Rihanna, “Lift Me Up” | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-winning artist Rihanna makes a lovely return with “Lift Me Up,” the promo single from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By.

“Lift me up / Hold me down / Keep me close / Safe and sound.” After a lengthy hiatus – six years – 🏆 Grammy-winning R&B/pop artist 🎙 Rihanna is back! 🎵 “Lift Me Up” isn’t a promo single for a new Rihanna album, but it does serve as a promo single from 💿 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By.  Hey – we’re just glad Robyn is back! She penned “Lift Me Up” alongside 🎼 ✍ 🎛  Ludwig Goransson (also produces), 🎼 ✍ Ryan Coogler, and 🎼 ✍ Temilade.  This return is special as Rihanna pays tribute to the late actor 🎭 Chadwick Boseman who starred in the lead role of the original Black Panther. 

Given its tribute status, “Lift Me Up” is a ballad.  Rihanna has recorded her fair share of ballads, even if it’s her quicker records that tend to catch the ear the most.  Vocally, on “Lift Me Up,” she sounds utterly sublime.  Her lower register still has a bite and an edge that is stunning.  Her upper register, including some falsetto moments (for lack of a better word), is also quite impressive.  The backdrop by Ludwig Goransson is warm and feels like a proper memorial and tribute, much like the simple but thoughtful lyrics: “When you depart, keep me safe / Safe and sound.”

Final Thoughts 💭 

While many probably anticipated or hope a Rihanna return would come in the form of a catchy, dance-oriented record, this ballad, 🎵 “Lift Me Up”, is incredibly beautiful.  Her voice just might be the biggest selling point as she sounds as great as ever.  The production is sweet, while the lyrics are moving.  “Lift Me Up” isn’t game-changing in the world of pop, but it is a strong return for an artist who dominated during her prime.

🎙 Rihanna • 🎵 “Lift Me Up (from Blank Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By)” • 🏷 Westbury Road Entertainment LLC / Roc Nation • 🗓 10.28.22

[📷: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Roc Nation, Westbury Road Entertainment LLC