Released 10 years ago
Sledgehammer
Rihanna · 2016
3 min · 1 track · contemporary R&B
A powerful blend of soaring vocals and electronic beats, echoing themes of resilience and empowerment.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sledgehammer — The track showcases Rihanna's vocal range with emotionally charged lyrics that reflect strength and determination, perfectly aligning with the sci-fi themes of the film.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The song showcases strong vocals and production, effectively conveying its themes within a cohesive structure.
What we noticed
- The track features a steady electronic beat that underpins Rihanna's soaring vocal lines, creating a sense of urgency and power.
- The song employs a dynamic structure, with verses building into a powerful chorus that emphasizes themes of resilience.
- Rihanna's vocal delivery is layered with harmonies in the chorus, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 — Marked a significant point in Rihanna's career post-ANTI, boosting her recognition.
- Themes
- cinematic resilience· space exploration· intergalactic struggle
- Career context
- By the time 'Sledgehammer' was released in June 2016, Rihanna was at a significant point in her career, following the commercial success of her eighth studio album, 'ANTI.' This single not only marked her contribution to the 'Star Trek Beyond' soundtrack but also showcased her continued evolution as an artist willing to explore diverse genres beyond pop.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sledgehammer (from the Motion Picture “Star Trek Beyond”) 3:31
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Honeymoon
Lana Del Rey
Shares a lush, cinematic soundscape with introspective themes of longing and resilience.
Yeezus
Kanye West
Combines bold electronic production with a sense of urgency and thematic exploration of struggle.
Art Angels
Grimes
Marries ethereal vocals with expansive, electronic arrangements that evoke a sense of otherworldly adventure.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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