Album Review: Calvin Harris, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1

Three years ago, Calvin Harris released the smash hit ‘Summer’, a thumping, cloying EDM stomp. It was hailed as the sound of the season not because of its quality but rather through the power of mass proliferation. ‘Slide’, the opener of his new album and drastic departure Funk Wav Bounce Vol.1, is the true sun-drenched earner of such a title. Featuring Frank Ocean and Migos, the track is a joyous breeze, full of the warmth of the idyllic LA landscape it envisions. It sets the tone for an A-list album that feels like the soundtrack to the platonic ideal of the American west coast.
Ariana Grande has a bravura turn on the shimmering ‘Heartstroke’, a glorious, lazy Sunday lounge-about with Pharell and Young Thug. On the sweet and scintillating ‘Faking It’, rapper Lil Yachty and vocalist Kehani make for a convincing couple with stories to tell. Contributions from Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Nikki Minaj and others must surely make this one of the most star-studded releases in recent memory. Make no mistake, our maestro is the one who is stirring this melting pot of hip-hop, pop, trap and R&B. Terrific stuff.