Look for the forthcoming mixtape, No, My Name is JOFFERY…
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[4.38]
Julian Axelrod: In the interest of critical objectivity, I tried to hear this divorced from the context of Game of Thrones, a show that combines my indifference towards fantasy epics with my contempt for bearded guys named Rob. Would I enjoy this focus-grouped sludge if it were attached to a pop culture monolith I actually enjoyed? Then I remembered “Pray for Me” already exists, and it ain’t much better.
[3]
Katie Gill: Eventually people trying to make soundtracks with singles they’re gunning for radio play will realize that there’s more to draw from than “Pray For Me.” But at least Game of Thrones is ballsy enough to stick The Weeknd on this knock-off single with lyrics that are so on the nose, mid-2000s wizard rock wants them dial it down a notch.
[3]
Stephen Eisermann: It feels weird hearing such a well-produced track and interesting beat get colored with lyrics about kings, queens, and dragons, but here we are. The collaboration certainly feels familiar, but the novelty of the subject matter keeps it interesting and it’s nice hearing from SZA as we wait for her next project. So I guess it’s good, or at least ok — better than the latest season, that’s for sure.
[6]
Katherine St Asaph: I have not watched a minute of Game of Thrones, so who knows, maybe in-universe this makes actual sense and isn’t the tonal equivalent of a Starbucks cup. Can’t imagine how. On its own, though, it’s still a rousing enough pump-up/cod-NIN/”Yellow Flicker Beat” thing, and it’s a paycheck for SZA.
[7]
Alfred Soto: The beat’s familiar. The echo deepens The Weeknd’s delusions of grandeur. SZA sounds lost on a recording in which she gets top billing. A rejected movie theme.
[3]
Will Adams: I’m torn. On one hand, The Weeknd becoming the go-to for these tentpole soundtracks keeps him from his more unsavory lyrics. On the other, hearing him draw out a line like “heavy is the crown only for the weak” as if it’s poignant isn’t much of an improvement.
[5]
Jonathan Bradley: There have been plenty of great rap songs about power; this one ventures no further than the tautological title over the aural equivalent of those Game of Thrones scenes where one bearded white guy talks to another bearded white guy about what flavor of feudalism they like best.
[4]
Tobi Tella: People are upset with this song for being a Game of Thrones track in name only, and not connecting to the show at all, unlike the fantastic Black Panther soundtrack from last year. I’d be more upset about the song being a completely generic and empty money grab, but hey, people love those thrones!
[4]