New Rules

The harmonic simplicity of 'New Rules' is its greatest strength — a single four-chord natural minor loop (i–VI–III–VII) repeats throughout the entire song without modulation or substitution. This minimalist approach is characteristic of 2010s electropop production, where harmonic interest is deliberately ceded to rhythmic and timbral variation. The progression's descending quality (Ebm down to B, up through Gb to Db) creates a gentle emotional arc within each cycle that perfectly supports the lyrical push-pull of wanting to call an ex but knowing you shouldn't. The lack of a dominant chord (Bb or Bb7) means the harmony never demands resolution, keeping the song in a suspended emotional state that matches its theme of self-discipline over desire.

"New Rules" was written by Caroline Ailin, Emily Warren, and Ian Kirkpatrick during a writing camp originally intended for Little Mix. The lyrics were inspired by Ailin's personal struggles with the temptation of getting back together with a former boyfriend. Warren later reflected that early in her career she was told never to write a song where the male partner wouldn't 'get it,' but she abandoned that advice, believing the best writing comes from honest self-expression. The song was passed on by several artists — one reportedly felt it lacked a notable hook — before landing with Dua Lipa.

"New Rules" transformed Dua Lipa from a promising newcomer into a global pop force. Built on a hypnotic four-chord loop blending electropop and tropical house, the song became a generational breakup anthem whose music video turned female solidarity into a visual manifesto, making Lipa the youngest female artist to reach one billion YouTube views.