Gaga issued “Million Reasons” on October 29, 2016. It served as Joanne’s second single, with Joanne being her fifth studio album. Gaga shared the songwriting credit with Mark Ronson and Hillary Lindsey. The lyrics grew out of a conversation between Gaga and Lindsey in which they discussed their relationships with the men in their lives.

“Someone Like You” was released earlier, on January 24, 2011. Adele selected the soul ballad as the second single from 21, her second studio album. She wrote it with Dan Wilson, who was also the track’s producer. Its subject was the heartbreak Adele faced after a boyfriend ended their relationship.

Adele said the lyrics also reflected a more accepting perspective. Beyond the breakup itself, the song concerned becoming comfortable with who she was and recognizing the value of the time spent in that relationship, even though the partnership did not last.