U.K. electronic trio Clean Bandit released a new version of “Playboy Style,” featuring Charli XCX & Bhad Bhabie, on Wednesday (Nov. 28), from the deluxe version of their forthcoming What Is Love? album. The new track reflects on the consequences of falling for a stereotypical bad boy.
Driven by a cascading piano and acoustic guitar, Charli XCX’s voice melts into the opening verse: “Had a lover undercover/ Kept it on the low/ Said that you meant nothing but my feelings really grew/ Not that I regret you but I met you, went insane.”
An intense drumbeat adds heat as the electrified steel-drum-backed chorus approaches: “Fell in love with a bad, bad dude/ Playboy style, should’ve seen right through/ All my friends, they can see the truth/ You never loved me, you never loved me.”
Bhad Bhabie raps the second verse and a saxophone steals the reggae-style transition to the softer bridge, in which Charli XCX recognizes her regret.
Clean Bandit’s new album arrives Friday and features already-released favorites including “Symphony” with Zara Larsson, “Baby” with Marina (formerly Marina and the Diamonds) and Luis Fonsi, and “Solo” with Demi Lovato. The deluxe edition contains the new “Playboy Style,” “24 Hours” with Yasmin Green, “Beautiful” with DaVido and Love Ssega, and “Tears” with Louisa Johnson.
Listen to the groovy fresh jam below.