Scarlett Mullender


Ahead of the release of her second studio album: ‘Diamonds and Dancefloors,’ pop princess, Ava Max, has teased a sombre side to her typically sanguine discography with her new single, ‘Dancing’s Done.’

American starlet, Ava Max, has mesmerised the world with a sublime combination of musical talent and effeminate charm since her debut in 2018, becoming certified platinum in 2021 with her smash-hit studio album ‘Heaven & Hell,’ and cementing herself into chart-topping infamy with ‘Sweet but Psycho.’

Now, much to the delight of fans internationally, she’s back with a vengeance. ‘Dancing’s Done’ adds a contemporary, emotionally-poignant edge to her already star-studded portfolio.

Max distributed the ethereal dance ballad on December 20th, making it the fourth and final single available, prior to the long-awaited album’s January 27th release. It stands as part of an exhilarating quartet of dance-pop bliss for fans alongside three other songs: ‘Weapons,’ ‘Million Dollar Baby,’ and ‘Maybe You’re The Problem.’

“the ideal track for exercise, clubbing or simply recreational enjoyment”

Listeners are rewarded with many classic elements of Max’s style within the song, including her distinctive soprano vocals, a richly intoxicating bassline, and a magnificently catchy four-beat dance tempo in both the primary verses and chorus, making it the ideal track for exercise, clubbing or simply recreational enjoyment.

However, the track does diverge considerably from her other creations. Its intro is almost transcendental, possessing sonorous choir harmonies and a haunting guitar riff to a notably slow rhythm before the song builds momentum, alluding to a more ominous sense of isolation within the theme, which subterfuges the upbeat elements. This collocation of conflicting emotions could resonate profoundly with both Max’s audience and the wider population, ascending the song from memorable dance anthem to honourably vulnerable pop ballad.

‘Dancing’s Done’ also juxtaposes the three available titles from ‘Diamonds and Dancefloor,’ as it is written in both a C# key and minor mode, giving it a phenomenally haunting edge whilst being high energy.

“I wanna give into your dark temptation”

Lyrically, the song explores the notion of a potentially toxic attachment towards an individual, and the flurry of conflicting feelings that can result in.

Excerpts such as, “If you’re gonna leave me hangin’, then you’re gonna leave me dead,” and “I wanna give into your dark temptation,” in the pre-chorus and chorus allude to the catastrophic consequences of toxic attachment, and the addictive nature of tumultuous relationships. That almost purgatory state of being left to deal with overwhelming emotions void of the distraction of a loud party is also hinted at as Max sings, “So where we going when the dancing’s done?” as the chorus subsides.

A hypnotic visualiser for ‘Dancing’s Done’ can be seen on Spotify, which depicts Max lying atop a sparkling bed of diamonds, decked out in a silver swimsuit and bling to match, mirroring the dazzling dynamic of the track.

Ahead of ‘Diamonds and Dancefloors’’ January 27th release, Max has been teasing other tracks from the album on her Tiktok, Ava Max, being greeted with an astounding reception from fans.

One fan said: “The album is everything, I cannot wait till it officially drops,” emulating the excitement displayed by many for the singer’s resurgence.

Extra information is available on Ava Max’s website.


Featured image courtesy of KOBU Agency via Unsplash. Image license found here. No changes were made to this image. 

Journalist and Radio Presenter from Rochdale, England.

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