At first verse I didn’t care for Taylor Swift‘s new single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” but just as her warble outwore its welcome around the 30-second mark, the pre-chorus kicked in and I perked up.

Credit Swift for getting together with co-writers Max Martin and Shellback, guys who know just how to craft a solid hook or three — because I count at least a trio of earworms in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Might they have been listening to some fellow Swedes for sonic inspiration, particularly Icona Pop? The chorus of “Manners” appears to indicate the affirmative.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” is the first single from Swift’s upcoming fourth studio album, Red, out October 22, and marks a shift towards pure pop for the country crossover artist. While she’s never been Alabama, this is more Avril than anything she’s ever released before, for sure.

Swift’s fanbase wasted no time in adopting her new kiss-off anthem, first revealed during a live web chat she hosted yesterday and later made available for download. “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” took the #1 spot in the iTunes after a mere 50 minutes, securing Swift the record for fastest-selling digital single in history, besting Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” It couldn’t have happened to a nicer pop star.

For longtime Swift fans that might look less favorably upon her pop direction, this country mix of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” should help quiet such critics. That version isn’t yet available for purchase, however.

Purchase Taylor Swift – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.