What makes Lift Me Up by Rihanna notable?

The song debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Rihanna's 32nd top-10 hit, which solidified her place among the most commercially successful artists of all time. Additionally, it received critical acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and production, further highlighting Rihanna's evolution as an artist focused on impactful storytelling. Released as Rihanna's first single in over four years, 'Lift Me Up' marks her return to music after a hiatus for personal and business ventures. This track serves as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion through her artistry during this transitional phase in her career.

How many songs are on Lift Me Up?

Lift Me Up has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Lift Me Up

Rihanna · 2022

3 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A poignant blend of lush instrumentation and emotive vocals that evoke themes of resilience and hope.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lift Me Up — This titular track encapsulates the album's core themes of support and nostalgia while masterfully blending emotive lyrics with rich soundscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The song combines emotive vocals with lush instrumentation, creating a cohesive and impactful listening experience.

What we noticed

The song features a slow tempo with a gradual build-up of instrumentation, starting with soft strings and layering in vocals and percussion.
Rihanna's vocal delivery is emotive, employing dynamic shifts that emphasize the song's themes of resilience and hope.
The arrangement includes a prominent use of harmonies, particularly in the chorus, which enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Marks Rihanna's return to music after a hiatus, showcasing continued relevance.
Themes: Wakandan resilience· motherhood reflections· ethereal melodies
Career context: Released as Rihanna's first single in over four years, 'Lift Me Up' marks her return to music after a hiatus for personal and business ventures. This track serves as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotion through her artistry during this transitional phase in her career.
Stylistic neighbors: Beyoncé· Dua Lipa· SZA