Jessie Ware and Romy have killed two birds with one stone. At the same time as they unveiled their first collaboration on stage at Glastonbury, it has now been released on all platforms. ‘Lift You Up’ is nothing we haven’t heard before – a 90s pop-house banger – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t as danceable as it is powerful.
Produced by Stuart Price, Lift You Up is a full-blown dancefloor collaboration, with both British artists trading verses and contributing lyrics. Together, their voices sound wonderful, although Ware’s power sometimes overwhelms Romy’s. “Why do I think too much about nothing? Why do I always put myself up against the wall?” they sing in the opening lines. There’s even a meta moment just before the chorus when they name-drop each other.
Romy previously collaborated with Ware on ‘Tough Love’, contributing to the songwriting of ‘Share It All’. Judging by their performance at Glastonbury, the two have plenty of chemistry. “I’ve been a fan of Jessie’s music for a long time and it’s been amazing to finally work together after so many years of friendship,” The XX member said. Meanwhile, Ware said she was “excited to be in the room with my friend, watch her work and hear her beautiful voice.”