Calvin Harris injects summer into Funk Wav Bounces Vol.2

Of course, there’s always a risk of stepping into the unknown, however, it’s this record that saw Harris reach new levels of creativity and target more fans than ever before, leaving the door very much open to the next volume of the Funk Wav Bounces collection.

Just like your favourite box set, there’s subtle changes and new storylines in each series, and it’s as though Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1 uses this method to continue the train to beachy paradise. Whilst there’s fresh faces that appear throughout the album (Charlie Puth, Jorja Smith and Halsey), the OG characters (Pharrell, Snoop Dogg and Young Thug) reappear throughout to regain a sense of familiarity. However, this isn’t Stranger Things, listeners would be partial to an entirely new cast without mourning the death of a-team characters.

Harris’ creative input on the record is outstanding, the production on each track is almost tailored to a certain summer setting. “Obsessed” featuring Charlie Puth & Shenseea punches with an infectious piano hook that’s kindred with Shenseea’s authentic dancehall verses and Puth’s delicate vocals that can only be listened to on the beach with a pina colada in hand. And reconnecting with Harris’ most loved collaborator, Dua Lipa, they attempt to create 2022’s version of “One Kiss” on “Potion” featuring Young Thug. Though it doesn’t quite contend with the award winning track, “Potion” still holds a firm spot in pool party playlists. Complete with bendy guitar solos and tropic bongos, it’s the perfect potion for a unwinding on a sticky summer evening.

But it’s third single “Stay With Me”, featuring Justin Timberlake, Halsey & Pharrell that becomes the standout track on the record. Slick with Halsey’s purrs which almost pass as cocky, the track oozes with funk, soul and a healthy dose of nu-disco goodness. And very much aware of the instant classic he’s created, the track even gets a bonus level with the added extra of “Stay With Me (Part 2)”.

Though he encourages his featured artists to have creative control and add their unique flare onto their individual track, there’s moments where Harris could not be so passive. The contagious head-nodding beat of “New Money” is tainted by 21 Savage’s squirmy lyricism that simply states, “Gucci garments, kush smell like armpits”. And the same follows suit on “Lean On Me”, a lovesick-esque rhythm that is completely overshadowed by the lyrics of Swae Lee, who shamelessly quotes “Smashing you is hard when I’m falling”.

Whilst the orange glow of sunsets and Aperol Spritz’ are in full swing, it’s a record made exclusively for these moments. But despite this picture perfect setting, it’s inevitable that as soon as the orange sunsets turn to orange leaves, Funk Wav Bounces Vol.2 will just collect dust until the summer sun rears its head next year.