It’s 2015, which means it’s time for the return of Ellie Goulding. (It’s happening! She told the crowd down in Puerto Rico during her Bacardi Triangle set that a new album should be coming around summertime this year.)
And what better way to kick off a glorious return to form than a soaring anthem for the soundtrack of the film adaptation of everyone’s grandmother’s favorite S-S-S-&-M-M-M series, Fifty Shades Of Grey?
“Love Me Like You Do” is a huge production, orchestrated (literally) by the ever-prolific Max Martin, due to be released on February 15.
On first listen, the song recalls something Queen Of The Clouds songbird Tove Lo might craft, full of sweeping melodies, somewhat suggestive come-ons and lush Swede-pop production. And guess what? Tove co-wrote the track!
“Love me like you do, la-la-love me do/Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do,” Ellie urges.
But that first chorus go-around is merely a tease…like the lightest touch of a bullwhip against the skin, if you will. Each time she hits that chorus, the song swells with more voices and more gorgeous production. And by the time she reaches that final build (“What are you waiting foooooor?“), the talented UK crooner’s truly taken us to church — in whips and chains, of course.
And that’s how you kick off a new year. Nice one, Ellie.
“Love Me Like You Do” will be released on February 15. (iTunes)