Calvin Harris’ last star-studded funk album in 2017 sported many hits, but left listeners wanting more. Now, UK DJs have released a second volume titled “Funk Wow Bounce Vol. 2,” featuring even more tracks and big names, but bigger doesn’t always mean better.
The album emits the same relaxing summer vibes as the first volume, this time with a little more disco – it’s making a comeback! Soaring string interludes are accompanied by punchy basslines, putting this album at the intersection of ’70s dance style and funk.
Most of the tracks are spontaneous celebrations of youth suitable to play with the Top Downs on a summer drive around town. Most of them, with perhaps a few exceptions.
Rapper 21 Savage’s first track after his dude intro, with his groundbreaking instrumental undertones, is “New Money,” which didn’t have the rapper’s equally emphatic lyrics — “Gucci couture, kush smells like armpits,” for example. For – any favor.
“Stay With Me” also lacks a strange combination of three different artists—Justin Timberlake, Halsey, and Pharrell Williams—whose contribution to the song is less than cohesive.
However, after a few flops, the album has some really enjoyable collaborations. “Obsessed” featuring Charlie Puth and Shensey has a city pop feel with a Caribbean twist, and Swae Lee shines on “Lean On Me.” “Ready or Not”, featuring Busta Rhymes, differs from the chill theme of the rest of the album, but the hype and flow of the track is nonetheless entertaining.
This album couldn’t have much more to offer than “Funk Wave Bounce Vol. 1” did, so if you’re looking for vibey tunes to enjoy for the rest of the summer, you might be better off sticking with Harris’ hits from 2017.
