Some tracks just glide, and "Smooth" by Chris Red featuring Sofia Vivere does exactly what the title promises. It's an energetic, happy and romantic slice of pop and disco in the Dua Lipa lane, with a groove that kicks in at 0:32 and doesn't let go.
Who Is Chris Red?
Chris Red is a singer, guitarist and storyteller from Stockholm, Sweden. He studied at SAE and became a producer, but music didn't pay the bills at first, so he built a corporate career instead. He never lost his passion for music, though. In his early years he played bars around Stockholm and became a session guitarist for Bosson, before stepping into the spotlight with his own melodic tracks.
His influences are producers like Avicii, Kygo and Martin Garrix, and he introduced himself as a songwriter in 2020 with four releases. Since then he's been working with a range of vocalists and featured artists, and "Smooth" is the latest of those collaborations.
Written at a Songwriting Camp
"Smooth" was co-written at a songwriting camp with Sofia Vivere. Sofia Vivere is a Swedish singer, songwriter and producer who has also written for K-pop acts, including LE SSERAFIM. Her pop instincts and Chris Red's background as a producer and guitarist make for a natural match.
The Sound: Pop With a Disco Glow
The track sits where dance pop meets synthpop, with a disco feel that puts it in the same lane as Dua Lipa's dancefloor hits. The intro builds the mood, and at 0:32 the groove lands, which is exactly the moment you'll start nodding along. The moods are energetic, happy and romantic, so think shiny synths, a warm bassline feel and a vocal built around a hook.
At just under two and a half minutes, "Smooth" is short and to the point, the kind of track that works on a summer playlist just as well as on a grey autumn commute when you need a lift.
A Late Start, Done Right
What makes Chris Red's story nice is that it isn't the usual fast-track pop tale. He went to production school, took a different job when music didn't work out financially, and kept coming back to it anyway. That persistence shows in a song that feels relaxed and confident rather than rushed.
A Tip for Independent Artists
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What Do You Think?
What's your favorite disco-pop track right now? And does "Smooth" make your playlist? Let me know in the comments!
