At the start of their careers, New York electronic production duo
the Knocks built their brand around remixes for high-profile artists like
Ellie Goulding,
Katy Perry, and
Taylor Swift. They went on to release a string of their own catchy, beat-heavy songs with a wide range of guests from
Cam'ron to
Carly Rae Jepsen. Many of these songs -- along with a whole crop of fresh ones -- appeared on their long-delayed debut,
55, which sounds like a "greatest-hits" collection of stand-alone singles. The roster of featured vocalists is impressive, with JPatt and
DJ B-Roc combining talent from multiple genres and expertly utilizing the strength of each artist.
Fetty Wap's wobbly rap-croon complements the sweet vocals of POWERS' Crista Ru on the
Len-meets-
Daft Punk summer rush "Classic."
Wyclef Jean uses his party-maestro talents on the nocturnal funk of "Kiss the Sky."
X Ambassadors' vocalist
Sam Harris brings the passionate power on "Comfortable." The breezy
Carly Rae track "Love Me Like That" is a throwback '80s jam that could fit on her 2015 album
EMOTION. Indie rock band
Walk the Moon contribute the soaring (and aptly titled) closing highlight "Best for Last." A handful of younger guests also graces
55 -- like Brooklyn singer
Matthew Koma, former Glee cast member
Alex Newell, indie duo
Magic Man, and singer
Phoebe Ryan -- balancing the star power with less-well-known talent. Despite the varying influences,
55 is a cohesive experience, tied together by
the Knocks' masterful production and ability to craft an earworm. [
55 was also released with the bonus track "Classic."] ~ Neil Z. Yeung