Eastside – benny blanco, Halsey & Khalid
Released in 2018, “Eastside” by Benny Blanco featuring Halsey and Khalid quickly became a hit, resonating with audiences around the world. The song blends catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a captivating beat to create a sound that is both modern and reflective of youthful romance. With its themes of love, longing, and nostalgia, “Eastside” captures the essence of a generation navigating the complexities of relationships.
The Artists Behind the Song
Benny Blanco, an accomplished songwriter and producer, has worked with some of the biggest names in music, crafting hits for artists like Justin Bieber, Maroon 5, and Rihanna. His production style combines pop sensibilities with emotional depth, making him a perfect fit for “Eastside.”
Halsey, known for her distinctive voice and genre-blending style, brings a sense of vulnerability and emotional intensity to the track. Her lyrics often reflect personal experiences, making her a relatable figure to many fans.
Khalid, a rising star in the music industry, is celebrated for his smooth vocals and contemporary R&B influences. His ability to convey emotion through his singing makes him an integral part of “Eastside.”
The collaboration between these three artists showcases their strengths and creates a unique sound that resonates with listeners.
Lyrical Themes: A Story of Love and Yearning
“Eastside” tells a story of young love, exploring themes of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple dreaming of a future together while grappling with the realities of their current situation.
The opening lines introduce a sense of reminiscence, as the singers reflect on their shared past and the dreams they hold for the future. The chorus, characterized by its catchy melody, emphasizes the idea of love transcending obstacles, with the recurring line “We can go back to the east side.” This phrase evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort, suggesting that love can be a refuge even amid life’s challenges.
Halsey’s verses delve into the emotional turmoil of relationships, capturing the complexity of feelings that come with love. She expresses the bittersweet nature of longing, highlighting the joys and pains of being deeply connected to someone while also feeling the weight of distance and uncertainty.
Khalid’s contributions to the song complement Halsey’s sentiments, as he adds his perspective on the relationship’s struggles and aspirations. His smooth vocals and relatable lyrics create a sense of unity, conveying a shared experience that many listeners can relate to.
Musical Composition: A Blend of Pop and R&B
Musically, “Eastside” showcases a seamless blend of pop and R&B influences, creating a sound that is both catchy and emotionally resonant. The production features a laid-back, yet rhythmic beat, driven by piano chords and subtle synths that create a dreamy atmosphere.
The song’s structure is well-crafted, with each artist’s contributions thoughtfully integrated into the overall composition. Halsey’s ethereal vocals introduce a sense of yearning, while Khalid’s verses add a layer of depth and reflection. Benny Blanco’s production ties everything together, ensuring a polished and cohesive sound.
The chorus, with its infectious hook, serves as the emotional core of the song, inviting listeners to sing along. The combination of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics makes “Eastside” not only a radio-friendly hit but also a song that resonates on a deeper emotional level.
The Official Music Video: Visual Storytelling
The official music video for “Eastside” further enhances the song’s themes of love and nostalgia. Directed by the talented Hannah Lux Davis, the video features a narrative that complements the lyrics, showcasing the journey of two young lovers as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship.
Set against the backdrop of a picturesque suburban landscape, the video captures intimate moments between the couple, from playful adventures to heartfelt conversations. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of youth and love, emphasizing the emotional connection between the characters.
One of the standout elements of the video is its use of color and lighting to convey mood. Warm tones and soft lighting create a dreamy atmosphere, reinforcing the song’s themes of nostalgia and longing. The visuals resonate with the song’s message, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with love and relationships.
Cultural Impact and Reception
“Eastside” was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, quickly climbing the charts in various countries. Its relatable themes and catchy melodies made it a favorite among listeners, and it became a staple on radio playlists and streaming platforms.
The song has also been recognized for its impact on the pop music landscape, showcasing the growing trend of collaborations between artists across different genres. The successful blending of Halsey’s pop sensibilities with Khalid’s R&B influences and Benny Blanco’s production expertise reflects the evolution of contemporary music, where boundaries are increasingly blurred.
Additionally, “Eastside” has sparked numerous covers and fan interpretations, further solidifying its status as a modern anthem. The song’s themes resonate with audiences of all ages, particularly younger generations who find themselves navigating the complexities of love and relationships in today’s world.
Conclusion: A Modern Anthem of Love
Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid’s “Eastside” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in music. With its infectious melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and relatable themes, the song captures the essence of young love, longing, and nostalgia.
Through its compelling storytelling and emotional depth, “Eastside” resonates with listeners, reminding them of the beauty and complexity of relationships. As the song continues to be celebrated and revisited, it reinforces the idea that love is a universal experience that transcends time and place.
In an era where music often serves as a soundtrack to our lives, “Eastside” remains a powerful anthem that captures the spirit of youth and the enduring nature of love. Whether played at a party or shared during intimate moments, the song invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys of love, making it a timeless addition to the contemporary music landscape.
Uh
Yeah, yeah
When I was young, I fell in love
We used to hold hands, man, that was enough (yeah)
Then we grew up, started to touch
Used to kiss underneath the light on the back of the bus (yeah)
Oh no, your daddy didn’t like me much
And he didn’t believe me when I said you were the one
Oh, every day she found a way out of the window to sneak out late
She used to meet me on the Eastside
In the city where the sun don’t set
And every day you know that we ride
Through the backstreets of a blue Corvette
Baby, you know I just wanna leave tonight
We can go anywhere we want
Drive down to the coast, jump in the seat
Just take my hand and come with me, yeah
We can do anything if we put our minds to it
Take your whole life then you put a line through it
My love is yours if you’re willing to take it
Give me your heart ’cause I ain’t gonna break it
So come away, starting today
Start a new life, together in a different place
We know that love is how these ideas came to be
So baby, run away, away with me
Seventeen and we got a dream to have a family
A house and everything in between
And then, oh, suddenly we turned twenty-three
Now we got pressure for taking our life more seriously
We got our dead-end jobs and got bills to pay
Have old friends and know our enemies
Now I, I’m thinking back to when I was young
Back to the day when I was falling in love
He used to meet me on the Eastside
In the city where the sun don’t set
And every day you know where we ride
Through the backstreets in a blue Corvette
And baby, you know I just wanna leave tonight
We can go anywhere we want
Drive down to the coast, jump in the seat
Just take my hand and come with me
Singing
We can do anything if we put our minds to it
Take your whole life then you put a line through it
My love is yours if you’re willing to take it
Give me your heart ’cause I ain’t gonna break it
So come away, starting today
Start a new life, together in a different place
We know that love is how these ideas came to be
So baby, run away with me
Run away, now
Run away, now
Run away, now
Run away, now
Run away, now
Run away, now
He used to meet me on the Eastside
She used to meet me on the Eastside
He used to meet me on the Eastside
She used to meet me on the Eastside
In the city where the sun don’t set