It’s no question that these days, Rihanna reigns supreme in the pop music world. Pumping out 3 chart-topping albums in the last 3 years, the Bajan beauty is unstoppable when it comes to making instant hits. With the release of “We Found Love”, Rihanna is once again finding herself at the top of the charts as the electro-house collab with famed Scottish DJ Calvin Harris became her eleventh number-one single. By doing so, she joins the likes of Madonna, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as being the only female artists in music history that have achieved this incredible feat.
Although having amassed worldwide commercial success, “We Found Love” has received mixed review from critics alike. PopCrush writer Scott Shelter heralds it as a “celebratory song boast[ing] a light, breezy melody and lyrics about a couple who make love out of nothing at all” and praises its bright and danceable qualities. However, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone reveals that the over-pumped and tedious club banger is particularly tiresome.
“Scottish Euro-dance specialist Calvin Harris tosses pumped-up synths and 4/4 beats at an insipid tune and half-baked romantic catch-phrase – “We found love in a hopeless place” – which RiRi repeats approximately 350 times, hoping it will start to mean something. It’s the worst single of Rihanna’s career. It will probably top the Hot 100 anyway.” – Jody Rosen, Rolling Stone
Amidst these polarizing responses, there have been several impressive covers cropping up that are definitely worth checking out. They all provide fresh and unique arrangements of the track which in my opinion, outstrip its somewhat repetitive nature.
Coldplay
Performing on BBC’s Radio 1 Live Lounge, Coldplay masterfully incorporates their own classic sound in a sweet rendition of Rihanna’s smash hit. With Martin’s piano at the fore, the song rides off thumping cajón beats and slick guitar riffs to create a mesmerizing performance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66G64oTu5z4
Drew Tabor
Beautifully stripped down to just an acoustic guitar, YouTube artist Drew Tabor shines in her cover of “We Found Love”. Her fascinating vocals and elegant acoustic styling are indeed refreshing in contrast to the grindng electro-pop dance number.
Alex Goot
In his rendition of “We Found Love”, young YouTuber Alex Goot showcases his impressive musical talents by jamming out on wide assortment of instruments. Beginning with a simple yet energizing piano hook, Goot’s cover swells into a luxurious symphony of acoustics, drums and electric guitar licks that seemingly soars above the original.
Boyce Avenue
Of course, a list of noteworthy covers isn’t complete without a little Boyce Avenue. These massive YouTube rockers stray form their traditional acoustic approach and instead take on Rihanna’s chart-topping single armed with a trusty piano and steadfast cajón.
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