“Like A G6” is one of those songs that crept up on us. Seemingly coming out of nowhere, the Auto–tune–soaked track shot up the Billboard charts, and is currently sitting pretty at number two. As such, the pressure is on for the boys of Far*East Movement, whose major–label debut dropped this week. “Rocketeer” is the group’s follow–up to “Like A G6,” a risky choice that is likely to pay off.
“Rocketeer” differs from the “G6” sound in a few ways. Fans might be initially thrown off by the piano–driven beat, which features a bassline plucked straight from Kanye’s “Flashing Lights.” It’s a more toned-down sound, to be sure, and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder lends his voice to a soft, smooth chorus. Upon further listening, however, the track showcases many of FM's strength: a rigorous attention to melody, a party–ready sound (though this time it’s more Shwayze than LMFAO) and fun — if simplistic — verses that make singing along easy. While the grit of “Like a G6” is absent on “Rocketeer,” Far*East Movement’s talent for making a great pop record is as evident as ever.
