Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” is one of the most iconic pop songs of the 2010s. Its raw vulnerability, addictive melody, and unflinching honesty about heartbreak and self-medication struck a chord with millions worldwide. But before it became a global smash, it was a quiet release from a then-unknown Swedish artist. Understanding the release date of Tove Lo's 'Habits' reveals not only the song’s timeline but also the seismic shift it caused in her career.
The original studio version dropped on March 25, 2013, but it was the Hippie Sabotage remix released later that year that truly launched Tove Lo into the stratosphere. That remix version, also released as a single on March 3, 2014, earned her a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and changed the direction of modern pop. Let’s dive deep into the story behind the song and how a single release date became a career-defining moment.
Table of Contents
The Genesis of 'Habits (Stay High)'
Tove Lo co-wrote “Habits” with producer Ludvig Söderberg and Jakob Jerlström (the duo behind many of her early hits). The track was born from a very personal place: a breakup that left Tove Lo feeling lost and turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms. She has said the lyrics were taken directly from her diary, which explains their authenticity.
“I was going through a really tough breakup and I just started writing whatever came into my head. It was very honest and raw.”
The song’s structure is deceptively simple – a sparse verse leads into a soaring, repetitive chorus that mimics the obsessiveness of addiction. That emotional honesty would later become Tove Lo’s trademark, but in early 2013, it was just a demo.
The Official Release Date: March 25, 2013
Tove Lo’s debut EP, Truth Serum, was released digitally on March 25, 2013 through Universal Music Sweden. “Habits” was the lead single from that project. At the time, Tove Lo was virtually unknown outside of Sweden. The EP received modest attention in Scandinavia but didn’t make waves globally.
Here is a quick timeline of key early releases:
- March 25, 2013 – Truth Serum EP drops in Sweden, “Habits” included.
- June 2013 – The music video for the original version is uploaded to YouTube.
- August 2013 – A remix by American duo Hippie Sabotage begins circulating online.
Most people today associate “Habits” with the Hippie Sabotage remix, which transformed the song from a low-key pop ballad into an electronic, trap-influenced banger. But the original release date remains significant because it planted the seed.
The Hippie Sabotage Remix: March 3, 2014
After Tove Lo signed with Island Records for international distribution, the label saw potential in “Habits.” They commissioned a remix from Hippie Sabotage, who had already begun gaining traction with their unofficial rework. The official remix was released as a single on March 3, 2014.
This version added heavier bass, chopped vocal samples, and a more driving beat. It stripped away some of the melancholy and turned the song into something you could dance to while still feeling the pain. The remix quickly became the definitive version for radio.
Impact of the remix on chart performance:
| Chart | Peak Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Billboard Hot 100 | #3 | 2014 |
| UK Singles Chart | #6 | 2014 |
| ARIA (Australia) | #3 | 2014 |
| Sverigetopplistan (Sweden) | #13 | 2013/2014 |
How the Release Date Shaped Tove Lo’s Career
The decision to release “Habits” as a single twice – first in its original form, then as a remix – was unconventional but brilliant. It allowed the song to build organic momentum before being propelled by a major label push. Let’s break down the specific ways this release strategy impacted her career.
1. International Breakthrough
Before “Habits,” Tove Lo was a local pop writer who had penned tracks for other artists (like “Timebomb” for Kylie Minogue). The success of the remix put her name on the global map. She went from a minor Swedish act to performing on The Tonight Show and touring with Katy Perry.
2. Defined Her Artistic Identity
The raw subject matter of “Habits” – using alcohol, drugs, and casual sex to cope with loneliness – became Tove Lo’s signature. She was labeled the “saddest girl in Sweden,” a title she embraced. The release date marked the moment she stopped hiding behind polished pop and started being brutally honest.
3. Established a Long-Lasting Hit
“Habits” remains her biggest song. According to Spotify, it has over 800 million streams as of 2025. The song has been used in countless TV shows, movies, and viral videos. It’s the track that every casual listener knows.
4. Set Up Her Debut Album Queen of the Clouds
The momentum from “Habits” carried directly into the release of her debut studio album Queen of the Clouds on September 24, 2014. The album peaked at #14 on the Billboard 200 and spawned two more top 20 hits: “Talking Body” and “Moments.” Without “Habits,” the album would not have had the same visibility.
The Cultural Impact of 'Habits (Stay High)'
Beyond charts and sales, “Habits” changed how pop music talked about mental health and addiction. At a time when many hits were upbeat and escapist, Tove Lo brought a dark, diary-like confession to the mainstream.
The song’s message – that sometimes your habits are the only things that keep you going – resonated deeply with a generation struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. It became an anthem for anyone using a coping mechanism, whether healthy or not.
Key cultural shifts driven by the song:
- Increased openness about using substances to numb pain in pop lyrics.
- Normalization of female pop stars writing about messy, unglamorous feelings.
- Emphasis on transparency over perfection in artist branding.
Tove Lo’s Career Trajectory After 'Habits'
Let’s look at how Tove Lo evolved post-“Habits”:
- 2014–2015: Queen of the Clouds cycle; massive tours and festival headlining.
- 2016: Released Lady Wood, which debuted at #11 on Billboard 200.
- 2017: Collaborated with Alesso on “Heroes (We Could Be)” and with Coldplay on “Fun.”
- 2018–2019: Blue Lips album and more experimental sounds.
- 2020–2022: Continued releasing music; her song “No One Dies from Love” gained cult status.
- 2023–2025: Tove Lo remains active, with a loyal fanbase and consistent output.
While she never replicated the commercial peak of “Habits,” she built a sustainable career as an artist respected for her artistry.
Internal Connecting: Related Articles
For a deeper look at the chronology of the song, read: When Was Tove Lo's 'Habits (Stay High)' Released? a Complete Timeline?
And to understand the specific events that turned the song into a hit, check out: Tove Lo's 'Habits' Song Release: How It Became a Hit
FAQs About Tove Lo's 'Habits' Release Date
When was Tove Lo's "Habits" originally released?
The original version was released on March 25, 2013, as part of her debut EP Truth Serum.
What is the release date of the Hippie Sabotage remix?
The official Hippie Sabotage remix was released as a single on March 3, 2014.
Did "Habits" chart before the remix?
The original version had minor success in Sweden but did not chart internationally. The remix propelled it to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
How did the release date affect Tove Lo's career?
The initial release built a foundation, but the remix release date marked her international breakthrough. It set the stage for her debut album and defined her artistic identity.
Why is "Habits" still relevant today?
Its raw honesty about coping mechanisms and heartbreak remains timeless. The song continues to stream millions of times each month and is a staple of playlists about emotional vulnerability.
Support Your Own Habits with Quality Nutrition
Building success – whether in music, fitness, or life – requires consistency and the right fuel. Just as Tove Lo needed a strong foundation (her label, her team, her talent), your body needs high-quality protein to repair, recover, and grow. If you're working toward a healthier habit, consider these top-rated protein powders to support your goals.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard is the industry standard – 24g of protein per scoop, low sugar, and mixes easily. Perfect for post-workout recovery or a busy day when you need a quick nutrient boost.
Compare Top Options
| Product | Price | Rating | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard, Vanilla 5lb | $79.99 | 4.7 | Classic whey blend, 30 servings |
| Premier Protein, Chocolate Milkshake, 29 servings | $25.97 | 4.6 | 30g protein, 1g sugar, no soy |
| Orgain Organic Vegan Protein, Vanilla Bean 2.03lb | $31.52 | 4.5 | Plant-based, 21g protein, organic |
| Dymatize ISO 100, Vanilla 5lb | $108.99 | 4.7 | Hydrolyzed isolate, fast absorption |
| Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Whey Isolate, French Vanilla 30 servings | $59.99 | 4.5 | Natural flavors, no artificial sweeteners |
| Six Star Whey Protein Plus, Triple Chocolate 1.82lb | $24.97 | 4.5 | Budget-friendly, 25g protein |
Each of these protein powders can help you build the discipline and physical resilience needed to pursue your own big dreams. Whether you're aiming for a healthier lifestyle or simply need a reliable source of energy to fuel your ambitions, the right supplement makes a difference.
Quick Recommendations Based on Your Goals
- For best overall value: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Double Rich Chocolate – $44.99 for 2lb, 4.6 stars.
- For plant-based preference: Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder, Vanilla Bean – $31.52, 21g of organic protein.
- For highest protein per scoop: Premier Protein Chocolate Milkshake – 30g protein with only 1g of sugar.
- For keto-friendly: Dymatize ISO 100 Vanilla – fast-absorbing, low carb.
Remember: your habits shape your future. Start building better ones today.