Side Effects
The Chainsmokers · 2018
2 min · 1 track · electronic dance music
Bright synths and catchy hooks intertwine with introspective lyrics, embodying the duo's signature blend of pop and electronic dance music.
Top tracks — play these first
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Side Effects — This lead track encapsulates the album's energetic spirit with its upbeat production and heartfelt exploration of love and vulnerability, making it a quintessential summer anthem.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The track combines catchy hooks with a danceable beat, though it doesn't stand out significantly in its genre.
What we noticed
- The track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat with bright synth layers that build throughout the duration.
- The arrangement includes a breakdown section where the instrumentation drops to create tension before the chorus returns.
- Vocals are present but primarily serve as an additional melodic layer rather than dominating the mix.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid single that showcases their evolving sound but isn't a standout entry point.
- Career context
- Released on July 27, 2018, Side Effects marked a transitional phase for The Chainsmokers as they continued to evolve from their earlier hits. This single followed their commercially successful album Memories...Do Not Open, indicating their shift towards more mature themes while retaining their dance-pop roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Zedd· Calvin Harris· David Guetta
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Side Effects 2:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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