Reading Time: 2 min read

3 out of 5 stars

Bright: The Album © AtlanticTy Dolla $ign and Future combine forces, with the assist by Kiiara on “Darkside,” a promo single from soundtrack, ‘Bright: The Album.’

Ty Dolla $ign. Future.  Ubiquitous presences within the music industry.  They’re everywhere.  Given their ubiquity, it’s no surprise the two appear together on Bright: The Album, the soundtrack for the Netflix film, Bright.  It should be noted, they are assisted by Kiiara on “Darkside.”

Kiiara gets things started, singing the chorus.  Expectedly, vocal effects are in play.  To her credit, there’s none of the gimmickry that made “Gold” and “Whippin” a tough listen.  Ty Dolla $ign follows up with the first verse, singing as opposed to dropping bars.  All in all, it’s a winning formula, if not a game changing one.  Future handles the second verse, drenched in autotune as he sings or rather, pop-raps.  At this point, it’s predictable if harmless. Kiiara steps in to handle the bridge.

Final Thoughts

With the aforementioned observations observed, how does “Darkside” stack up?  All in all, it’s okay, but not transcendent or game changing.  This sounds like a soundtrack cut, hence it suits its purpose. As far as moving beyond the realm of the soundtrack as a Billboard Hot 100 hit? Eh, it’s not nearly as catchy as the likes of “Sucker for Pain” (Suicide Squad) or “See You Again” (Furious 7).  Good enough, but not revolutionary.

Various Artists • Bright: The Album • Atlantic • Release: 12.15.17
Photo Credit: Atlantic

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's 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 freelance music blogger. 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.