Rihanna’s latest release, “Friend of Mine,” has stirred significant disappointment among fans and critics alike. Released on May 16, 2025, as part of the upcoming Smurfs movie soundtrack, the track marks her first new music in over three years. However, rather than celebrating her return, many listeners have expressed frustration over the song’s lack of depth and overuse of autotune.
Synthetic Sound and No Verses
“Friend of Mine” features minimal lyrics, primarily repeating the line “Feel like a friend of mine,” over a synth-heavy, Afrobeats-inspired beat. Critics have noted that the song lacks the vocal prowess and emotional depth that fans have come to expect from Rihanna. The Daily Beast reported that fans are “deeply disappointed,” with some questioning whether the vocals were generated using AI due to their synthetic sound.
Online forums have echoed these sentiments, with one Reddit user stating, “The song is mixed terribly and borderline unlistenable.” Another user commented, “She just has like 3 lines that are repeated countless times. No verses. Just those lines, a club beat, and some incomprehensible background vocals.
Critical Reception
While some outlets have attempted to find merit in the track, the overall critical reception has been lukewarm at best. Polygon described “Friend of Mine” as a “banger” suitable for a kids’ movie, but this praise seems to be the exception rather than the rule. Most reviews highlight the song’s repetitive nature and lack of substance.
Cosmopolitan noted that the song “relies less on Rihanna’s vocals and more on a dance beat,” with the singer “barely singing more than a couple lines that simply repeat throughout the song.” This departure from her previous work, such as the emotionally charged “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, has left fans yearning for the depth and authenticity that once defined her music.
Fan Reactions
The fanbase, known as the Navy, has not held back in expressing their disappointment. Social media platforms are filled with comments criticizing the song’s production and vocal performance. One user remarked, “Damn the autotune is horrible,” while another questioned, “Why Smurfs?” The general consensus is that “Friend of Mine” falls short of expectations and does not showcase Rihanna’s true capabilities as an artist.
Conclusion
“Friend of Mine” was anticipated as a triumphant return for Rihanna, but instead, it has left many fans feeling disheartened. The track’s overreliance on autotune, repetitive lyrics, and lack of emotional depth have contributed to a release that many consider unworthy of her legacy. As fans continue to await her long-promised ninth studio album, this latest offering serves as a reminder of the high standards that Rihanna has set—and the disappointment that ensues when those standards are not met.
