Tim: Quick note in advance: I’m fairly sure you’ll like the audio here, but be prepared that the video comes with some proper Hollyoaks-level drama, so you might want to make sure your emotions are in check first.
Tim: There are some singers you know you can rely on, that you’re almost certain won’t bring out a duff track. Until yesterday, Ida was four for four here, and I’m happy to make that five for five.
Tom: It’s certainly not a miss, although I’m not sure it’s a hit either.
Tim: Well, there are negative points: the beat underneath the verses, for example is largely uninspiring, and so reminiscent of Umbrella that I can’t quite work out if it’s a sample or a loop that’s just far enough away not to get sued.
Tom: Fact: that loop from Umbrella is actually a stock loop from Apple GarageBand. The synths they’ve used here don’t help the comparison though.
Tim: There’s also the utter pointlessness of texting someone to tell them you’ve got a new number but not say who you are.
Tom: I couldn’t work out if you were using “Hollyoaks-level” as a compliment earlier, but now I know.
Tim: On the other hand: I love that chorus, I really really do. It’s fantastic, and I will SLAY anyone who says otherwise.
Tom: I’m… I’m not sure how you’re using that word, but okay.
Tim: I also love that middle eight (despite it not finishing with a key change, as anyone sensible knows that it should). In all, those vocals, those choruses and that middle eight more than – vastly more than – make up for any shortcomings. It’s great.