Single Review: Drive

Christchurch pop artist Loveta’s new single Drive finds the starlet “dreaming wide awake” of escaping her daily life into exciting new experiences. Polished to perfection and fizzing with dance-pop energy, the track is as radio-ready as anything currently spinning on commercial airwaves.

Drive opens with clean acoustic guitar, which quickly explodes into electronic beats and a dreamy, club-inspired chorus. Loveta’s angelic vocals lead the way, with strong mixing and simple reverb and tone effects that give each line total clarity and power. By the second chorus, subtle new production elements and background melodies have lifted the energy even higher, and by its final loop, a busy, bright synth takes it up towards the heavens.

Lyrically, the track is relatively simple, emphasising imagery of road trips through summer landscapes. As a result of covering one of the most frequently discussed topics in pop music, some lines come across cliché. But it’s hard not to appreciate how these lyrics really do contribute to Drive’s irresistible, making for a catchy, easily singable number. With an EP on the way thanks to NZ On Air’s artist development fund, Loveta’s Drive is well worth a listen, showcasing a strong level of passion and artistic promise.