Normani Links Up With Calvin Harris On “Checklist” & “Slow Down”

Mike Nied | October 22, 2018 1:14 pm

Normani’s rise to solo stardom has been one of the most exciting developments of 2018. The 22-year-old kicked off the year by linking up with Khalid on her debut solo single, “Love Lies.” A contribution to the Love, Simon soundtrack, the slinky anthem enjoyed a slow but steady rise up the charts before peaking within the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also climbed to the top spot on Top 40 radio, basically guaranteeing it would be one of the biggest songs this year. Since then the “That’s My Girl” siren has lent her voice to a string of clever collabs, the best of which being a remixed version of Jessie Reyez’s “Body Count” featuring Kehlani. Today (October 22), she is back at it with the release of “Checklist” and “Slow Down,” a pair of collaborations with Calvin Harris.

After teasing some sort of joint project last week, Normani confirmed that new music was on the way over the weekend. Unsurprisingly, both of the duo’s tracks sound like future smashes and highlight the hitmaker’s star power. Featuring a verse from WizKid, “Checklist” is a dancehall-tinged romp. On it, Normani delivers some rapid-fire and flirty lines. “Only you know how to get me,” she coos over the addictive beat. Meanwhile, “Slow Down” is a twinkling floor-filler. Over a shimmering production, she pleads with a lover to return her feelings. “Could you just be real? Don’t be scared to feel this. We can make the world go still,” she urges before the beat picks up for an extended break. After treating us to both the Dua Lipa-assisted “One Kiss” and Sam Smith-fronted “Promises” this summer, Calvin Harris has delivered two more surefire moments.

I wouldn’t be surprised if either propels Normani back up the charts. Give both a spin below and pick a favorite!

Which song do you prefer? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!