EveryTime I Cry

On May 12, 2021, Max uploaded a portion of "EveryTime I Cry" on Twitter.^[1] She announced the release date and cover art of the song on June 3, 2021,^[2] and stated that it is a "continuation" of her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell (2020).^[3][4] However, she later declared that the song is "a bridge" between Heaven & Hell and her sophomore album,^[5] citing the growth of individuals through the difficulties of 2020.^[6] "EveryTime I Cry" was released on June 8, 2021,^[7] which was accompanied by a lyric video on YouTube.^[8] The song was written by Max, Caroline Pennell, Lauren Aquilina, and producers Cirkut and Sean Myer.^[9][10]

"EveryTime I Cry" is a house^[11] and electropop song.^[12][13] It opens with synthesizers^[14] and uses a piano.^[11] The chorus contains house elements^[15] and climaxes into a "groovy beat".^[14] The lyrics describe the impact of women's empowerment during difficult situations,^[3][16][17] which consequently allows a person to courageously confront their emotions.^[15]

Writing for BroadwayWorld, Sarah Jae Leiber acknowledged that "EveryTime I Cry" is "an undisputed summer smash" and an "adrenaline-fueled track", opining that it is "pure electropop perfection".^[13] Carolyn Droke of Uproxx considered the song to be "electrifying".^[14] The New York Times writer Jon Caramanica positively compared "EveryTime I Cry" to the discography of Dua Lipa.^[18] Shaad D'Souza of Paper described the song as an "undeniably uplifting banger" and positively compared it to Max's 2020 song "My Head & My Heart".^[11]

"EveryTime I Cry" peaked at number seven on the Polish Airplay Top 100 chart dated August 28, 2021.^[19] On the Norwegian VG-lista, the song peaked at number 39.^[20] In Germany, "EveryTime I Cry" debuted on the Offizielle Deutsche Charts at number 90 on the chart dated August 6, 2021. It peaked at number 58 and remained on the chart for nine weeks.^[21] On the UK Singles Chart issued June 18, 2021, the song bowed at the number 99 peak and remained for one week.^[22]

An accompanying music video was released on July 23, 2021, which was directed by Max and Charlotte Rutherford.^[23] It depicts Max awakening in an abandoned landscape while appearing injured. She is later seen on top of a tree above a waterfall covered with lily pads, as her tears form an ocean.^[24] Uproxx writer Rachel Brodsky compared the visual's computer-generated imagery (CGI) landscapes to the music videos of TLC's 1995 song "Waterfalls" and Shakira's 2001 song "Whenever, Wherever".^[25]

Credits adapted from Tidal.^[10]