"Free" is a song by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding, from Harris' seventh studio album, 96 Months (2024).[1] "Free" marks the fourth collaboration between Harris and Goulding,[2] and the duo's first collaboration since 2023's trance song "Miracle", which saw massive critical and commercial success.[3] "Free" was released as the lead single from 96 Months on 26 July 2024 under Sony Music UK to widespread critical acclaim from music critics who praised the duo's longtime creative partnership.[4][5]
"Free" is a dance-pop track, which is built around a piano house refrain.[4][6][7] Robin Murray from Clash magazine described the production as it "leans back on Millennial pop touchstones, while also overhauling them". As well noticing elements that "touches on trance production, while also nodding to hyper-pop". Andrew Wescott from Dork said that the "heartfelt" lyrics "echoes the euphoric, singalong vibe that characterizes their past hits".[8] "Free" marks the first song from the duo that doesn't feature writing credits from Goulding.[9]
"Free" was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Robin Murray from Clash magazine praised both Harris and Goulding's contributions to the track, highlighting Goulding's emotional vocal performance and Harris production style, calling it pleasingly "the way the duo re-interpolate these 00s tropes, while retaining a wonderful pop song at its core".[10] Tom Skinner from NME dubbed the song as "The rousing summer anthem".[11]Rolling Stone included "Free" on their "Songs You Need to Know" which highlight the best new tracks of the week.[12] Jason Heffler from EDM.com praised Harris and Goulding stating that their "latest anthem "Free" reinforces the fact that some artistic partnerships are simply destined for greatness".[4]ThatGrapeJuice called "Free" an "electrifying anthem", and praised the blending of Goulding's ethereals vocals with Harris production "making it an instant hit for the summer".[13]
"Free" entered at number thirty-six on the UK Singles Chart, marking the duos fourth consecutive top-40 hit single.[14] Eventually it peaked at number thirty-five on its third week.[15] On October 12, "Free" topped the US Dance/Mix Show Airplay, making Harris the artist with most number ones singles on the chart, with sixteen, breaking a tie with David Guetta. Meanwhile, Goulding tied with Madonna as the fifth artist, and the second among female acts with most number ones, with seven.[16][17] Overall, the song achieved moderate commercial success, in contrast of their previous efforts.[18]
Harris' unveiled the track for the first time during his DJ set at Ushuaïa Ibiza, he shared a preview to his Instagram account with the caption: "Trying out the new one @ushuaiaibiza!".[19] On July 20, Goulding made a surprise appearance at Harris' Ushuaïa set to perform "Free" live for the first time.[20][21]
A lyric video was released the same day the song dropped on Harris, YouTube channel.[22][23] As August 18, a music video for the song has not been released or teased, making "Free" Harris and Goulding first collaboration to not feature a proper music video, instead a recording of Harris and Goulding's first-time live performance of "Free" at Usuahia Ibiza served as an official visualizer.[24]
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 39. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
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