Album Review: “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1” by Calvin Harris

DJ Calvin Harris just dropped a new album that sounds like the perfect summer anthem. “Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1” is indeed funky, wavy, and bouncy. I’m really hoping there will be a volume 2 (maybe 3, 4, 5…) to this short, 10-track collection. I first discovered Calvin Harris in 2012 when I heard “Feel So Close” and “We Found Love” on the radio. I continued following his career and especially enjoyed “Thinking About You” and “I Need Your Love” which features Ellie Goulding. This past year, Calvin Harris has really switched up his style. His music used to feel more choppy (in the best way possible), and now it feels much smoother and calmer. I liked his old style but I’m really happy he made the change because the music was starting to sound so repetitive. His new album will make you feel like you are sipping a pina colada on a tropical island. It’s full of good vibes and will totally make you want to get up and dance.

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1. Slide (featuring Frank Ocean and Migos)

4/5 stars

“Slide” sets the tone for the entire album. It is instantly catchy, feel-good, and smooth. The rest of the tracks have the same themes without feeling repetitive. It’s a great party song.

2. Cash Out (featuring ScHoolboyQ, PARTYNEXTDOOR, D.R.A.M)

4/5 stars

Another great party song, the lyrics begin with “party like it’s 1980.” I mean, it doesn’t get anymore party than that. “Party like the 70s,” they say later on. Even better.

3. Heatstroke (featuring Young Thug, Ariana Grande, Pharrell Williams)

4.5/5 stars

I was initially bummed when I saw Ariana Grande featured on the track because I’m really not a fan of her, but her voice sounds really good on this track. His songs sound better with a female voice.

4. Rollin (featuring Future and Khalid)

5/5 stars

Awesome beat with a really great flow.

5. Prayers Up (featuring Travis Scott and A-Trak)

4/5 stars

The beat is very similar to the previous track and just as awesome. But the flow is somewhat lacking.

6. Holiday (featuring Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Takeoff)

3/5 stars

It’s a good song, although it doesn’t really stand out to me. Snoop Dogg always has a good flow but John Legend did not meet my expectations.

7. Skrt on Me (featuring Nicki Minaj)

3/5 stars

I don’t really mind Nicki Minaj in small doses… she should have shared the song with other singers.

8. Feels (featuring Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, and Big Sean)

5/5 stars

Love it! Best track on the album! Katy Perry sounds wonderful because she her voice has that beach girl vibe which fits the theme of the album. Pharrell Williams and Big Sean do not disappoint.

9. Faking It (featuring Kehlani and Lil Yachty)

5/5 stars

A little depressing, but fun and uplifting at the same time. It’s about trying to get over a breakup but instead of making you cry it still makes you want to dance.

10. Hard to Love (featuring Jessie Reyez)

5/5 stars

Really awesome lyrics. It’s coming from the viewpoint of a girl who breaks hearts because she would “rather be hard to love than easy to leave.” Poor Calvin Harris, must’ve been inspired by one of his exes…