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The track “Friend of Mine” is engaging for young listeners while giving a nod to parents in the back of the room.
Photo: Rihanna via YouTube
This summer’s new Smurfs film seems to be attracting millennial musicians familiar with the series, eager to put their mark on the revival as they step into parenthood. Last month’s “Higher Love” blended DJ Khaled and Cardi B features onto a South Asian trap reimagining of Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” rich with sensual subtext for Smurfette, the sole female in the Smurf group. Today, “Friend of Mine” showcases the anticipated return of dance-floor sensation Rihanna, who hasn’t released an upbeat house track since 2016’s “This Is What You Came For” with Calvin Harris. Her soundtrack contributions lean towards ballads: Star Trek Beyond‘s “Sledgehammer” is hauntingly Sia-esque; Black Panther 2’s “Lift Me Up” resonated with our sorrow following Chadwick Boseman’s passing. “Friend of Mine” seeks to fill the air with comfort rather than overwhelming high notes.
The narrative is straightforward: Rihanna (voicing Smurfette) has encountered someone intriguing. The repetitive chorus resonates with simplicity, devoid of intricate lyrical explanations. This isn’t the Rih from Loud or even her Calvin Harris collaboration, who emphasized formality and escalating tension. Instead, it resembles remixes that distill vocal performances to their most delightful essence, layered over propulsive beats—reminiscent of Adele edits from the 2010s or a dynamic Renaissance tour opener, seamlessly combining pop-laden vowels. There’s a comforting familiarity paired with the mainstream dance-pop trends of today. It serves as a subtle, long-awaited treat: the catchy tune you’ve been anticipating for years, complete with a low-register flourish in the final seconds, designed for attentive listeners. This family-friendly anthem offers a refreshing take compared to the uninspired material Rihanna previously contributed for DreamWorks’ Home, as she honed in on a signature style for Anti.
The realm of parent-focused music is crowded; the opportunity to create a hit akin to Justin Timberlake’s exuberantly cheerful Trolls chart-topper “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” inspires all types of curiosities—such as the overly sweet original Jack Black songs about video games or the charming voice-over performances by Anderson .Paak. The Smurfs soundtrack envisions a collaboration between pop stars and animated figures that doesn’t solely rely on children clamoring for a repeat. “Friend of Mine” embraces the straightforwardness and repetitive melody characteristic of viral hits like “Baby Shark,” yet it incorporates elements of American ballroom and European dance music. It can be interpreted as a wholesome reflection on fleeting friendships or an ode to a chance encounter at a party. Much like “Higher Love,” “Friend of Mine” is catchy for kids but also delivers a playful nod to parents in the audience. It hints at a refreshing direction for Rihanna’s music in the age of parental influence, all while maintaining some intrigue; it raises the timeless question of when R9 will finally arrive.
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