by Danielle Holian
Taylor Swift and Zayn joined forces for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack with their single ‘I Don’t Wanna Live Forever’.
The 1989 hitmaker wrote the song with R&B singer-songwriter Sam Dew and pop producer Jack Antonoff.
The track gives off a seductive tone which is appropriate in relation to the themes of the film. The lyrics are repetitive giving something solid to focus on. The chorus is epic and incredibly catchy. They trade romantic stories throughout the yearning song. “What is happening to me?/ I don’t wanna live forever/ ‘Cause I know I’ll be living in vain. I just want to keep calling your name, until you come back home,” Zayn sings.
Meanwhile, in the second verse, Swift achingly sings about the relationship, “Wonder if I dodged a bullet?/ or just lost the love of my life?/ Baby, baby, I feel crazy/ Up all night, all night and every day/ I give you something, but you gave me nothing/ What is happening to me?”
The song is ‘80s-inspired as Antonoff’s soundscape of synths and light percussion echoes Swift’s vocals over Zayn’s heartache. His performance carries the tune. But throughout the sultry song, Zayn sings in a falsetto, compared to his previous singles.
‘I Don’t Wanna Live Forever’ sets the tone for the upcoming film. The slow pop song doesn’t disappoint in the end. It’s an exceptional collaboration. The record is satisfactorily produced and soundly performed.
The sequel to Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker, and its soundtrack will be released on February 10th.
Written by Danielle Holian (Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook).
The ModernRetro Magazine 