When you think of Major Lazer, I’ll be surprised if you don’t immediately think of 2013 single Get Free. With this song, it really felt like Major Lazer nailed it. Two years later, they’re back with Peace Is The Mission. When you listen to this record, don’t be expecting any slow, dreamy indie influenced tracks in the vein of Get Free or Jessica from Free The Universe. By contrast, Peace Is the Mission is the epitome of electronic club music meets lavish pop.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing: there are some stand out tracks, like Night Riders, which has the most infectious groove on the record. The song also features some of the biggest names in hip-hop right now, including Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T and Mad Cobra. In fact, Peace Is The Mission is commendable for its featured guests alone, with the likes of Chronixx, Ariana Grande, Ellie Goulding and MØ showing up elsewhere.
Major Lazer are far too good at what they do to make pop music that lacks personality and finesse. Tracks like Powerful and Lean On are perfectly crafted radio hits, which have topped the Australian charts, but they’re also two of the most succinct and warm tracks on the record. Blaze up the Fire incorporates familiar bass and synth work, but it has a Jamaican sounding soundscape with horns and a bouncy reggae rhythm, not to mention exotic vocals from Chronixx. Too Original also combines influences of dancehall and jazz whilst being an intensely electronic-driven track.
Peace Is The Mission is an impressive, colourful pop record. There’s no way it won’t be on at the next house party you go to, and there’s no way you won’t have a damn good boogie to it. That’s what it was made for.
BY JESS ZANONI
