Single Review: Calvin Harris – ‘Blame’ (feat. John Newman)
2 min read
Calvin Harris is riding high on success these days. After filling dance floors with his club hit Summer earlier this year, Harris has left us all wondering when his fourth dance album will be released. It’s already been two years since his last LP 18 Months, which spawned massive hits including I Need Your Love, Sweet Nothing and Feel So Close. After many weeks of Instagram teasers, Harris has finally released Blame featuring John Newman – and it’s a completely suitable follow-up to Summer in so many ways.
While Summer may have reminded you of good vibes and daytime frolics, Blame is kind of like a sequel to that. Its clapping beats and gradual build-ups are reminiscent of smokey nights and Summer euphoria. It’s the lazy strum of an electric guitar that does it, before building up to its killer riff in the dance break. True to Harris’ style, the track keeps you on your toes until the bass drop – which doesn’t disappoint, by the way. Scream, jump and shake your hair all you want, because Harris’ catchy hooks and break beats will make you want to do just that. While the production and melody may not be as rowdy as Summer was, we can’t help but take a likening to this track anyway because it channels those irresistible feel-good vibes.
A notable mention to John Newman, who’s soulful, old-school R&B vocals give the track an extra oomph. You may recognise his vocals from Rudimental’s hits Feel the Love and Not Giving In. Since then his profile has been steadily building, and Blame might just catapult him to a higher level of stardom. Newman’s vocals are ridiculously slick, and the warmness of his voice just adds to the positive energy of this track. Better yet, it’s well written and tailored towards the party-goers, as Newman belts “blame it on the night, don’t blame it on me.” The lyrics just emit this blissful and carefree aura, and will no doubt have everybody singing along to every line.
Blame is a guaranteed hit from Harris, and will again have fans flocking to the dance floor. It’s a classic recipe for an EDM hit: just a pinch of killer bass, a touch of hella-catchy hooks and a dash of stellar vocals from a standout feature artist. And voilà – Calvin Harris is set to top the charts once again.
