It might no longer be summer, but if you’re still on the lookout for a refreshing track, Louis Tomlinson has got you covered with “Lemonade.” In a week that’s dominated by anticipation for the latest Taylor Swift album, the British singer has expertly carved out some momentum of his own by dropping a new single just hours ago.
Never say that Tomlinson shies away from taking risks, as the track showcases an elevated and much more experimental sound. Recorded in Costa Rica, you can’t help but notice how his surroundings may have played a role in shaping the production. With a marimba-inspired instrumental intro, the track quickly transitions into a psychedelic pop track that fans of early DNCE will surely appreciate for its strong bassline. Clocking in at only 2 minutes and 39 seconds, Tomlinson doesn’t give himself much time to set the stage for what will eventually shape up to be his third album. And yet, “Lemonade” might be his strongest offering yet in terms of lead singles.
Aided by a great hook that’s perhaps most reminiscent of the previous album track “Written All Over Your Face,” Tomlinson takes a slightly different approach to his songwriting. Whereas on previous albums he focused on telling personal stories, “Lemonade” is a much more abstract, conceptual song. “She got me waking at times that I’ve never seen / Bright yellow spaceship might make me start to believe / Symptoms are stuck on repeat, no point in trying to leave / She got me waking, it’s doing something to me,” he sings in the second verse.
The psychedelic and funk rock influences are obvious, but “Lemonade” remains a very well-balanced pop song in terms of its structure. The breakdown after the chorus is immediately followed by a great bridge which calls back the opening instrumental and sees Tomlinson whispering: “It is only human to escape into delusion / if I should try to prove it, would I win or would I lose it?”
And while that might sound slightly questioning, Tomlinson oozes confidence across the record. With seductive vocals that occasionally dip into a hazy drawl, it’s clear that Tomlinson has firmly found his feet on this one. After descending back into a spiralling chorus, the track ends with an equally strong outro that highlights the hook once more.
Tomlinson is set to prove just how the song holds up in a live setting over the weekend. His self-curated Away From Home Festival is coming to the US for the first time, and will certainly include a performance of his new single. Perhaps it’s only fitting that the song hints at not wanting to go home. And who knows, with the announcement of a new album How Did I Get Here? coming in January, lucky festival goers might even be treated to more than one new song.
In any case, “Lemonade” is the perfect treat to quench your thirst for new music that revives psychedelic pop. But be warned, you might find yourself immediately ordering a second serving. Like the lyrics say, “a little taste is all you need” to get you hooked.
LINK TO EUPHORIAZINE ARTICLE, by Saskia Postema
