Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1
On his fifth studio album, Calvin Harris redefines the banger. As one of EDM’s most unstoppable forces, the Scottish DJ/producer made euphoric dance-pop a Top 40 staple by pairing passionate pop hooks with explosive house beats. But *Funk Wav Bounces, Vol. 1* is post-EDM, with a laidback vibe better suited to barbecues than bottle service. Packed with feel-good summer anthems, it draws from dancehall (“Skrt on Me (feat. Nicki Minaj)”), Motown (“Heatstroke (feat. Young Thug, Pharrell Williams & Ariana Grande)”), and breezy California hip-hop (“Holiday (feat. Snoop Dogg, John Legend & Takeoff)”). Considering the guest list, there’s reason to believe *Bounces* reflects more than just a shift in Harris’ personal tastes: It’s a smooth and soulful forecast for where music is headed next.
Rebranding himself as a kind of everyman Mark Ronson, the EDM superstar steps out from behind the booth with an album of 1980s-inspired boogie.
Calvin Harris recruits friends Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and Frank Ocean for his fifth studio album Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1.
The commercial motives behind Funk Wav are somewhat transparent, it's hard to go wrong with those funky beats.
Also, Broken Social Scene – Hug Of Thunder, Jupiter & Okwess – Kin Sonic, Public Service Broadcasting – Every Valley, and Gil Scott-Heron – The Revolution Will Not Be Televised… Plus
AllMusic provides comprehensive music info including reviews and biographies. Get recommendations for new music to listen to, stream or own.
Pop music today has taken the more is more mentality; it seems almost every track you hear on the radio contains multiple artists reaching for star billing on a stacked lineup.
By failing to transcend binary pop tropes, Calvin Harris undermines what could’ve been a creative reinvention.
The $60m DJ corrals a firmament of stars from Rihanna and Pharrell to Lil’ Yachty for this somewhat apprehensive, understated 80s-tinged solo album
Dance-pop kingpin has an easy-going time with his US megastar mates. CD new music review by Thomas H Green