top of page
Acest site a fost creat cu instrumentul pentru creat site-uri
.com
. Creează-ți astăzi site-ul.Începe acum
vBy8sYv.png

review 1: 87

​

It is with no doubt that what Rihanna achieved so far is something many can only dream of. She managed to reach the top of the industry and get on the same level as other pioneers (such as Mariah Carey, Lorde or Beyonce), with the acclaimed release of the now-Diamond certified album, "NEO". Its influence can still be sensed nowadays in most of new musical releases: whether it's in terms of sound, promotional campaign or visual aspect, Riri managed to bring something fresh and new to the table. However, the "NEO" album came out two years ago and ever since, everything changed in the industry. The level of success Rihanna has reached is slowly being achieved by Maluma now, who is now a force in the industry with only 4 official singles released off his debut album. The level of influence Rihanna has reached is slowly being achieved by Lana Del Rey now, who also became a staple for music in the meantime of Rih's hiatus. Yet, that didn't stop her from putting what is perhaps a daring extended play (dubbed as 'record'): "Mariposa Negra".

​

The opening track, "Palm Beach", shows how the singer is, once again, not afraid of pushing boundaries and experimenting with her music. Featuring a rap-specific delivery instead of her usual singing, the song is perhaps one of the strongest hip hop-oriented we've heard ever since Celiné Dion's "John Doe". Wrote as a slight diss track to her previous corporation, Universal Music Group, hidden behind a no-capitalism, no-greed anthem, Rihanna proves her versatility and introduces us to her new-found alter ego, Napalm Bitch. Even though the production makes the song fit in the trap genre, the delivery does not even come close to "mumble rap", which makes the song even better. Back to the lyrics, the fact that the singer wrote it by herself, with no aid from anyone, makes the whole track even more impressive.

​

After the moody, bass-filled "Beach" ends, the entire 'vibe' switches to the more energetic "Inhale". The song is, even from the start, entirely different from the opener, as it kicks off with a jarring synth over a sultry beat. Despite being cataloged as part of the electronic / alternative genre, "Inhale" still has some obvious hip hop influences, which helps a lot when it comes to cohesiveness. Another trait of the track that helps with that is the lyrical content of the first part, "In Hell", which translates as a sequel to "Palm Beach", as it continues Rihanna's expression of anger towards the "demons" mentioned previously. But only for the first half of the track. When what is a legendary beat switch, akin with Frank Ocean's "Nights", happens, it also changes the theme and the atmosphere, going from an irked attitude to an irked attitude accompanied by a positive message of 'live and let live' (sort of?). The lyrical content for the second portion of the song completes the first very well, yet it feels stronger. By contrasting an empowerment message to self with an empowerment message to a struggling listener,  the track solidifies itself and turns in the strongest points of the record.

​

Coming up is the proper first single off "Mariposa", "Dying Light". Following such a well-built song like "Inhale", one could think that nothing could top it. However, the top 40 peaking track does it and puts "Inhale" to shame. With the lyrics being inspired by a poem by Dylan Thomas, the same author who inspired Rih's Super Bowl campaign commercial, with a little twist added to it, "Light" ticks all the boxes. The production is haunting and very powerful, yet incorporates a dreamy texture that works extremely well with the introspective lyrical content. The general message is solid and related with the ones of the past 2 songs in a unique and cohesive manner, that remains catchy and impactful following the chorus. Thus, the image the song paints as it progresses traces the peak of the short vulnerability presented throughout this record. Nonetheless, if "Dying Light" is where Rihanna claims her humanity and doubts , on "No Prisoner" she makes a promise that she will rise from the ashes on the best choice of closer. Even though it's not necessarily a ballad, the mellow sound of "No Prisoner" and its rather inspiring (but still controversial) lyrical content helps sum up the song by making it look like the singer took a deep breath and said to herself that she has to move on. What makes the song even more unique is the well-placed name drops of Rihanna's past enemies and collaborators in buzz-making-through-feuds and the consistent end of a truly generous insight look inside the singer's personal, a look one didn't think they'd get.

​

To sum it all up, "Mariposa Negra" is a good comeback. Rihanna experimented and it paid off well, especially in terms of production. But for all the good, the record has its own faults. The lyrical content has a lot of highlights, but few downsides too, with lines taken especially from "Palm Beach" and "Inhale" sounding like a lot of overthought went into them. On top of that, the short tracklist works well with what the singer wants to present, but it still feels like there are chunks missing that could've been added by extending the tracklist, perhaps. All in all, Rih's comeback is strong and undeniably a great body of work, working as a reminder to everyone who happened to forget the legacy of her "NEO" album and as a well-crafted prelude to its follow-up, hopefully coming sooner than "Mariposa Negra".

review 2: 93

​

Wow what the absolute fuck. I thought she was dead? I guess we hadn’t see that last of that Velvet Tears Bitch. Ladies and gentlemen, today I’m reviewing the one and only Ms RihaNahNahComeOn! After an eternity of releasing fragrances and other nonsense the singer has made a huge musical comeback. I wouldn’t have expected this considering her cancelled Superbowl and lackluster few collabs seemed to end her NEO colossus career. But no, the legend is back and she is not playin’. So let us begin with track number one of the EP ‘Mariposa Negra’: ‘Palm Beach’. Well well well, the intro certainly did not fail to shock. The lovely pop singer has made quite the transition can become a MOTHERFUCKING RAPPER that’s right. And no this isn’t no Post Malone shittttt, ‘Palm Beach’ served angry lines over a nice base beat in a way you’d expect Eminem or Kendrick to do. Lyrically from all the monetary references you can get the vibe that this is a jab at here former corporations UMG and anyone who doubted her success. However the lack of directness made it a bit confusing and my only criticism would be if the sis wants to make an attack like this, drop some fucking names girl. Overall though the production was nice, a tad simple but cute, and the lyrics were very thorough. Now only to track number two: ‘Inhale’. Wow now THIS, THIS IS A SONG! With a very psychedelic and funky beat, and lyrics that literally curse off someone-wow girl I am just a LIVING. The tempo change and unconventional structure really makes you as a listener focus on the content of each part rather than just wait for the chorus part you remember. The writing is simply beautiful and serves the directness and anger I wanted out of ‘Palm Beach’. I mean imagine goddam Rihanna said she hopes you burn in hell. That’s harsh girl.

I just loved it. I mean that beat change and the second part is so energizing. Wigamortus! The next track is, oh look we have that single shes been pushing: ‘Dying Light’. Let us listen! Ok well the first part of the “calm” production is not my cup of tea. I am getting a bit stressed out by it so far.  Ok not play those guitars girl. Hmm that track was odd. So let me analyze. The production is a bit all over the place and really varies. I mean we go from annoying alarm noises to a fucking rock song to repetitive drum beats so a really nice-is that a sitar-outro. Yeah Rihanna girl I think the producers may have been a bit stoned. In terms of risks and unconventionality she really went there, and I like it. But whether or not this is really meant to be a radio single, I’m unsure. With the lyrics the track actually reminds me a lot of ‘This is America’ by Childish Gambino. She has these perfected verses that she keeps repeating with slight variations as the beat kinda moves the song place to place. This is definitely deserving of a Grammy over some of that generic garbage, but if I was here manager I’d have fears about this track’s commercial appeal. Mad props to Rih tho! And a finally let us hear ‘No Prisoner’. Ok this is my favorite song! Wow. So simplistic and calm yet so beautiful. Production-wise, ‘No Prisoner’ is flat out perfect with its mello and comforting beat. And lyrically I love all of the references/metaphors made and the theme of “life will go one” is really hit well. I hope to see this song sent to the radio because I think it’d be a wonderful smash and generally raise peoples spirits. In conclusion I think that this record shows considerable growth in Rihanna’s character and music. The songs really show maturity and release a ton of emotions. I believe she deserves mad props for that because music is not always about the particularities or how artsy the writing is. Its about how it makes the listeners FEEL. And I felt everything from angry to weeping. Mariposa Negra is one of the shortest records ever yer still manages to convey a enormous spectrum of emotions and talent.  

 

Palm Beach: 8/10

Inhale: 10/10

Dying Light: 9/10

No Prisoner: 10/10

Coherence: 8/10

Overall Production: 9/10

Visuals: 10/10

Emotional Reaction: 10/10

review 3: 92

​

It’s hard to believe that Rihanna’s groundbreaking, standard-setting debut album, NEO, was released nearly three years ago. In that time, quite a lot has happened. The world has changed and so has the music industry. Reigning pop stars have come and gone while queen Rih Rih has been quietly planning her big return. You see, besides releasing “True Colors - a single from the Fifty Shades of Grey OST - and appearing on remixes and collaborations here and there, Rihanna has kept mostly silent ever since the conclusion of the NEO era. This has left many fans and even the industry as a whole wondering what exactly she had up her sleeves. Finally, that has been unveiled. Marketed not as a followup to the glorious NEO, but rather labeled a “project”, Mariposa Negra is as amazing as one might expect. At times this record can feel as if it is an extension of the sound of NEO, however, it is important to note Mariposa Negra is very much its own record and is not NEO. Coming off the heels of a mammoth record like NEO can be almost as challenging as it is to create a record like it to begin with - especially when its your first and only record out. People have high expectations commercially and musically set for whatever an artist would release as a followup, but it is important to approach Mariposa Negra not something as existing in the shadow of NEO, but rather, its own standalone project - because that is exactly what it is

 

So let’s dive in.

 

Already from track one we see Rihanna is not holding back any punches or leaving anything on the table. She goes in right from the start, and it is exhilarating to listen to. “Palm Beach”,  my personal favorite from the album, sets the record straight, essentially. Calling out Universal Music, the industry, and fellow peers in the biz - Rihanna bears all. She answers all of our questions of where she’s been, why she’s been gone, and why now she’s suddenly decided to make her grande return. This track is stellar, and I couldn’t think of a better way to start a record. Honestly, this just might be my favorite song released this year just for the lyrical content it contains coupled with the punchy-yet-vibey production in its instrumental. 

 

Track two immediately begins with production that just pulls you in. The lead line in the synth glides between notes, and represents the first half of the song so well, which, speaking of, deals with Rihanna’s deep anger for the person who betrayed and hurt her. We see a shift halfway through the song, though, where she has let it all out and begins to cool down from the rage. What I loved so much about this song specifically was how the instrumental so clearly followed the passion and dynamics displayed in the lyrics. Kudos for that. Another solid track.

 

It is with “Dying Light” we see the message of Mariposa Negra really start to take shape and solidify, and that is, moving onto new beginnings. This track once again showcases Rihanna’s vulnerability as an artist - something she is so great a communicating and relating through her lyrics. The production wraps around the song in a way that makes you feel as if you can literally feel Rihanna pressing on toward better things, especially in the repeated and accented beats throughout the record itself. My only issue here was that musically it did not feel like it went very far, but where the production fell a bit short, Rihanna made up for it all the more in her lyrical delivery.

 

“No Prisoner” closes the album out with a hopeful message, one of triumph, strength, and bravery. After facing her own demons, she reveals through her lyrics that she is emerging as a new creation after having, “unwound the silk,” she explains, “now the wind guides me / to the future” - another personal favorite moment of mine in the project as a whole. The track as a whole is inspirational, and her writing, once again, is at a 10 here! “No Prisoner” proves to be the best way to close out this project as it shows a resolve to all the anger, hurt, and shame that Rihanna had been dealing with throughout her journey. The production here at points could feel a little empty, but overall, it was welcomed. After all, the emotion exuded in her delivery carried the song to place no lyrics or instrumentation could have. 

 

Mariposa Negra proved that Rihanna didn’t actually have anything to prove. She never has. Her delivery as a songwriter and artist in general is unparalleled. This project shows artistic and emotional growth and maturity - something not easily found in mainstream artists these days. While many will jam pack records with fillers that distract from the message of their release rather than support it, Rihanna does the opposite. Once you make it to the end of this record, you begin to understand its length and its whole purpose; it’s about moving on from the distractions and things that hold us back and learning from them to become a stronger version of who you are supposed to be. Mariposa Negra does what every great record should do; it fulfills, surprises, pleases, and above all, leaves you earnestly waiting for what’s next.

 

Ratings:

  1. Palm Beach - 100/100

  2. Inhale - 92/10

  3. Dying Light - 87/100

  4. No Prisoner - 90/100

bottom of page