UPDATE: The official version has now been made available and can be heard above.
We’ve been hearing for a while now that Justin Bieber had a collaboration with the Diplo-led group Major Lazer in the works. It had already been confirmed to be releasing this summer, but it appears that it’s now found its way online a bit ahead of its July 22nd release date thanks to a leak from a Chinese radio station.
Titled “Cold Water,” the track features an all-star roster of talent, as aside from Bieber and Major Lazer, MØ and Ed Sheeran are also listed as contributors. As expected, the result is an impressive song that’s a bit different from what we’re used to hearing from Diplo’s red hot side project, but still a great track nonetheless.
It starts off on a soft note, with Justin coming in to sing the opening verse over gentle guitar plucks. It’s not long though before it veers more into Major Lazer territory with a subtle moombahton beat slowly building up before the track brings in some familiar dance-hall sounds to make up the chorus. Throw in a bridge sung by MØ and some slick production throughout, and you have another guaranteed radio hit for the Biebs.
Take a listen to “Cold Water” in the player below and let us know if you think the Justin Bieber/Major Lazer collab lives up to the hype.