EP Review: “California” by Diplo

You know every once in a while, I get in these moods, where all I want is dance music. It doesn’t usually matter what form, it just has to be something that’ll snap me out of whatever is going on with me. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work, but it’s one of my go-to’s on a very low day.

In 2015, I really jumped on the EDM band wagon. I just needed a break after being invested into the heavy metal world for basically five years straight and a DJ that I really got into was Diplo. I started talking about some of the records he was releasing alongside his other projects like JackÜ with Skrillex and Major Lazer with Walshy Fire. Diplo has recently put an EP by himself and I’m actually pumped about this! It is called “California” and it includes five brand new tracks with featured artists and one remix at the end.

We start it off with “Worry No More” and it has Lil’ Yachty and Santigold, and if anybody has ever listened to Diplo’s music before, he likes to bring in the tropical sounds, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint. I love Santigold’s music, but I’m sorry to say but since I don’t listen to a lot of rap music, I’m not too familiar with Lil’ Yachty but I do enjoy the combination of their voices together with the relaxing beat in the background. Second is “Suicidal” and there’s Desiigner on this one, and I feel like this one has more of an urban feel to it compared to previous songs Diplo has put out, so it’s not obnoxious by any means. I like it.

Next there’s  “Look Back” and it features DRAM and I know I’ve never heard of this artist before, but I didn’t really care because from the moment it started, I really enjoyed it! It’s another pretty chilled and laid back type of song, but I like the deep but dark beat he choose to create, it’s something different. Fourth track is “Wish” and it has “Trippie Redd” and the first thing that popped into my head was how interesting it was and I wouldn’t be surprised if this isn’t played everywhere in the background of our favorite television shows! It just kind of has that sort of feel to it, where it can go anywhere and make a moment special in some way.

And after that, we have “Color Blind” and the artist Lil’ Xan is on it. One this song started, it kind of remind me of California, that chill but bubbly atmosphere is infectious. It’s really kind of perfect. Lastly, the remix of “Get It Right” featuring Danish singer M∅ and GoldLink is next. I did listen to the original when it came out, but I don’t think I liked it too much the first time. I really like the piano introduction along with M∅’s sweet voice. I wasn’t too sure if GoldLink was the one who remixed the song until I heard the second voice, then I realized that he might be this voice. I’m actually still confused about it, but the song as a whole is pretty good!

I really thought this extended play was really good. I always have the most difficult time deciphering songs that include rappers that either speak softly or too fast for me to catch up. It’s nothing against them, usually when this happens I twist my direction and pay attention to the actual beat, once I did that things started to make a little bit more sense. You got the full essence of what makes California, the sounds and vibe. Every song brings it out in you very quietly, which is why I didn’t notice it until the last three songs!

Have you listened to Diplo’s new EP yet? If so, do you have any favorites?