As unlikely pairings go, this one would certainly make anyone's top ten list. Princess Of China brings together a woman who once sang about how chains and whips excited her, and a band fronted by a man who would probably have severe issues with the environmental damage caused by the manufacture of said chains and whips. To collaborate is a daring move. Their styles of music are incredibly different and their personalities are even more so. The question is whether they have managed to pull off a master stroke.
In listening to this song, one could be forgiven for having flashbacks to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The whole track is haunted by a pounding, oriental-esque drumbeat and fantastic harmonies between Martin and Rihanna. This is certainly an energetic effort to say the least. Indeed, the words over-produced spring to mind. However, since the same description has been leveled at Oasis' Be Here Now on multiple occasions, this is not necessarily a bad thing. This energy is particularly noteworthy in the chorus, which will be wedged firmly into the listeners mind for many minutes after the track has ended.
The problem with this song though is that it is simply just OK. Although it sticks in the listeners head, it doesn't do so in a way that makes you desperate to listen to it again. This is not to say that it's a bad song, just that it doesn't really go anywhere hugely exciting.
All in all then, this effort could have been better, but given who was collaborating on it, it could also have been so much worse. The coming together of Coldplay and Rihanna has not been one to rival the great Lennon and McCartney, but there have been far more infamous combinations than this in history. Myra Hindley and Ian Brady spring instantly to mind.
Worth a listen? Yes, but probably only once.
Verdict: 6/10
In listening to this song, one could be forgiven for having flashbacks to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. The whole track is haunted by a pounding, oriental-esque drumbeat and fantastic harmonies between Martin and Rihanna. This is certainly an energetic effort to say the least. Indeed, the words over-produced spring to mind. However, since the same description has been leveled at Oasis' Be Here Now on multiple occasions, this is not necessarily a bad thing. This energy is particularly noteworthy in the chorus, which will be wedged firmly into the listeners mind for many minutes after the track has ended.
The problem with this song though is that it is simply just OK. Although it sticks in the listeners head, it doesn't do so in a way that makes you desperate to listen to it again. This is not to say that it's a bad song, just that it doesn't really go anywhere hugely exciting.
Worth a listen? Yes, but probably only once.
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