Normani teams up with Calvin Harris on two new singles
After Camila Cabello’s massive success, Normani Kordei seems to be the second former Fifth Harmony member who is rising to the top on her own. While Dinah Jane just released her debut track and Lauren Jauregui is about to launch her first solo single ‘Expectations’ this week after some collaborations, Normani just surprised everyone with not one, but two new singles. After the huge impact of her Khalid duet and Love, Simon soundtrack ‘Love Lies’, it is time for the next step. The two new tracks are titled ‘Checklist’ and ‘Slow Down’ and are released as a two track EP she created with hit producer and DJ Calvin Harris!

Calvin Harris himself had two massive singles this year so far, being ‘One Kiss’ with Dua Lipa and ‘Promises’ with Sam Smith. He leaves the 90s dance and house sound behind for a bit to produce a style that fits Normani better. ‘Checklist’ sounds absolutely fresh with a swinging dancehall rhythm, mixed with 2018’s electronic, pop and R&B touches. Her laidback, subdued delivery is captivating and WizKid’s contribution in the middle-eight makes for the finishing touch.

Out of the two, ‘Slow Down’ is probably the one with slightly more hit potential, simply because it is more in line with the current trends. The vocal chorus has a massive hook and the post-chorus drop might raise an eyebrow on the first listen, but is strangely addictive after a few spins. It is not just that drop that stands out, as the verses sound carefully layered, with an intro as instant as the chorus hook. Both Calvin and Normani seem to be at the top of their game here and ‘Slow Down’ is ready made to storm the charts. Now that is how one kicks off a solo career; with two more than solid bops!