The Chainsmokers, Baby → Song Review

Grammy-winning electronic duo The Chainsmokers drop their first independent single with the vibrant “Baby.”

“You used to call.” Noted, The Chainsmokers. Alex Pall and Drew Taggart are back at it again, this time with “Baby.” Drew lends his vocals, assisted by Ilsey (Ilsey Juber). “Baby” marks the duo’s first independent release. Pall, Taggart, Ilsey, Mikky Ekko, Jesse Fink, and Cody Nadeau composed it.  The Chainsmokers produced it.

“Baby” sounds bright from the get-go. It opens with Ilsey’s effects-heavy vocals singing the chorus. The sound is striking, while the chorus is doggone catchy:

“You used to call, oh

You used to call me baby, oh

You used to call (You used to call), oh

You used to drive me crazy, oh.”

Drew Taggart also lends his vocals alongside Ilsey at times.  Before diving further into the vocal performances, more about the sound! The dizzying, rhythmic synths are ear-catching.  The musical palette overall is V-I-B-R-A-N-T.  A strong beat anchors it. There is ample repetition, as expected from dance/electronic music.  “Baby” also has form – it’s not nebulous.  Ilsey and Drew build toward the drop, which is sweet.  Drew provides cool, smooth vocals during the verse. He never breaks a sweat. “But I keep scrolling past you nightly / I wonder if you might be thinking ’bout me too,” he sings, and continues, “And life keeps moving on at light speed / But I can’t seem to feel this way with anybody new.” Word.  In his second iteration of the verse, Taggart’s vocals remain calm, cool, and collected.  Ilsey is the last voice heard, concluding with the drop: “You used to call…” Will “Baby” by The Chainsmokers change your life? No, but it is an enjoyable, well-rounded dance-pop single.  The electronic sounds especially remain high-flying.