{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}} {{Infobox song | name = Ever Again | type = single | cover = Robyn – Ever Again single.jpg | alt = | artist = Robyn | album = Honey | released = 17 June 2019 | recorded = | genre = * Dance-pop * synth-pop * disco | length = {{duration|m=4|s=24}} | label = Konichiwa | writer = {{hlist|Robyn|Joseph Mount}} | producer = Mount | prev_title = Between the Lines | prev_year = 2019 | next_title = Beach 2k20 | next_year = 2019 | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|GfK88LsB0fg|"Ever Again"}}}} }} “'''Ever Again'''” is a song by Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn from her eighth studio album, ''Honey''. She wrote it with its producer, Joseph Mount. It was one of the last songs written for the album and was completed during a period when Robyn had grown exhausted from working on it. The song was released as the album's fourth single on 17 June 2019 by Konichiwa Records.
“Ever Again” is a dance-pop, synth-pop, and disco song. Performed over a prominent bassline, loudening synths, and layered vocal harmonies, it draws inspiration from 1980s music, R&B, funk, and a range of pop and rock genres. Many critics likened it to the work of musician Prince. Robyn has described the song as being about defiance. Critics have interpreted its lyrics as a declaration that she will no longer be defined by heartbreak, a theme frequently associated with her work, and have viewed its placement as the album's closing track as offering a hopeful resolution to the album's emotional narrative. The song received positive reviews, with many critics highlighting it as one of the strongest tracks on the album and praising its role as ''Honey's'' finale.
Colin Solal Cardo directed the music video for “Ever Again”, which was released the same day as the single. In the video, Robyn suggestively dances with a microphone stand on a sand-filled sound stage, surrounded by Greek mythology-inspired statues and ruins. The video was praised for Robyn's dancing. Robyn promoted the song with live performances on ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show'' and ''The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'', and included "Ever Again" on her Honey Tour (2019) set list.
== Background and release == Swedish singer Robyn wrote "Ever Again" with Joseph Mount,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ever Again – ISWC: T9274080896 – Work ID: 895875422 |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#/ace/search/title/ever%20again/performer/Robyn?at=false&searchFilter=SVW&page=1 |access-date=March 12, 2026 |publisher=ASCAP}}</ref> who also produced the track.<ref name=":31">{{Cite news |title=100 Greatest Pop Songs of the Streaming Era |url=https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-02-24/greatest-pop-songs-streaming-era/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |publisher=Spotify Newsroom |id=The article states that all songs included on the list were released on Spotify after January 1, 2015.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260225225428/https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-02-24/greatest-pop-songs-streaming-era/|archive-date=February 25, 2026}}</ref> The pair wrote it near the end of completing her eighth studio album, ''Honey'',<ref>{{Cite news |title=Honey LP |url=https://interscope.com/products/honey-lp?srsltid=AfmBOop2_ZO3ny4KxfjVxY3BBp8huuMHXXNbOwXWTZELzPW4dO7VLahf |access-date=April 1, 2026 |publisher=Interscope Records|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260413191306/https://interscope.com/products/honey-lp?srsltid=AfmBOop2_ZO3ny4KxfjVxY3BBp8huuMHXXNbOwXWTZELzPW4dO7VLahf|archive-date=April 13, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=September 19, 2018 |title=Robyn Announces Long-Anticipated Eighth Album ‘Honey’ |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robyn-new-album-honey-725976/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820213408/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robyn-new-album-honey-725976/ |archive-date=August 20, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2026 |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> during a period when Robyn said she had grown exhausted from working on the album and felt they needed a break.<ref name=":5" /> Mount began playing what would become the song's chords on his synthesizer, which Robyn liked and worked with him to refine.<ref name=":5" /> Subsequently, the chorus came to them quickly.<ref name=":5" /> Robyn and Mount finished the song in one night, and the latter considers it to be his favorite song on ''Honey''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Earls |first=John |date=April 13, 2025 |title=Joe Mount Interview: Metronomy Forever |url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/joe-mount-interview-metronomy-forever/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Classic Pop|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251211221639/https://www.classicpopmag.com/features/joe-mount-interview-metronomy-forever/|archive-date=December 11, 2025}}</ref> Robyn contrasted the ease of writing “Ever Again” against the rest of the album's creative process, saying, “It was so nice to write something at the end of making the record where you have the whole thing in your system and you can add to it in this very natural way".<ref name=":5" /> Mount co-wrote and produced much of ''Honey'' with Robyn,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berthelot |first=Théau |date=June 18, 2019 |title="Ever Again" music video: Robyn dances amidst statues |url=https://www-chartsinfrance-net.translate.goog/Robyn/news-110499.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp |access-date=March 26, 2026 |publisher=Pure Charts |language=French|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260401142123/https://www-chartsinfrance-net.translate.goog/Robyn/news-110499.html?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp|archive-date=April 1, 2026}}</ref> but his influence is particularly pronounced on “Ever Again”.<ref name=":58" /> He also played electric guitar on the track, with Ulf Engström playing bass guitar.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Ever Again – Song by Robyn |url=https://music.apple.com/dk/song/ever-again/1436973685 |access-date=March 30, 2026 |publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260401192400/https://music.apple.com/dk/song/ever-again/1436973685|archive-date=April 1, 2026}}</ref> Audio engineer Neal H Pogue, who mixed the track, said he used the Ozone 8 plugin on the stereo bus to apply subtle equalization and compression, enhancing the song’s overall balance and clarity while evoking a vintage sound inspired by 1980s music.<ref name=":60">{{Cite news |last=Godowsky |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Godowsky |date=December 19, 2018 |title=How GRAMMY-winning producer Neal Pogue Used Ozone 8 on Robyn's 'Honey' |url=https://www.izotope.com/en/learn/how-grammy-winning-producer-neal-pogue-used-ozone-8-on-robyns-honey.html |access-date=March 30, 2026 |publisher=iZotope|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250325152613/https://www.izotope.com/en/learn/how-grammy-winning-producer-neal-pogue-used-ozone-8-on-robyns-honey.html|archive-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref> He also identified "Ever Again" as his favorite song from ''Honey''.<ref name=":60" /> Most of the tracks on ''Honey'' were sequenced in the order they were written, with “Ever Again”, being one of the final songs composed, ultimately closing the album.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=King |first=Jason |date=October 24, 2018 |title=Robyn Breaks Down Every Song on Her New Album, Honey |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/song-by-song/robyn-breaks-down-every-song-on-her-new-album-honey/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Pitchfork|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250731114436/https://pitchfork.com/features/song-by-song/robyn-breaks-down-every-song-on-her-new-album-honey/|archive-date=July 31, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":21">{{Cite news |last=Bonner |first=Luke |date=October 31, 2018 |title=Album Review: Honey by Robyn |url=https://krui.fm/2018/10/31/album-review-honey-by-robyn/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=KRUI-FM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260227020112/https://krui.fm/2018/10/31/album-review-honey-by-robyn/|archive-date=February 27, 2026}}</ref>
In September 2018, Robyn revealed the track list for her then-upcoming album ''Honey'' in an animated clip posted on social media, confirming “Ever Again” as the ninth and final track.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gaca |first=Anna |date=September 25, 2018 |title=Robyn Announces Honey Tracklist |url=https://www.spin.com/2018/09/robyn-honey-tracklist-details/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Spin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222051123/https://www.spin.com/2018/09/robyn-honey-tracklist-details/|archive-date=February 22, 2024}}</ref> The song was released as the album's fourth single on 17 June 2019 by Konichiwa Records.<ref name=":11">{{Cite news |last=Jolley |first=Ben |date=February 12, 2026 |title=The 11 best Robyn songs |url=https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/music/the-best-robyn-songs-ranked-75633/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |publisher=Ticketmaster Discover|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309160751/https://discover.ticketmaster.co.uk/music/the-best-robyn-songs-ranked-75633/|archive-date=March 9, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Ever Again – Robyn |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/ever-again-mw0003291448#trackListing |access-date=March 10, 2026 |publisher=AllMusic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501074943/https://www.allmusic.com/album/ever-again-mw0003291448#trackListing|archive-date=May 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2019 |title=Ever Again (Single Mix) |url=https://music.apple.com/zw/album/ever-again-single-mix-single/1468250084 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320153856/https://music.apple.com/zw/album/ever-again-single-mix-single/1468250084|archive-date=March 20, 2026}}</ref> Three official remixes of “Ever Again”, by Planningtorock, Soulwax, and Patrick Topping,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ever Again (Patrick Topping Remix) |url=https://www.umusicpub.com/latin/Digital-Music-Library/song/421070/robyn-ever-again-patrick-topping-remix |access-date=March 19, 2026 |publisher=Universal Music Publishing Group|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320154046/https://www.umusicpub.com/latin/Digital-Music-Library/song/421070/robyn-ever-again-patrick-topping-remix|archive-date=March 20, 2026}}</ref> were released on 9 July, 23 August, and 4 October 2019, respectively.<ref name="Planningtorock">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ever-again-planningtorock-remix-single/1474310898|title=Ever Again (Planningtorock Remix) by Robyn|website=|access-date=September 19, 2019|publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722023421/https://music.apple.com/us/album/ever-again-planningtorock-remix-single/1474310898|archive-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref><ref name="Soulwax">{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ever-again-soulwax-remix-single/1476004116|title=Ever Again (Soulwax Remix) by Robyn|access-date=September 19, 2019|publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260207140536/https://music.apple.com/us/album/ever-again-soulwax-remix-single/1476004116|archive-date=February 7, 2026}}</ref><ref name="Patrick">{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/0orHs7UWzzOQLdkYeXMR6z?highlight=spotify:track:2ME1zbUnlZTttUtFgLz4a2|title=Ever Again (Patrick Topping Remix) by Robyn|website=|access-date=October 4, 2019|publisher=Spotify|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722023746/https://open.spotify.com/album/0orHs7UWzzOQLdkYeXMR6z?highlight=spotify:track:2ME1zbUnlZTttUtFgLz4a2|archive-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> On 20 June 2020, the song was issued as a limited edition 12-inch vinyl featuring remixes, as part of a ''Honey'' remix series released for Love Record Store Day 2020, alongside “Honey”, “Baby Forgive Me”, and “Between the Lines / Beach2k20”.<ref name=":51">{{cite web |last1=Skinner |first1=Tom |title=Robyn to release limited edition 'Honey' remix series on 12" vinyl |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/robyn-to-release-limited-edition-honey-remix-series-on-12-vinyl-2690250 |website=NME |access-date=June 20, 2020 |date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260115001152/https://www.nme.com/news/music/robyn-to-release-limited-edition-honey-remix-series-on-12-vinyl-2690250|archive-date=January 15, 2026}}</ref> Only 500 copies of each record were manufactured.<ref name=":51" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Cummings |first=Bill |date=June 18, 2020 |title=NEWS: Robyn reveals previously-unreleased Avalon Emerson, Floorplan and Louie Vega remixes for 'Honey' 12-inch |url=https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2020/06/18/news-robyn-reveals-previously-unreleased-avalon-emerson-floorplan-and-louie-vega-remixes-for-honey-12-inch/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250523152656/https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2020/06/18/news-robyn-reveals-previously-unreleased-avalon-emerson-floorplan-and-louie-vega-remixes-for-honey-12-inch/ |archive-date=May 23, 2025 |access-date=March 20, 2026 |work=God Is in the TV}}</ref>
== Music and lyrics == [[File:Prince at Coachella crop.jpg|thumb|Music critics compared "Ever Again" to the work of singer Prince.|339x339px]] "Ever Again" has been described as an R&B-tinged dance-pop,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 21, 2019 |title=(Video) Robyn Channels Greek Mythology in New Video Release |url=https://pappaspost.com/robyn-ever-again-video-greek-mythology/ |access-date=March 25, 2026 |work=The Pappas Post |quote=A dance song with an R&B influence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204065202/https://pappaspost.com/robyn-ever-again-video-greek-mythology/|archive-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Acevedo |first=Angelica |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Robyn Gets Groovy with Hypnotic 'Ever Again' on 'Late Show': Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/late-show-robyn-ever-again-performance-watch-8502306/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130123821/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/late-show-robyn-ever-again-performance-watch-8502306/|archive-date=January 30, 2023}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite news |last=Lewis |first=Natasha |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Robyn's Radical Return |url=https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/robyn-honey-new-album-review/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250909231348/https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/robyn-honey-new-album-review/ |archive-date=September 9, 2025 |access-date=March 12, 2026 |work=The Nation}}</ref> synth-pop,<ref name=":23">{{Cite news |last=Phares |first=Heather |title=Honey Review by Heather Phares |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/honey-mw0003213084 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |publisher=AllMusic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104225804/https://www.allmusic.com/album/honey-mw0003213084|archive-date=January 4, 2026}}</ref><ref name=":12" /> and disco<ref name=":35">{{Cite news |last=Fenwick |first=George |date=October 31, 2018 |title=Album review: Robyn, Honey |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/album-review-robyn-honey/5LESZAEPMKSTJHHY3PADBYZB3E/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123104940/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/album-review-robyn-honey/5LESZAEPMKSTJHHY3PADBYZB3E/ |archive-date=January 23, 2022 |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=The New Zealand Herald |quote=Ever Again, a warm, funky disco tune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Zoladz |first=Lindsay |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Dancing on Her Own: The Exhilarating Singularity of Robyn |url=https://www.theringer.com/2018/10/25/pop-culture/robyn-honey-career-review-call-your-girlfriend |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The Ringer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251118080835/https://www.theringer.com/2018/10/25/pop-culture/robyn-honey-career-review-call-your-girlfriend|archive-date=November 18, 2025|quote=disco-inflected closing track 'Ever Again'}}</ref><ref name=":26">{{Cite news |last=Ross |first=Annabel |date=November 1, 2018 |title=Robyn - Honey |url=https://ra.co/reviews/23183 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Resident Advisor |quote=she vows over a warm disco bass groove|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414064156/https://ra.co/reviews/23183|archive-date=April 14, 2025}}</ref> song with an "undulating groove ... atmospheric instrumentation and empowering lyrics", according to ''Paste''<nowiki/>'s Harry Todd.<ref name=":12">{{Cite news |last=Todd |first=Harry |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn Shares Dreamy Music Video for “Ever Again” |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ohyung/ohyung-iowa-interview |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Paste|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260306185137/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/ohyung/ohyung-iowa-interview|archive-date=March 6, 2026}}</ref> It is four minutes and twenty-four seconds (4:24) long,<ref name=":23" /> and performed in the key of E major at a tempo of 125 BPM.<ref>{{Cite news |title=BPM and key for Ever Again by Robyn |url=https://songbpm.com/@robyn/ever-again |access-date=March 25, 2026 |publisher=Song BPM}}</ref> A mid-tempo<ref name=":54">{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Michael |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Robyn: Back on the Floor With Pop's Swedish Phoenix (Cover Exclusive) |url=https://www.out.com/out-exclusives/2018/9/24/robyn-back-floor-pops-swedish-phoenix-cover-exclusive |access-date=March 13, 2026 |work=Out|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250125201015/https://www.out.com/out-exclusives/2018/9/24/robyn-back-floor-pops-swedish-phoenix-cover-exclusive|archive-date=January 25, 2025}}</ref> track with a distinct, syncopated bassline,<ref name=":57">{{Cite news |last=Cronin |first=Ruth |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.goldenplec.com/album-reviews/robyn-honey/ |access-date=March 23, 2026 |work=GoldenPlec|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729080927/https://www.goldenplec.com/album-reviews/robyn-honey/|archive-date=July 29, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":19">{{Cite news |last=Divaman |date=December 9, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/78562/Robyn-Honey/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=Sputnikmusic}}</ref> the song incorporates retro synths,<ref name=":6" /> 1980s influences,<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last=Petridis |first=Alexis |author-link=Alexis Petridis |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Robyn: Honey review – beautifully personal pop perfection |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/25/robyn-honey-review-pop |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260103120504/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/oct/25/robyn-honey-review-pop|archive-date=January 3, 2026}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Courtney E. |date=October 26, 2018 |title=For Those Who Need To Dance, Robyn Goes Down Smooth On Honey |url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/10/215181/robyn-honey-album-review |access-date=March 6, 2026 |publisher=Refinery29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208114455/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2018/10/215181/robyn-honey-album-review|archive-date=December 8, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mehta |first=Adi |date=2018 |title=Robyn Glitters and Glows on Masterful 'Honey' |url=https://entertainmentvoice.com/2018/10/25/robyn-glitters-and-glows-on-masterful-honey/ |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=Entertainment Voice |quote=All of the retro stylings culminate grandly in “Ever Again,” with everything from the bass tone to the vocal harmonies screaming eighties.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260319165913/https://entertainmentvoice.com/2018/10/25/robyn-glitters-and-glows-on-masterful-honey/|archive-date=March 19, 2026}}</ref> and layered vocal harmonies,<ref name=":27" /><ref name=":28">{{Cite news |last=Brookman |first=Jacob |date=October 29, 2018 |title=Robyn - Honey (Album Review) |url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/220770/9 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Stereoboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616172007/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/220770/9|archive-date=June 16, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite news |last=Needham |first=Alex |date=December 20, 2018 |title=The 50 best albums of 2018, No 2: Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/20/the-50-best-albums-of-2018-no-2-robyn-honey |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605034626/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/20/the-50-best-albums-of-2018-no-2-robyn-honey|archive-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref> over a pulse-pounding rhythm.<ref name=":29" /> Critics have identified rock,<ref name=":49">{{Cite news |last=Murrian |first=Samuel |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn Releases Stellar 'Ever Again' Music Video |url=https://instinctmagazine.com/robyn-releases-stellar-ever-again-music-video/ |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=Instinct|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227043112/https://instinctmagazine.com/robyn-releases-stellar-ever-again-music-video/|archive-date=February 27, 2021}}</ref> synth-rock,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Huff |first=Rob |date=December 4, 2018 |title=The Key’s Top 15 Albums of 2018 |url=https://xpn.org/2018/12/04/top-15-albums-2018/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |publisher=WXPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250808080445/https://xpn.org/2018/12/04/top-15-albums-2018/|archive-date=August 8, 2025}}</ref> space rock,<ref name=":40" /> yacht rock,<ref name=":40" /> new wave,<ref name=":29">{{Cite news |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Robyn's Honey: The Thrill Is Gone, and That's Okay |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/10/robyn-honey-album-review-thrill-gone/573997/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520151041/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/10/robyn-honey-album-review-thrill-gone/573997/ |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=The Atlantic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Jonathan |date=November 6, 2019 |title=Best of the Decade: Jonathan Wright's Top Twenty albums |url=https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2019/11/06/best-of-the-decade-jonathan-wrights-top-twenty-albums/ |access-date=March 20, 2026 |work=God Is in the TV}}</ref> funk,<ref name=":13" /><ref name="RS" /> synth funk,<ref name=":38">{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Alex |date=January 5, 2019 |title=Redbrick’s Albums of 2018 |url=https://www.redbrick.me/redbricks-albums-of-2018/ |access-date=March 12, 2026 |work=Redbrick|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250710150118/https://www.redbrick.me/redbricks-albums-of-2018/|archive-date=July 10, 2025}}</ref> and future funk elements in its production.<ref name=":39">{{Cite news |last=Warwick |first=Kevin |date=February 21, 2019 |title=Less club-ready than Body Talk, Honey shows why Robyn remains a global dance-pop star |url=https://chicagoreader.com/music/less-club-ready-than-body-talk-honey-shows-why-robyn-remains-a-global-dance-pop-star/ |access-date=March 13, 2026 |work=Chicago Reader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250615235430/https://chicagoreader.com/music/less-club-ready-than-body-talk-honey-shows-why-robyn-remains-a-global-dance-pop-star/|archive-date=June 15, 2025}}</ref> Building gradually,<ref name=":21" /> its ending crescendos into a synth explosion,<ref name=":54" /><ref name=":15">{{Cite news |last=McDermott |first=Maeve |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Robyn is here to save pop music with new album 'Honey' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/10/25/robyn-honey-album-review/1763017002/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208214911/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2018/10/25/robyn-honey-album-review/1763017002/|archive-date=February 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Jordan |date=December 3, 2018 |title=The Line of Best Fit |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/lists/best-albums-of-2018 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=The Line of Best Fit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260101090612/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/lists/best-albums-of-2018|archive-date=January 1, 2026}}</ref> approximately three minutes into the track.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news |last=Hawthorne |first=Katie |date=November 28, 2018 |title=Albums of 2018 (#5): Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/opinion/albums-of-the-year/albums-of-2018-5-robyn-honey |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=The Skinny|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250824191852/https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/opinion/albums-of-the-year/albums-of-2018-5-robyn-honey|archive-date=August 24, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":56" /> Musically, it contrasts much of the album's club energy.<ref name=":58">{{Cite news |last=Guillén |first=Raúl |date=June 22, 2019 |title=homage by Robyn to the classics: Greece and Prince |url=https://jenesaispop.com/2019/06/22/366041/ever-again-es-un-doble-homenaje-de-robyn-a-los-clasicos-grecia-y-prince/ |access-date=March 24, 2026 |publisher=Jenesaispop |language=Spanish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324165228/https://jenesaispop.com/2019/06/22/366041/ever-again-es-un-doble-homenaje-de-robyn-a-los-clasicos-grecia-y-prince/|archive-date=March 24, 2026}}</ref> ''Variety'''s Jem Aswad summarized "Ever Again" as the album's most straightforward pop song.<ref name=":27">{{Cite news |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Album Review: Robyn's 'Honey' |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/reviews/album-review-robyn-honey-1202994990/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250817202958/https://variety.com/2018/music/reviews/album-review-robyn-honey-1202994990/|archive-date=August 17, 2025}}</ref> Nolan Feeney of ''Billboard'' and Natasha Lewis of ''The Nation'' noted that “Ever Again” departs from ''Honey''’s experimental sound in favor of the more mainstream dance-pop style of Robyn’s earlier work, comparing it to her 2005 self-titled album and ''Body Talk'' (2010), respectively.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":36" /> Several journalists likened "Ever Again" to the work of musician Prince,<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":14">{{Cite news |last=Gamboa |first=Glenn |date=October 30, 2018 |title=CD review {{!}} Honey: In healing, Swedish singer Robyn finds happiness again |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/local/2018/10/30/cd-review-honey-in-healing/9420275007/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The Columbus Dispatch}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Kheraj |first=Alim |date=October 26, 2018 |title=why robyn's 'honey' is a solid contender for album of the year |url=https://i-d.co/article/robyns-honey-is-an-album-about-rediscovering-yourself/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=i-D|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260309160838/https://i-d.co/article/robyns-honey-is-an-album-about-rediscovering-yourself/|archive-date=March 9, 2026}}</ref> and agreed that its production is also heavily inspired by Mount's own band, Metronomy.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Neale |first=Matthew |date=October 28, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/robyn-honey/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Clash|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528082132/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/robyn-honey/|archive-date=May 28, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":34">{{Cite news |last=Gormely |first=Ian |date=October 18, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/robyn-honey |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=Exclaim!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250910031914/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/robyn-honey|archive-date=September 10, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Götz |first=Oliver |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Honey |url=https://www.musikexpress.de/reviews/robyn-honey/ |access-date=March 20, 2026 |work=Musikexpress|language=German|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220819150716/https://www.musikexpress.de/reviews/robyn-honey/|archive-date=August 19, 2022}}</ref> Raúl Guillén of Jenesaispop theorized that the song's bassline likely draws from both artists, while Prince's influence is more evident in its keyboards, guitars, and background vocals.<ref name=":58" /> After comparing the song to other artists, Ruth Cronin of ''GoldenPlec'' credits the "influx of synths" with restoring "Ever Again" "back into Robyn territory".<ref name=":57" /> Ticketmaster Discover's Ben Jolley called it "a sonic embodiment of the lights coming back on after a very fun night out" and "funkier sister" to Robyn's "Between the Lines" (2019).<ref name=":11" />
"Ever Again" uses optimistic lyrics to convey the singer's intentions to only sing about love henceforth.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":36" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=2018 |title=Honey – Album by Robyn |url=https://music.apple.com/ca/album/honey/1436781118 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |publisher=Apple Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260214204439/https://music.apple.com/ca/album/honey/1436781118|archive-date=February 14, 2026}}</ref> Her vocals evoke a range of emotions,<ref name=":22" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Robyn: 'Honey' Album Review |url=https://clichemag.com/music/robyn-honey-album-review/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Cliché Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250421214454/https://clichemag.com/music/robyn-honey-album-review/|archive-date=April 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Vain |first=Madison |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Robyn's New Album, Honey, is More Than Just Great Pop Music |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/books-and-art/robyn-honey-review-a2222-20181102-src-esquire-lfrm |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=Esquire Philippines|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815075009/https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/books-and-art/robyn-honey-review-a2222-20181102-src-esquire-lfrm|archive-date=August 15, 2022}}</ref> delivering lines such as “daddy issues and silly games" with a scoff.<ref name=":40" /> In a review for ''The Independent'', Helen Brown compared her vocal delivery to singer Cyndi Lauper,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Helen |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Robyn, 'Honey' album review: The Swedish dance revolutionary's new record glows with bittersweet sensuality |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/robyn-honey-album-new-review-sweden-dance-pop-tracklist-a8600751.html |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=The Independent|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221155550/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/robyn-honey-album-new-review-sweden-dance-pop-tracklist-a8600751.html|archive-date=February 21, 2025}}</ref> and ''God Is in the TV''<nowiki/>'s Jonathan Wright found the sweetness in Robyn's voice reminiscent of her own single "Be Mine" (2005).<ref name=":56">{{Cite news |last=Wright |first=Jonathan |date=October 30, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey (Konichiwa) |url=https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2018/10/30/robyn-honey-konichiwa/ |access-date=March 23, 2026 |work=God Is in the TV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250512213422/https://www.godisinthetvzine.co.uk/2018/10/30/robyn-honey-konichiwa/|archive-date=May 12, 2025}}</ref> Courtney E. Smith of Refinery29 said the song's happy, danceable beat contradicts its lyrics,<ref name=":9" /> which describe "the push and pull of a new relationship", per Matt Gallatin of ''The Michigan Daily''.<ref name=":33">{{Cite news |last=Gallatin |first=Matt |date=October 30, 2018 |title=The momentary bliss of 'Honey' |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/music/honey-robyn-album-review/ |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=The Michigan Daily|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260311174618/https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/music/honey-robyn-album-review/|archive-date=March 11, 2026}}</ref> According to Robyn, "Ever Again" is "a defiant song about standing up for yourself", although she welcomes other interpretations.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Shapiro |first=Ari |last2=Lonsdorf |first2=Kat |date=November 1, 2018 |title=How Robyn Found Herself In The Space Between The Notes |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/11/01/662094906/how-robyn-found-herself-in-the-space-between-the-notes |access-date=March 6, 2026 |publisher=NPR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251225013948/https://www.npr.org/2018/11/01/662094906/how-robyn-found-herself-in-the-space-between-the-notes|archive-date=December 25, 2025}}</ref> Alexis Petridis of ''The Guardian'' said it is "about surviving by shutting oneself down emotionally".<ref name=":8" /> Several critics have interpreted the song as Robyn declaring that she will no longer be defined by heartbreak, a theme often associated with her career,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Holt |first=Marianne |date=January 25, 2019 |title=Album Review: Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.redbrick.me/album-review-robyn-honey/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126035642/https://www.redbrick.me/album-review-robyn-honey/ |archive-date=January 26, 2019 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Redbrick}}</ref> particularly via its chorus “never going to be brokenhearted ever again".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Maura |author-link=Maura Johnston |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Robyn Mends Her Own Heart on the Subtle, Sparkling Honey |url=https://www.spin.com/2018/10/robyn-honey-review/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Spin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424175205/https://www.spin.com/2018/10/robyn-honey-review/|archive-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Davies |first=Hayden |date=October 19, 2018 |title=Prince, Parties and Pleasure: The Long Road to Robyn's Most Personal Album Yet |url=https://themusic.com.au/features/prince-parties-and-pleasure-the-long-road-to-robyn-s-most-personal-album-yet/i8Ixn56BgIM/19-10-18 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=The Music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321113654/https://themusic.com.au/features/prince-parties-and-pleasure-the-long-road-to-robyn-s-most-personal-album-yet/i8Ixn56BgIM/19-10-18|archive-date=March 21, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=October 23, 2018 |title=How Robyn cut through armor to find the human heart in Honey |url=https://ew.com/music/2018/10/23/robyn-honey-interview/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Entertainment Weekly|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251014212525/https://ew.com/music/2018/10/23/robyn-honey-interview/|archive-date=October 14, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> Referring to feeling brokenhearted, she announces "that shit’s out the door".<ref name=":20">{{Cite news |last=Greenwood |first=Douglas |date=2018 |title=Robyn's 'Honey' Is a Profound Electro-Pop Masterpiece for a Heartbroken Generation |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/robyn-honey-album-review/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Highsnobiety}}</ref> Stephen Keegan of ''Hot Press'' said the singer "addresses her position as the queen of dancefloor tearjerkers".<ref name=":32">{{Cite news |last=Keegan |first=Stephen |date=November 14, 2018 |title=Album Review: Robyn, Honey |url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-robyn-honey-22762115 |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=Hot Press|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260120100911/https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-robyn-honey-22762115|archive-date=January 20, 2026}}</ref> Writers for ''Entertainment Weekly'', ''Billboard'', and ''The Guardian'' lamented the implication that Robyn might never again release music about heartbreak,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Feeney |first=Nolan |last2=Unterberger |first2=Andrew |last3=Atkinson |first3=Katie |last4=Lynch |first4=Joe |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Robyn Roundtable: Billboard Staffers Weigh In On 'Honey' Highlights & How It Lived Up to Expectations |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/robyn-honey-review-billboard-staffers-roundtable-8481909/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204064549/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/robyn-honey-review-billboard-staffers-roundtable-8481909/|archive-date=December 4, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":13" /> with Laura Snapes of ''The Guardian'' comparing the idea to if singer Adele decided to stop singing about heartbreak.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=September 28, 2018 |title=How Robyn transformed pop |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/28/how-robyn-transformed-pop-music-honey |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The Guardian|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250426203204/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/28/how-robyn-transformed-pop-music-honey|archive-date=April 26, 2025}}</ref> Will Hermes of ''Rolling Stone'' called it "an absurd declaration", but agreed "sometimes these are the things we need to tell ourselves to keep going".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hermes |first=Will |author-link=Will Hermes |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Review: Robyn Lets the Grooves Take Over on the Excellent 'Honey |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-robyn-lets-the-grooves-take-over-on-the-excellent-honey-746778/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129074718/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/review-robyn-lets-the-grooves-take-over-on-the-excellent-honey-746778/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> Douglas Greenwood of ''Highsnobiety'' acknowledged that Robyn may already be aware of the unpredictability of making such a bold promise but is choosing to deprioritize pain for the first time.<ref name=":20" /> The singer explained that while it's impossible to guarantee that one will never experience heartbreak again, her lyrics could be interpreted about deciding to not let heartbreak destroy you,<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Jones |first=Daisy |date=October 18, 2018 |title=The Enduring Cult of Robyn |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/robyn-honey-interview-2018/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Vice|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223185621/https://www.vice.com/en/article/robyn-honey-interview-2018/|archive-date=February 23, 2026}}</ref> rather than avoiding it altogether.<ref name=":3" />
Several critics discussed the song's meaning in relation to the broader themes of ''Honey''. Caryn Ganz of ''The New York Times'' labeled "Ever Again" a song that could be interpreted either literally or ironically, and thematically a "salve" to the album's earlier songs about trauma.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ganz |first=Caryn |date=September 21, 2018 |title=How Robyn, Pop's Glittery Rebel, Danced Her Way Back From Darkness |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/arts/music/robyn-honey-interview.html |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250212074936/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/21/arts/music/robyn-honey-interview.html |archive-date=February 12, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The New York Times}}</ref> Tasbeeh Herwees of ''Elle'' grouped it into ''Honey''<nowiki/>'s songs about "a re-emergence from grief".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Herwees |first=Tasbeeh |date=October 17, 2018 |title=Robyn Is Ready For Her Comeback |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a23872504/robyn-is-ready-body-talk-honey-november-2018/ |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=Elle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218081909/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a23872504/robyn-is-ready-body-talk-honey-november-2018/|archive-date=February 18, 2025}}</ref> Many analysts observed that the track resolves the album on an uncharacteristically hopeful tone,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Southerd |first=Jo |date=October 25, 2018 |title=CD: Robyn - Honey |url=https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/cd-robyn-honey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251124152042/https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/cd-robyn-honey |archive-date=November 24, 2025 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=The Arts Desk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Blyweiss |first=Adam |date=October 30, 2018 |title=Robyn : Honey |url=https://www.treblezine.com/robyn-honey-review/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Treble|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250419013614/https://www.treblezine.com/robyn-honey-review/|archive-date=April 19, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":24">{{Cite news |last=Goldfine |first=Jael |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn's New Video Takes Place In the Subconscious |url=https://www.papermag.com/robyn-ever-again-video#rebelltitem4 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Paper|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251109164001/https://www.papermag.com/robyn-ever-again-video#rebelltitem4|archive-date=November 9, 2025}}</ref> sounding like Robyn has recovered from a difficult period or rebuilt her life.<ref name=":21" /><ref name=":14" /> BBC News Online music reporter Mark Savage called the decision to end a Robyn project with a happy song "totally unexpected",<ref>{{Cite news |last=Savage |first=Mark |date=December 15, 2018 |title=Robyn: 'I didn't want to be a role model' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-46509722 |access-date=March 11, 2018 |publisher=BBC News Online|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407195101/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-46509722|archive-date=April 7, 2024}}</ref> and a writer for the ''Strathclyde Telegraph'' labeled it "equal parts heart-wrenching and life-affirming".<ref name=":55">{{Cite news |date=December 31, 2018 |title=Top Albums of 2018 |url=https://strathclydetelegraph.com/2018/12/31/top-albums-of-2018/ |access-date=March 23, 2026 |work=Strathclyde Telegraph|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329193705/https://strathclydetelegraph.com/2018/12/31/top-albums-of-2018/|archive-date=March 29, 2023}}</ref> Josh Madrid of ''The California Aggie'' and George Fenwick of ''The New Zealand Herald'' both noted that, between the album's opening track, “Missing U”, and “Ever Again”, Robyn completes a journey of personal agency, emerging ready to approach future relationships and strengthen herself for future challenges.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Madrid |first=Josh |title=Robyn: “Honey” |url=https://theaggie.org/2018/11/11/robyn-honey/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=The California Aggie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423180313/https://theaggie.org/2018/11/11/robyn-honey/|archive-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref><ref name=":35" />
== Reception == "Ever Again" received positive reviews for its composition and production.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bonavita |first=Christian |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Robyn’s Honey is 2018's Best Pop Album, but that's not surprising |url=https://thestute.com/2018/11/02/robyns-honey-is-2018s-best-pop-album-but-thats-not-surprising/ |access-date=March 12, 2026 |work=The Stute|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103121635/https://thestute.com/2018/11/02/robyns-honey-is-2018s-best-pop-album-but-thats-not-surprising/|archive-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref><ref name=":56" /> The week of 26 October 2018, Florence Johannot of ''L'Officiel USA'' selected "Ever Again" as one of the magazine's best new music releases for its "low-key yet up-tempo electro beats" and "Robyn's dreamy pitch".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johannot |first=Florence |date=October 26, 2018 |title=This Week's Most Exciting Musical Releases |url=https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/this-week-most-exciting-musical-releases-third-edition |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250619220824/https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/this-week-most-exciting-musical-releases-third-edition |archive-date=June 19, 2025 |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=L'Officiel USA}}</ref> Will Hodgkinson, a chief music critic for ''The Times'', said "Ever Again" reminds listeners how special Robyn is,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hodgkinson |first=Will |author-link=Will Hodgkinson |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Pop review: Robyn: Honey |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/pop-review-robyn-honey-mzjzsvnww |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250414082507/https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/pop-review-robyn-honey-mzjzsvnww |archive-date=April 14, 2025 |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=The Times}}</ref> and ''The Daily Telegraph''{{'s}} chief music critic Neil McCormick called it "delightfully buoyant".<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCormick |first=Neil |author-link=Neil McCormick |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Robyn, Honey, review: sweetness that comes from strength |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/robyn-honey-review-sweetness-comes-strength/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625122939/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/robyn-honey-review-sweetness-comes-strength/ |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |access-date=March 12, 2026 |work=The Daily Telegraph}}</ref> Stephen Keegan of ''Hot Press'' deemed it an earworm.<ref name=":32" /> Mel Fisher of Louisville Public Media singled out "Ever Again" as "one of the reasons" the publication "loved" its parent album.<ref name=":17">{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Mel |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn "Ever Again" |url=https://www.lpm.org/music/2019-06-17/robyn-ever-again |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=Louisville Public Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260311193538/https://www.lpm.org/music/2019-06-17/robyn-ever-again|archive-date=March 11, 2026}}</ref> ''Paste''<nowiki/>'s Ellen Johnson said "It’s frankly impossible not to feel inspired or hopeful when you hear" the chorus.<ref name=":25">{{Cite news |last=Johnson |first=Ellen |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Robyn: Honey |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/robyn/robyn-honey-review |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Paste |quote=Disco beats surface again on kicker track 'Ever Again'}}</ref> Niall O’Shaughnessy of the ''College Tribune'' said "Ever Again"'s bassline alone deserves a 12-minute remix.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 13, 2018 |title=Make Way For The Queen: Robyn Has Returned |url=https://www.collegetribune.ie/make-way-for-the-queen-robyn-has-returned/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=College Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251115052715/https://www.collegetribune.ie/make-way-for-the-queen-robyn-has-returned/|archive-date=November 15, 2025}}</ref> Claire Biddles of ''The Line of Best Fit'' complimented Robyn's ability to translate "Ever Again"'s repetitive refrain into "deep-set conviction".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Biddles |first=Claire |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Robyn's Honey sets out a new blueprint for healing |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/robyn-honey-album-review |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=The Line of Best Fit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618115702/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/robyn-honey-album-review|archive-date=June 18, 2024}}</ref>
Several critics agreed that "Ever Again" is one of the best songs on ''Honey'',<ref>{{Cite news |last=DeVille |first=Chris |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn – “Ever Again” Video |url=https://stereogum.com/2048026/robyn-ever-again-video/news |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Stereogum|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250528214250/https://stereogum.com/2048026/robyn-ever-again-video/news|archive-date=May 28, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":30">{{Cite news |last=Edwards |first=David |date=October 24, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey |url=https://drownedinsound.com/releases/20466/reviews/4152094 |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Drowned in Sound|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913175820/https://drownedinsound.com/releases/20466/reviews/4152094|archive-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> with Jael Goldfine of ''Paper'' naming it the album's "Must Listen".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldfine |first=Jael |date=December 17, 2018 |title=PAPER's Top 20 Albums of 2018 |url=https://www.papermag.com/top-25-albums-2018#rebelltitem50 |access-date=March 24, 2026 |work=Paper|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251215175258/https://www.papermag.com/top-25-albums-2018#rebelltitem50|archive-date=December 15, 2025}}</ref> Luke Bonner of KRUI-FM identified "Ever Again" as his favorite track, which he believes represents "a turning point for Robyn".<ref name=":21" /> Some critics, such as Natasha Lewis of ''The Nation'' and Jia Tolentino of ''The New Yorker'', also identified the song as among the ''Honey'' tracks that most strongly reflect Robyn's signature sound.<ref name=":36" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tolentino |first=Jia |author-link=Jia Tolentino |date=October 26, 2018 |title=“Honey,” Reviewed: Robyn Has Returned, and She Has What You Want |url=https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/honey-reviewed-robyn-has-returned-and-she-has-what-you-want |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105193430/https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/honey-reviewed-robyn-has-returned-and-she-has-what-you-want |archive-date=January 5, 2025 |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=The New Yorker}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=Stacey |date=October 25, 2018 |title=Honey |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/robyn-honey/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Pitchfork|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260311200336/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/robyn-honey/|archive-date=March 11, 2026}}</ref> A writer for Sputnikmusic remarked that "Ever Again" is "The closest thing you'll find on ''Honey'' to the music on ''Body Talk''".<ref name=":19" /> A writer for ''Beat'' said "In true Robyn fashion, it is an anthem, a stand out track if ever there was one, with a perfect bassline to see ''Honey'' out".<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 31, 2018 |title=Robyn's 'Honey' was well worth waiting for |url=https://beat.com.au/robyns-honey-was-well-worth-waiting-for/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Beat|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250813153711/https://beat.com.au/robyns-honey-was-well-worth-waiting-for/|archive-date=August 13, 2025}}</ref> Matt Gallatin of ''The Michigan Daily'' declared the song a triumph in the context of both the album and Robyn's overall career, expounding, "After eight years of battling pain and loss at the fault of love, she doesn’t say that she’ll never love again — she says she’ll never 'hurt' again".<ref name=":33" />
Many reviewers complimented the song's placement as the album's final track,<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":15" /><ref name=":30" /> such as Annabel Ross of ''Resident Advisor'', who dubbed it "a sublime finale".<ref name=":26" /> Matthew Neale of ''Clash'' praised "That shit’s out the door" as a "wonderful" closing lyric,<ref name=":7" /> while Adam Weddle of ''Paste'' deemed it a "standout closer".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Weddle |first=Adam |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn Perform “Ever Again” on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/robyn/watch-robyn-ever-again-late-show |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Paste|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251005185031/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/robyn/watch-robyn-ever-again-late-show|archive-date=October 5, 2025}}</ref> Katie Hawthorne of ''The Skinny'' described its synth-driven crescendo, which accounts for the album's last 90 seconds, as "The breakdown we’ve been waiting for".<ref name=":22" /> For ''Exclaim!'', Ian Gormely called the track both a standout and "rejuvenating closer".<ref name=":34" /> ''Stereoboard''<nowiki/>'s Jacob Brookman wished more albums would subvert expectations like ''Honey'' by ending with a "potential hit", and described "Ever Again" as deserving of being a primary single.<ref name=":28" /> Dan Condon of ABC News agreed that placing the album's "most immediate pop gem" at the end of the album was subversive, and hoped that "anyone who is listening to this as a full piece of work doesn’t bail out early".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Condon |first=Dan |date=November 11, 2018 |title=Robyn – Honey |url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/featured-music/feature-albums1/feature-album-robyn-honey-review/10483322 |access-date=March 11, 2026 |publisher=ABC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307180224/https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/featured-music/feature-albums1/feature-album-robyn-honey-review/10483322|archive-date=March 7, 2026}}</ref> The ''Knoxville News Sentinel''<nowiki/>'s Chuck Campbell referred to it as "an irresistible call for conflict resolution".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Campbell |first=Chuck |date=October 27, 2018 |title=John Legend's 'Christmas' is ho-ho-hum; Robyn rebounds with tasty 'Honey' |url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/2018/10/27/new-music-album-john-legend-legendary-christmas-robyn-honey-blackberry-smoke-southern-ground-reviews/1790073002/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926064230/https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/columnists/chuck-campbell/2018/10/27/new-music-album-john-legend-legendary-christmas-robyn-honey-blackberry-smoke-southern-ground-reviews/1790073002/ |archive-date=September 26, 2022 |access-date=March 13, 2026 |work=Knoxville News Sentinel}}</ref> The ''Strathclyde Telegraph'' reviewed "Ever Again" as a perfect track "that represent[s] a very singular moment in time, one only heartbroken people get the privilege of experiencing".<ref name=":55" /> For ''Variety'''s Jem Aswad, "Ever Again" is "a perfect sendoff to an album that’s both challenging and familiar, and a chorus [Robyn] probably knew listeners would have echoing in their heads long after ''Honey'' ends".<ref name=":27" />
''Billboard''<nowiki/>'s Andrew Unterberger and Joe Lynch disagreed on the track.<ref name=":6" /> While Unterberger declared it "the pure pop injection we’ve been waiting for", Lynch called it "an outlier" on the album.<ref name=":6" /> Mathew Rodriguez of ''Into'' said that "Ever Again" risks making ''Honey''<nowiki/>'s ending sound "a little disjointed".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Mathew |date=October 26, 2018 |title=Robyn's 'Honey': A Track-by-Track Review |url=https://www.intomore.com/culture/robyns-honey-a-track-by-track-review/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Into|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418075732/https://www.intomore.com/culture/robyns-honey-a-track-by-track-review/|archive-date=April 18, 2024}}</ref> The song was placed at number 33 on ''Rolling Stone''{{'}}s ranking of 2018's 50 best songs.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-songs-of-2018-764204/robyn-ever-again-764291/|magazine=Rolling Stone|title= 50 Best Songs of 2018 |date=14 December 2018|access-date=19 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722023023/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-songs-of-2018-764204/robyn-ever-again-764291/|archive-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> ''The Atlantic'''s Spencer Kornhaber named "Ever Again" one of the year's "27 Best Music Moments".<ref name=":40">{{Cite news |last=Giorgis |first=Hannah |last2=Kornhaber |first2=Spencer |date=December 20, 2018 |title=The 27 Best Music Moments of 2018 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/12/27-best-music-moments-2018/578386/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405110310/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/12/27-best-music-moments-2018/578386/ |archive-date=April 5, 2022 |access-date=April 5, 2022 |work=The Atlantic}}</ref> Ticketmaster Discover ranked it the eighth-best song in Robyn's discography,<ref name=":11" /> and Jenesaispop ranked it 19th.<ref name=":59">{{Cite news |last=Guillén |first=Raúl |date=June 16, 2019 |title=Robyn's 40 Best Songs |url=https://jenesaispop-com.translate.goog/2019/06/16/365233/las-40-mejores-canciones-de-robyn-comienza-la-cuenta-atras-del-puesto-40-al-36/2/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp |access-date=March 24, 2026 |publisher=Jenesaispop |language=Spanish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260324165210/https://jenesaispop-com.translate.goog/2019/06/16/365233/las-40-mejores-canciones-de-robyn-comienza-la-cuenta-atras-del-puesto-40-al-36/2/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp|archive-date=March 24, 2026}}</ref> Spotify named it one of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs of the Streaming Era, at number 70.<ref name=":31" /> By June 2019, "Ever Again" had already amassed more Spotify streams than the album's title track.<ref name=":59" />
==Music video==
=== Background === [[File:Nicholas Ghesquiere Paris Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019.jpg|left|thumb|254x254px|Nicolas Ghesquière designed the removable blouse Robyn wears in the "Ever Again" music video. ]] The music video for "Ever Again" was directed by Colin Solal Cardo and choreographed by Maria “Decida” Wahlberg.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yoo |first=Noah |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn's New “Ever Again” Video |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-robyn-new-ever-again-video/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Pitchfork|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122053523/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-robyn-new-ever-again-video/|archive-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Marotta |first=Michael O'Connor |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn takes us to a dreamy place somewhere in her mind on 'Ever Again' |url=https://vanyaland.com/2019/06/17/robyn-takes-us-to-dreamy-place-somewhere-in-her-mind-on-ever-again/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Vanyaland|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826010018/https://vanyaland.com/2019/06/17/robyn-takes-us-to-dreamy-place-somewhere-in-her-mind-on-ever-again/|archive-date=August 26, 2019}}</ref> Robyn had worked with Wahlberg on several of her previous music videos, including "Dancing On My Own" (2010) and "Call Your Girlfriend" (2011).<ref name=":50" /> Cardo had interpreted "Ever Again" as a song about reclaiming one's sexuality amidst heartbreak, and wanted its video to appear classic and theatrical, "but also raw and desperately alive, full of lust and energy".<ref name=":48">{{Cite news |last=Botwood |first=Ned |date=June 20, 2019 |title=Robyn 'Ever Again' by Colin Solal Cardo |url=https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2019/06/20/robyn-ever-again-colin-solal-cardo/59346 |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=Promonews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507230001/https://www.promonews.tv/videos/2019/06/20/robyn-ever-again-colin-solal-cardo/59346|archive-date=May 7, 2024}}</ref> According to Cardo, Robyn offered to perform nude if necessary, but the director suggested different approach.<ref name=":46">{{Cite news |last=Cardo |first=Colin Solal |date=May 27, 2020 |title=One-take wonder |url=https://www.onepointfour.co/2020/05/27/one-take-wonder/ |access-date=March 16, 2026 |publisher=Onepointfour|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250906202107/https://www.onepointfour.co/2020/05/27/one-take-wonder/|archive-date=September 6, 2025}}</ref> Robyn and Wahlberg discussed how to move with a microphone, often FaceTiming each other while holding a microphone stand.<ref name=":50">{{Cite news |last=Yeung |first=Vivian |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Dance all night: Robyn chats choreography, clubbing and the making of Ever Again |url=https://crackmagazine.net/article/long-reads/robyn-choreography-clubbing-ever-again/ |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=Crack|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251206085949/https://crackmagazine.net/article/long-reads/robyn-choreography-clubbing-ever-again/|archive-date=December 6, 2025}}</ref> Once together in the studio, they rehearsed the choreography.<ref name=":50" /> They drew inspiration from 1980s artists whose stage presence they admired, including Freddie Mercury, Def Leppard, Steven Tyler, Bobby Brown, and Prince.<ref name=":50" /> They also considered how to execute the choreography without objectifying female sexuality, noting that few women had previously performed this style of movement.<ref name=":50" /> To achieve reflecting the song's combination of heartbreak and seduction simultaneously in the choreography, Wahlberg and Robyn discussed how to maneuver one's body in a sexual manner without resorting to clichés, specifically as a woman.<ref name=":50" /> Ultimately, the director found Robyn's actions to be empowering rather than objectifying.<ref name=":46" />
For the video, Robyn wears a silk blouse and latex jumpsuit, which were custom-made by Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière.<ref name=":16">{{cite web|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/robyn-new-music-video-nicolas-ghesquiere-louis-vuitton-ever-again-honey|title=Nicolas Ghesquière on Making Custom Louis Vuitton for Robyn's New Video|last=Hahn|first=Rachel|publisher=|date=17 June 2019|access-date=19 September 2019|website=Vogue|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509160356/https://www.vogue.com/article/robyn-new-music-video-nicolas-ghesquiere-louis-vuitton-ever-again-honey|archive-date=May 9, 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref> Ghesquière's design was inspired by musicians such as Prince and Axl Rose,<ref name=":47">{{Cite news |last=Stănescu |first=Oana |date=August 30, 2019 |title=You Are Here: A Taxonomy of Louis Vuitton |url=https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/fashion/you-are-here-a-taxonomy-of-louis-vuitton |access-date=March 16, 2026 |publisher=SSENSE|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240605152830/https://www.ssense.com/en-us/editorial/fashion/you-are-here-a-taxonomy-of-louis-vuitton|archive-date=June 5, 2024}}</ref> as well as Mozart, per Robyn's request.<ref name=":50" /> Robyn attended two fittings with Ghesquière in Paris, France, where she explained her vision for a costume that could be removed during the performance.<ref name=":50" /> Ghesquière sewed magnets into the top, allowing the singer to remove it easily; she described his creation as “two arms connected”.<ref name=":50" /> 3D printed lace was added to the garment, which the designer had never constructed before.<ref name=":50" /> Robyn did not have time to rehearse wearing the final costume.<ref name=":50" /> She used one of her own flannel shirts instead, but ultimately found that Ghesquière's creation was easier to remove than her own clothing.<ref name=":50" />
"Ever Again" was filmed on a cyclorama soundstage,<ref name=":53" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Christopher |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn Shares Video for “Ever Again” |url=https://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/robyn_shares_video_for_ever_again |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=Under the Radar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805094129/https://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/robyn_shares_video_for_ever_again|archive-date=August 5, 2024}}</ref> which was filled with 10 tonnes of sand.<ref name=":47" /> Tianès Montasser edited the video as though it were a live performance, synchronizing all footage on a single timeline and opting to emphasize continuity instead of rapid, multi-scene cuts.<ref name=":53" /> He said this "provided structure that then allowed for creative freedom in the fine tuning, where the music and Robyn’s performance could be highlighted".<ref name=":53">{{Cite news |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Music Video: Robyn — Ever Again |url=https://www.postmagazine.com/Press-Center/Daily-News/2019/Music-Video-Robyn-I-Ever-Again-I-.aspx |access-date=March 19, 2026 |work=Post Magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220224004/https://www.postmagazine.com/Press-Center/Daily-News/2019/Music-Video-Robyn-I-Ever-Again-I-.aspx|archive-date=February 20, 2020}}</ref> The music video was released on 17 June 2019,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharkey |first=Luke |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Watch: Robyn performs 'Ever Again' from deep within her unconsciousness in new video |url=https://nialler9.com/watch-robyn-performs-ever-again-from-deep-within-her-unconsciouness-in-new-video/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=Nialler9|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250719182156/https://nialler9.com/watch-robyn-performs-ever-again-from-deep-within-her-unconsciouness-in-new-video/|archive-date=July 19, 2025}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=Gwee |first=Karen |date=June 18, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn dance on her own in her 'Ever Again' music video |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-robyn-dance-on-her-own-in-her-ever-again-music-video-2510486 |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260319192933/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-robyn-dance-on-her-own-in-her-ever-again-music-video-2510486|archive-date=March 19, 2026}}</ref> the same day as the single. Robyn announced the video via her social media accounts.<ref name=":43" /> A behind-the-scenes video was also uploaded to Robyn's website.<ref>{{Cite news |title=ever again - behind the scenes |url=https://www.robyn.com/videos/v/ever-again-behind-the-scenes?categoryId=686264532298e56c57afc0e3 |access-date=March 20, 2026 |publisher=Robyn Official Website|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230204065202/https://pappaspost.com/robyn-ever-again-video-greek-mythology/|archive-date=February 4, 2023}}</ref>
=== Synopsis and reception === The music video stars only Robyn.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn shares dreamy new video for 'Ever Again' |url=https://diymag.com/news/robyn-shares-dreamy-new-video-for-ever-again-watch |access-date=March 20, 2026 |work=DIY}}</ref> She is surrounded by various statues reminiscent of Greek mythology, located in a barren landscape she described as "a dreamy place, somewhere undefined, somewhere in my unconsciousness".<ref name="Spin">{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2019/06/robyn-ever-again-video/|title=Video: Robyn – "Ever Again"|last=Daramola|first=Israel|publisher=|date=17 June 2019|access-date=19 September 2019|website=Spin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722022858/https://www.spin.com/2019/06/robyn-ever-again-video/|archive-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref> David Renshaw of ''The Fader'' likened it to "the ruins of an ancient civilization".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn's stylish “Ever Again” video |url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/06/17/robyn-ever-again-video |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=The Fader|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260122101744/https://www.thefader.com/2019/06/17/robyn-ever-again-video|archive-date=January 22, 2026}}</ref> Some critics found her choreography to be reminiscent of Prince,<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaffer |first=Claire |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn Channels Prince, Greek Mythology in 'Ever Again' Video |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robyn-ever-again-video-848912/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126080517/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robyn-ever-again-video-848912/ |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref><ref name=":43">{{Cite news |last=Yuam |first=Valerie |date=June 18, 2019 |title=Robyn releases ethereal music video for 'Ever Again' – watch |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/robyn-debuts-ethereal-music-video-for-ever-again-watch |access-date=March 16, 2026 |publisher=Bandwagon Asia|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414224313/https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/robyn-debuts-ethereal-music-video-for-ever-again-watch|archive-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref> while others said it recalls the music video for "Call Your Girlfriend".<ref name=":49" /><ref name=":42" /><ref name=":44">{{Cite news |last=Kheraj |first=Alim |date=June 17, 2019 |title=watch robyn get sexy with a microphone stand in the 'ever again' video |url=https://i-d.co/article/robyn-ever-again-music-video/ |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=i-D}}</ref> Robyn wears a Louis Vuitton bodysuit, which camouflages among the statues.<ref name=":12" /> She dances with her microphone stand,<ref name=":12" /> which she treats as both a dance partner and lover.<ref name=":18">{{Cite news |last=Kaye |first=Ben |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn works the mic stand in her “Ever Again” video: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2019/06/robyn-ever-again-video-watch/ |access-date=March 9, 2026 |work=Consequence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627031359/https://consequence.net/2019/06/robyn-ever-again-video-watch/|archive-date=June 27, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":50" /> Among her interpretive dance moves,<ref name=":43" /> she wraps herself around the microphone stand, maneuvers it around her body, and drops, catches, dips, and dives with it.<ref name=":18" /> Jael Goldfine of ''Paper'' likened her dancing to "secret footage of a kid singing into a hairbrush, finding power in the world they create for themselves".<ref name=":24" /> She slowly strips out of the blouse to reveal a semi-sheer embossed latex jumpsuit,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ever Again by Robyn |url=https://www.songfacts.com/facts/robyn/ever-again |access-date=March 6, 2026 |publisher=Songfacts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419123108/https://www.songfacts.com/facts/robyn/ever-again|archive-date=April 19, 2021}}</ref><ref name=":16" /> which exposes her nipples.<ref name=":45">{{Cite news |last=Azzopardi |first=Chris |date=July 2, 2019 |title=Robyn Keeps You Guessing: Pop Icon Talks 'Pure Bond' with LGBTQ Fans, Doing Drag & Next LP |url=https://pridesource.com/article/robyn-keeps-you-guessing-pop-icon-talks-pure-bond-with-lgbtq-fans-gender-dragging-next-lp |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=Between the Lines|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250219060534/https://pridesource.com/article/robyn-keeps-you-guessing-pop-icon-talks-pure-bond-with-lgbtq-fans-gender-dragging-next-lp|archive-date=February 19, 2025}}</ref> The outfit becomes stained with sand as she dances in it.<ref name=":24" /> The sun rises and sets in the background,<ref name=":43" /> the color of which also changes as she performs.<ref name=":53" /> The shift in lighting reveals the video's set, contrasting modern production elements such as spotlights and green screens with its Hellenic-inspired décor.<ref name=":58" />
Reception towards the video was positive. Robin Murray of ''Clash'' said the video "seems to encapsulate what makes 'Honey' era Robyn so riveting".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn Drops Stellar 'Ever Again' Video |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/music-videos/robyn-drops-stellar-ever-again-video/ |access-date=March 6, 2026 |work=Clash}}</ref> Ben Kaye of ''Consequence'' praised Robyn's dance moves and said the video proves she "is one of pop’s finest, rarest treasures".<ref name=":18" /> Alim Kheraj of ''i-D'' said few pop stars "could get away with dancing around dressed like a Jacobean peasant before stripping off and getting intimate with a microphone stand on a sandy floor. But then, there aren’t many popstars like Robyn".<ref name=":44" /> Chris Azzopardi, a writer for ''Pride Source'', said as Robyn's dancing becomes more aggressive and sexual, "we are reminded of Robyn's status as a singular supernova still staking out her own slice of solitary sky in a galaxy of flashy pop stars".<ref name=":45" /> Samuel R. Murrian of ''Instinct'' described it as "minimalist, confident, edgy, and kind of glorious", like its parent album,<ref name=":49" /> and ''DIY'' called her performance "mesmerising".<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Robyn shares dreamy new video for 'Ever Again' |url=https://diymag.com/news/robyn-shares-dreamy-new-video-for-ever-again-watch |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=DIY}}</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' named it one of the best music videos of 2018,<ref name=":52">{{Cite news |last=Shaffer |first=Claire |date=December 19, 2019 |title=The 25 Best Music Videos of 2019 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-music-videos-2019-928435/robyn-ever-again-2-928779/ |access-date=March 19, 2026 |work=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602005411/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-music-videos-2019-928435/robyn-ever-again-2-928779/|archive-date=June 2, 2022}}</ref> and ''Business Insider'' ranked it 16th out of 57 in a similar listicle.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=December 18, 2019 |title=The 57 best music videos of 2019, ranked |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-music-videos-this-year-ranked-2019-8#16-ever-again-by-robyn-42 |access-date=March 19, 2026 |work=Business Insider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260223153202/https://www.businessinsider.com/best-music-videos-this-year-ranked-2019-8#16-ever-again-by-robyn-42|archive-date=February 23, 2026}}</ref> Claire Shaffer, author of the ''Rolling Stone'' article, said the video continues to establish Cardo as "one of the best emerging video directors right now", calling it on par with his work for other artists.<ref name=":52" /> In 2021, ''L'Officiel USA'' included "Ever Again" among "10 Music Videos that Shaped Fashion".<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 12, 2021 |title=10 Music Videos that Shaped Fashion |url=https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/fashion-music-videos-britney-spears-beyonce-miley-cyrus |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=L'Officiel USA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250905160013/https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/fashion-music-videos-britney-spears-beyonce-miley-cyrus|archive-date=September 5, 2025}}</ref>
==Live performances== Robyn performed "Ever Again" live for the first time on a 22 February 2019 episode of ''The Ellen DeGeneres Show''.<ref name="RS">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robyn-ever-again-ellen-798739/|title=Robyn Performs 'Ever Again' in Icy Wonderland on 'Ellen'|last=Reed|first=Ryan|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=22 February 2019|access-date=March 12, 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322074950/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/robyn-ever-again-ellen-798739/|archive-date=March 22, 2023|url-access=subscription}}</ref> At the time, "Ever Again" had not yet been released as a single, with Robyn opting to perform an album track over ''Honey''<nowiki/>'s existing singles.<ref name=":37">{{Cite news |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=February 22, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn's Great “Ever Again” Performance On Ellen |url=https://stereogum.com/2033141/watch-robyns-great-ever-again-performance-on-ellen/news |access-date=March 12, 2026 |work=Stereogum|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021102212/https://stereogum.com/2033141/watch-robyns-great-ever-again-performance-on-ellen/news|archive-date=October 21, 2022}}</ref> The winter-themed performance was decorated in a frosty, foggy backdrop, with the singer's band wearing matching white-silver costumes.<ref name="RS" /><ref name=":37" /> Robyn herself wore a metallic silver dress.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn perform 'Ever Again' on late night US telly |url=https://diymag.com/news/watch-robyn-perform-ever-again-on-late-night-us-tv-honey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208032148/https://diymag.com/news/watch-robyn-perform-ever-again-on-late-night-us-tv-honey |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |access-date=March 18, 2026 |work=DIY}}</ref> Tom Breihan of ''Stereogum'' praised the performance, saying Robyn delivered "a gymnastic, emotional vocal performance" that showcased her charisma.<ref name=":37" /> On 12 March 2019, Robyn performed the song on ''The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-robyn-perform-ever-again-on-colbert/|title=Watch Robyn Perform “Ever Again” on “Colbert”|website=Pitchfork|date=13 March 2019 |language=|access-date=September 21, 2019|last=Yoo|first=Noah|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250722023249/https://pitchfork.com/news/watch-robyn-perform-ever-again-on-colbert/|archive-date=July 22, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Newcomb |first=Ming Lee |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Robyn performs stunning rendition of “Ever Again” on Colbert: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2019/03/robyn-ever-again-colbert-watch/ |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=Consequence|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705054143/https://consequence.net/2019/03/robyn-ever-again-colbert-watch/|archive-date=July 5, 2022}}</ref> wearing a maroon leather pantsuit on the red-hued stage.<ref name=":10" /> Towards the end of her set, she removed the suit and danced.<ref name=":41">{{Cite news |last=Zemler |first=Emily |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn Perform Sultry 'Ever Again' Single on Colbert |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-robyn-perform-sultry-ever-again-single-colbert-807433/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705121713/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-robyn-perform-sultry-ever-again-single-colbert-807433/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> Breihan noted that the ''Colbert'' performance was less theatrical than ''Ellen''<nowiki/>'s, but still "shows just how masterful a performer Robyn is".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Watch Robyn's Great “Ever Again” Performance On Colbert |url=https://stereogum.com/2035457/watch-robyns-great-ever-again-performance-on-colbert/news |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=Stereogum|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216034221/https://stereogum.com/2035457/watch-robyns-great-ever-again-performance-on-colbert/news|archive-date=February 16, 2022}}</ref> Of the ''Colbert'' performance, Emily Zemler from ''Rolling Stone'' said the singer "gave it her all, her emotive expressions clear on the large screens behind the stage".<ref name=":41" /> In September 2019, Robyn performed “Ever Again” during her a climate demonstration in Kungsträdgården in Stockholm, Sweden.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 2019 |title=Robyn performed the songs "Honey" and "Ever again", both from her latest album, at the climate demonstration in Kungsträdgården in Stockholm on Friday afternoon. |url=https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/robyn-om-klimatkrisen-det-ar-inte-kort/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021130023/https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/robyn-om-klimatkrisen-det-ar-inte-kort/ |archive-date=October 21, 2019 |access-date=March 19, 2026 |work=Dagens Nyheter |language=Swedish}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 27, 2019 |title=Robyn: "It's not over" |url=https://www.folkbladet.nu/2019-09-27/robyn-det-ar-inte-kort |access-date=March 13, 2026 |work=Västerbottens Folkblad |language=Swedish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260318154837/https://www.folkbladet.nu/2019-09-27/robyn-det-ar-inte-kort|archive-date=March 18, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Sara |date=September 27, 2019 |title=Robyn's climate message: "It's not over!" |url=https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/robyns-klimatbudskap-det-ar-inte-kort/ |access-date=March 13, 2026 |work=Expressen |language=Swedish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260104193837/https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/robyns-klimatbudskap-det-ar-inte-kort/|archive-date=January 4, 2026}}</ref>
The song was included in the set list of her Honey Tour (2019).<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nj.com/life-and-culture/g66l-2019/03/a39a1b20251282/robyn-was-truly-brilliant-as-she-morphed-an-arena-into-a-booming-dance-club-review-.html |title= Robyn was truly brilliant as she morphed an arena into a booming dance club: review |publisher= NJ.com |access-date= March 11, 2026 |author= Olivier|date=March 9, 2019|first=Bobby}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Harrington |first=Jay |date=February 26, 2019 |title=No Adele sighting, but Robyn concert still manages to thrill fans Dance-pop star brought Honey Tour to Oakland |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/02/26/review-robyn-offers-honey-to-fans-and-they-eat-it-up/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227124612/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/02/26/review-robyn-offers-honey-to-fans-and-they-eat-it-up/ |archive-date=February 27, 2019 |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=East Bay Times}}</ref> Some performances of "Ever Again" featured a guitarist performing a guitar solo center stage.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 15, 2019 |title=Review: Robyn was triumphant in her return to Toronto |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/review-robyn-was-triumphant-in-her-return-to-toronto/ |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=Now|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320003204/https://nowtoronto.com/music/review-robyn-was-triumphant-in-her-return-to-toronto/|archive-date=March 20, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bergeron |first=Arianne |date=March 13, 2019 |title=Robyn + Channel Tres @ Mtelus – 13th March 2019 |url=https://montrealrocks.ca/robyn-channel-tres-mtelus/ |access-date=March 17, 2026 |work=Montreal Rocks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613171124/https://montrealrocks.ca/robyn-channel-tres-mtelus/|archive-date=June 13, 2025}}</ref> Inspired by some of her favorite artists, Robyn decided to reuse some of Wahlberg's choreography from the music video in the live performances to establish that both the video and tour belonged to the same world.<ref name=":50" /> On 19 November 2025, Robyn performed "Ever Again" at The Fonda Theatre during her "An Evening With Robyn" concert.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Singh |first=Surej |date=November 21, 2025 |title=Watch Robyn debut 'Dopamine' at first show in six years |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-robyn-debut-dopamine-at-first-show-in-six-years-3910749 |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=NME|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260207130752/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-robyn-debut-dopamine-at-first-show-in-six-years-3910749|archive-date=February 7, 2026}}</ref> It was her first full headlining concert since 2019.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Flores |first=Geca |date=November 20, 2025 |title='90s Music Icon Performs in Full Set for the First Time in Six Years |url=https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/90s-music-icon-performs-full-032838915.html |work=Parade |via=Yahoo! Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320003347/https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/90s-music-icon-performs-full-032838915.html|archive-date=March 20, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=November 20, 2025 |title=Robyn Live-Debuts ‘Dopamine’ at Surprise LA Show: Inside Her First Full Concert Since 2019 (Full Setlist) |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/robyn-setlist-fonda-theatre-la-concert-recap-dopamine-debut/ever-again/ |access-date=March 16, 2026 |work=Billboard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260320003537/https://www.billboard.com/lists/robyn-setlist-fonda-theatre-la-concert-recap-dopamine-debut/ever-again/|archive-date=March 20, 2026}}</ref>
==Track listing== {{Track listing | headline = Digital download and stream<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/ever-again-single-mix-single/1468035196|title=Ever Again (Single Mix) by Robyn|website=Apple Music|access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref>
| title1 = Ever Again | note1 = single mix | length1 = 4:23 }}
{{Track listing | headline = Planningtorock Remix<ref name="Planningtorock"/> | title1 = Ever Again | note1 = Planningtorock Remix | length1 = 3:33 }}
{{Track listing | headline = Soulwax Remix<ref name="Soulwax"/> | title1 = Ever Again | note1 = Soulwax Remix | length1 = 7:14 }}
{{Track listing | headline = Patrick Topping Remix<ref name="Patrick"/> | title1 = Ever Again | note1 = Patrick Topping Remix | length1 = 6:15 | title2 = Ever Again | note2 = Patrick Topping Dub | length2 = 6:20 | title3 = Ever Again | note3 = Patrick Topping Remix Edit | length3 = 4:00 }}
{{Track listing | headline = Limited Edition 12" vinyl | total_length = 23:28 | title1 = Ever Again | note1 = Planningtorock Remix | length1 = 3:33 | title2 = Ever Again | note2 = Planningtorock Extended Remix | length2 = 6:26 | title3 = Ever Again | note3 = Soulwax Remix | length3 = 7:14 | title4 = Ever Again | note4 = Patrick Topping Remix | length4 = 6:15 }}
==Personnel== Credits adapted from the liner notes of ''Honey''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Honey|type=liner notes|others=Robyn|publisher=Konichiwa Records|year=2018|id=KOR057CD}}</ref> * Robyn – vocals, vocal arranging, songwriting, vocal recording * Joseph Mount – electric guitar, vocal arranging, songwriting, production, vocal recording * Ulf Engström – bass guitar * David Jones – studio assistance * NealHPogue – mixing * Mike Bozzi – mastering
==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |- ! scope="col"| Chart (2018) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{single chart|Flanders Tip|38|artist=Robyn|song=Missing U|rowheader=true|accessdate=19 September 2019|refname="flanders"}} |- {{single chart|Sweden|22|artist=Robyn|song=Honey|rowheader=true|accessdate=19 September 2019}} |- {{single chart|Billboarddanceelectronic|31|artist=Robyn|rowheader=true|accessdate=19 September 2019}} |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Robyn}}
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Category:2019 singles Category:2019 songs Category:Robyn songs Category:Songs written by Robyn Category:Songs written by Joseph Mount Category:Synth-pop songs Category:Disco songs Category:Dance-pop songs