A few days ago, it was nearly 70 degrees outside in Madison. Students were back on Bascom Hill taking in the sun instead of going to class. Shorts and sandals made their first major appearance of 2017. Campus was filled with life. Now that the sneak peak of summer is over, we’re all craving something to latch on to while we wait for the most exciting season.
Calvin Harris is a known hit-maker and, once again, he’s delivered a song that will undoubtedly be the song of the summer.
“Slide” features the angelic voice of Frank Ocean, who is back in the spotlight after releasing his second album in August. As if that weren’t enough, we get two stellar verses from Quavo and Offset of Migos who are riding the wave of success after their first number one album, Culture.
They are the holy trinity of popular music. Calvin Harris is akin to the Father, laying the foundation for what would come next. Frank Ocean plays the role of Jesus, bringing us the teachings of how to fully enjoy life. Migos are the intangible spirit that bring us all together with a desire to party harder than ever.
All three performers shine on production from Harris that is so infectious, you’ll want to listen to it 20 times in a row (which I did).
Harris has a knack for making catchy beats, and this is no exception. It’s the perfect blend of clapping drums, piano and deep bass with a dash of tropical sunshine.
The most important thing about “Slide” is that it’s fun beyond belief. It’s a fun song that makes you bounce your feet and nod your head uncontrollably while fantasizing about school ending, sitting by a pool while the sunlight beats down on your exposed skin and drinking an ice cold drink.
As always, Frank Ocean delivers with beautiful melodies about living for yourself without a single care in the world. Quavo’s auto-tuned rhymes add an extra unexpected layer to the production that gives the middle section a slight hint of haziness. Then comes Offset.
Setting off his verse with the now iconic self-proclamation of his name, Offset flows over the production flawlessly with extremely catchy bars. “Offset! / Good gracious / Starin’ at my diamonds while I'm hoppin' out a spaceship / Need your information / take vacation to Malaysia / You my baby / the paparazzi flashin’ crazy,” he raps.
Its theme is one that many of us can relate to. It comes from the simple desire to live our lives to the fullest without a single responsibility in the world.
The day before the release of “Slide,” Calvin Harris tweeted out, “All my songs in 2017 have been sonically designed to make you feel f--king incredible.” If his upcoming songs are even half as enjoyable as “Slide,” then 2017 is sure to be a spectacular year for music.
