Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 starsย 

Calvin Harris, Slide ยฉ Sony UKCalvin Harris assembles a star-studded cast โ€“ Frank Ocean and Migos โ€“ for his hot, new single, โ€œSlide.โ€

Oh, the company that Calvin Harris keeps.ย  On his latest single, โ€œSlide,โ€ the electronic musician/DJ varies his usual collaborators.ย  He brings Frank Ocean (!) and Migos (!!!) into the fold. Collective gasp everyone.ย  While Harris packs the star power himself to make a new single a big deal, bring on the aforementioned urban standouts only amplifies the gargantuan nature of the new single.ย  Now the question is, does โ€œSlideโ€ live up to the star-studded hype?

โ€œSlideโ€ begins with Oceanโ€™s familiar, alt-R&B brand.ย  He uses extreme high-pitch shifted vocals, similar to the approach on portions of Blonde.ย  Thankfully, thatโ€™s not the only taste of Ocean listeners get.ย  We are treated to his natural voice, in all its illustrious beauty. ย Among the best moments is the hook, in all its catchy glory:

โ€œDo you slide on all your nights like this?
Do you try on all your nights like this? (I might)
Put some spotlight on the slide
Whatever comes, comes through clear.โ€

The Migos โ€“ at least two out of three of them โ€“ get their shots on verses two and three.ย  Quavo tackles the second verse, employing simplicity and repetition as his best friend.ย  As for Offset, he adds more variance, though raps about shallow things.ย  Offset doesnโ€™t hold back on his flex action:

โ€œBitches be dippin, dabbin with n***as like a nacho
Took off her panties, diamonds dancing like Rick Riccardoโ€ฆโ€

As for Harrisโ€™ musical contributions, the production is superb, characterized by its good vibes and a killer groove.


Final Thoughts

All in all, Calvin Harris has another hit on his hands with โ€œSlide.โ€ย  In reiteration, featuring Frank Ocean and Migos was enough to secure hit-status.ย  Beyond their appearance, the song itself grooves hard, Ocean sings well, and Migos spit their normal cocky and confident rhymes.

3.5 out of 5 stars


Calvin Harris ย โ€ข Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1ย โ€ข Columbia โ€ข Release: 6.30.17
Photo Credit: Columbia

 

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

Verified by MonsterInsights