It's safe to say the promotional roll out for Rihanna's eighth studio album, ANTI, has been a complete disaster. Where are the Good Girl Gone Bad days?
One year ago, the premiere of the project's folk-y lead single "FourFiveSeconds" featuring Paul McCartney and Kanye West fell upon us, for better or for worse. It somehow went on to become a top ten hit, and seemed to mark a strong start for the anticipated album. However, after the lackluster performances of follow-up singles "Bitch Better Have My Money" and "American Oxygen", and numerous unexplained delays, excitement for the project seems to have lost some necessary steam.
This all leads up to the unfortunate release of the album's next official single (the "FIRST SINGLE" according to Rihanna), a laid-back collaboration with Drake titled "Work". On top of this being the longest wait in between albums in the artist's career, a nine-month wait for a new single should result in an effort that is remarkable, attention-grabbing and possibly groundbreaking. Upon first listen, the latest ANTI effort falls into none of these categories.
Clocking in at under four minutes, the tropical-influenced track features some of the artist's most mediocre songwriting since she jumped on the music scene in 2005. That's because the song credits eight songwriters for the content. The repetitive, downright lazily constructed chorus is supported by an incoherent, difficult to comprehend, vocal performance from Rihanna that should enrage fans. Seriously, her annunciation is terrible. "If I get another chance to, I will never, no never neglect you, I mean who am I to hold your past against you," she sings on the track's most meaningful lyric.
Two minutes in, Drake appears for his commendable verse, and just like the two other times the two artists have paired up, the rapper knows how to compliment Rihanna. His verse, while mildly suggestive, is still heartfelt, cohesive and aids the song in reaching a strong finish. "Work" sounds rushed, as if it was confidently finished in one take, and shamefully uses a production style that has already been heard on a few successful songs this year. She could have done it first, but Rihanna is a little late to the party now. Can Sia give "Cheap Thrills" back to Rih?
When compared to Rihanna's past chart-toppers, with tracks like "Disturbia", "Rude Boy" and "We Found Love", the song doesn't live up to her potential. Hell, it doesn't even compare to "Bitch Better Have My Money" or "American Oxygen", and those weren't even stellar releases to begin with. There are small glimpses of how "Work" could have... well, worked better. The verses are sincere, the chemistry between Rihanna and Drake is intact, but the dull and annoying chorus drags the finished product down to amateurish levels. It's not good, it's not a grower, I'll personally stick with "What's My Name?".
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