Calvin Harris, Khalid, & Future and Drake

Today I have some music for you by a DJ who has really started to mix it up with what kind of music he produces. Calvin Harris became popular with his upbeat and energizing pop songs, only to then follow suit by going on a bit of a quiet streak. While the man was still playing a few shows here and there, his presence in the "new music" game was pretty limited and unnoticed. Until now! Calvin Harris has been very busy in the studio, and has given the world some very interesting and different R&B electronic music.

The latest album by Calvin Harris marks a transition for the DJ and producer. He is switching from the pop oriented and stereotypical radio dance song, into something that is more of a summery serenade. We are starting to hear this evolution into something that is breezy and even a bit tropical. Somehow, the man still is able to maintain this ease in his sound. Nothing feels forced or engineered, rather, it feels organic and fluid. Something that Calvin Harris has done with this album, is bring R&B and pop rap back into production. We have seen the way producers like DJ Khaled and Will.I.Am have turned rap and pop into a powerful combination, but Calvin Harris has come up in the ranks. The way he has created music to combine genres outside of EDM and pop is incredible, and we really get to hear how he measures up against big producers. Calvin Harris brings a talented array of artists to collaborate on this album, including the two featured on this song, Khalid and Future.

Now I am a hug fan of Khalid. He has been known to be a rising singer and songwriter. But calling him a rising star seems a bit inaccurate because it seems like he has already made it. Khalid brings something to music that a lot of artists strive for. The ease and grace with which he sings is so beautiful. No matter what genre or style of music he is performing, it sounds like there is no effort taken. The rich and sonorous tone with which Khalid sings with is stunning and admirable for someone so young. Against the smooth and soothing soundscape that Calvin Harris provides, Khalid stands out as a crooner and harmonizer. His voice works very well with the funk driven track and serves to bring something more solid. Because the backdrop instrumentals air on the softer funk side, Khalid brings a warm grounding which is then backed up by Future. Now I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of Future, but he definitely works in this song. The rapper and smooth singing teen create a sound that coexists in a gorgeous and smooth way. The sounds mesh and blend, complementing each other's role within the track. The nonchalant ease with which the three artists put this song together is absolutely remarkable!

Today's instrumental song is one of Drake's new releases. This song has to be one of my favorite Drake songs because of how relaxing and calm and relaxed it is. The production on this track is also phenomenal. Caribbean influences create the melodic rhythm, which in essence makes up the rest of the melody. This song has a wonderful simplicity in the way it was composed. There aren't a lot of external instrumental factors. That Caribbean and tropical sound that we get with this song is so suitable for a chill night. Normally we hear tropical house which is bouncy and light and upbeat. But this time we get something that is supposed to be a calmer and lounge-esque kind of sound. If Drake keeps putting out more music like this, I certainly won't complain. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!