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Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and British pop/R&B singer/songwriter Sam Smith join forces for an enjoyable collaborative single, “Promises.”

Calvin Harris – Grammy winner.  Sam Smith – multi-Grammy winner.  Put the two together? That’s some Grammy-winning magic right there! The Scottish DJ and the British pop/R&B singer/songwriter makes a great team.  “Promises” isn’t the ‘second coming’ of anything, but it’s worth adding to your playlist.

“Promises” features a busy, soulful-pop groove.  Overall, the backdrop is soulful, which fits Sam Smith’s blend of pop and R&B (piano, robust bass, and the aforementioned groove).  Expectedly, Smith delivers a solid vocal performance.  He doesn’t get too crazy, but sounds rock solid.  He provides a bit more oomph on the bridge, when he ascends into that silky-smooth falsetto.

“‘Cause I need your green light / Day and night, say that you’re mine / ‘Cause I need your green light / Day and night, say that you’re mine / Say that you’re mine / Say that you’re mine.”

The chorus and post-chorus feature some lines with Jessie Reyez, who’s previously collaborated with Calvin Harris (Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1). The chorus isn’t the second coming, but effective and respectable:

“I make no promises, I can’t do golden rings / But I’ll give you everything (tonight) / Magic is in the air, there ain’t no science here / So come and get everything (tonight).”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Promises” is an enjoyable single.  That said, it feels like it could use a little extra “something, something,” particularly on the chorus.  Despite my minor quibbles with it, “Promises” works out well for Harris and Smith.

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Calvin Harris & Sam Smith • Promises – Single • Sony Music Entertainment • Release: 8.17.17

Photo Credit: Sony Music Entertainment