Rihanna Returns With First New Song in 3 Years

Prepare to pump up the music because Rihanna has returned with brand-new songs.  The celebrity recently released a preview of the next ‘Smurfs’ film, which includes her eagerly anticipated original song, ‘Friend of Mine.’  Fans may anticipate hearing the entire song soon, as this is her first new release in almost three years.  In the teaser, Rihanna can be seen dancing in the recording booth, which sets up the cartoon movie's vibrant Smurfette-led musical sequence.

However, ‘Friend of Mine’ is only the start.  In addition to providing the voice of Smurfette, Rihanna is the composer of the film's soundtrack and has composed a number of original songs for it.  Fans are particularly excited about this project because she hasn't put out a full album since ‘Anti’ in 2016.  Rihanna's last release, ‘Lift Me Up,’ featured on the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack in 2022 and earned her an Academy Award nomination.

 Desi Trill's ‘Higher Love,’ which debuted in February and features contributions from Cardi B, DJ Khaled, and other musicians, will also be featured on the ‘Smurfs’ soundtrack.

Image Courtesy: Rihanna/ Instagram

The trailer teases a thrilling journey as Razamel, the sinister brother of Gargamel, locates Smurf Village by way of a mysterious wormhole and captures Papa Smurf. This sparks a daring mission that takes the Smurfs beyond their enchanted forest and into the human world. Along the way, they encounter the quirky Snooterpoots and join forces with Papa Smurf’s brother, voiced by Nick Offerman, as they prepare to stop a universe-threatening plot.

Alongside Rihanna, the movie features a strong voice ensemble that includes John Goodman, Octavia Spencer, Kurt Russell, Sandra Oh, Natasha Lyonne, Amy Sedaris, and more.  ‘Smurfs’, which was written by Pam Brady of ‘South Park’ and directed by Chris Miller (‘Shrek the Third’, ‘Puss in Boots’), is expected to be a family-friendly hit that combines humour, heart, and song.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Rihanna has talked candidly about the lengthy process of her upcoming album, ‘R9’, as her musical comeback intensifies.  She finally feels like she's discovered the artistic direction she's been looking for, she revealed in an interview with Harper's Bazaar.  Rihanna  stated that after years of hesitation and delays, this next endeavour must show her development and be well worth the wait since, in her own words, "I cannot put up anything mediocre."

 Fans won't have to wait long to hear Rihanna's new song, ‘Friend of Mine,’ as it drops soon, even though ‘Smurfs’ opens in theatres on 18th July.

–Farheen Ali