DNCE feat. Nicki Minaj – Kissing Strangers

“But then, there’s that middle eight.”

Tom: If you’re wondering what the chord progression — and maybe some of the verse melody — remind you of, I think it’s probably Mika’s “Relax (Take It Easy)”.

Tom: Thing is, aside from that irritating resemblance, and those questionable “ayyyyy” sounds from Joe Jonas — for it is he — this is a really, really good song. Enough retro influence to be friendly, modern enough to sound good on the charts, and it can definitely be danced to.

Tim: Well, it actually doesn’t remind me of that song, but that might be because it’s ages since I’ve heard it. It is a good song, though. Well, mostly. I think we’re in agreement on that.

Tom: But then, there’s that middle eight.

Tim: Yes. Or rather, no.

Tom: There are some songs where Nicki Minaj fits. (Bang Bang. Back Together.) This… well, I don’t think this is one of them.

Tim: No. Nooooo, nooo, no.

Tom: Also, I’m fairly sure someone’s just put all her previous guest verses into a Markov chain so she doesn’t actually have to perform any new ones.

…actually, that’d be a pretty good idea.

Tim: Certainly save a lot of time. And it might make featuring her a bit less attractive an idea. I’m up for it.