22 May 2008
Forgive my cynicism and lack of enthusiasm, but ‘Take A Bow’ reminds me of Beyoncé’s ‘Irreplaceable’ (a.k.a. “To the left! To the left!”) and its video (below) reminds me of the one for ‘Irreplaceable’. Maybe Team Rihanna figured that consolidation of her new superstar status was the project brief, hence releasing a single that would be a risk-free worldwide number one by following a proven formula for a recent crossover R&B-pop-country hit. And who could blame them? I imagine Team Rihanna has a lot of people on the payroll, a lot of overheads to cover, and so forth. It’s a precarious business.
I’d be less cynical and more enthusiastic if ‘Take A Bow’ had a catchy chorus or memorable hook. However, apart from one distinctive piano chord change for the line “you’re only sorry you got caught” there’s nothing fresh or interesting here. The title metaphor gets extended to breaking point and so does my patience. Replaceable.
