Former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson still has the best post-1D solo release in the form of his “Just Hold On” collaboration with Steve Aoki. However, the wheels have officially started turning on his own long-awaited solo debut album.
In teaming up with rising pop sensation Bebe Rexha and producer Digital Farm Animals, Tomlinson now presents the moody, straightforward and slightly explicit “Back To You”, the first taste of his upcoming full-length effort. Structured as a traditional duet, with both parties detailing the problems they have with their significant other, the song ultimately uses its three minutes to explain why they just can’t leave the toxic relationship behind.
“Back To You” might confuse listeners upon first listen. With the vocals of Rexha being the first heard as she commands the entire opening verse, many will wonder if Tomlinson isn’t in fact playing the role of featured guest on his own solo debut. Strange and risky move. However, as the track continues to progress, Tomlinson comes around, shares the same unfortunate sentiments and tackles the bittersweet, radio-ready chorus side-by-side with Rexha.
Both artists know they can do better, they both feel trapped and unhappy in the relationship, yet the memories of laughter continues to hold them together. “Whoa, you stress me out, you kill me, you drag me down, you fuck me up, we're on the ground, we're screaming, I don't know how to make it stop,” they harmonize on the chorus alongside DFA’s delicate production. Mixed emotions are highlighted both in the songwriting and vocal performances, putting listeners in the awkward middle.
Rexha uses her unique vocal delivery to convey both frustration and desire, while Tomlinson sounds to be trying to both console and find a reason to escape. “Back To You” works wonders as a collaboration in order to get both point of views, keeping the progression steady instead of one-sided. The pairing of the two artists might have had some scratching their head, hoping it would work well as a finished product. Thankfully, both artists deliver in end.
In a search for a solo hit, Tomlinson plays it sort of safe with “Back To You”, a song that may need more than one listen to fully appreciate its charm. While Tomlinson still has not found a genre niche of his own to pursue, that could ultimately be his strongest asset. We’ve heard him succeed in an EDM setting, and now, the slight urban-influence of his debut single could determine what the overall sound of the parent album shapes up to be. Only time will tell.
Also, be sure to give Rexha's latest solo release, the infectious "The Way I Are (Dance With Somebody)" feat. Lil Wayne, some love. Much deserved!
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