Format Digital download Length 3:54 | Recorded 2015 | |
Released 16 January 2016 (2016-01-16) Genre Future bass
alternative R&B Label Future Classic
Mom + Pop | ||
"Never Be like You" is a song by Australian musician Flume, featuring vocals from Canadian singer Kai. It was released on 16 January 2016, by Future Classic, as the lead single of his second studio album, Skin. The song debuted at number 10 on the ARIA Singles Chart, later reaching number one and becoming Flume's first song to top the chart. The song also charted in Belgium, France, the United States and New Zealand, where it reached number two on the RMNZ Singles Chart.
Contents
In a press release, Flume said, "Kai and I were sending ideas back and forth online, then met up in New York and went into the studio. We laid down some chords and started an idea but weren't feeling inspired. So we went out into the night for a few hours and when we returned, it all started to come together."
A remix by Disclosure was released on 4 March 2016 and a remix EP was released on 25 March 2016. The song received a nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
On 26 January 2017, the song was voted number one on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2016.
Critical reception
Harley Brown of Spin said that "Diplo‑endorsed singer Kai provides sumptuous and sterling vocals over sparkling half‑time drops, like an instrumental B‑side from [Justin Timberlake's 2006 album] FutureSex LoveSounds" and that "The new R&B look is a good one for Flume".
Billboard said "The song features Canadian chanteuse Kai, smoothly balancing chilled out trap effects with spacey ambient noise and future bass elements, going hard and soft at once – a duality expressed in the lyrics as well, with Kai begging forgiveness while asserting right to just be herself".
Rolling Stone named "Never Be like You" one of the 30 best songs of the first half of 2016: "The pop realization of the twisted techno mutations of cutting-edge acts like Flying Lotus, Rustie and Arca. "Never Be like You" skulks like Justin Timberlake's "My Love" caught in a parade of sparking, stuttering robotics."
Track listings
- "Never Be like You" – 3:54
- "Never Be like You" (Disclosure Remix) – 6:11
- "Never Be like You" – 3:54
- "Never Be like You" (Disclosure Remix) – 6:11
- "Never Be like You" (Wave Racer Remix) – 3:28
- "Never Be like You" (Teengirl Fantasy Remix) – 4:22
Digital download
- "Never Be like You" (Martin Solveig Remix) – 4:44