Fifth Harmony member Normani and DJ Calvin Harris join forces on “Checklist,” one of two collaborative singles.  WizKid provides the assist.

First it was Lauren Jauregui, and now, it’s Normani.  Context? Members of the pop group, Fifth Harmony (a four-some now), who are exploring solo opportunities.  Regarding Normani, she made a statement earlier in 2018 with her Love, Simon single, “Love Lies”, alongside Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Khalid.  Now, along with Scottish DJ/production wiz Calvin Harris, she releases two singles, “Checklist” and “Slow Down.”

“Checklist,” set in a minor key, keeps things brief, clocking in under three minutes. Expectedly, Calvin Harris delivers sleek, rhythmic production work, particularly the synths and the beat. Harris fuels the tropically-tinged ‘swagger’ exhibited by Normani and WizKid.  Following an intro by both artists, Normani follows with the chorus:

“I got the addy, I don’t need no GPS’s

Diamonds shining, diamonds shining

Now I keep them VVS’s

Don’t lie, don’t lie

You tryna keep me like a checklist

Slow whine, slow whine

Body cold like a necklace.”

The chorus is followed up by a post-chorus, a common trend in pop/urban-contemporary these days.  She sings:

“I see you

Straight up out of heaven wit’ it uh

Baby, you a blessing wit’ it uh

Come teach me a lesson wit’ it uh.”

Beyond the chorus sections, the first verse is built on repetition, chocked-full of sexual innuendo despite not being explicit. WizKid arrives on the second verse, providing the male perspective to Normani’s feminine take… Later, WizKid also performs the outro (“Me need a lickle bit of your time, and / Just let me give you keys to my life, and.”)

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Checklist” is infectious to the nth degree.  Great production, solid vocals, vibes, and general well-roundedness.

Normani & Calvin Harris • Checklist (Ft. WizKid) – Single • Keep Cool / RCA • Release: 10.26.18

Photo Credits: Keep Cool / RCA