“The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off”
Halloween was last night, which means children all over America were treated to a night of candy and sugar-induced mayhem that no doubt left their parents feeling rather exhausted. After all, there are no treats for adults on Halloween, but thanks to N.E.R.D. there was something waiting for all those over eighteen when they awoke earlier today.
Breaking a silence that spanned more than seven years, N.E.R.D. returned Wednesday morning with “Lemon,” a Rihanna-assisted single that feels destined to top the pop and urban charts. The song features verses from Pharrell Williams and Rihanna, along with an infectious beat that demands anyone listening stop what they’re doing and dance until they lose themselves in the music. It’s the kind of banger we only get once or twice a year, and it arrived with a cinematic video that you will want to watch again and again. You can view the clip and hear the song, in full, at the top of this post.
So much about the way music is sold in 2017 feels safe. Most big announcements, especially those from A-list artists, are usually promoted with an exhausting series of teasers. N.E.R.D.’s release of “Lemon” is something else entirely, appearing almost out of the blue to the delight of a world in great need of joy. Its mere existence seems intended more to promote positivity than it does a new album, though we’d certainly be happy to hear a record full of similarly catchy material. What do you think? Comment below and let us know if “Lemon” has earned a place on your personal playlist.
