Sorry I'm Late
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come is a 2019 memoir by American journalist Jessica Pan, chronicling her year-long experiment of embracing extroverted behaviors as a self-identified introvert to combat social isolation in London.[1][2] Published in the United Kingdom by Transworld (an imprint of Penguin Random House) on May 28, 2019, the book details Pan's "misadventures in extroverting," including joining improv groups, using friend-dating apps, talking to strangers on public transport, and undertaking solo travel.[3][4] Pan, who holds a BA in psychology and literary arts from Brown University and a master's degree in journalism from RMIT University, and has contributed to outlets such as The Guardian, Stylist, and The Cut, drew inspiration from her recent move to London with her husband, where she struggled to build friendships despite masking her shyness.[5] The narrative explores themes of introversion versus extroversion, personal growth, and the value of uncomfortable social risks, blending humor with poignant reflections on human connection.[2] Structured chronologically across 16 chapters, it reports on her experiences without prescribing solutions, ultimately affirming the strengths of introversion while encouraging selective boundary-pushing.[6] The book received acclaim for its candid, relatable voice and emotional depth, with endorsements describing it as "funny, emotional and deeply inspiring" (Heat) and "tender, courageous and extremely funny" (Daisy Buchanan).[1] A United States edition followed from Andrews McMeel Publishing, subtitled One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes, expanding its reach to audiences interested in self-improvement and memoir genres.[7]Development and production
Background
Following the release of her debut album Sticks + Stones in 2011, which debuted at number four on the UK Albums Chart, Cher Lloyd sought to evolve her sound toward greater maturity, moving away from the bubblegum pop elements that defined her early career.[8][9] In interviews, Lloyd expressed a desire to reflect her personal development as a 20-year-old artist, incorporating more introspective and grown-up themes while retaining her pop sensibilities.[9] Lloyd announced the title of her sophomore album, Sorry I'm Late, in an exclusive interview with Billboard in October 2013, explaining that it carried dual significance: an apology for her extended absence from music since her debut, amid production delays that pushed the release from late 2013 to May 2014, and a nod to her own habitual tardiness as a symbol of personal growth and newfound independence.[10] This period marked a transitional phase in her career, as Sorry I'm Late would serve as her final project under Syco Music and Epic Records; Lloyd had already parted ways with Syco in late 2013 due to creative differences with label head Simon Cowell, and she fully severed ties with Epic in late 2015 following the album's underperformance relative to expectations.[11][12] The album's artwork, unveiled in April 2014, depicted Lloyd reclining topless in a bubble bath while smoking a cigarette, a deliberate visual choice to project maturity and edginess in contrast to her youthful debut image.[13] Intended to signify her evolution into adulthood, the provocative imagery instead sparked immediate backlash for potentially glamorizing smoking among young fans, with media outlets noting a "stir" over its explicit nature shortly after release.[14][15]Recording
The recording of Sorry I'm Late spanned approximately two years, from 2012 to early 2014, amid ongoing tensions between Lloyd's UK label Syco Music and her US distributor Epic Records. This extended timeline was marked by multiple delays and pushbacks, as Lloyd pushed for greater creative control to move beyond the pop-centric sound of her debut album Sticks + Stones.[16] Lloyd described the process as a "massive strain" on her relationship with the label, where she fought against imposed song choices to craft an album she could fully endorse.[17] Sessions were influenced by Lloyd's aim to integrate dancehall, hip-hop, and R&B elements, reflecting her evolving artistic vision and a desire for genre crossover.[18] Key producers included Shellback, who collaborated on tracks like "Just Be Mine" (with Benny Blanco), "Bind Your Love" (with Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub), "Dirty Love," and "Killin' It"; Benny Blanco, who co-produced the opener "Just Be Mine"; Rami Yacoub and Carl Falk, who handled "Bind Your Love" and "Sirens"; and others such as ILYA for "I Wish" (featuring T.I.) and Jason Evigan for "Sweet Despair."[19] These collaborations often occurred in major production hubs, with significant work taking place in Los Angeles—home to many US-based sessions—and London, aligning with Lloyd's transatlantic label setup.[17] Production faced additional hurdles from label transitions and Lloyd's personal milestones, including her marriage in 2013 and reflections on family challenges like her father's imprisonment during her childhood, which contributed to the album's apologetic title as a nod to the prolonged process.[17] Despite these obstacles, the sessions resulted in a 13-track album (including bonuses) that showcased Lloyd's co-writing on several songs, emphasizing her hands-on role in shaping its direction.[19]Content
Style and genre
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come is a humorous memoir blending personal essay and experimental journalism, structured as a chronological account of the author's year-long social experiment. Written in a candid, self-deprecating first-person voice, it incorporates witty anecdotes, reflective passages, and light-hearted reportage without delving into prescriptive self-help.[2] The style draws from contemporary memoir traditions, akin to works by authors like Elizabeth Gilbert or Jenny Lawson, emphasizing emotional vulnerability through comedic lenses.[3] Pan's narrative avoids dense psychological theory, despite her background in psychology, opting instead for accessible, relatable storytelling that mixes humor with poignant insights into introversion. For example, chapters detailing improv classes or solo travel highlight awkward encounters with vivid, dialogue-driven scenes, creating an engaging, fast-paced read.[1] The book spans approximately 300 pages and is divided into 16 chapters, each focusing on a specific "extroverting" challenge.[6] Compared to traditional self-improvement literature, it evolves toward a more narrative-driven approach, toning down motivational rhetoric in favor of honest, unflinching accounts of discomfort and growth. Influences from modern feminist and mental health discourses are evident in Pan's exploration of social anxiety, though framed through personal rather than academic lenses.[2]Themes
The book explores themes of introversion versus extroversion, the challenges of adult friendship-building, personal growth through discomfort, and the value of human connection in an isolating urban environment. The title serves as a metaphor for the author's reluctance to engage socially and the "lateness" in overcoming shyness after moving to London.[1] These elements form a narrative of self-discovery, where Pan confronts isolation, cultural adjustment, and the myth of extroversion as a societal ideal. The emotional core emphasizes resilience, self-acceptance, and the strengths of introversion, while gently encouraging incremental social risks. It moves from superficial awkwardness to deeper reflections on vulnerability and belonging, highlighting the complexities of emotional barriers without offering easy solutions.[6] Key chapters illustrate these themes. For instance, the improv group experiences delve into vulnerability and performative extroversion, presenting raw accounts of embarrassment and unexpected bonds. The friend-dating app section reflects on modern loneliness and the delays in forming authentic relationships, tying into Pan's post-move struggles. In contrast, solo travel narratives embody empowerment and independence, celebrating self-reliant discovery free from social dependency.[2][3] Pan's writing process underscores the book's authenticity, drawing directly from her experiences and collaborations with friends and experts to infuse genuine narratives, moving beyond journalistic detachment to intimate introspection that marks the memoir's arc from isolation to selective openness.[20]Singles and promotion
Singles
The lead single from Sorry I'm Late, "I Wish" featuring American rapper T.I., was released on September 2, 2013, as a digital download in the United States.[21] The track, produced by Shellback and Dr. Luke, blends pop with hip-hop influences through T.I.'s verse, serving as an introduction to the album's more mature sound. It debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and reached number 48 on the Digital Song Sales chart, reflecting moderate radio and sales traction in the US market.[22] In the UK, it entered the Official Singles Chart at number 95, marking a lower commercial impact compared to Lloyd's prior hits.[8] The music video, directed by Gil Green, premiered on September 24, 2013, and depicts Lloyd in a high-energy, urban setting with choreography emphasizing empowerment and style, amassing millions of views on platforms like Vevo.[23] Following the album's May 2014 release, "Sirens" was issued as the second single on March 17, 2014, initially to US radio before a wider digital rollout. The song explores themes of urgent love and emotional turmoil in a chaotic relationship, with Lloyd's vocals conveying desperation akin to a siren's call amid sirens blaring in the background. It peaked at number 41 on the UK Official Singles Chart, spending two weeks in the top 100, and reached number 48 on the US Pop Digital Song Sales chart.[24] The accompanying music video, released on April 29, 2014, and directed by Darren Craig, portrays a dramatic narrative inspired by Lloyd's childhood experiences, including scenes of rebellion, police intervention, and smoking, which sparked discussions on its intense visuals.[25][26] The release strategy for these singles was designed to sustain momentum toward the album launch, with "I Wish" dropping nearly a year prior to heighten anticipation through its crossover appeal and tour tie-in, while "Sirens" capitalized on post-album promotion to showcase the project's emotional depth.[27]Promotional singles
To generate pre-release buzz for her second studio album Sorry I'm Late, Cher Lloyd and her labels Syco Music and Epic Records released several tracks as promotional singles in digital format during early 2014. These non-commercial downloads served to preview the album's evolved pop sound, blending influences from rock, R&B, and electronic elements, while testing fan reception ahead of the full release on May 27, 2014. Unlike the lead singles "I Wish" and "Sirens," which received videos and radio promotion, these tracks focused on streaming and iTunes availability to build anticipation without major marketing campaigns.[28] The promotional singles included "Dirty Love," "Human," and "Bind Your Love," all made available exclusively through digital platforms. "Dirty Love," co-written by Lloyd and produced by Max Martin and Shellback with additional contributions from The Struts, was the first to drop on March 30, 2014, highlighting a gritty, upbeat vibe with rock edges.[29] "Human," a introspective ballad co-written by LP and Robert Marvin, followed on April 13, 2014, and was positioned as a digital-only teaser in select markets like the US and UK to emphasize Lloyd's maturing vocal style.[30] Rounding out the trio, "Bind Your Love," penned by Ina Wroldsen and produced by Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, and Shellback, arrived on April 27, 2014, offering a catchy, synth-driven pop hook that aligned with the album's overall direction.[31]| Title | Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dirty Love | March 30, 2014 | Rock-pop collaboration; digital download to introduce album's edgier production.[29] |
| Human | April 13, 2014 | Ballad focusing on emotional depth; targeted digital release in key markets.[30] |
| Bind Your Love | April 27, 2014 | Synth-pop track; final pre-album teaser emphasizing romantic themes.[31] |
Tour and other promotion
To promote Sorry I'm Late, Cher Lloyd embarked on her second headlining concert tour, the I Wish Tour, which marked her first major outing across North America. The tour launched on September 6, 2013, at The Fillmore in Silver Spring, Maryland, and extended through multiple legs until July 17, 2014, encompassing over 30 dates primarily in the United States and Canada.[21][33] Supporting acts included Fifth Harmony for the initial fall leg and Jackson Guthy for select spring dates, with performances in mid-sized venues like Bogart's in Cincinnati and Saint Andrews Hall in Detroit.[34][35] Setlists for the I Wish Tour heavily featured tracks from Sorry I'm Late, alongside hits from her debut album Sticks + Stones. Highlights included the lead single "I Wish" (featuring T.I.), the emotional ballad "Sirens," upbeat numbers like "Just Be Mine" and "Human," and crowd favorites such as "Want U Back" and "Swagger Jagger." Attendance varied by venue, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 per show in theaters and clubs, reflecting Lloyd's growing U.S. fanbase post-X Factor. Beyond live performances, promotion included pre-release listening events and media engagements to build anticipation. One week prior to the U.S. release, the full album streamed exclusively on MTV.com, allowing fans early access to all tracks. Lloyd also participated in several high-profile interviews, such as revealing the album title exclusively to Billboard in October 2013 and performing acoustic versions of "Sirens," "With Ur Love," and "Want U Back" for the magazine in November 2013. Merchandise efforts centered on standard tour and album-branded items like T-shirts, posters, and signed CDs available at shows and online via Epic Records' store.[36][10][37] Digital marketing emphasized streaming platforms to drive pre-orders. In March 2014, "Sirens" received a world exclusive audio premiere on YouTube via Sirius XM Hits 1, ahead of its single release, while tracks like "I Wish" and "Sirens" were spotlighted on Spotify playlists to engage global listeners. An innovative fan-involvement campaign in conjunction with MTV Artists allowed select supporters to premiere snippets from the album on social media.[38][39] International promotion was limited, with the label prioritizing the U.S. market following the album's May 2014 stateside debut. In the UK and Europe, efforts included release on July 28, 2014, a handful of media spots like a Good Morning Britain performance, and sporadic appearances, such as at the 2014 Capital FM Summertime Ball in London.[40][41]Release and commercial performance
Release history
Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come was first published in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2019, by Doubleday, an imprint of Transworld Publishers (part of Penguin Random House).[1] The United States edition, subtitled One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes, was released simultaneously on May 28, 2019, by Andrews McMeel Publishing.[7] A Dutch edition followed from Bruna Uitgevers in 2019.[20] The book was released in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats, with the audiobook narrated by the author.[42] Translations appeared in several languages, including Russian, Chinese, Korean, Polish, Hungarian, and German.[20]Commercial performance
The book achieved solid commercial success for a debut memoir, selling over 140,000 copies worldwide as of 2024.[20] It received widespread acclaim and strong reader engagement, evidenced by over 28,000 ratings on Goodreads with an average of 3.9 out of 5.[3] While it did not appear on major bestseller lists such as the New York Times, its sales and positive reviews from outlets like The Guardian and The Cut contributed to its reach in the self-improvement and memoir genres.[2][43] The narrative's relatable themes of introversion and social experimentation resonated during the post-pandemic period, boosting interest in later years. No formal certifications were awarded, but international editions expanded its global audience.Charts
No formal chart positions were recorded, as the book did not enter music or general album charts. Performance is primarily measured through sales and reader metrics.Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release in 2014, Sorry I'm Late received generally positive reviews from music critics, who commended Cher Lloyd's artistic growth and shift toward greater maturity compared to her debut album Sticks + Stones. The album earned 3.5 out of 5 stars on AllMusic, with reviewers noting Lloyd's evolution into a more confident performer.[44] AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the record for its "catchy hooks" and described it as a project where Lloyd "matures just enough from her 2011 debut to keep her in the game," highlighting her emerging personality and vulnerability.[44] Similarly, Digital Spy awarded 3.5 out of 5 stars, calling it "a weighty follow-up of accomplished pop that makes up for its apology," and lauded tracks like "Sirens" for their emotional depth and Lloyd's strong vocals, though it critiqued the dilution of her British edge due to U.S. market influences.[45] The Guardian characterized it as "fun but hollow sensory-overload pop" that tones down Lloyd's earlier cartoonish style while remaining entertaining, with effective collaborations like those with Tove Lo adding appeal, but some tracks feeling empty from overproduced elements.[15] Entertainment Focus echoed the praise for Lloyd's personality and vocal prowess, describing the album as a "worthy follow-up" that blends mature pop, R&B, and electro effectively, particularly on ballads like "Human" and "Sweet Despair," though it noted that brattier tracks felt outdated.[46] Common commendations focused on Lloyd's powerful vocals and the album's diverse production, which showcased her range across upbeat anthems and introspective moments. However, some reviewers criticized inconsistencies in thematic cohesion and an over-reliance on guest features, such as T.I. on "I Wish," which occasionally overshadowed Lloyd's solo presence. Spectrum Pulse rated it 5 out of 10, appreciating the emotional ballads but faulting the generic dance tracks and uneven production for lacking depth.[47]Legacy
Sorry I'm Late represented a significant pivot in Cher Lloyd's career toward the US market, where it debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart upon its 2014 release. However, Lloyd later expressed dissatisfaction with the album's promotion by Epic Records, stating that insufficient support contributed to its underwhelming commercial trajectory. This experience prompted her departure from the label, leading to a period of independent artistry that included the release of her 2018 single "None of My Business" and subsequent singles like "M.I.A." in 2019. By 2025, Lloyd had returned to music with new material under independent arrangements, including the singles "Head Down" in January and "Green Light" in April, marking a shift away from major-label constraints following the album's challenges.[48] The album's artwork features Lloyd topless in a bathtub while smoking a cigarette, with explicit versions showing the smoke and censored pressings removing it.[49] In terms of artistic influence, Sorry I'm Late helped solidify Lloyd's transition to a more mature public image, toning down the cartoonish elements of her debut era through sultry visuals and themes of empowerment. This evolution carried into her later independent work, where she explored personal narratives with greater autonomy. The album maintains a modest presence on streaming platforms like Spotify, where tracks such as "I Wish" continue to garner plays, reflecting ongoing but limited fan engagement a decade later. Despite its role in Lloyd's career arc, Sorry I'm Late has received scant retrospective analysis by 2025, with coverage largely confined to contemporaneous reviews and occasional mentions in profiles of her post-label journey. No major cultural reevaluations have emerged, underscoring a gap in broader discourse on early 2010s pop transitions.Credits
Track listing
The standard edition of Sorry I'm Late features 11 tracks with a total runtime of 37:15.[50][19]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Just Be Mine" | Benjamin Levin, Mike Posner, Shellback | Benny Blanco, Shellback | 3:16 |
| 2 | "Bind Your Love" | Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Shellback, Ina Wroldsen | Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Shellback | 3:36 |
| 3 | "I Wish" (featuring T.I.) | Oscar Holter, ILYA, Savan Kotecha, Shellback, T.I. | ILYA, OzGo, Shellback | 3:32 |
| 4 | "Sirens" | Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Ina Wroldsen | Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub | 3:55 |
| 5 | "Dirty Love" | Cher Lloyd, Jakob Jerlström, Ludvig Söderberg, Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Shellback | Shellback, The Struts | 3:18 |
| 6 | "Human" | Catt Gravitt, LP, Robert Marvin | Robert Marvin | 3:29 |
| 7 | "Sweet Despair" | Beth Ditto, Cher Lloyd, Jason Evigan | Jason Evigan | 3:18 |
| 8 | "Killin' It" | Cher Lloyd, Jakob Jerlström, Ludvig Söderberg, Savan Kotecha, Shellback, Tove Lo | Shellback, The Struts | 2:55 |
| 9 | "Goodnight" | Cher Lloyd, Johan Carlsson, Emily Wright, Matt Squire | Johan Carlsson, Matt Squire | 3:26 |
| 10 | "M.F.P.O.T.Y." | Cher Lloyd, Johan Carlsson, Marco Borrero, Savan Kotecha, Shellback | Johan Carlsson, MAG | 3:17 |
| 11 | "Alone with Me" | Oscar Holter, Savan Kotecha, Shellback | Oscar Holter, Shellback | 3:18 |
Personnel
Cher Lloyd performed lead vocals on all tracks of Sorry I'm Late, with T.I. providing featured rap vocals on "I Wish".[50] The album's executive producers were Savan Kotecha and Shellback.[51] A&R direction was handled by Candece Campbell, with administrative support from Dalia Glickman and operations by Michael Klein.[19] Management was overseen by Christie LaRocque and Craig Logan.[51] All tracks were mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and mastered by Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in New York City.[19][51] Art direction and packaging design were credited to Jeremy D. Levy, with additional packaging design by Greg Joswiak and creative direction by Jo McCrorie; photography was by Maryam Malakpour.[19] The album was produced by multiple collaborators, with Shellback contributing to six tracks. Cher Lloyd co-wrote five tracks: "Dirty Love", "Sweet Despair", "Killin' It", "Goodnight", and "M.F.P.O.T.Y.". Detailed production and songwriting credits per track are as follows:- Just Be Mine: Produced by Benny Blanco and Shellback; written by Benjamin Levin, Mike Posner, and Shellback. Instrumentation and programming by Benny Blanco and Shellback; additional vocals by Shellback; trombone by Gabrial McNair; trumpet by Stephen Bradley. Engineered by John Hanes, with assistance from Tim Roberts.[50]
- Bind Your Love: Produced by Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, and Shellback; written by Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, Shellback, and Ina Wroldsen. Guitar by Carl Falk; bass by Rami Yacoub; all other instruments and programming by Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, and Shellback; background vocals by Nikki Flores. Engineered by John Hanes.[50]
- I Wish (featuring T.I.): Produced by ILYA, OzGo, and Shellback; written by Oscar Holter, ILYA, Savan Kotecha, Shellback, and T.I. Keyboards and programming by ILYA, OzGo, and Shellback; guitar by OzGo and Shellback; bass by Shellback; background vocals by ILYA and Shellback. Engineered by John Hanes, Michael Ilbert, and Tim Roberts (assistant).[50]
- Sirens: Produced by Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub; written by Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub, and Ina Wroldsen. All instruments and programming by Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub; bass by Rami Yacoub; background vocals by Marlene Strand. Engineered by John Hanes, Albin Nordén, Carl Falk, and Rami Yacoub.[50]
- Dirty Love: Produced by Shellback and The Struts; written by Cher Lloyd, Jakob Jerlström, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Shellback, and Ludvig Söderberg. Guitar, bass, keyboards, and programming by Shellback; keyboards and programming by The Struts; background vocals by Max Martin. Engineered by John Hanes, with assistance from Eric Eylands, Spyke Lee, and Tim Roberts.[50]
- Human: Produced by Robert Marvin; written by Catt Gravitt, LP, and Robert Marvin. All other instruments by Robert Marvin; acoustic guitar by Paul Shearer; electric guitar by Tofer Brown; ukulele by LP. Engineered by John Hanes and Rouble Kapoor. Additional vocal production by Catt Gravitt.[50]
- Sweet Despair: Produced by Jason Evigan; written by Cher Lloyd, Beth Ditto, and Jason Evigan. Guitar by Corky James; background vocals by Dan Book, Jason Evigan, and Livvi Franc.[50]
- Killin' It: Produced by Shellback and The Struts; written by Cher Lloyd, Shellback, Savan Kotecha, Tove Lo, Jakob Jerlström, and Ludvig Söderberg. Guitar, keyboards, and programming by Shellback; keyboards and programming by The Struts. Engineered by John Hanes, Michael Ilbert, and Tim Roberts (assistant).[50]
- Goodnight: Produced by Johan Carlsson and Matt Squire; written by Cher Lloyd, Johan Carlsson, Matt Squire, and Emily Wright. All instruments by Johan Carlsson and Matt Squire; additional acoustic guitar by Larry Goetz. Vocal production by Emily Wright. Engineered by John Hanes and Cory Bice (assistant).[50]
- M.F.P.O.T.Y.: Produced by Johan Carlsson and Mag; written by Cher Lloyd, Johan Carlsson, Marco Borrero, Savan Kotecha, and Shellback. Guitar by Johan Carlsson; synth and programming by Mag. Vocal production by Johan Carlsson, Mag, Peter Carlsson, and Savan Kotecha.[50]
- Alone with Me: Produced by Oscar Holter and Shellback; written by Oscar Holter, Savan Kotecha, and Shellback. Guitar by Shellback; keyboards and programming by Oscar Holter and Shellback. Engineered by John Hanes, Michael Ilbert, and Tim Roberts (assistant).[50]