Perhaps her heart was in the right place, but Rita Ora falls short on her star-studded bisexually-driven anthem, “Girls,” which features Cardi B, Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha.

“I ain’t one-sided, I’m open-minded / I’m fifty-fifty and I’m never gonna hide it.” Oh boy – rather – oh girl! Typically, socially-charged songs, particularly those with a LGBTQ tilt, are applauded.  That has NOT been the case with the new Rita Ora single, “Girls,” which has received widespread criticism. The bisexually driven anthem ultimately falls flat, even if it that wasn’t the intention of Ora, or her start-studded cast including Cardi B,Charli XCX, and Bebe Rexha.

The aforementioned quote hails from the first verse, which is sung by Rita Ora.  Essentially, it seems to be an admission that Ora is bisexual, or at least not merely heterosexual.  Interpret it accordingly.  Charli XCX follows up with the pre-chorus, which encompasses a lesbian relationship, some ménage trois, and kush.  Wow.  On the chorus, Ora and XCX admit, “I just wanna kiss girls.” Bebe Rexha joins on the second verse, again focuses on same-sex attraction: “You know I tamed it, and then I named it / I put the lion in the cage and then I laid with her.” Ugh. Following a bridge where “She gettin’ down with me,” Cardi B puts her too cents in.  “Seven-figure, never need a n*gga / I steal your bitch, have her down with the scissor/ Tonight, I don’t want a dog, I want a kitten.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, Rita Ora and company oversimplify bisexuality, same-sex attraction, and sexuality in general. This is a misguided pop record through and through, that had it been executed properly, could’ve packed a punch. The problem is, even with the misguided messaging, it’s not particularly a distinct record that feels game changing. The production is okay, but nothing to write home about.  The hook is repetitive and simple, but totally a dud.

Rita Ora • Girls – Single • Atlantic UK • Release: 5.11.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic UK