BEST NEW MUSIC: CALVIN HARRIS - GIANT (WITH RAG'N'BONE MAN)

That’s it. I’m convinced Calvin Harris is from another goddamn planet. One where pop flows through the veins of his people and hook is just the air they all breathe. H2000 full of electro-lytes. (This joke is solid even though Harris doesn’t really play electro anymore, but if you go back and listen to his Ready for the Weekend album this will really hit home. Also, it’s a masterpiece that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough.)

There’s just no other option but alien as to how one man is able to write nonstop hit after hit after hit-- casually like it’s just no big deal. Has the EDM wonderboy ever failed? I don’t think so. Will he ever? Not likely. That’s 'cause he’s from outer space, born and bred for this task that he’s so graciously bestowing upon planet Earth. For the feel of “Giant,” it sounds like his songwriting madness ain’t about to let up any time soon either. The OG just got even more golden.

CALVIN HARRIS - GIANT (WITH RAG’N’ BONE MAN)

Following up 2017’s Funk Wav Bounce Vol. 1 Harris has put in some serious studio time with a handful of the world’s biggest artists, no big deal, cooking up a repertoire as big as it can possibly get. Checking off Dua Lipa, Sam Smith and now Rag’n’Bone Man (just in the past 9 months ALONE!), this alien producer is checking off all the hot shite. He’s ‘Scottish’ so he’d say shite instead of shit. Who’s next? J. Balvin? LIKELY!

“Giant” is giant. I’m not just saying that because it’s the title and I’m completely unoriginal or anything. No, this is properly huge. Not only does it have the house vibes to appeal to every raver this side of the Tropical House Divide, but it’s got the deep baritone pop mastery of Rag’n’Bone Man that will appeal to the more radio-centric listeners across the globe. Do they listen to Calvin Harris in South Korea? They should. Maybe he should do a collab with BTS. I’m sure he’d knock it out of the ballpark. Cricketpark?

This is for that coveted 6 - 76 demographic. “Giant” will have grandma and lil ‘sis dancing to the same tune that you play to get ready for a Friday night out. That’s hard to do. ALIEN, man. ALIEN.

Harris is a master of matching the artist’s energy, and his collaboration with Rag’n’Bone Man feels like one we’ve needed since the beginning (or at least 18 Months ago). The bighorn stabs that manage to stay subtle while essentially carrying the tune is an exercise in the reserved that perfectly mirrors the range of Rag’n’Bone Man’s vocal abilities. Sure they can go big and high, but maybe it’s more impactful to stay in the midrange? That’s where the sweet spot always is.

Calvin Harris further cements his position as the world’s most significant pop icon with this one.

From deep within the murky depths of the Los Angeles River emerged a creature: 50% raver, 50% comedian, 10% Robotcop. Kurt Kroeber doesn’t own a dog, operates Soundbleed (the world’s only dance party comedy talk show rave), and is down to party with you. Come up some time and say “Hey dude!” But definitely make sure to casually drop the secret Illuminati password.