After a very brief teaser yesterday left us more curious than excited for Calvin Harris’s new single with Rihanna, the full release has dropped today and has left us equally tepid.
“This Is What You Came For” utilizes soft pads and arpeggios on top of Rihanna’s crystal clear vocals in a poppy anthem construction that seems like it might have come with an instruction manual. Make no mistake, this track is catchy as all hell and will be played everywhere for months. It will see massive commercial success, and indeed is already #1 on the iTunes charts in 36 countries.
Unfortunately, we’ve really come to expect more from Calvin Harris and Rihanna. Both artists are legitimate megastars in their fields, we know that they can create incredible music. The reality is that Calvin Harris, no matter how good this track is – and it is good – could have done better. Likewise, Rihanna’s abilities are somewhat squandered by not exploring her full vocal range or giving her more than a repetitive lyric. It also bears a striking resemblance to his previous hit with Ayah Marar, “Thinking About You.” 
The track will likely grow on listeners who aren’t already as enamored with it as others, so we won’t exactly say we’re disappointed. On the other hand, we know that both artists can do better – and that’s a compliment, by the way.
“This Is What You Came For” is really the definition of an earworm.
For what it’s worth, the track is already being lauded by a bunch of other producers on Twitter including Dillon Francis and John Newman.
https://twitter.com/DILLONFRANCIS/status/725967140793118720
We salute you @CalvinHarris! #ThisIsWhatYouCameFor is going to be in our heads ALL DAY ⚡️ #newmusicfriday
— BBC Radio 1 (@BBCR1) April 29, 2016
This is my favourite @CalvinHarris track ever made, one of the best pop songs i have heard @rihanna https://t.co/2V5XQjzWFG
— johnnewmanmusic (@JohnNewmanMusic) April 28, 2016
Image via Rukes
