Song Review: ‘Lighter’ by Galantis, David Guetta and 5 Seconds of Summer 

What do Galantis, David Guetta and 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) have in common? Their new collaboration on the single ‘Lighter’. Some might question the unlikely pairing of two of the world’s biggest dance DJs and a pop/rock band, but this song easily wipes those worries away, showcasing the distinctive sounds of each of them. 

‘Lighter’ is a classic dance anthem destined for festivals, with a sprinkling of the recognisable 5 Seconds of Summer sound. As guitarist and co-producer of 5SOS, Michael Clifford, stated: “That’s always the mindset that we’ve had since day one of our career. We never say no to anything that feels like it could be a step in the right direction in helping other people — who have never heard of us — hear our music.” Despite 5 Seconds of Summer seemingly being on somewhat of a hiatus at the moment, that clearly doesn’t stop them from releasing new music. Not just that, they’ve joined forces with two of the most renowned dance DJs, Galantis and David Guetta, for this collaboration.

The song starts with the sound of violins playing staccato notes, immediately grabbing your attention. Luke Hemmings, guitarist and lead vocalist of the band, shows his versatile singing voice very distinctively in this song. He easily switches between the lower and higher tones in the verses and chorus. The tension builds up from the start of the song up to the chorus, where it bursts to life and makes you want to get up and dance. The use of the string orchestra throughout the whole song gives it a unique vibe. They bring something extra into the mix, that traditional band instruments can’t always compensate for. 

As for the lyrics, the line “I feel a little bit lighter when I’m with you” is bound to get stuck in your head, and with any luck, listening to this remarkable song will leave you feeling a little bit lighter too!

Written by: Maud Hoebers

Edited by: Shanna Henselmans