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| Heartbreak on Hold | ||||
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| Released | 4 June 2012 | |||
| Recorded | 2010–2012 | |||
| Genre | EDM | |||
| Length | 41:49 | |||
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| Alexandra Burke chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Heartbreak on Hold | ||||
Heartbreak on Hold is the second studio album by British singer Alexandra Burke. Syco and RCA Records made it available digitally on 1 June 2012, and in physical format on 4 June. It is her final release for both record labels, which she left between 2012 and the following year. Following the success of her debut studio album, Overcome (2009), Burke began work on her sophomore album in late 2010. Described by Burke as a record full of "risks", she worked with a diverse group of artists and producers, including Cutfather, Erick Morillo, Autumn Rowe, and Ben Adams, among others. Additionally, Burke co-wrote three tracks on the album.
Musically, Heartbreak on Hold is an electronic dance record that combines house, eurodance, R&B, and club notes. The majority of the album's themes were loosely inspired by Burke's split from her partner Jermaine Defoe in 2012, with the lyrics covering a wide range of topics including freedom, female empowerment, love, heartbreak, and feelings during the relationship with Defoe. Heartbreak on Hold was delayed several times before its release due to the reasons for her departure from Syco and constant rescheduling after signing with RCA, eventually limiting promotional activities to the UK and Europe.
Music critics gave Heartbreak on Hold mixed reviews. Publications were divided on the record's material, production quality, and overall execution, with the majority of criticism directed the albums lack of charisma and originality throughout. Commercially, the album underperformed significantly, peaking in the top forty in Ireland, Scotland, and the United Kingdom. To promote the album, two singles were released: "Elephant" and "Let It Go". The former song was a commercial success in the United Kingdom, while the latter underperformed. Burke also made several appearances in Europe to promote the album.