People to People is the second extended play (EP) by the American-Korean band DNCE, released on June 15, 2018, through Republic Records. Production was handled by Robin Hannibal, Stuart Crichton, and Ido Zmishlany. The project marks a more serious sound from the band, which contrasts with earlier, more wackier releases.
The EP was the last project DNCE released before their hiatus, in which the lead singer Joe Jonas and drummer Jack Lawless resumed work with the Jonas Brothers in 2019. This marked their last project with bassist and keyboardist Cole Whittle, who did not return to DNCE after the band reunited in early 2022.
People to People receive positive to mixed reviews from music critics, who noted its mature nature in comparison to the band's previous works. Jonas' vocals were generally praised, while the songs in the EP were considered good, but also forgettable.
Background and promotion
These new songs represent the evolution that the band has gone through over the last couple of years. They're a little more chill, sophisticated. We've matured together, and so has the music.
– Joe Jonas on the songs featured on their new EP,via Entertainment Focus.[1]
DNCE released the single "Dance", on January 26, 2018.[2] On the same day, they performed the song on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, which coincided with the host's birthday celebration.[3][4] On April 6, the band made a featuring appearance on Italian record producer duo Merk & Kremont's single, "Hands Up".[5] On the days leading up to the EP's release, the band teased the songs on their Instagram account.[6][7] And on June 15, they released their second extended play, People to People, as a surprise release.[8][6] The cover art was designed by Mexican-American artist Carlos Ramirez.[9][10]
Billboard regarded the songs on the EP sees DNCE in a "different, more serious side to their musicality", with lead singer, Joe Jonas, singing about "different aspects of romance, from casual encounters to maintaining the strength of a good and solid relationship".[6] On that regard, Jonas stated that the songs on the EP present a different and more serious side to the band, in which he commentated: "I feel like musically, the band's come a long way", adding, "We released "Cake by the Ocean" two years ago. It's fun, it's wacky, we're so proud of it, but there's a serious side to us as well".[6]
Medium's Chris Any wrote that "TV in the Morning" opens the EP with funk-like beats, calling it an "aid-back mid-tempo summer bops that everybody is trying their hands on at the moment" and that it is amongst DNCE's best work.[16] "Still Good" was called a "mid-tempo ballad that marries summary soundscapes with melancholy lyrics", which explores themes of heartbreak in a well-executed manner.[16] He thought that "Lose My Cool" was a "sonic convertible trip along the coast in bright sunlight" that repeats formulas predictably used before, but that the song is fun nonetheless.[16] Any said that "Man On Fire" closes the EP as a "solid effort", highlighting its pre-chorus and its glam rock influences, tough not exploring new territories in its lyrical content.[16]
The EP received positive to mixed reviews from critics, who positively commented on Joe Jonas' vocals and the record's funk-inspired sound, but that it has forgettable songs. Writing for Medium, Chris Any found the EP a summarization of the band's discography and described "Lose My Cool" and "Man on Fire" as "two alright but slightly forgettable tracks" that are overshadowed by the other songs. The critic wrote that "Still Good" is a great song and that "TV in the Morning" is an "absolute banger", commenting on its potential to become a global hit. He further complimented Jonas' vocals on the record, noting it suits the songs well.[16]
Talking about People to People, Official Charts Company's Rob Copsey wrote that those are "four solid pop offerings that show a band who aren't afraid to experiment", while noting Prince's funk influences and the playful lyrics. He also highlighted the minimalist production on "Lose My Cool", calling it "deceptively addictive".[12] In a review for CelebMix, Katrina Rees wrote that the EP has elements of that recall the band's previous works, but also displayed a significant maturity both sonically and lyrically. She added that the record is their "most cohesive body of work to date", showcasing a "slick, irresistible sound". Lastly, she praised Jonas' vocals, describing them as "superbly captivating".[17]
Bleached's Thomas Bleach gave People to People a mixed review. He described the EP as "a more chilled out collection of tracks", which presents DNCE as a "little less chaotic" and delivers "smoother harmonies", but that it lacks the spark present on their previous songs. Although Bleach highlighted Jonas' vocals, he thought the songs were not memorable, with the exception of "Still Good", which he called "vulnerable" and "heartfelt".[18] Lauren Gribble of Listen Here Reviews noted the record's funk influences, and praised the lead singer's vocals. She described "Lose My Cool" as "a simplistic beat that allows the group to dive into a minimal pop song". Lastly, she noted that the EP kept the "constant colorful vibe" that the band showcased throughout their discography.[19]
Hiatus and subsequent releases
After the release of People to People, the band went on a hiatus, during which Jonas and Lawless resumed work with the Jonas Brothers, following the band's reunion in 2019.[20] The EP marked the last project to feature bassist Cole Whittle,[21] who did not return to the band on subsequent releases, in order to focus on solo material.[22]
In 2022, DNCE resumed work with the release of "Dancing Feet",[23][24] a collaboration with Norwegian record producer and DJ Kygo,[25] released on February 25, 2022.[22] Three months later, they released the single "Move",[26][27] which marked their first solo song since the release of the People to People EP (2018).[28] On July 8, 2022, DNCE released the single "Got Me Good".[29][30]
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