October 28, 20222 yr Meh... I really didn't want to be disappointed by this. It's not even the fact that it's a ballad and not something more upbeat, Rihanna has recorded some stunning ballads in her time. It's the fact that it seems to go nowhere and just slog along for 3 minutes, talk about background music. I guess it probably makes more sense in the context of the film and i'm hoping it will grow on me with more listens but I guess you can't help but want to feel impressed when you've waited so long for an artist to release new music. I wouldn't say it's completely terrible and I don't see the problem with her vocals, just bland which is not what she usually delivers. It's getting strong streaming support so seems to be being launched as her 'comeback single' even if it is only for a soundtrack. Seems to be doing well on the very early Apple update but I guess you have to factor in curiosity streams for a new Rihanna track there. Fingers crossed the forever unconfirmed studio album is coming next year and overshadows this lol.
October 28, 20222 yr dreadful. should have been left to a special "omg its Rihanna" moment in the credits and thrown as a bonus track on the album.
October 28, 20222 yr I actually think her vocals sound a bit rough.... Either way I think it would have worked as an intro or interlude but doesn't feel like a complete song.
October 28, 20222 yr No doubt in the context of the film it will be very fitting, which is why I'm fine with it being a soundtrack single, but that I wouldn't want the same track to necessarily lead an album where it might be representative of the whole era. I think it's a really lovely song though and I think Rihanna sounds gorgeous on it. I don't find it boring and disagree that it doesn't go anywhere, the music is incredibly beautiful and I've found myself listening to the instrumental a lot too, it has a stunning Baroque quality to it. It's not what I expected or probably thought I wanted from a Rihanna comeback single, but actually it's really hitting the spot, as ballads always do for me at this time of year. Edited October 28, 20222 yr by gooddelta
October 28, 20222 yr Absolutely agreed! If it was to lead an album and "set the tone" for the album, I'd still love it, but it wouldn't have been what I wanted for her first album back. I think they've really nailed it with what it's intention was. To soundtrack and celebrate the life of Chadwick for one of the biggest movie releases of the year. If her proper lead away from the soundtrack is a ballad, then I'm gonna be pissed (whilst probably singing my heart out to it lmao x) but I don't care about that too much atm. Hope we see her perform this at the Oscars this year!
October 28, 20222 yr Looks like a music video is coming: https://twitter.com/rihanna/status/15858667...jW_yMw&s=19
October 29, 20222 yr I find it almost patronising listening to people (not necessarily here but certainly on twitter) think the issue with the song is that it’s a ballad. Rihanna has fantastic ballads like Unfaithful, Take A Bow etc but this is just not a good zongn. The instrumental itself is like some odd iPhone alarm, and it goes.. nowhere?
October 29, 20222 yr Very underwhelmed by this. Dare I say, I find her vocals in that final half a minute unlistenable (the "hold me"s) :( not sure I'll be returning to it in a hurry.
October 29, 20222 yr It's really meh. I agree with The Guardian's review, the sound of money not artistry.
October 29, 20222 yr I hope this will click for me eventually. I'm taken aback that a comeback (of sorts) single from Rihanna doesn't make me want to press play over and over again! :cry:
October 29, 20222 yr I am on the fence with the whole ballad release. Whilst shes not really traditionally known for her ballad releases, the ones she has put out there are distinguished with her. Saying that, waiting all these years & coming back with this song is a dreadful decision.
October 29, 20222 yr Still loving this. I think her vocal cracks are stunning and perfect for the song. I'm so excited to listen to it in the context of BP2 too. It's gonna destroy me I fear!
October 29, 20222 yr This is... fine I guess? Cannot help but thinking how many better songs there is on ANTI alone though
October 29, 20222 yr If this song smashes which it looks it will, then hopefully it will bring a bit of a relief for those of yall that dont't like it. And also good press for her comeback with a song that sort of divides the fans with mixed reaction to unite and Bragg when/if it smashes the charts. Edited October 29, 20222 yr by Dinno
October 29, 20222 yr It is amazing, the perfect antidote to the constant dance features by Becky Hill, Ella Henderson ect right now. That is why Taylor and Midnight are doing so well too.
