Oh, I’ve been so excited for this song to see the light of day.
Queen Sia‘s been quite busy over the past few years, churning out pop masterpieces for the likes of everyone from Rihanna (“Diamonds”) to Beyoncé (“Standing On The Sun”) to Celine Dion (“Loved Me Back To Life”) to our very own pop princess-turned-Queen of Pop, Miss Britney Spears (“Perfume”).
In her spare time, the über-talented singer-songstress has also been working on carving out her own studio album (due out in early 2014), as well as providing a few assorted gems, like The Great Gatsby‘s “Kill & Run.”
Now, she has another new song out — this time for the Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack. It’s called “Elastic Heart,” and it’s a duet with brooding Canadian spook-R&B crooner (and my favorite late night listen), The Weeknd, all tied together with production by Diplo. Dream team? Oh, for sure.
With a shuffling beat made up of chopped vocals, drum machines and strange mechanical noises (as only Diplo could concoct), “Elastic Heart” is perfectly suited for the survival flick — it’s gritty, gorgeous and, ultimately, a clear winner.
As is often the case with a Sia-penned melody, the song’s hooks are drawn out in a strange and compelling way, as the two singers take turns putting up their armor, soldiering into war and fighting for peace. “But I’ve got thick skin and an elastic heart!” Sia triumphantly declares on the chorus. The Weeknd’s contribution, a fluttery falsetto moment, is a nice moment of vulnerability for the “Belong To The World” singer. (See? All the girls, drugs and money haven’t entirely frozen his heart.)
Favorite lyric? “There were so many red flags / Now another one bites the dust / Let’s be clear, I trust no one.”
It might take a play or two to truly click, but once it does, it’s going to stay with you for the long run. That final minute, especially — as the two begin riffing and yelling out above layers and layers of sound (a beautiful cacophony) is a particularly spine-tingling moment of glory on the battlefield.
Sia gets it exactly right once again.
“Elastic Heart” will be released on October 1. (iTunes)
