The genre-defying, record-shattering, supremely confident artist that Rihanna is, her unofficial comeback to music after six years had fans going over the moon. She hasn’t released an album in six years, since Anti which included the hit Song 'Work' featuring Drake.

The song – titled 'Lift Me Up' – was announced earlier this week, as a tribute to the beloved-by-all actor Chadwick Boseman, who starred in the first 'Black Panther' film. He died of colon cancer in 2020, leaving the world shocked with his sudden departure. There were a number of billboards in the US. Then, RiRi posted a song teaser on her social media feed, with only the letter 'R' highlight in the special metallic shade of Vibranium (Wakanda's treasured fictional metal). All it showcased was a hum from the intro:

Cut to October 28, 'Lift Me Up' is released online. The full soundtrack for superhero film releases on November 4, a week before its international release on November 11. Circling back to this track, Rihanna has written it with Nigerian artist Tems, Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson who won the Oscar for his original score of 'Black Panther', and the film's director Ryan Coogler. All highly accomplished names, so the result is quite underwhelming.

The gospel influence is obvious. The stunning music video features a contemplative RiRi being led through a vacant house by a little boy and girl. The tone is sombre throughout, which is expected of a tribute to a deceased star. The piano and strings are justifiably scant. Rihanna's voice is fuller, richer and huskier than six years ago. “Burning in a hopeless dream/ Hold me when you go to sleep/ Keep me in the warmth of your love/ When you depart, keep me safe/ Safe and sound,” she sings as if praying for the company of the departed in the dark of night. She goes on to sing about “drowning in an endless sea”.

Photos: Rihanna, Lupita and others at Black Panther: Wakanda Forever red carpet premiere

Conceptually, it's a wonderful idea. Göransoon told the press in a media release, “After speaking with Ryan [Coogler] and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life... I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honour.”

However, it's a gentle ballad that almost reaches a rousing crescendo but never quite; the operative word being “almost”. The final chorus is when the track truly comes alive, and just as you're listening in for a slice of heaven, it ends.

Rihanna is known for her high energy music, although she has dipped her toes successfully in the placid pond of ballads. 'Stay' and 'Love on the Brain' are proof of this, both having enjoyed major success on the charts. However, 'Lift Me Up' is a lot more understated and a lot less raw. This is a song of bereavement, and regardless of the tribute and cinematic connection, it's one of her most forgettable numbers. The kind of track you shuffle through before getting to the highlight of a soundtrack.

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