ATRL Contributor
Member Since: 8/8/2006
Posts: 42,086
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Reviews for Superpower
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A stand-out track, as might be expected from collaborators Frank Ocean and Pharell Williams. With a doo wop vocal undercurrent, string washes and orchestral drum rolls, the backing is like listening to an unusually restrained Phil Spector production through a digital future prism. Like most of the songs on the album it never quite takes off, as if restraint was the watchword.
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“Superpower” is a mysterious, meandering alt-R&B experiment that wouldn’t sound out of place on Frank Ocean’s own Channel Orange album. It’s the kind of multi-layered treat that unfolds with each listen, so be patient with this Pharrell-produced grower.
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Another track courtesy of Pharrell, 'Superpower' is epic - low tempo, but mesmerising thanks to its intriguing instrumentation; layers of vocal samples merged with soaring strings. Frank Ocean's contribution is short but his presence is very much felt in the thought provoking lyrics, which he co-wrote.
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Reviews for Love On The Brain
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Sure, Rihanna’s past musical aesthetic had a wounded sensibility. But none of those other tracks showcase just how incredibly balanced it is. Taking influence from Amy Winehouse, Etta James (“Rather Go Blind”) and Sam Cooke, this rough-edged, soulful ballad finds Rih at her vocal best. I never thought I’d see the day when she tried her hand at ’50s doo-wop, and I’m not complaining!
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An actual song. With its guitar arpeggio, swirling organ, simple chord progression and repeat backing vocals, this is basically a standard, mid-tempo retro soul anthem, with Rihanna channelling Amy Winehouse. Again, in the context of Anti , it sounds like a work of pop genius.
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Oh yes, on the subject of Anti being unusual – here’s Rihanna’s ‘50s doowop-inspired ballad, ‘Love On The Brain’. It’s totally brilliant, with the singer showcasing the kind of vocals we’ve not heard from her before, oscillating between her trademark snarl, Mariah Carey high notes and soaring Beyonce-style vocal acrobatics. It’s like three performances in one. The rolling organ and romantic string arrangements are offset by the dark-as-**** lyrics, which seem to be Rihanna’s ode to a violent lover (which of course make you think of her being assaulted by Chris brown in 2009): “It beats me black and blue but it ****s me so good / Must be love on the brain.” Essentially this is The Crystals' ‘He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss)’ for 2016.
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Comparison between both is just made by those who are musical ignorant
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that gif
