Calvin Harris: 'You Used To Hold Me'

Ever the quiet one, Calvin Harris famously followed his entertaining rant about a poor review with a pineapple-led protest against the "stupid" X Factor. Of course, the most amusing part of his reality telly antics was that his own breakthrough singles had some of the same kitschy novelty appeal as the Grimes twins, albeit with a smidgen more cool. Harris did, of course, manage to completely transcend that catchy-but-irritating template with the wonderfully symphonic 'I'm Not Alone', but he hasn't managed to maintain that momentum since.

'You Used To Hold Me' is a case in point. Smooth and modishly synthy it may be, but Harris's production just can't save the throwaway '90s beats and utterly forgettable lyrics ("I've known this can make you understand / Take my spirit from my open hand"). Sure, it'd take someone with a heart of stone (or feet of lead) not to have a little shimmy to this a few drinks into a big night out. Unlike 'I'm Not Alone', though, it certainly won't be the song you have pounding in your head as you fall asleep later that morning - let alone the one that brings back that heady mix of exhausted joy and regret as you wake up come afternoon.


> Click here to read our review of Calvin Harris's album