Remember December
"Remember December" is a pop rock song by American singer Demi Lovato, released as the second and final single from her second studio album, Here We Go Again (2009).[1] The track was co-written by Lovato alongside producers John Fields and Anne Preven, and it explores themes of impending breakup and urging a partner to recall happier times together during the holiday season.[2][3] Issued internationally by Hollywood Records on January 18, 2010, the song achieved moderate success, peaking at number 80 on the UK Singles Chart.[4] A music video directed by Tim Wheeler premiered on Disney Channel in December 2009, featuring Lovato performing at a high school dance with scenes of romance and conflict.[5] Critics praised its energetic power pop style and anthemic chorus, marking Lovato's shift toward a more mature rock-influenced sound early in her career.[1]Production
Background
Demi Lovato rose to prominence as a Disney Channel star through roles in films like Camp Rock and the series Sonny with a Chance, but with her second studio album, Here We Go Again (2009), she sought to transition toward a more mature pop rock sound that reflected her evolving artistry. The album marked a departure from the bubblegum pop of her debut, incorporating power pop and rock elements to showcase her vocal range and personal growth. Lovato described the project as an opportunity to present a more authentic version of herself, beyond her on-screen personas, while still appreciating the platform Disney provided.[6][1] "Remember December" emerged during the recording sessions for Here We Go Again in 2009, co-written by Lovato alongside producer John Fields and songwriter Anne Preven to capture a distinct power pop vibe. Lovato's hands-on role in the writing process stemmed from her desire to assert greater artistic control following her first album, drawing directly from bottled-up personal experiences to infuse the tracks with genuine emotion. She collaborated with influences like John Mayer on other album songs, adopting techniques such as starting compositions from song titles to deepen her creative input.[3][7][6] The song's themes were shaped by Lovato's reflections on relationships and nostalgia, creating an empowering narrative for listeners navigating similar emotional terrain. In discussing the track, Lovato emphasized its personal resonance, noting it connected to her own life while serving as a reminder for fans to reclaim agency in romantic situations. Selected as the album's second single after "Here We Go Again," "Remember December" was targeted for release in European markets on January 18, 2010, via Hollywood Records, amid Lovato's packed Disney commitments that limited broader U.S. rollout.[3][8]Composition and lyrics
"Remember December" is a power pop and synthpop song with pop rock influences, characterized by synth-driven verses and an anthemic quality. The track maintains a moderate tempo of 112 beats per minute, aligning with its driving rhythm suitable for radio play.[9] The song employs a conventional verse-chorus structure augmented by a bridge, allowing for dynamic builds in intensity, and runs for a duration of 3:41. It is composed in common time, facilitating its accessible pop sensibility.[10] Lyrically, "Remember December" explores themes of nostalgia for a past romance, employing December as a metaphor for warm, cherished memories in the face of an impending breakup. The opening lines articulate this tension: "I feel a separation coming on / 'Cause I know you want to be moving on," evoking a plea to recapture lost connection amid emotional distance.[11] The melody and chord progressions were co-developed by producers John Fields and Anne Preven alongside Lovato, drawing from Fields' experience with the Jonas Brothers and Preven's songwriting credits on hits like Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn," to create a catchy yet emotionally resonant hook.[3] Lovato has noted that the song draws from her personal experiences with relationships, infusing it with authentic sentiment.[12]Recording and credits
The recording of "Remember December" took place in 2009 at various studios in Los Angeles, including The Village.) The track was produced by John Fields, who also handled engineering duties, while mixing was overseen by Chris Lord-Alge.[13] Personnel credits for the song include lead vocals performed by Demi Lovato, with background vocals provided by Lovato and Anne Preven. Instrumentation featured guitars played by Fields, drums by Dorian Crozier, and bass by Fields.[14] In post-production, the track was mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound in New York City.[15]Release
Formats and track listings
"Remember December" was released in several formats, primarily targeted at the European market, with no commercial single issued in the United States where it appeared exclusively as an album track on Here We Go Again.[14] The digital download, available via platforms like iTunes in Europe on January 18, 2010, featured the standard album version as a single track running 3:12.[16] A CD single was issued in Europe by Hollywood Records in 2010, containing the following tracks:| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Remember December" | 3:12 |
| 2. | "Remember December" (Sharp Boys Club Mix) | 6:19 |