Produced by Rodney Jerkins and co-written by Rihanna, “As Real As You and Me” is a tender piano ballad about confronting and accepting all of life’s difficult goodbyes. Rihanna delivers a breathy, passionate vocal performance that never explodes like “Let It Go,” but billows and recedes with equally affecting power and grace.
“Dancing in the Dark,” unsurprisingly, is the peppy antidote to the heart-wrenching “As Real As You and Me.” Written by frequent Rihanna collaborator Ester Dean (“S&M,” “Rude Boy”), the steady, stomping party jam boasts a charming, confidence-boosting chorus reminiscent of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” as well as a wubby bass groove that Courtney Cox could dance to if they ever make a video.
The Home soundtrack, set for release on March 24th, also features the previously released Rihanna cut, “Towards The Sun,” and will include contributions from Charli XCX, Jennifer Lopez and Kiesza. Lopez also lends her voice to the animated film, as do Jim Parsons and Steve Martin. Home arrives in theaters on March 27th.
Along with the Home soundtrack, Rihanna is expected to release her eighth studio album this year. The as-yet-untitled LP will be executive produced by Kanye West, who appeared on the lead single, “FourFiveSeconds,” along with Paul McCartney. Many also expect Rihanna and West will embark on a joint tour this year after a single concert date in Tallinn, Estonia accidentally went live on Live Nation in Finland, though neither artist has confirmed a tour.