If you liked Mary J. Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down” from 1994, than it’s likely you’ll appreciate “Powerful” by Major Lazer.
This song is just so good! It IS “Powerful”…drawing its strength from the soulful, melodic peaks and valleys, supported with worthy lyrics, and just about perfect production.
The theme is a man/woman physical attraction of seismic proportions. Enough chemistry to bend spoons and vibrate tables.
Both “Powerful,” featuring Britain’s Ellie Goulding, and Blige’s “I’m Goin’ Down,” inject a take no prisoners vocal delivery and both have a smooth, rhythmic roller coaster of melody and emotion. Blige’s song is more stripped down– Major Lazer is a big sound–but both songs have emotional intensity and intent.
Despite Major Lazer’s tres hipness, for people who love music, a song’s format or the band’s image is beside the point. What matters is whether or not it’s a good song, and “Powerful” is a really good one.
You’ll be glad you heard it, and know that it exists. You’ll probably hear it at the mall.
What you need to know:
Major Lazer is a group created by Diplo, who started in the music industry as DJ, and is now a producer, song writer, and founder of his own label. Coincidence! He’s from Tupelo, MS, birthplace of Elvis. Diplo’s fellow Major Lazer-ers are Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire.
Their sound is an eclectic mix of Electric Dance Music, reggae, dancehall, electronic, reggateton, and house
As we speak, Major Lazer has a huge hit on the Top 40 chart, called “Lean On.”