As August comes to a close and the end of summer approaches, we can take solace in the fact that our favorite artists are still releasing music. This week, we saw the return of the two biggest producers of the 2010s as well as an interesting collaboration between Jaden Smith and Justin Bieber.
Here are some of the latest songs from this week reviewed by our Entertainment writer, Diandra Ross.
“Over Now” – Calvin Harris and The Weeknd
Calvin Harris returned in a collaboration with one of this year’s hottest artists. More “Funk Wav Bounces” than “Motion,” “Over Now” is a track that is reminiscent of the easy-going Pop/R&B songs of the 90s with a modern Funk and Techno twist. Though the production isn’t as intricate as Harris’ other songs, it’s still extremely catchy and easy to listen to without becoming boring. The angsty lyrics provide an interesting contrast to the track’s warm instrumentals, as The Weeknd sings about the end of a tumultuous relationship. “Over Now” seems like a sure fire hit, and it’s likely that this isn’t the last collaboration between these two artists.
“Birthday” – Disclosure Feat. Kehlani and Syd
Disclosure teamed up with two of today’s arguably most underrated female R&B vocalists on “Birthday.” The track seemed like a true collaboration between all three artists, as the chill but bouncy instrumentals fit perfectly with the soft sultry voices of both Kehlani and Syd. “Birthday” has both artists trying to figure out how much of a relationship they can have with an ex. Syd and Khelani ponder whether they’re allowed to check on them, or just ghost them entirely, with the main question being if they’re allowed to call on their birthday. A rare perspective for a love song, “Birthday” manages to invoke that feel of care and doubt when dealing with a complicated breakup.
“Falling For You” – Jaden Smith Feat. Justin Bieber
A total 180 from the young artist’s usual style, “Falling for You” sounds more like a Micheal Bublé song than a Jaden Smith one. The beginning of the song features instrumentals of a soft jazz band that transitions into a soft pop production. If you manage to get over how different this song is compared to Jaden’s other music, the track is actually pretty enjoyable. Justin Bieber manages to add his more traditional pop-sounding vocals and elevates its quality.
“The Recipe” – Aluna Feat. KAYTRANADA and Rema
Combining reggae with KAYTRANADA’s modern R&B sound, “The Recipe” is a chill dance song that will at the very least get you to tap your feet. The track sounds like it would fit well on KAYTRANADA’s latest album “Bubba,” since Aluna also makes an appearance on that project. Aluna and Rema’s playful vocals give off a fun and flirty vibe, as both artists pine for the affection of their significant others. The steady reggae beat never lets up throughout the entire song, never allowing the sung to lull or get boring. “The Recipe” is a perfect song for when you want the energy up at a party without providing too much of a distraction.
