From his anthemic early electro-house jams to his funky collaborations, the Scottish hitmaker Calvin Harris has been in the evolution business. Now, with “Smoke the Pain Away,” Harris takes another unexpected turn, one that brings him closer to the music than ever. This time, it’s not only about the beats.
“Smoke the Pain Away” is a rare occasion where Harris not only takes on production duties but takes center stage behind the mic himself, lending his twinkly vocals over a crush of moody, genre-defying beats. Written and produced by him alone, the track demonstrates his development as an artist unafraid of stepping out of the DJ booth and into a more intimate creative environment. There’s something raw and unvarnished about this song, a departure from his typical high-energy dance anthems to something more meditative and deeply felt.
“Smoke the Pain Away” combines electronic, alternative, and some psychedelic influences. The production is hypnotic, luring listeners into a sphere where music is both a release and an escape. A lurching, late-night drive with no destination in mind other than the need to keep going, keep feeling, keep moving through whatever pain lingering in the background.
Lyrically, Harris cuts to emotions that feel at once universal and deeply personal. It’s about seeking an escape, numbing heartache, and comfort in the haze through music, memories, or something stronger. He’s not often heard in his songs, but his voice here gives it a feeling of authenticity that makes the message resonate even more. It’s a reminder that beneath the platinum records and festival anthems is an artist who feels just like the rest of us.
The release comes on the heels of the massive success of “Miracle” featuring Ellie Goulding, which went platinum and received a Grammy nomination. But if “Miracle” was a euphoric dream, then “Smoke the Pain Away” is the comedown that time after the party when all the illusions begin crashing down and reality starts to seep back in. With this track, Calvin Harris is welcoming us into his world. And if “Smoke the Pain Away” indicates his direction, we’re more than ready for the journey.
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