Daft Punk’s lead single “Get Lucky” from their fourth studio-release “Random Access Memories” is one infectious and funk-flavored ode to the disco-era of the 70’s. And they have kept that integrity with minimum usage of digital instruments to give way to a more prevalent organic sound with natural intruments. What Daft Punk have done here is a 180 degree change on how they usually sound. This major move showcases the resourcefulness of this French EDM duo. Who knew Daft Punk were capable of pulling this off? This is what I meant in my previous piece about them–that they take the time to perfect their work and not rush things. Add to that their desire to surprise their listeners by defying any preset expectations of them.
Daft Punk have collaborated with some of the best and most sought after artists over the years that they have released new albums. This time they have Pharrell Williams to provide the vocals for “Get Lucky.” Pharrell Williams’ laid back type of voice blended well with the subtle touches of the single such as the steady drum beat, the funky bass line, as well as with the groovy guitar riffs supplied by legendary disco-era guitarist Nile Rodgers which rounds up the overall sound and gives the track it’s distinct “flavor.”
Daft Punk clearly pays homage here to music that has influenced them in their formative years–that of being an act so well known to be tech-heavy and very modern in terms of using the latest available digital instruments. When this single first debuted, it may have initially caught their fans by surprise but upon listening to it a few more times, there is elegance about it and a distinct charm that are hard not to notice. “Get Lucky” is as an “old-school” track but despite it being one, it has received a positive reception and has done very well in numerous charts which prove it has a timeless appeal about it that goes beyond any classification.
I remember years ago when Daft Punk were criticized for not being “real” artists because they supposedly relied only on digital instruments. That was a ridiculous accusation thrown at them from people who didn’t understand their music and weren’t open to appreciating other forms of music they were not comfortable with. But Daft Punk proved in this single that they can indeed play their own instruments such as the bass guitar and drums, among others. They even recorded first these instruments live before putting the finishing touches to the track. Daft Punk are well equipped with the basic fundamentals and have a deep foundation that all artists must know. Daft Punk, without a shadow of a doubt, are real artists in every sense of the word!
