Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo collaborates with Grammy-winning alternative rock collective Imagine Dragons on his new single, “Born to Be Yours.”

Electronic musicians have a knack for collaborating with other ‘unlikely’ musicians.  Norwegian DJ and producer Kygo has collaborated ‘outside the box’ on more than one occasion.  The talented musician collaborates with Grammy-winning alternative rock collective Imagine Dragons on his latest single, “Born to Be Yours.” The results are appealing and respectable all in all, though not earth shattering.

Initially, “Born to Be Yours” sounds similar to any number of pop songs.  Dan Reynolds is accompanied by rhythmic guitar and a subtle pad.  The record begins a bit abruptly, which is off-putting.  By the chorus, the direction that Kygo is taking “Born to Be Yours” makes more sense.  Reynolds sounds truer to himself on the energetic chorus, even if he never achieves the same ‘oomph’ of Imagine Dragon hits like “Radioactive” or “Believer”.  It’s after the chorus that the dance/electronic elements of the backdrop shine.  Those elements include pummeling drums and warmer synths set in a major key.

Final Thoughts 

So, how does a Kygo and Imagine Dragons collaboration play out? Ultimately, “Born to Be Yours” is indisputably pleasant.  The production is typical of Kygo, specifically the warmer electronic sounds during the breakdown section post-chorus.  Dan Reynolds sounds okay, but he’s not as ‘turned up’ as usual by my estimations.  There’s nothing game changing here – it won’t solve the problems of the world nor your playlist – but it’s worth spinning a time or two.

Kygo & Imagine Dragons • Born to Be Yours – Single • Interscope / Sony • Release: 6.15.18

Photo Credits: Interscope / Sony