Dutch DJ/producer Martin Garrix keeps the hits coming with “High on Life,” featuring pop singer/songwriter Bonn (Kristoffer Fogelmark). 

“Killed the demons of my mind / Ever since you came around / We’re a river, running wild / How could I have been so blind?” Deep stuff.  The Last time we heard from 22-year old Dutch DJ and EDM wunderkind Martin Garrix, he was collaborating with Grammy-nominated R&B artist Khalid on the gorgeous, love-centric single, “Ocean”.  Staying busy in 2018, he’s back with yet another new single, “High on Life,” this time with Bonn.  In addition to writing credits by Garrix and Bonn (Kristoffer Fogelmark), “High on Life” is co-written by Albin Nedler and Giorgio Tuinfort.

“High on Life” finds Bonn in reflective mode.  On the pre-chorus, he sings about living fast and reckless, until the final line: “But with you, I feel something real.” He continues with the change of tenor on the chorus, asserting, “And I’d walk a million miles, just to see your smile / Till the day I die / Oh, I need you by my side, we get high on life.”  On the verses (the first verse was excerpted at the top), he’s regretful.  On the second verse he asks himself, “How could I have let you go?”

As expected, Martin Garrix gives his ‘partner in crime’ a fitting backdrop.  The principle instrument during the verses is piano, which definitely matches the regret Bonn captures regarding love. In addition to the awesome keyboard work, there are other sounds that appear including beautiful strings (nothing too crazy), light, but rhythmic groove, and a dash of electric guitar. The backdrop picks up steam on the chorus, adding bright, shimmering, aggressive synths.  The chorus is where Garrix is at his best and most energetic.

Final Thoughts 

The script for dance records can grow formulaic.  On “High on Life,” Martin Garrix and Bonn definitely follow the formula.  That said, there’s nothing wrong with the formula, and it works out splendidly for the both of them.  Bonn brings goodness to the track with his pipes, while Garrix, with the help of Matisse & Sadko, brings the heat in the production department. Can you say #win-win?

Martin Garrix • High on Life (Ft. Bonn) – Single • STMPD RCRDS B.V. / Epic Amsterdam • Release: 8.3.18

Photo Credits: STMPD RCRDS B.V. / Epic Amsterdam