Tinchy Stryder - Off The Record (feat. Calvin Harris & BURNS)

It's weird to think that Tinchy Stryder was once associated with grime and underground legends Wiley and Dizzee Rascal. Nowadays, the pint-sized rapper is anything but underground. After the massive success of "Number 1 (featuring N-Dubz)", he's continued to move deeper and deeper into the mainstream with every release.

"Off The Record" sees Tinchy team up this time with DJ superstar Calvin Harris. Before you even listen to the song, you can vaguely imagine what it will sound like. A throbbing bassline worthy of any club dancefloor? Check. Tinchy "rapping" (if you can call it that - the lyrics are soulless and mundane)? Present. A catchy by-the-numbers chorus? You betcha.

This may sound silly but songs don't necessarily need substance. Yes, it would be nice to analyse the lyrics for deeper meaning and hear a truly original guitar/keyboard riff but this song doesn't need it. It sets out to be a club song, a song that you would put on the TV whilst pre-drinking or something to get you in the mood for a party. And it certainly achieves that.

I'm not going to turn around now and say I'm Tinchy Stryder's biggest fan because I'm not. But if this came on in a club, I sure as hell wouldn't be standing still.

SMc