Calvin Harris feat Ellie Goulding - Outside (Barry Harris Remix)

Although it was released in October, the song has only recently begun to smash. The original does not deviate much from Calvin's usual, however, it is a nice slice of Dance/Pop. There have been dozens of remixes, however, the best remix by Barry Harris only surfaced a couple of days back. Barry has done his mix in an early 90s Handbag House style with lots of happy piano elements. Ellie's vocals float beautifully over the lush production.

Listen to the remix and download it here:


Grade: A+

Calvin Harris feat. HAIM - Pray To God

This is the 6th single from the Scottish DJ/producer's latest album Motion. Pop/Rock trio HAIM provides the vocals on this rousing song. The song does not deviate that much from the group's own material but it has a slightly harder edge that is characteristic of Calvin's usual. There is an alternate remix co-produced by Calvin Harris and Mike Pickering (formerly of British Dance/Pop group M People). The remix is cut from the same cloth as M People's brand of mainstream yet underground House music in the mid 90s. The song lends itself well to that style of production and is a joy to listen to. Part of the alternate hook from the bridge is brought out in the remix and used as a loop. This is brought out further in the extended version.

-Watch the music video for the original here (YouTube)
-Listen to the Calvin Harris vs Mike Pickering remix here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Nick Skitz - You Got The Love

After the massive international success of Tim Berg's "Seek Bromance" and Rihanna & Calvin Harris' "We Found Love", there have been a number of new songs in that same vein. This however is more than just another imitation as it goes above and beyond those tracks. The vocals are impeccable.

There are some additional mixes by Basslouder, Maison & Dragen, Royaal & Audiophreakz, and Starkillers. The Basslouder mix is a thumping one in a Jump Up Trance style (think mid 2000s Cascada). The emotional aspect of the song gets lost on this one. The Maison & Dragen and Royaal & Audiophreakz mixes are very similar. They are basically tougher versions of the original. The Starkillers one is the most aggressive of the bunch. Overall, the original and Maison & Dragen mixes are the best.

-Listen to clips and purchase the single here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Florence + The Machine - Spectrum

This is the latest single from their Ceremonials album. The haunting and rousing midtempo doesn't deviate much from the unusual brand of music that they are known for. It is a wonderful track from the slow build to the percussion to the stunning strings section of the bridge. The song is so wonderfully dramatic. There is a dance remix by Calvin Harris that takes the song to greater heights making it just a bit more uptempo and atmospheric for the dancefloor. The music video is absolutely gorgeous too.

-Watch the music video here
-Watch the music video set to the Calvin Harris remix here

Grade: A

Rihanna - We Found Love

Just as the last single from Loud ("Cheers") is still getting some radio airplay, a brand new single from her upcoming 6th album was released. "We Found Love" is produced by Calvin Harris. It is an atmospheric, big room electro-pop song. The song feels as if the vocals were meant for a ballad but then it was remixed into a Dance track. Either way, Rihanna is perfectly in her element on this song. This is a great way to kick off what is sure to be another hit album.

Purchase the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A-