The song was written and produced by Jason Evigan, with additional songwriting provided by Ammar Malik, and Danny Parker.

After the success of "Jealous" at radio stations in the US, Island and Republic re-released "Chains" as Jonas' next single.

[2] It impacted rhythmic radio on March 3, 2015[3] On February 28, 2015 a remix of the song surfaced online featuring the vocals of Jhené Aiko.

[4] The song has reached number 13 on the Billboard hot 100, spending 20 weeks on the chart, later receiving a double platinum certification.

[10] Later, the band release the song "First Time" in June 2013, as the second single from their then-upcoming fifth studio album.

"[15] During an interview for Time, he commented about the album's musical direction, saying: "I came in really wanting to make a record that was different from anything I'd done in the past, but that was true to my influences: Stevie Wonder, Prince, Bee Gees.

"[21] Dylan Mial of Blogcritics added that the song is "a powerful and emotional combination of kick drum-driven beats, a splash of bass-dropping trap at the intro and bridge, with '80s rock ballad vibe that underlays the chorus.

"[20] Emily Blake wrote for MTV News that "Chains" is "drenched in S&M and rather adult themes straight out of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.

"[24] Joey DeGroot of Music Times was ambivalent toward its lyrical content, calling it "the song's weakest point", but praised "the production and Jonas' vocal performance", claiming that they were "more than make up for it, [...] earn[ing] Jonas some artistic credibility after toiling in the Disney-pop world for most of his career.

"[25] Dylan Mial of Blogcritics was complimentary with the song, calling it "by far the greatest, most inspired and powerful track of 2014 – it is pure musical perfection.

"[22] On July 23, 2014 it was announced that a music video was being shot, being co-produced by Nick Jonas with director Ryan Pallotta.

The video features Jonas getting dragged across the floor of a church by a mystery woman, and tied up to a chair.

[29] Nick Jonas also performed the song, along with "Jealous" and a cover of Coldplay' "Magic" at The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show.

[46] Some critics have praised this remix, Carolyn Menyes from the site Music Times stated "Jhene Aiko sings with a sultry note in her voice, before going all Fifty Shades of Grey with her 'Chains.'

[48] UK's Complex Magazines James Keith said that the song was another example of the mainstream accepting grime as it is—no compromises and no caveats.