DNCE returns with “Cake By The Ocean” follow-up, “Body Moves,” yet another energetic, enthusiastic, and infectious single.

Following up a gargantuan hit is no easy task. DNCE knows that firsthand, as “Cake by The Ocean” was huge. Even with the pressure mounted on Joe Jonas and company, they muster up another fine single in its own right, “Body Moves.” It’s debatable whether “Body Moves” trumps “Cake,” but it’s got lots going for it. 

“Body Moves” opens enthusiastically with “ow!” It’s corny, but starts the record energetically and enthusiastically.  The beat is excellent, with the dancefloor in mind.  The groove has a neo-disco quality, which is a selling point by all means.  Overall, this is a well-produced record, with the soulful cues being a great look. 

The biggest selling point of “Body Moves” is the innuendo.  Innuendo is what made “Cake by the Ocean” so popular. Interestingly, the innuendo quite as ripe as that of “cake by the ocean,” which had sex dripping from its frosting.  Still, Jonas and company “get it in.”

The songwriting is undeniably catchy, starting with the pre-chorus:

“Baby the stars above will light the way / just take my hand and hear the words I say / yeah, when the morning comes, I’ll always stay / you gotta know, you gotta know that I’m feeling this.”

Things keep on rolling with the chorus, where Jonas’ falsetto is on-point:

“Coming home with me, we’ll rock them body moves / me and you (oh, just a little bit) / body moves (yeah, just a little bit, ow!) / coming home with me, oh baby, let it loose / me and you / body moves / I don’t need it, but you know how bad I want it / and your touch has got me haunted, but I like it…”

Finally, the bridge puts a cap on the events of the night:   

 “Yeah, when the morning comes, I’ll always stay / you gotta know, you gotta know that I’m feeling this.”

Final Thoughts 

DNCE had the difficult task of following up mega-hit “Cake by the Ocean.”  While “Body Moves” doesn’t supplant “Cake by the Ocean,” Jonas and company have another terrific single on their hands.  Minimally, on paper, “Body Moves” should be big hit.

DNCE • DNCE • Republic • Release: 11.18.16

Photo Credit: Republic