Four Five Seconds released: Listen to the Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney collaboration.

Listen to “Four Five Seconds,” the New Song By Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney

Listen to “Four Five Seconds,” the New Song By Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney

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Brow Beat
Slate's Culture Blog
Jan. 24 2015 8:31 PM

Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney Go Country in “Four Five Seconds”          

fourfiveseconds
The single art for “Four Five Seconds.”

Earlier this week, Kanye West made a surprise appearance at the iHeartMedia Music Summit to preview a new duet with Rihanna. That song, “Four Five Seconds,” has arrived online, and though it’s unclear whether it will feature on West or Rihanna’s new album, it marks a striking departure for both artists.


(via Tumblr)

Paul McCartney supplies some gentle acoustic strumming as West and Rihanna belt out a deeply personal, hugely melodic, and country-tinged tune about heartbreak and redemption. It’s only the second new Kanye song we’ve heard, but it’s worth noting that it shares a few traits with “Only One”—sensitive, confessional songwriting, sparse and acoustic instrumentation, and not a drum beat in sight. The track can be streamed above or downloaded on Rihanna’s website.

Sharan Shetty is on the editorial staff of the New Yorker. You can follow him on Twitter