KYGO AND AVA MAX– ‘WHATEVER’

BY JANIN AYALA FELIX | JANUARY 19, 2024 | ELECTRONIC | TRACKS

Kygo and Ava Max’s “Whatever” is a sun-soaked anthem that effortlessly captures the feel-good essence of early 2000s pop with a contemporary twist, blending Kygo’s signature tropical house beats with Max’s undeniable vocal prowess. Released on January 19, 2024, the track serves as the lead single from Kygo’s fifth studio album, and it’s a collaboration that feels both nostalgic and fresh, drawing inspiration from Shakira’s 2001 hit Whenever, Wherever while carving out its own space in today’s pop landscape.

From the moment the beat drops, Whatever plunges you into a warm, escapist world. Kygo’s production, as expected, is pristine—glistening synths, breezy melodies, and that unmistakable tropical house pulse that he’s become known for. The track is a reminder that Kygo’s sound remains a global crowd-pleaser, a sonic passport to beach parties and sunsets. But what makes Whatever stand out is how Ava Max’s soaring vocals fuse seamlessly with the tropical production, injecting the song with a euphoric energy that elevates it beyond a simple homage to early-2000s pop.

Lyrically, Whatever embraces the carefree, live-in-the-moment ethos of its predecessor, Whenever, Wherever, but updates it with a modern sensibility. Max sings about letting go of expectations and embracing love and adventure in the here and now, regardless of where life may take her. The hook, “Whatever, wherever, we’ll make it last forever,” channels that same boundless optimism that made Shakira’s track an enduring hit, but with a more electronic twist that keeps the energy high.

Vocally, Ava Max delivers with the kind of power that has made her a standout in pop over the last few years. Her voice soars effortlessly over Kygo’s layered production, adding a touch of urgency and passion to a song that might otherwise lean too far into the laid-back vibes of tropical house. There’s a certain theatricality to her delivery, an emotional depth that contrasts beautifully with the breezy beats beneath her. It’s this dynamic—Kygo’s chill island rhythms paired with Max’s powerhouse pop energy—that makes Whatever such an addictive listen.

The comparisons to Whenever, Wherever are more than just musical; Whatever captures a similar sense of freedom and adventure, but with a post-pandemic twist. There’s a palpable sense of release in the track, like a sigh of relief after a long period of uncertainty. The tropical house backdrop, combined with lyrics about embracing spontaneity, gives the song an uplifting, almost escapist quality—perfect for listeners ready to leave their worries behind and dance into the night.

Overall, Whatever is a perfect pop package: catchy, uplifting, and filled with the kind of sunny optimism that pop music so often strives for but rarely achieves so effortlessly. It’s a reminder that Kygo, while still loyal to his tropical house roots, knows how to adapt his sound to the ever-evolving pop landscape. And Ava Max? She proves once again why she’s one of the most exciting voices in modern pop, capable of taking a straightforward summer jam and turning it into something transcendent.

Whatever is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a reinvention, a tropical breeze that hits just right. It’s bound to become a staple of 2024’s party playlists, and with Kygo and Ava Max steering the ship, it’s hard not to get swept away.

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