Joy Crookes did her big one in 2021 when she released “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now,” the lead single from her debut album Skin. The song seemed to be everywhere, even landing on the soundtrack for the video game FIFA 22. That placement led it to become one of the unofficial anthems for the World Cup and brought a resurgence of the song around this year’s festivities. With it back on the public’s radar, Joy takes advantage of the new momentum by inviting singer-songwriter Ravyn Lenae into the mix for the revamped track “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now - Part 2.”
The song’s foundation doesn’t change for this new version. It’s still soaring strings paired with bass and drums that feel like ’60s pop-soul meets the epic sound of a James Bond theme. Joy’s smoky vocal also remains in the pocket as she speaks to living with doubts and having the courage to find her own way.
The addition of Ravyn Lenae, however, adds a different color to the proceedings. Her voice is lighter and airier, marking a beautiful contrast with Joy’s own. She also offers a new second verse to find her own inspirations. “Beat, the beating in my chest / I’m searching for thе best in me, then forgеt the rest,” she sings. “So baby, let’s hold on to something, there’s no time for frontin’ / There’s something that I need to get out.”
Joy took some time to discuss the song’s enduring appeal in a press release. “It’s written from the perspective of someone who finds it easier to remain complicit out of a fear of being cancelled... I hope the song encourages people to be a bit braver, whilst the [cancel culture] themes are clear in my head the chorus is universal - ‘man I guess I was scared, feet don’t fail me now, I got to stand my ground and though I’m down for trying, I am better in denial so I hush don’t make a sound.’ Open up a dialogue, speak out, make mistakes - that’s okay and that’s how progress happens.”
“Feet Don’t Fail Me Now - Part 2” is a testament to how much a well-written song that resonates can truly endure the test of time. And it also shows how a collaboration between two inspiring artists can continue to inspire others.
Watch Joy Crookes and Ravyn Lenae come together to create a new magic moment in the visualizer for the song below.
