Calvin Harris returns with tropically-infused single, “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready.”  He enlists Canadian urban artist PARTYNEXTDOOR for the assist.

Calvin Harris is back.  It was only a matter of time, judging by the title of his 2017 album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.  That fantastic album was shunned by the Recording Academy, but that’s a matter for different time.  Harris enlists Canadian artist PARTYNEXTDOOR for his newest single, “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready.”

First things first, the production.  Expectedly, “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready” sports an infectious groove – a tropical, reggae beat.  Set in a minor key, “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready” is filled with exuberance and spirit nonetheless.  Adding to the excellence of Harris’ production are other tropically-tinged cues, specifically the horns.  In addition to the horns, Harris integrates danceable synths.

Shifting the focus to PARTYNEXTDOOR, he plays off the soulful, ‘sound of the islands’ backdrop.  Naturally, there’s patois, blunt pop-rap.  It’s a rather predictable script – a number of urban artists have ‘been there, done that.’ Is PND effective? Ultimately, he delivers what Calvin Harris had in mind without a hitch.  It’s nothing earth-shattering, but this is a record about vibe, and that’s exactly what the listener is given.  To quote 2 Chainz and friends, “It’s a Vibe.”

Final Thoughts

How does new Calvin Harris stack up compared to Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1? All in all, “Nuh Ready Nuh Ready” is effective.  It doesn’t supplant the excellent selections on Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 by any means, but as aforementioned, it’s a vibe.  It’s well-produced, and love or hate the pseudo-tropic urban music trends, PARTYNEXTDOOR meets expectations.

Calvin Harris • Nuh Ready Nuh Ready (Ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR) – Single • Columbia • Release: 2.9.18 

Photo Credit: Columbia