"SOULFUL & ELECTRONIC?"
10/10
I didn't even realise that I missed them but I'm so glad to see Daft Punk return. What they've brought to the table this week is a stripped back, idiosyncratic and fucking brilliant slice of funky robot disco. When the middle section hit I actually laughed because it was so heart-warmingly characterful.
Daft Punk have always plowed their own path, whether it be their disfunktro sound, a concept cartoon movie album or their bizarre/awesome sci-fi styling. What we're presented with here, though, defies all expectation.
In today's pop charts of try-too-hard and insecure kitchen sink style production, Daft Punk have produced a smoothly confidant song. What's there is only what needs to be heard. There's beautifully tasteful guitar and keyboard riffage. There's Pharrell Williams' brilliant understated Lionel Richie style vocals (un-autotuned I might add). Then... from 2:20 onwards... there's robot time baby!
Despite not straying far from their established sound, the french duo have presented us with something both new, eye opening and familiar at the same time. This deserves the number one spot and gets full marks from me. Proof that less is more and a reminder of what pop can be.
A future classic. Roll on the full album and the six minute verson of this song!
--------------------------------
Score: 10/10
Highlights: Restraint, Soul & Robotness
