Released on January 23, 2012, as the second and final single from Demi Lovato’s third studio album Unbroken (2011), “Give Your Heart a Break” became one of the defining tracks of Lovato’s career. Written and produced by Josh Alexander and Billy Steinberg, the song captures both the vulnerability and strength that mark Lovato’s artistry.
Following the deeply personal first single “Skyscraper”, which dealt with resilience and recovery, Lovato chose “Give Your Heart a Break” as a contrasting follow-up. The track is less about heartbreak and more about opening up to love again. Lovato has explained that the song tells the story of “a girl who loves someone so much that she’s trying to convince him she’s the one.”
“Give Your Heart a Break” became a commercial success. In the United States, it peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the Top 10 of the Mainstream Top 40 (Pop Songs) chart. It earned multi-platinum certification from the RIAA, with over 2.5 million digital copies sold in the U.S. alone. Internationally, it charted across Canada, New Zealand, and several European countries, further expanding Lovato’s global reach.
Music Video
Directed by Justin Francis, the music video premiered on March 20, 2012. Set in New York City, it portrays Lovato attempting to win the trust of a hesitant lover, played by actor Alex Bechet. Through tender moments and symbolic imagery, the video reflects the song’s theme of breaking down emotional walls and embracing love.
