Rather Be – Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne

“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne is a track that has left an indelible mark on the music industry since its release in January 2014. As part of Clean Bandit’s debut album New Eyes, the song was an immediate commercial success, earning widespread acclaim for its unique blend of classical instrumentation and contemporary electronic beats. Featuring Jess Glynne’s powerful vocals, “Rather Be” combines love-infused lyrics with an infectious melody, creating a song that’s both emotionally resonant and irresistibly danceable.

Background and the Rise of Clean Bandit
Clean Bandit, a British electronic music group, is known for their ability to blend classical music with elements of pop and electronic dance music (EDM). The band was formed in 2008 by Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson, Grace Chatto, and Milan Neil Amin-Smith. What makes Clean Bandit stand out is their incorporation of classical string arrangements, which provide a distinct richness and depth to their sound, as exemplified in “Rather Be.”

Prior to the release of “Rather Be,” Clean Bandit was relatively unknown outside of the UK music scene. However, the track marked a turning point for the group, propelling them into the global spotlight. Their experimental fusion of genres resonated with listeners, as it brought a fresh sound to mainstream pop music.

The Unique Blend of Genres in “Rather Be”
“Rather Be” is celebrated for its hybrid sound, effortlessly combining classical strings with a pulsating electronic beat. The track opens with an enchanting violin melody, which is soon joined by a syncopated rhythm and Jess Glynne’s soulful voice. The juxtaposition of classical music elements with modern production techniques creates a dynamic listening experience that feels both fresh and timeless.

The song’s structure allows for the seamless interaction between orchestral instruments and electronic synthesizers, a hallmark of Clean Bandit’s innovative approach to music. The use of string instruments, particularly the violin, adds a sense of grandeur to the song, while the electronic beats keep it rooted in the pop and EDM realms. This fusion of genres is what sets “Rather Be” apart from other tracks in the charts, as it bridges the gap between classical and contemporary music.

Jess Glynne’s Vocals and the Song’s Emotional Depth
One of the standout features of “Rather Be” is Jess Glynne’s powerful and emotive vocal performance. Her voice conveys both vulnerability and strength, making the song’s message of unwavering love and devotion even more impactful. Glynne’s vocal delivery adds a layer of emotional depth to the song, as she sings about the feeling of contentment and fulfillment that comes from being with the one you love.

The chorus of the song is particularly memorable, with Glynne’s vocals soaring over the euphoric melody: “When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be.” The repetition of this line emphasizes the central theme of the song—finding peace and happiness in the presence of a loved one. The lyrics are simple yet effective, resonating with listeners who have experienced the joy of love and companionship.

The Message of Love and Commitment
At its core, “Rather Be” is a love song. The lyrics express a deep sense of commitment and loyalty, with the narrator declaring that no matter where they are in the world, they would rather be with their partner. This theme of unconditional love is universal, making the song relatable to people from all walks of life.

The song’s message of love is complemented by its uplifting and positive tone. While many love songs tend to focus on heartbreak or longing, “Rather Be” is refreshingly optimistic. It celebrates the joy of being in a relationship where both partners are completely content with each other. The song’s feel-good vibe is infectious, and it’s no surprise that it became a favorite at weddings, celebrations, and on the dance floor.

The Official Music Video: A Journey Through Tokyo
The official music video for “Rather Be” adds another layer of intrigue to the song. Directed by Clean Bandit’s own Jack Patterson and produced by Grace Chatto, the video was shot in various locations around Tokyo, Japan. The video’s storyline follows a Japanese woman who begins experiencing visions of the band in various everyday scenarios, which seem to blur the line between reality and fantasy.

The video’s depiction of Tokyo is vibrant and colorful, reflecting the energy of the song. The Japanese setting adds an international flair, and the surreal narrative complements the song’s dreamlike quality. The band’s appearances in unexpected places, such as on walls or in reflections, symbolize the omnipresence of love in the protagonist’s life—just as the lyrics describe a constant feeling of companionship and devotion.

Commercial Success and Cultural Impact
“Rather Be” was not only a critical success but also a massive commercial hit. The song topped the charts in over 13 countries, including the UK, where it spent four weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Clean Bandit’s first entry into the top 10.

The song’s success was further solidified when it won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2015. This accolade recognized the track’s impact on the dance and electronic music scene, as well as its widespread appeal across different audiences.

Beyond its chart performance, “Rather Be” has left a lasting impact on pop culture. Its upbeat, feel-good nature made it a go-to song for celebrations, and it became a staple on radio stations and streaming platforms around the world. The song’s success also paved the way for other tracks that blend classical and electronic elements, solidifying Clean Bandit’s reputation as trailblazers in the music industry.

Conclusion: A Timeless Classic
“Rather Be” by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne is a song that transcends genres and time. Its unique fusion of classical strings with modern electronic beats, combined with Jess Glynne’s powerful vocals, creates a track that is both innovative and emotionally resonant. The song’s message of love and commitment is universal, and its infectious melody makes it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.

The success of “Rather Be” not only catapulted Clean Bandit and Jess Glynne to international fame but also showcased the potential of blending diverse musical styles. As a result, the song remains a shining example of how music can evolve while still staying true to its emotional core. Whether played at weddings, parties, or just on a quiet day at home, “Rather Be” continues to be a song that brings joy and positivity to everyone who listens to it.

Oh-oh, oh, oh, ah

We’re a thousand miles from comfort
We have travelled land and sea
But as long as you are with me
There’s no place I’d rather be
I would wait forever
Exalted in the scene
As long as I am with you
My heart continues to beat

With every step we take, Kyoto to the bay
Strollin’ so casually
We’re different and the same, gave you another name
Switch up the batteries

If you gave me a chance, I would take it
It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it
Know with all of your heart, you can’t shame me
When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be
No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be
No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be (Ooh, ooh)

We staked out on a mission
To find our inner peace
Make it everlasting
So nothing’s incomplete
It’s easy being with you
Sacred simplicity
As long as we’re together
There’s no place I’d rather be

With every step we take, Kyoto to the bay
Strollin’ so casually
We’re different and the same, gave you another name
Switch up the batteries (Yeah)

If you gave me a chance, I would take it
It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it
Know with all of your heart, you can’t shame me
When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be
No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be
No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be
When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be, yeah

Be
Ooh, ooh
Be, be, be, be, be, be, be, be, be
Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah, yeah (Ooh, yeah)

If you gave me a chance, I would take it
It’s a shot in the dark, but I’ll make it
Know with all of your heart, you can’t shame me
When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be

No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be (Be)
No, no, no, no, no, no place I’d rather be
No, no, no, no, no (No), no place I’d rather be
When I am with you, there’s no place I’d rather be, yeah