Courtesy of EDM South Florida.

Before the advent of popular music programs like Spotify and Pandora I had to discover new music through blogs, MTV, the odd song on certain movies that would pique my interest, or through friends‰’ recommendations.

It was through the latter that I discovered this magnificent album by Calvin Harris, and it’s one I still regularly groove to when I need something upbeat yet not too overwhelming.

Ready for the Weekend, Harris‰’ sophomore album released 5 years ago, was one which his vocals were featured on every track. He eventually decided that he would focus himself towards producing and mixing instead.

In an honest and humbling interview with Billboard, he revealed what he thought after concluding the tour for Ready for the Weekend: “I want each track to be as good as it can possibly be, and that usually means me not singing on it,” Harris says. “I thought I’d exhausted every avenue [on the two albums] and it takes a long time to make me sound good, which is why I stopped singing live as well. I’d like to think of someone who’s better-looking, a better singer, better dancer to be the front person for the song.”

The immense and stand-out track in this album for me has to be “Flashback”. The build-up starts slow, with a minute yet prominent vocal sampling in the background providing depth, and Harris‰’ vocals blend in gently. Existentialism in the lyrics aside, the chorus segues nicely into what we expect from Harris today, with pop-influenced electronic beats in many of his tracks in 18 Months, and songs such as “We Found Love,‰” “Blame,‰” and “I Need Your Love.‰”

Giving a close listen to Ready for the Weekend, you will realize how diverse Harris‰’ style is and how far he has come as a producer, with many collaborations with artistes such as Dizzee Rascal, Example, Florence Welch and having worked with Scissor Sisters, Roisin Murphy and Cheryl Cole.

Similar songs to “Flashback“‰’s vibe include “You Used To Hold Me, I‰’m Not Alone” (which debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart). Instrumental goodness with a more laid back feel is personified in “5iliconeator” and “Burns Night”.

And, befitting the album‰’s name, for mood boosters and tunes to kick start the weekend, check out the track of the same name, “Dance Wiv Me” and “Yeah Yeah Yeah La La La”.

Ready for the Weekend really demonstrates Harris‰’ potential and how he has wonderfully harnessed it.