Alesso's new single 'Midnight' featuring Liam Payne is a powerhouse collaboration of mixes and vocals
Swedish DJ-producer Alesso has released his new single 'Midnight' featuring Liam Payne during the early hours of April 8.
Alessandro Renato Rodolfo Lindblad, commonly known by stage name Alesso, stands out as a prominent DJ who's more melodic-leaning outlook among his fellow dance/EDM counterparts have gained him wide recognition and critical acclaim.
He has produced numerous hits, and has collaborated with popular singers on various hits such as 'Heroes (We Could Be)' which features Tove Lo, 'I Wanna Know', featuring Nico & Viz, 'Remedy' which features vocals from Conor Maynard and many more.
Apart from a huge host of singles, Alesso has one full-length studio album titled 'Forever' which released in 2015.
English singer-songwriter Liam Payne, most commonly known as a member of the boy band One Direction, started his solo career in 2016 when he signed on with Republic Records in the US.
He showed the world his strength as a solo artiste when he released the lead single from his debut album, 'LP1', titled 'Strip That Down', which features Quavo. The song earned a slot on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 3, and peaked at No. 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. 'Strip That Down' was certified platinum in both countries.
On Alesso's Twitter, he wrote a note on the 'Midnight' release. "One of my favorite songs I’ve ever made is out!!!", he writes, "'Midnight' has been helping me get through these weird times. @LiamPayne and I hope it does the same for you!"
Their new track 'Midnight' comes off, straight off the bat, as a more vocally-driven track compared to many of Alesso's usual numbers. Payne singing "Always thought I was losin' the race. Lookin' for love in all the wrong places. I really don't know how we made it here. Never thought I was worth what you give" to offbeat acoustic guitar strumming at the song's opening reveals a slight detour from the heavy-laden electronics we often hear in EDM music.
Payne lets out powerful guttural vocals with "Now I just wanna stay here and fall into midnight" as soon as the chorus kicks in over warm bass, a softened beat and resounding echo effects before a richly mixed electronic dance groove bursts out as a short-but-sweet instrumental segment.
Alesso also shared a performance video on YouTube with footage filmed during quarantine from their separate homes. In the video we see Payne surrounded by rooftops while Alesso plays indoors with his synth keyboard.
The song, in similar veins to Alesso's Twitter comment, does indeed stand out as one of his best. With carefully crafted structure from start to end, delivered with rich melodic production and Payne's powerful vocals, 'Midnight' is a treat for those needing some solid new music during the quarantine.