People to People is the second extended play (EP) by the American 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 also 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 received 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
DNCE released the single "Dance", on January 26, 2018.[1] On the same day, they performed the song on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, which coincided with the host's birthday celebration.[2] On April 6, the band made a featuring appearance on Italian record producer duo Merk & Kremont's single, "Hands Up".[3] Then, on the days leading up to the EP's release, the band teased the upcoming songs on their Instagram account.[4][5] And on June 15, they released their second extended play, People to People, as a surprise release.[6][4] The cover art was designed by Mexican-American artist Carlos Ramirez.[7][8]
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.[10]
Billboard regarded the songs on the EP as showcasing 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".[4] On that regard, Jonas stated that the songs on the EP present a different and more serious side to the band, to which he commented: "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".[4]
Critical reception
The EP received positive to mixed reviews from critics, who positively commented on Joe Jonas' vocals and the record's funk-inspired sound, but who noted that it has forgettable songs.
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".[11] In a review for CelebMix, Katrina Rees wrote that the EP has elements 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".[15]
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".[16] 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.[17]
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.[18] The EP marked the last project to feature bassist Cole Whittle,[19] who did not return to the band on subsequent releases, in order to focus on solo material.[20]
In 2022, DNCE resumed work with the release of "Dancing Feet",[21][22] a collaboration with Norwegian record producer and DJ Kygo,[23] released on February 25, 2022.[20] Three months later, they released the single "Move",[24][25] which marked their first solo song since the release of the People to People EP.[26] On July 8, 2022, DNCE released the single "Got Me Good".[27][28]
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