In My Head (Ariana Grande song)

"In My Head" was finished in twelve hours.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/how-ariana-grande-made-thank-u-next-album-792233/ |title=Some Albums Take Years. Ariana Grande Made 'Thank U, Next' in 2 Weeks |last=Leight |first=Elias |date=February 9, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709074003/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/how-ariana-grande-made-thank-u-next-album-792233/ |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} It was written by Ariana Grande, Andrew "Pop" Wansel, Nathan "Happy" Perez, Lindel Deon Nelson Jr., Jameel Roberts, and NOVA Wav's members Brittany "Chi" Coney and Denisia Andrews. Wansel and Perez handled the production and programming and played the keyboards alongside Jproof. NOVA Wav co-produced the track, while Joe Gallagher engineered it. Grande produced the vocals, and Perez played the guitar. Recording took place in three studios: Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California; Entirety Studios in London, England; and Jungle City Studios in New York City. Serban Ghenea mixed "In My Head" with assistance from John Hanes at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Randy Merrill mastered it at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City.{{Cite AV media notes |title=Thank U, Next |others=Ariana Grande |year=2019 |type=CD booklet |publisher=Republic Records |id=B0029653-02}}

"In My Head" includes a recorded voicemail by Grande's best friend, Doug Middlebrook, which was added after the track was finished because it suited the lyrics.{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1013090/12-surprising-secrets-from-ariana-grande-s-thank-u-next-revealed |title=12 Surprising Secrets From Ariana Grande's Thank U, Next Revealed |last=Morin |first=Alyssa |date=February 8, 2019 |publisher=E! News |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717080204/https://www.eonline.com/news/1013090/12-surprising-secrets-from-ariana-grande-s-thank-u-next-revealed |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live }} Initially, a quote by Jack Nicholson saying "You seem to have things strangely confused in your mind" in a movie was used, but was later removed for legal reasons.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpl8v3jiuNU |title=Ariana Grande 'thank u, next' Interview |date=February 9, 2019 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=July 17, 2019 |quote=Skip to 6:42 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420151057/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpl8v3jiuNU |archive-date=April 20, 2019 |url-status=live }} Grande explained, "he was a major help to me thru some v difficult moments so i wanted to capture that a lil, give him a musical hug. It's also his favorite song so it fits."{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8497321/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-intros-nonna-doug-middlebrook-shangela |title=Behind the Intros On 'Thank U, Next': How Ariana Grande Featured Her Nonna, Her Best Friend and a 'Drag Race' Star |last=Weatherby |first=Taylor |date=February 8, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718000053/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8497321/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-intros-nonna-doug-middlebrook-shangela |archive-date=July 18, 2019 |url-status=live }}

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|quote = "Here's the thing: you're in love with a version of a person that you've created in your head, that you are trying to but cannot fix. Uh, the only thing you can fix is yourself. I love you, this has gone on way too long. Enough is enough. I'm two blocks away. I'm coming over."

|source = —Recorded voicemail by Doug Middlebrook, Grande's best friend, included on the beginning of "In My Head"

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"In My Head" is a trap, R&B, and pop song,{{cite web |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/music-review-ariana-grande-is-self-assured-and-sassy-on-new-album-thank-u |title=Music review: Ariana Grande is self-assured and sassy on new album Thank U, Next |last=Raguraman |first=Anjali |date=February 13, 2019 |website=The Straits Times |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723042459/https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/music-review-ariana-grande-is-self-assured-and-sassy-on-new-album-thank-u |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |title=The 17 best and 17 worst Ariana Grande songs of all time |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/best-worst-ariana-grande-songs-all-time#lyrically-in-my-head-is-one-of-grandes-strongest-songs-ever-6 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}} with a length of three minutes and forty-two seconds.{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/thank-u-next-mw0003246119 |title=Thank U, Next review |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405001144/https://www.allmusic.com/album/thank-u-next-mw0003246119 |url-status=live }} The track is written in the key of G major and set in common time signature, with an electro ballad tempo of 68 beats per minute. Grande's vocals span from the low note of G₃ to the high note of G₅.{{cite web |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0195303 |title=In My Head by Ariana Grande |date=April 5, 2019 |publisher=Music Notes |access-date=July 20, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322154827/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0195303 |url-status=live }} The song begins with the recorded voicemail by Middlebrook, then continues with a synthetic drum beat and a distended bassline while the artist sings the opening lines, "Painted a picture, I thought I knew you well / I got a habit of seeing what isn't there".{{cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/the-best-ariana-grande-songs/in-my-head |title=The Best Ariana Grande Songs |last=List |first=Mallorie |date=February 22, 2019 |website=Complex |access-date=July 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721033509/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/02/the-best-ariana-grande-songs/in-my-head |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |url-status=live }} During the chorus, Grande sings the lyrics, "But it was all in my head" in a high vocal register.{{cite web |url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2019/2/9/18217813/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review |title=Ariana Grande Just Beat the Boys by Joining Them |last=Harvilla |first=Rob |date=February 9, 2019 |publisher=The Ringer |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709082129/https://www.theringer.com/music/2019/2/9/18217813/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review |archive-date=July 9, 2019 |url-status=live }} The track ends with a "pulsing" outro that ends with an echo. The singer said via Twitter the song talks about "being in love w a version of somebody you've created in your head [sic]. Falling for someone that they are not".{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/02/08/thank-u-next-everything-know-about-ariana-grandes-new-album/?noredirect=on |title='Thank U, Next': Everything to know about Ariana Grande's new album |last=Butler |first=Bethonie |date=February 8, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322154835/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/02/08/thank-u-next-everything-know-about-ariana-grandes-new-album/?noredirect=on |url-status=live }}

{{multiple image

| footer = Critics debated whether the subject of "In My Head" was either comedian Pete Davidson (left) or rapper Mac Miller (right), both former partners of Grande.

| image1 = Pete Davidson in 2015 (17073107891).jpg

| alt1 = An image of a smiling Pete Davidson who is wearing a dark blue sweater and a black cap.

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| image2 = Mac Miller 2017.jpg

| alt = A close-up image of Mac Miller with his mouth open wearing a white cap, glasses and a red T-shirt.

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Many critics suggested that "In My Head" detailed Grande's relationship with her former fiancé, comedian Pete Davidson,{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a26248979/ariana-grandes-in-my-head-pete-davidson/ |title=Sooo, Everyone Fully Thinks Ariana Grande's New Song 'In My Head' Is About Pete Davidson |last=Bonner |first=Mehera |date=February 8, 2019 |website=Cosmopolitan |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716043010/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a26248979/ariana-grandes-in-my-head-pete-davidson/ |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.etonline.com/ariana-grande-drops-hints-about-songs-on-thank-u-next-are-they-about-pete-davidson-118065 |title=Ariana Grande Drops Hints About Songs on 'Thank U, Next', Are They About Pete Davidson? |last=Murphy |first=Desiree |date=January 24, 2019 |website=Entertainment Tonight |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717082454/https://www.etonline.com/ariana-grande-drops-hints-about-songs-on-thank-u-next-are-they-about-pete-davidson-118065 |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.papermag.com/ariana-grande-thank-u-next--2628391092.html?rebelltitem=7#rebelltitem7 |title=Ariana Let Us Inside Her Head |last=Goldfine |first=Jael |date=February 8, 2019 |publisher=Paper |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723022534/http://www.papermag.com/ariana-grande-thank-u-next--2628391092.html?rebelltitem=7#rebelltitem7 |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} while others opined it talked about her break-up with rapper Mac Miller.{{cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a26244828/ariana-grande-in-my-head-lyrics-references-meaning/ |title=All the Mac Miller References in Ariana Grande's 'In My Head' Lyrics |last=Bailey |first=Alyssa |date=February 8, 2019 |website=Elle |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624224933/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a26244828/ariana-grande-in-my-head-lyrics-references-meaning/ |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/ynnjuz/ariana-grandes-thank-u-next-album-track-by-track-review |title=Ariana Grande's thank u, next Album: Track By Track Review |date=February 8, 2019 |publisher=MTV UK |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530050457/http://www.mtv.co.uk/ariana-grande/news/ariana-grandes-thank-u-next-album-track-by-track-review |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |url-status=live }} Stephanie Eckardt of W said that the verse, "My imagination's too creative / They see demon, I see angel, angel, angel", may refer to Miller, whom Grande described as an "angel" in "Thank U, Next" (2018); however, she also said that the line "Look at you, boy, I invented you / Your Gucci tennis shoes runnin' from your issues" talked about Davidson's increased popularity after dating the singer.{{cite web |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/ariana-grande-lyrics-mac-miller-peter-davidson |title=Thank U, Next: Ariana Grande's Most Telling Lyrics About Pete Davidson and Mac Miller |last=Eckardt |first=Stephanie |date=February 8, 2019 |website=W |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717094244/https://www.wmagazine.com/story/ariana-grande-lyrics-mac-miller-peter-davidson |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Writing for Genius, Chris Mench commented on this ambiguity, saying the tone of the song was "too harsh" to be about Miller, who died in September 2018, and concluded the lyrics were more likely to be directed towards Davidson.{{cite web |url=https://genius.com/a/ariana-grande-addresses-pete-davidson-relationship-on-in-my-head-references-meaning |title=Ariana Grande Addresses Pete Davidson Relationship On 'In My Head' — References & Meaning |last=Mench |first=Chris |date=February 8, 2019 |publisher=Genius |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717092315/https://genius.com/a/ariana-grande-addresses-pete-davidson-relationship-on-in-my-head-references-meaning |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Elizabeth Ogbonna of The Lantern said that the song "detail[s] how [Grande] deluded herself into only seeing the good and fun things in her ex-fiancé Pete Davidson, while simultaneously ignoring his scrutiny from the media and her fans."{{cite web |url=https://www.thelantern.com/2019/02/album-review-thank-u-next-sets-the-tone-for-ariana-grandes-success-in-2019/ |title=Album Review: 'thank u, next' sets the tone for Ariana Grande's success in 2019 |last=Ogbonna |first=Elizabeth |date=February 12, 2019 |publisher=The Lantern |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717090630/https://www.thelantern.com/2019/02/album-review-thank-u-next-sets-the-tone-for-ariana-grandes-success-in-2019/ |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live }} In a July 2019 interview with Vogue, who would sponsor the music video for "In My Head", Grande stated she "loved" but "didn't know" Davidson; some journalists felt her comments paralleled the song's lyrics.{{cite web |url=https://www.insider.com/ariana-grande-said-she-didnt-know-pete-davidson-vogue-interview-2019-7 |title=Ariana Grande says her engagement to Pete Davidson was 'frivolous' and she 'didn't know him' |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=July 9, 2019 |publisher=Insider |access-date=July 17, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nacionrex.com/gossip/ariana-grande-y-pete-davidson-distraccion-relacion-detalles-ruptura-2019-20190710-0004.html |title=Ariana Grande confiesa que Pete Davidson era una gran distracción |last=Mondragón |first=Karen |work=Nación Rex |date=July 10, 2019 |language=es |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717212254/https://www.nacionrex.com/gossip/ariana-grande-y-pete-davidson-distraccion-relacion-detalles-ruptura-2019-20190710-0004.html |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Mallorie List of Complex ranked "In My Head" at number 22 on her list of the Best Ariana Grande songs, commenting it was a "real testament to Grande's dedication to a fresh start, as it falls right in line with the new sound she introduced with her first singles from Thank U, Next. Cosmopolitan{{'}}s Hannah Chambers felt "In My Head", was similar to "Bad Idea" and "Fake Smile", as "moody bops", since they were "emotional" but sounded "fun".{{cite web |url=https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a26254894/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-numbers/ |title=A Breakdown of Literally Every Single Thing That Happens On Ariana's New Album, 'Thank U, Next' |last=Chambers |first=Hannah |date=February 8, 2019 |website=Cosmopolitan |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513032229/https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/music/a26254894/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-numbers/ |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |url-status=live }} The Guardian{{'}}s Michael Cragg said that both "Ghostin" and "In My Head" were the album's "emotional centrepiece" and a "double whammy" for Davidson.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/feb/08/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-review |title=Ariana Grande: Thank U, Next review – a break-up album of wit and wonder |last=Cragg |first=Michael |date=February 8, 2019 |website=The Guardian |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190629190128/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/feb/08/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-review |archive-date=June 29, 2019 |url-status=live }} Craig Jenkins of Vulture wrote the track's themes were "sign of growth" from Grande, since she criticizes herself as well as her romantic partner.{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/02/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review.html |title=Thank U, Next Is a Phoenix Moment for Ariana Grande |last=Jenkins |first=Craig |date=February 8, 2019 |publisher=Vulture |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714114550/https://www.vulture.com/2019/02/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review.html |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |url-status=live }} Similarly, Daniel Welsh of HuffPost considered it one of the most personal tracks from the record and compared its theme with Katy Perry's "Wide Awake". He also said the line "My imagination's too creative, they see demon, I see angel" was a standout lyric.{{cite web |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review-huffpost-verdict_uk_5c5d5fd3e4b0650f4c0ce52a |title=Ariana Grande's Thank U, Next Is Her True Arrival As A Pop Artist – HuffPost Verdict |last=Welsh |first=Daniel |date=February 8, 2019 |work=HuffPost |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208145051/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review-huffpost-verdict_uk_5c5d5fd3e4b0650f4c0ce52a |archive-date=February 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} Alani Vargas of Bustle considered it one of the best songs from Thank U, Next, while Billboard{{'}}s Richard S. He called it "one of the album's moodiest, most underrated cuts".

Raúl Guillén of the Spanish website Jenesaispop deemed it a somber, powerful and defiant track. He added that it complemented "Ghostin", as both had the toughest and most sincere lyrics, not only from Thank U, Next, but from the singer's discography.{{cite web |url=https://jenesaispop.com/2019/02/13/355146/ariana-grande-thank-u-next/ |title=Ariana Grande / thank u, next |last=Guillén |first=Raúl |date=February 13, 2019 |language=es |publisher=Jenesaispop |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723034217/https://jenesaispop.com/2019/02/13/355146/ariana-grande-thank-u-next/ |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} Idolator's Mike Nied described it as "hazy" and called it a "sequel" to "Imagine", the opening track of the record, adding that Grande's confessions were relatable and powerful.{{cite web |url=https://www.idolator.com/7696597/album-review-ariana-grandes-thank-u-next?chrome=1 |title=Album Review: Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next' |last=Nied |first=Mike |date=February 9, 2019 |publisher=Idolator |access-date=July 22, 2019 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Mathew Rodríguez of Out noted the track had some of the album's "shadiest lyrics" and "busiest production"; however, he also said it was "noisy" at times.{{cite web |url=https://www.out.com/entertainment/2019/2/08/ariana-grandes-thank-u-next-track-track-review |title=Ariana Grande's 'Thank U, Next': A Track-by-Track Review |last=Rodríguez |first=Mathew |date=February 8, 2019 |website=Out |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330143538/https://www.out.com/entertainment/2019/2/08/ariana-grandes-thank-u-next-track-track-review |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |url-status=live }} Writing for The Atlantic, Spencer Kornhaber said the song did not have a memorable hook,{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/02/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review-cold-truths/582376/ |title=Ariana Grande Tells the Cold Truth on Thank U, Next |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=February 8, 2019 |website=The Atlantic |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330170308/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/02/ariana-grande-thank-u-next-album-review-cold-truths/582376/ |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |url-status=live }} while Carmen Chan and Nicole Almeida of Atwood Magazine felt the spoken intro was unnecessary.{{cite web |url=http://atwoodmagazine.com/agtu-thank-u-next-ariana-grande-album-review/ |title=Roundtable: A Review of Ariana Grande's 'thank u, next' |date=February 22, 2019 |website=Atwood Magazine |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723005822/http://atwoodmagazine.com/agtu-thank-u-next-ariana-grande-album-review/ |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }}

"In My Head" entered some countries' charts following the release of Thank U, Next. The track debuted at number 38 on the February 23, 2019, issue of the US Billboard Hot 100; it was one of eleven songs by Grande to chart that week in the first 40 positions. With this, the singer became the female artist with most tracks to appear simultaneously in the top 40 in one issue, surpassing Cardi B, who had nine songs there on April 21, 2018.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8498842/ariana-grande-most-simultaneous-top-40-hot-100-hits |title=Ariana Grande Breaks Record For Most Simultaneous Top 40 Billboard Hot 100 Hits by a Female Artist |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=April 19, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613165201/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8498842/ariana-grande-most-simultaneous-top-40-hot-100-hits |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live }} The following week, it fell to number 74.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2019-03-02 |title=Top 100 Songs: March 2, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226064442/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2019-03-02 |archive-date=February 26, 2019 |url-status=live }} "In My Head" entered the Canadian Hot 100 at number 34 also on the February 23, 2019, issue.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-02-23 |title=Canadian Hot 100: February 23, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190408073223/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-02-23 |archive-date=April 8, 2019 |url-status=live }} The next week it dropped to number 71.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-03-02 |title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs: March 2, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506032250/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-03-02 |archive-date=May 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}

In Greece, "In My Head" debuted at number 28 on the Digital Singles Chart International on the sixth week of 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html |title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 6/2019 |publisher=IFPI Greece |access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221055913/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html |archive-date=February 21, 2019}} In the next edition, the song reached its peak position at number 21.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html |title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 7/2019 |publisher=IFPI Greece |access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190226170703/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html |archive-date=February 26, 2019}} The following week, the track fell to number 72.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html |title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 8/2019 |publisher=IFPI Greece |access-date=August 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307055908/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_ien.html |archive-date=March 7, 2019}} On the chart dated February 16, 2019, "In My Head" debuted at number 36 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart. The next week, it fell thirty-seven positions to number 73.{{cite web |url=https://www.auspop.com.au/2019/2/aria-chart-watch-513/ |title=ARIA Chart Watch #513 |work=auspOp |date=February 23, 2019 |access-date=October 24, 2019 |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331092529/https://www.auspop.com.au/2019/2/aria-chart-watch-513/ |url-status=live |author1=Auspop }} In the United Kingdom, the track appeared at numbers 20 and 80 on the Audio Streaming and Download charts, respectively, on February 15, 2019. The following week, it fell to number 57 on the Audio Streaming chart,{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/audio-streaming-chart/20190222/7507/ |title=Official Audio Streaming Chart |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724235601/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/audio-streaming-chart/20190222/7507/ |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |url-status=live }} and dropped off the Download chart.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/20190222/7000/ |title=Singles Downloads Chart |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724235602/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/20190222/7000/ |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |url-status=live }} The track failed to enter the Swedish Singles Top 100, but peaked at number one on the Heatseeker Top 20, an extension chart that compiles the most popular songs that have yet to appear on the main list. Elsewhere, "In My Head" peaked at number 48 in both Portugal and Slovakia, 68 in the Netherlands, 75 in Scotland and 94 in the Czech Republic.

Despite not being promoted as an official single, a music video for "In My Head" was directed by Bardia Zeinali and choreographed by Scott Nicholson.{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-behind-the-scenes-cover-video |title=See How the Floating Ponytails and Thigh-Highs Came to Life in Ariana Grande's Behind-the-Scenes Cover Video |date=July 10, 2019 |website=Vogue |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723170243/https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-behind-the-scenes-cover-video |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} It was produced by the team from Vogue, as part of the singer's interview and subsequent appearance on the cover of the magazine's August 2019 issue.{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-cover-august-2019 |title=Ariana Grande on Grief and Growing Up |last=Haskell |first=Rob |date=July 9, 2019 |website=Vogue |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723225903/https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-cover-august-2019 |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} For clip's concept, Zeinali wanted to showcase the things that make Grande an "iconic" artist; he explained, "It's the voice, it's the ponytail, it's the boots, it's the silhouette. So we decided that we wanted to create an iconic video where we're isolating the Ariana iconography, and playing it up and having a good time with it." He also added that the visuals were "a little bit sci-fi, it's a little bit [Stanley] Kubrick, it's a little Y2K". To achieve this, they used three back-up dancers in green suits against a green screen who wore pony-tails and thigh-high boots similar to Grande{{cite web |url=https://www.insider.com/ariana-grande-behind-the-scenes-in-my-head-video-vogue-2019-7 |title=See how Ariana Grande created the trippy visuals in her newest music video with look-alike backup dancers and green screen technology |last=Ahlgrim |first=Callie |date=July 10, 2019 |publisher=Insider |access-date=July 23, 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://lab.fm/genres/pop/ariana-grande-collaborates-with-vogue-for-stunning-in-my-head-mv/ |title=Ariana Grande collaborates with 'Vogue' for stunning 'In My Head' MV |date=July 11, 2019 |publisher=Lab.fm |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723170243/https://lab.fm/genres/pop/ariana-grande-collaborates-with-vogue-for-stunning-in-my-head-mv/ |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} to look like "disembodied" versions of the singer.{{cite web |url=https://www.revelist.com/celebrity/ariana-grande-songs-about-sex/15929 |title=Yes, Ariana Grande Sings About Sex And Doesn't Care What Young Fans' Parents Think |last=Wilt |first=Chloe |date=July 11, 2019 |publisher=Revelist |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723170249/http://www.revelist.com/celebrity/ariana-grande-songs-about-sex/15929 |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} The music video was released unannounced on July 9, 2019, through Vogue{{'}}s website and YouTube channel.{{cite web |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-in-my-head-music-video-bardia-zeinali |title=Watch Vogue's Cover Video for Ariana Grande's 'In My Head' |last=Conteh |first=Mankaprr |date=July 9, 2019 |website=Vogue |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723173140/https://www.vogue.com/article/ariana-grande-in-my-head-music-video-bardia-zeinali |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} One day later, a behind-the-scenes clip was posted on both sites. "In My Head" is the fourth music video from the album, after "Thank U, Next", "7 Rings" and "Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored", and the first non-single from the record to have a videoclip.

File:Ariana Grande In My Head MV.jpg

The music video features Grande with a ponytail wearing her signature style: thigh-high boots, black body suit, a puffer jacket and skirt as she dances and performs the track in a bright white room that, according to Vogue, represents her own mind and the "creative claustrophobia" of being herself. In some parts, the artist sings a cappella, and the clicking of her heels becomes audible.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-in-my-head-music-video-856473/ |title=Watch Ariana Grande's Claustrophobic 'In My Head' Video |last=Spanos |first=Brittany |date=July 9, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=July 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722011013/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ariana-grande-in-my-head-music-video-856473/ |archive-date=July 22, 2019 |url-status=live }}

"In My Head" was reviewed by music journalists, with many of them noting its simple and minimalist style,{{cite web |url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/07/09/ariana-grande-in-my-head-video-vogue-mac-miller-pete-davidson |title=Ariana Grande's 'in my head' video is here |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=July 9, 2019 |publisher=The Fader |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724022800/https://www.thefader.com/2019/07/09/ariana-grande-in-my-head-video-vogue-mac-miller-pete-davidson |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.idolator.com/7825642/ariana-grande-releases-a-video-for-in-my-head-poses-for-vogue |title=Ariana Grande Releases A Video For 'in my head,' Poses For 'Vogue' |last=Nied |first=Mike |date=July 9, 2019 |publisher=Idolator |access-date=July 24, 2019 }}{{Dead link|date=September 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} while others felt it was influenced by music videos released in the 1990s. Winston Cook-Wilson of Spin compared the style to that of late-1990s music videos, as well as to the work of director Hype Williams.{{cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2019/07/ariana-grande-vogue-interview-in-my-head-video/ |title=Ariana Grande Talks Mac Miller and Manchester in Vogue Cover Story, Releases 'In My Head' Video |last=Cook-Wilson |first=Winston |date=July 9, 2019 |publisher=Spin |access-date=July 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723174202/https://www.spin.com/2019/07/ariana-grande-vogue-interview-in-my-head-video/ |archive-date=July 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} Bustle{{'}}s Alani Vargas said it stands out on its own from the singer's previous clips, and added that, "Despite the simplicity of the setting, the video does give a sense of being corralled into her own little bubble, possible highlighting how Grande writes her music."{{cite web |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/ariana-grandes-in-my-head-video-brings-fans-inside-her-world-watch-18177902 |title=Ariana Grande's 'In My Head' Video Brings Fans Inside Her World — Watch |last=Vargas |first=Alani |website=Bustle |date=July 9, 2019 |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190710143649/https://www.bustle.com/p/ariana-grandes-in-my-head-video-brings-fans-inside-her-world-watch-18177902 |archive-date=July 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} Richard S. He of Billboard compared the setting to the set of Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" (1996) as well as to other music videos released in the late 1990s and the early 2000s. He also commented the artist "gives one of her most emotionally grounded performances to date" and felt she has "grown tremendously as a visual artist and performer".{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8519592/ariana-grande-in-my-head-video-analysis |title='In My Head': How Ariana Grande's New Video Spins Sadness Into Her Signature Style |last=He |first=Richard S. |date=July 11, 2019 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724040508/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8519592/ariana-grande-in-my-head-video-analysis |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |url-status=live }} Mike Nied of Idolator called it "a simple but thoughtful affair" and added that Grande "offers a glimpse into her mind" in the plot. Writing for E! News, Jamie Blynn commented that, unlike the singer's previous music videos from Thank U, Next, "In My Head" "strips away the elaborate theatrics and backup dancers", since it only featured Grande in a white room wearing a puffer jacket, skirt, bodysuit and boots.{{cite web |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1055378/ariana-grande-takes-fans-inside-her-claustrophobic-mind-with-new-in-my-head-music-video |title=Ariana Grande Takes Fans Inside Her Claustrophobic Mind With New 'In My Head' Music Video |last=Blynn |first=Jamie |date=July 9, 2019 |website=E! News |access-date=August 31, 2019 |archive-date=August 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831010238/https://www.eonline.com/news/1055378/ariana-grande-takes-fans-inside-her-claustrophobic-mind-with-new-in-my-head-music-video |url-status=live }}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Thank U, Next.

Locations

• Recorded at Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California; Entirety Studios in London, England and Jungle City Studios in New York City
• Mixed at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Mastered at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City

Personnel

• Lead vocals – Ariana Grande
• Songwriting – Ariana Grande, Andrew Wansel, Nathan Perez, Brittany "Chi" Coney, Denisia Andrews, Lindel Deon Nelson, Jr., Jameel Roberts
• Production – Pop Wansel, Happy Perez, NOVA Wav
• Programming – Pop Wansel, Happy Perez
• Mixing – Serban Ghenea
• Mixing assistance – John Hanes
• Mastering – Randy Merrill
• Vocal production – Ariana Grande
• Keyboards – Pop Wansel, Happy Perez, Jproof
• Guitars – Happy Perez

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "In My Head"}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=single|region=Australia|certyear=2023|award=Gold|access-date=July 7, 2023}}

{{certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Madison Beer|title=In My Head|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2023|access-date=15 December 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Ariana Grande|title=In My Head|award=Silver|relyear=2019|certyear=2023|id=9777-3975-1|access-date=April 21, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

{{reflist}}

{{Ariana Grande songs}}

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Category:2019 songs

Category:2010s ballads

Category:Ariana Grande songs

Category:Contemporary R&B ballads

Category:Song recordings produced by Happy Perez

Category:Songs written by Ariana Grande

Category:Songs written by Happy Perez

Category:Songs written by Pop Wansel

Category:Trap music songs