What makes Poison by Rita Ora notable?

The single 'Poison' achieved commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and marking a significant moment in Rita Ora's career as it showcased her evolution as an artist. The song's blend of catchy hooks and urban influences contributed to its popularity, reflecting the growing trend of R&B-infused pop in the mid-2010s. Released as her debut single from the album 'Poison', Rita Ora was transitioning from a breakout presence in the UK music scene to establishing herself internationally. At this point, she had already gained attention with hits like 'I Will Never Let You Down', but 'Poison' marked a significant step toward solidifying her identity as a pop-R&B artist.

How many songs are on Poison?

Poison has 1 track, running approximately 3 minutes.

Poison

Rita Ora · 2015

3 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B

A sultry blend of contemporary R&B and pop, driven by pulsating beats and Ora's captivating vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Poison — The title track encapsulates the album's theme of love intertwined with danger, showcasing Ora's vocal range over an infectious beat that became an anthem for empowerment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong hooks and production but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The track features a steady four-on-the-floor beat that drives the rhythm throughout its duration.
The production incorporates layered synths and bass lines that build intensity leading into the chorus.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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: Breakthrough — Showcased Rita Ora's evolution and established her internationally.
Career context: Released as her debut single from the album 'Poison', Rita Ora was transitioning from a breakout presence in the UK music scene to establishing herself internationally. At this point, she had already gained attention with hits like 'I Will Never Let You Down', but 'Poison' marked a significant step toward solidifying her identity as a pop-R&B artist.
Stylistic neighbors: Dua Lipa· Tinashe· Jessie J