Calvin Harris has once again proven his versatility with his latest single, Smoke the Pain Away. Marking his return as a solo vocalist for the first time since 2016, the track sees Harris fully embracing his singer-songwriter-producer identity. Known for crafting dancefloor anthems, he takes a different approach this time, blending electronic beats with country-inspired melodies—a nod to the genre-fusion era of the early 2010s.
The song’s introspective lyrics capture raw emotion, with Harris delivering lines like, “Eyes sparkle like sun in June… No, I can’t smoke the pain away.” His signature production style is evident, layering atmospheric synths over a rhythmic pulse that bridges dance and country influences seamlessly.
In recent years, Harris has focused on collaborations, working with Ellie Goulding, Sam Smith, and even co-producing for Justin Timberlake. However, with Smoke the Pain Away, he takes center stage, reminding fans of his ability to command a track on his own—just as he did with hits like Feel So Close and Summer.
Speaking about his decision to sing on his own records, Harris once reflected on advice from Pharrell Williams, who encouraged him to focus on emotion rather than vocal perfection. That perspective shines through in Smoke the Pain Away, where his heartfelt delivery resonates deeply.
With this release, Harris not only revisits his roots but also paves the way for a new chapter in his musical journey. Could this signal more solo vocal performances in the future? Fans will certainly be watching closely.