This Is What You Came For – Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna

Released on April 29, 2016, “This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna is a pulsating dance anthem that quickly captured the hearts of listeners around the globe. The song is a perfect blend of Harris’ signature electronic dance music (EDM) production and Rihanna’s sultry, captivating vocals. With its infectious beat, memorable lyrics, and visually stunning music video, the track became a staple in clubs and on charts worldwide. This article delves into the creation, themes, and impact of “This Is What You Came For,” exploring how it became a defining moment for both artists and a significant entry in the world of contemporary dance music.

The Creation of “This Is What You Came For”
The song was co-written by Calvin Harris and pop superstar Taylor Swift, who used the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg for her songwriting credit. The collaboration between Harris, a Scottish DJ and producer known for his chart-topping hits, and Swift, one of the biggest names in pop music, brought a unique synergy to the project. The involvement of Rihanna, who had previously collaborated with Harris on the hit “We Found Love,” added further star power to the track.

Calvin Harris handled the production, crafting a sleek and polished EDM sound that is both hypnotic and exhilarating. The song features a catchy synth hook, a driving beat, and a minimalist yet effective arrangement that allows Rihanna’s vocals to shine. The production’s restraint, avoiding overly complex layers, gives the track a clean and infectious quality that resonates on the dance floor and in casual listening environments alike.

Themes of Desire and Attraction
“This Is What You Came For” revolves around themes of desire, attraction, and the electric energy of the dance floor. The lyrics capture the moment of connection between two people, highlighting the anticipation and excitement that comes with attraction. Lines like “Baby, this is what you came for / Lightning strikes every time she moves” evoke the intensity and allure of a captivating presence, drawing listeners into the song’s narrative.

The chorus emphasizes the inevitability of this attraction, suggesting that the energy and connection felt are exactly what both parties came for. This theme of mutual desire and the magnetic pull between individuals is a central aspect of many dance anthems, making “This Is What You Came For” a relatable and powerful track for listeners.

The Official Music Video
Directed by Emil Nava, the official music video for “This Is What You Came For” is a visual feast that complements the song’s themes and energy. The video features Rihanna as the central figure, performing against a series of striking and dynamic backdrops. These backdrops, created through the use of projection mapping and digital effects, include vibrant geometric patterns, natural landscapes, and abstract designs that shift and change in sync with the music.

Rihanna’s performance in the video is both mesmerizing and effortless, capturing the essence of the song’s allure and energy. Her movements, expressions, and overall presence embody the lyrics and mood of the track, making her the perfect visual counterpart to the song’s narrative. The video’s use of light and color, combined with its seamless integration of digital effects, creates an immersive experience that enhances the impact of the song.

Reception and Impact
“This Is What You Came For” received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, praised for its infectious beat, catchy melody, and Rihanna’s captivating performance. The song achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and earning multi-platinum certifications. Its popularity was further bolstered by its strong presence on streaming platforms and social media, where the song’s danceable rhythm and memorable hook resonated with a wide audience.

The music video also garnered millions of views on YouTube, becoming a viral sensation and cementing the song’s status as a major hit. The video’s innovative use of projection mapping and digital effects was particularly praised, adding a new dimension to the song’s appeal and showcasing the possibilities of modern music video production.

Cultural Significance and Legacy
“This Is What You Came For” holds a significant place in contemporary music, symbolizing the power of collaboration and the universal appeal of dance music. Its themes of desire, attraction, and the energy of the dance floor resonate deeply with listeners, making it an anthem for nights out and moments of connection. The song’s success demonstrated the continued relevance and popularity of EDM in the mainstream music scene, highlighting Calvin Harris’ skill as a producer and Rihanna’s versatility as a performer.

The song’s impact extended beyond its commercial success, influencing discussions about the role of female artists in the EDM genre and the importance of innovative production techniques in creating memorable music. “This Is What You Came For” became more than just a hit; it became a cultural touchstone that showcased the potential of modern pop and dance music to captivate and inspire.

Conclusion
“This Is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna is more than just a chart-topping hit; it is a dynamic anthem that celebrates the energy of the dance floor and the allure of attraction. With its infectious beat, captivating vocals, and visually stunning music video, the song captured the hearts of millions and left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a testament to the power of collaboration and the universal themes of desire and connection, “This Is What You Came For” remains a defining moment in the careers of both Calvin Harris and Rihanna, reflecting their artistry and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary dance music.

Lyrics

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watching her
But she’s looking at you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watching her
But she’s looking at you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

You, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

We go fast with the game we play
Who knows why it’s gotta be this way
We say nothing more than we need
I say, “Your place” when we leave

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watching her
But she’s looking at you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

You, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
Yeah

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watching her
But she’s looking at you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, you, ooh, ooh
You, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh