Five Major Lazer Songs to Get You Stoked for Their Gig Tonight
If you were to work your way through Major Lazer’s rolodex, it’d be a major undertaking indeed. The gargantuan list of collaborators acquired by this trio of electronic musicians – consisting of Trinidadian DJ and music producer Jillionaire, Jamaican-American DJ, MC and record producer Walshy Fire, and of course Mississippi born star DJ, record producer, rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive Diplo – feels like a who’s who’s pop stars. Justin Bieber? Check. Nicki Minaj? Yep. PartyNextDoor? Uh huh. And those are just the confirmed costars from their upcoming LP, Music Is the Weapon.
We hope you’ve managed to snag tickets to tonight’s sold out show. If so, get ready to get pumped with our playlist. Below, we’ve listed our favorite collaborations that the trio has impressively pulled off with everyone from indie rock stars like Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend Top 40 mainstay. And if you didn’t secure tickets in time, we hope these songs can at least pick up and inspire you kick off a rhythm infused party of your own.
“Hold the Line,” feat. Mr. Lexx and Santigold (from 2009’s Guns Don’t Kill People… Lazers Do)
This is quintessential Major Lazer: dancehall-cum-reggae vocals courtesy of Mr. Lex, a rapid bass line (which sounds like a sped up sample of Dick Dale's 1962 surf version of the song “Misirlou" which was prominently featured in Quentin Tarantino’s hit film Pulp Fiction and then sampled in the Black Eyed Peas later dance floor smash “Pump It”), and a goofy random sound effect – braying horses – to put the freewheeling weirdness over the top.
“Bubble Butt,” feat. Bruno Mars, Tyga & Mystic (from 2013’s Free the Universe)
A more restrained, sparse beat than some of their more elaborate instrumentals, this song’s vocals aren’t so subtle. That’s thanks to the ridiculously unabashed, sex-crazed hooks and verses courtesy of the freewheeling, fun loving Mars, who clearly inspires Tyga and Mystic to keep up with the own risqué turns.
“Jessica,” feat. Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend (from 2013’s Free the Universe)
The crescendoing chorus and speak-sing verses that have become Koenig’s hallmark seem too distinctive – and diametrically opposed to the dancefloor – to work with Major Lazer’s instrumentals. And yet the trio miraculously reclabirate their typically bass-heavy sound to suit Koenig’s quirky style, proving their not just pop-savvy but also versatile and full of surprises.
“Lean On,” feat. MO and DJ Snake (from 2015’s Peace is the Mission)
This song features longtime Major Lazer collaborator MO’s high-pitched moaning vocals on the chorus being eerily, enthralling distorted beyond recognition, even as the tune remains reliably catchy all the while. Chalk the latter up to the song’s pulsing, escalating synths and finger snap percussion. It's a showcase for her singing, and is more subdued, haunting and slow grooving than their other flashier works. Bonus: the video is an eye-popping Bollywood homage.
“Cold Water,” feat. Justin Bieber and MO (from 2017’s Music is the Weapon)
Call it Major Lazer at the apex of their popularity. After working with swaths of Top 40 pop stars and critically acclaimed musicians alike, this lead single off their upcoming album features the embodiment of mainstream success and excess, Justin Bieber. Those of us who hate the Biebs won’t be put off, however, because his voice proves to be a nimble foil to Major Lazer’s textured instrumentation, even as the temper their prior reggae leanings and creative eccentricities to fit with Bieber’s slick motif. It’s an odd but somehow seamlessly made radio-ready hit.
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