Calvin Harris, Rollin | Track Review 🎵

Calvin Harris returns with the third single from his album, ‘Funky Wav Bounces Vol. 1,’ “Rollin.” He’s assisted by Future and Khalid. 

Calvin Harris continues to roll out hits.  The man has nothing but hits.  Hit after hit.  Did we mention that Calvin Harris is a hit machine? Can’t be stated enough.  “Rollin” is another one of those hits. It represents the third single from Harris’ new album, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1.  Fun Wav Bounces Vol. 1 arrives June 30, 2017.  He’s assisted by Future and Khalid.  

Initially, “Rollin” is all about Calvin Harris.  He sets the tone early with his funky, chill production work.  He owns the first 40 seconds.  Yeah, that’s not a lot of time in the bigger picture, but that’s more instrumental-only than most pop records are allotted.  Following the Harris showcase, Khalid lends his glorious talents, dropping the chorus against a chill AF backdrop:

“I’ve been rollin’ on the freeway
I’ve been riding 85
I’ve been thinking way too much
And I’m way too gone to drive
I’ve got anger in my chest
I’ve got millions on my mind
And you didn’t fit the picture
So I guess you weren’t the vibe.”

Future takes over on the verses, for better or for worse.  Honestly, it’s a matter of preference.  He’s not nearly as smooth as the groovy production work by Harris or the distinct, beautiful vocals of Khalid.  He’s true to himself, but wouldn’t another rapper fit this joint better? Think about how smooth Snoop Dogg or Wiz Khalifa might’ve coasted over “Rollin.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Rollin” provides some truly enticing ear candy.  Calvin Harris is on-point in regards to production work, while Khalid does his thing vocally.  The weak link is Future.  The problem is, there’s too much future, he doesn’t seem like the ideal fit, and it takes away from how successful this track could be, ultimately.  Still, Harris and Khalid do enough to make “Rollin” more than a one-time listen.

Calvin Harris • Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 • Columbia • Release: 6.30.17

Photo Credit: Columbia