Calvin Harris Drops Sixth Studio Album Funk Wav Bounce Vol. 2
Image via Hypebeast
On Friday, Calvin Harris finally shared his sixth studio album, Funk Wav Bounce Vol.2. The once mainstream EDM king turned funk and disco artist dropped a record with 14 tracks and a whopping 24 features. Collaborators include A-listers like Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dog, and Dua Lipa, but also those up next in the industry like Latto and Coi Leray.
As the title suggests, the record is a continuation of Harris’ 2017 sharp right turn into funk and disco music, Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1. The album was, like its successor, star-studded with tantalizing features like Frank Ocean, Migos, Nicki Minaj, and Travis Scott. On the new project, Offset’s Migos returns, along with Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, and Young Thug.
While Vol.1 gave us summer anthems that feel nostalgic now like “Slide” featuring Frank Ocean and “Rollin” featuring Khalid, it doesn’t seem Vol. 2 is fighting for that same kind of impact. With 14 tracks with similar, and arguably textbook, funky bass lines, the project feels more like a curated playlist than a statement. It’s simply a compilation of Harris’ continued exploration within the genre with the help of some (or many, so many) friends along the way. While this record does not by any means reinvent the wheel, it doesn’t claim to. It serves its purpose which is to provide a soundtrack to your summer relaxation.
Fans on social media shared their feelings on the project with the loudest one appearing to be disappointment:
Although electronic dance music brought Harris into the global spotlight, Harris grew a strong apathy towards the genre over the years. In an interview with Mixmag, he revealed, “End of 2016 I was like I hate this EDM thing. I think it’s absolute… you know what I mean? I absolutely hate it I think it’s awful.” This revelation changed his approach to producing and helped him pivot dramatically to funk and disco with his 2017 record. Further, Harris explained the possibilities and risk-taking that could take place by opening up to different sounds. “I was like ‘You know what I’m just going to do whatever I want and I’m going to spend all the money I’m making in Vegas on features and I’m going to get everyone to do a hip-hop album… I’m going to put Young Thug on a Motown Funk tune because no one else will…”
Listen to the new album below: