Reading Time: 2 min read

3 out of 5 stars

Nicki Minaj, Regret in Your Tears © Cash MoneyNicki Minaj sees the “Regret” in her ex’s tears.  “Regret in Your Tears” is a groovy and up tempo, but centers on the artists’ recent breakup. 

In preparation for her comeback, Nicki Minaj released three new singles. Two of those singles were collaborative – “No Frauds” (featuring Lil Wayne and Drake) and “Changed It” (featuring Lil Wayne).  The third single of the bunch, “Regret in Your Tears” is urban contemporary as opposed to hip-hop. Nicki trades in rhymes for vocals.

“Regret in Your Tears” has a tropical sensibility, thanks to the beat and gimmicky vocals.  Initially, this could be mistaken for a Rihanna record.  She even references “Work” as she sings, “And you know nah-nah-nah-nah-nah, not a b*tch.”  Even though the record is groovy and up-tempo, this is a break-up track through and through.  From the jump, Nicki shares her feelings about how things ended.

“Look at you now, stuck in the background / Silence right now sounds so loud / Tried to let you go, you come back ‘round / look at you now, stuck in the background.”

At least a portion of the lyrics are poetic, but definitely not transcendent.  She’s edgier on the second verse, referencing her physical attributes and sex in general.  Her best line comes at the end:

“Drop down, turn around, baby show you like this / Won’t find another one to ride it like a soldier like this.”

Sigh, she brings it all together on the chorus.

“Regret in your tears, know you taste ‘em / ‘Cause you know I don’t chase, I replace ‘em / Don’t rush, take time, take some / I just wanted memories, tried to make some with you / Now I gotta erase some with you.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Nicki Minaj gets her point across easily on “Regret in Your Tears.”  It’s groovy, but not necessarily a hit.  Nicki has had many hits, and while “Regret” has potential, it doesn’t sound like the crème de la crème of her rich catalogue.  Still, her mood and attitude a greatly appreciated here.

Nicki Minaj • Regret in Your Tears – single • Cash Money • Release: 3.10.17 
Photo Credit: Cash Money

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.