The Norwegians return with the second single to be taken from their well-received second album The Understanding. It would be a white lie to call this a new track though as 98% of 49 Percent is taken from Don't Give Up, a live favourite of the band's since way back in 2001 before the sleeping giant of Melody AM was even roused.
Whereas Don't Give Up was a gorgeous vocodered slice of chilled melancholy that was verging on soppy, 49 Percent has the silky smooth vocals of Chelonis R Jones to elevate it from another mere chill out track into a far classier proposition. The backing remains exactly the same, but when you consider the duo's impeccable ear for a heart-warming melody that is no bad thing. Who cares if they've rehashed an old idea when the end result is as good as this?
Jones' vocal sits well atop the glowing keys and energising bass, but it may be better suited if the track were faster paced and more house-oriented, which is where the Angelo & Ingrosso Remix comes in: a nine minute epic that will fill floors as easily as the Radio Edit will armchairs. Whatever your preferred tempo though, this is a fine tune perfectly packaged.
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