Tom Wills takes a beloved Manchester classic and completely reshapes it for a new generation on his vibrant rework of James’ “Laid.” What could have easily been a straightforward nostalgia trip instead becomes something much more personal, celebratory, and emotionally layered.
Growing up with the original track playing constantly throughout his childhood, Wills approaches “Laid” with genuine connection rather than distant admiration. That emotional history gives the release an added depth, especially as he revisits the song through the lens of adulthood and queer identity. Lyrics that once simply sounded catchy now carry entirely new meaning, and that shift in perspective becomes the heart of this reinterpretation.
Produced alongside Sholz-Y, the track swaps indie rock melancholy for sleek dance-pop energy. Pulsing synths, melodic house influences, and driving rhythms push the song firmly onto the dancefloor while still preserving the restless spirit that made the original so iconic. There’s a glossy modern edge to the production, but it never feels overly polished or detached. Instead, it captures the euphoric release of losing yourself in a crowded club at 2am.
Vocally, Tom Wills brings warmth and personality to the track. His performance feels confident and playful while still carrying emotional weight underneath the surface. The song’s themes of fluidity, rebellion, and self-expression feel even more amplified in this version, transforming “Laid” into something that feels both nostalgic and newly liberating.
What makes the release stand out most is how naturally it bridges generations and genres. Fans of the original can still recognise the DNA of James’ classic songwriting, while newer listeners are likely to embrace it as a full-on dance anthem in its own right. That balance is not easy to pull off, but Wills handles it with ease.
With previous chart success, thousands of radio plays across Europe, and major Pride performances already under his belt, Tom Wills continues building momentum as an artist who understands both emotional storytelling and pure dancefloor escapism. “Laid” feels like a perfect fusion of both worlds.
Tom Wills brilliantly transforms ‘Laid’ into a euphoric dance-pop anthem, giving the classic track a fresh emotional pulse for a new era
