lyrics, Nicky Romero has placed an infectious, house-inspired track filled with nuances that showcase his veteran savvy as an electronic producer. The song begins with an arpeggiated guitar riff, complemented by light shaker and clap loops that set the stage for the entrance of a heavy, four-on-the-floor beat and synth bass. Romero’s mastery of the subtleties of production can be seen in his use of percussive elements, as there are constantly new loops being added and taken away. From instruments that sit at the forefront of the song, like the kick and snare drums, to more texture focused loops like shakers, tambourines, hi-hats, and claps, everything is deliberately placed to create a constant sense of change and development throughout the song. No two sections are exactly alike, giving a sense of motion within the otherwise repetitive genre of dance music. The driving force of Romero’s instrumental, along with Martine’s evocative lyrics and catchy hook make this a top-tier dance song, with the ability to get everyone’s heart racing and feet moving.
Nicky Romero and Norma Jean Martine are far from newcomers to the music industry, both boasting impressive resumes dating back to the early 2010s, and both having enjoyed success and acclaim within their respective niches. Romero has worked with some of the biggest names in electronic music, such as Avicii, David Guetta, and Steve Aoki. He has had multiple chart topping hits, including “Toulouse,” and perhaps his most known song “I Could Be The One,” a collaboration with Avicii which peaked at number 1 on both the UK and US dance charts. Though perhaps less well known, Norma Jean Martine has made a name for herself in her own right. A successful songwriter, Martine’s career has seen performances at the Montreux Jazz Festival and writing collaborations with legends such as Burt Bacharach, and song entries into Eurovision. She has also lent her talents to a swathe of producers and DJs, being responsible for vocal hooks on numerous EDM hits.
Written By Liam Dun
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