Dan Smith and Bastille returns with “World Gone Mad,” an intriguing promo single from ‘Bright: The Album’, the soundtrack to the Netflix film.

Ah, a new Bastille single! Unfortunately for enthusiast of the alternative pop/rock band, “World Gone Mad” doesn’t signal a new album for the band. No, “World Gone Mad” serves as a promo single for Bright: The Album, the soundtrack for the Netflix film, Bright, starring Will Smith.  Nonetheless, new Bastille is still new Bastille, and “World Gone Mad” is enjoyable.

“If half the world’s gone mad / The other half just don’t care, you see.” “World Gone Mad” opens with acoustic guitar accompaniment.  As always Dan Smith blesses the track with his robust vocals, heavy in British accent.  He beams with British pride, asserting on the pre-chorus, “You don’t want to f*ck with us / British to the very last.” His falsetto is ripe during the pre-chorus section, providing some sweetness to his profane assertion that shows incredible resolve.  The chorus is signature Bastille:

“When it feels like the world’s gone mad / And there’s nothing you can do about it / No there’s nothing you can do about it / When it feels like the world’s gone mad / And there’s nothing you can do about it / No there’s nothing you can do about it.”

The second verse amps up the production – drums, lush strings, and more beauty.  Beyond the second chorus, there’s another verse, as well as a contrasting bridge.

“So, you wanna make some money / You wanna make some money / so you wanna be somebody / You wanna make some money.”

Final Thoughts

Bastille rarely disappoints, period.  On “World Gone Mad,” again, they don’t disappoint.  Dan Smith sounds as locked-in as ever, chest voice or head voice (falsetto). In a “mad world,” Bastille brings a much-needed pick-me-up.

Bastille • Bright: The Album • Atlantic • Release: 12.15.17 

Photo Credit: Atlantic