"Anything Could Happen," released on both sides of the pond today, is a stomping mid-tempo march ostensibly about a breakup (Goulding, who is currently attached to techno upstart and Grammy-sweeping dubstep poster boy Skrillex, has said of the album, "I didn't set out to write a break-up record but I think it became one"), but could relate equally to, say, that time in your life when you realize you don't have to keep people around forever if you don't want to. Goulding's raspy, distinctive vocals might surprise "Lights"-only familiars but those more experienced with the singer won't find that to be a new revelation; what is somewhat unexpected is the Goulding abandons her generally more demure tone for some rather Pat Benatar '80s rock wailing to drive home money shot lyrics like "Baby, I'll give you everything you need, but I don't think I need you."
It's a perfectly respectable tune, though it may not be everyone's taste; but because there isn't really much to offer those not captured or interested by the musical style (in terms of lyrics or message or performance, all of which are competent and serviceable but none especially fascinating in themselves), it seems unlikely to be a big smash like "Lights." When the album is released in early October we will be able to better judge Goulding's choice of debut single by the ability to discern its relation to the upcoming work it has been selected and put forward to represent and promote. If "Anything Could Happen" is to be judged as an apt ambassador for Ellie Goulding's upcoming sophomore set, it appears there may be a few (refreshing) surprises in store.
"Anything Could Happen"