Calvin Harris and Jesse Reyez Make a Splash with "Ocean"
The Scottish producer continues his recent tear with the aqueous single, co-written and sung by Jessie Reyez.
Rachel Narozniak
Following “Blessings,” its hefty set of remixes, reworks of “I’m Not Alone,” and D.O.D’s “Sweet Nothing (2025 Edit)” comes “Ocean,” the aqueous single with which Harris caps off the 2025 summer season. The song’s own ebb and flow feels a lot like the recession and progression of ocean waves, receding gently, with the light texture of guitar, before surging forth in a melodic swell, accented by acid-inspired synth work.
This version of “Ocean” returns Jesse Reyez (its co-writer) to vocals. Last year, Harris teased the track with a topline from Miley Cyrus but didn’t end up releasing that rendition due to “crossed wires.” Still, between Reyez’s gossamer vocals and the ease with which they skate over the song’s production, it’s hard to believe another take on “Ocean” ever existed. Listen below.
“Ocean” is the second Calvin Harris song to bear Reyez’s vocals (following Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1’s “Hard to Love” in 2017) and one of several penned by the Canadian singer-songwriter, who also co-wrote the Dua Lipa-assisted smash, “One Kiss,” and “Promises,” which featured Sam Smith.
“Ocean” is out now via Columbia (Sony). Buy it on Beatport.
