In the vein of pop-EDM crossovers, there are those that just manage to miss the mark, and there are those that use their influences to create something completely unique. Topic, as an artist and producer, has done the latter. While there are certainly hints of 90’s Eurodance in his production style, there is something in the sound that is inherent to this generation. His style has been referred to as “melancholic dance music,” and that seems accurate. His songs are danceable, but they also touch on darker themes in their lyrics.
“Chain My Heart” is no exception. Though some have claimed this song is a positive message about surrendering to the power of love, there are certain moments that convey the risks of falling in love better than any song that actively tries to warn against love. “I wanna be trapped in the space of us,” “Now my heart is chained and I’m freer,” and “Whatchu gon’ do [sic] if it breaks apart” all speak of the deep-seeded fear that many people have of falling in love as well as the risks of growing too attached and potentially codependent.
Of course, this might be too deep a reading into a dance song. However, it’s a similar situation with “Hey Ya!” by OutKast. The song has a catchy hook and a danceable beat, but the lyrics convey an underlying sense of insecurity and fear. This has to be what Topic means when he refers to his style as “melancholic.”
Furthermore, having Bebe Rexha as the voice behind the lyrics is the greatest decision the production team could have made. When speaking about the process, Topic said “Vocally, [Bebe Rexha] has exactly the attitude that the song needs,” and it shows throughout the song. With the beat sounding and feeling how it does, not just any voice could have conveyed both the fear and the pleasure of falling in love. Bebe Rexha was the perfect choice.
Check it out below if you’re interested!
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