Afrojack & Hardwell – Hollywood [January 25 – Revealed Recordings]

I think we’ve got a contender for first smash hit of the year right here. The collaboration between Afrojack and Hardwell developed from a generic Instagram picture capturing them in the studio, and led to the creation of “Hollywood”. If you listened closely to Hardwell On Air 250, or basically any set by either DJ since May 2015, then there’s a very good shot you’ve heard this tune. This track had also been floating around the Internet under the working title of “Mindfuck,” and had also been attributed as an Afrojack original. Afrojack is fresh off a remix for Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike‘s “Higher Place,” while Hardwell recently released a huge free download tune by the name of “Blackout” to celebrate his birthday. “Hollywood” will be released via Revealed Recordings on January 25.

“Hollywood” is one of those collaborations where it’s newly impossible to discern which artist did what. The breakdown kicks off with a rather mellow pluck synth going through a complex yet catchy chord progression, before growing into a full-blown layering of thick chords. There’s a chopped up vocal that comes into play next, serving as a bit of a bridge between the break and the build. Snare rolls bring the drop closer, and then the real craziness happens. Screaming synths combine with a razor-sharp bassline to create a trademark Dutch house drop that both Afrojack and Hardwell can be proud of.

After the long wait, “Hollywood” will release via Revealed Recordings on January 25,