The Wanted, the British boy band once considered One Direction’s closest peers, has released the lead single from their forthcoming album. The track, Walks Like Rihanna, pays tribute to Rihanna by channeling her unmistakable swagger. It lands as a bright, radio-friendly pop anthem designed to spark summer listening sessions and energize fans across both sides of the Atlantic. In the United Kingdom, the reception has been upbeat, with listeners praising the track’s confident energy and clean production. North American audiences, especially listeners in Canada and the United States, are being prepared to catch the wave as the song streams on major platforms and makes early strides on radio playlists. Critics point to a balanced structure that pairs an irresistibly catchy chorus with precise verses, and to a production that glitters with sunlit synths and crisp drums. The homage to Rihanna remains playful yet respectful, capturing the star’s influence without stepping into imitation. The song fits neatly into contemporary pop trends that favor bold hooks, memorable phrasing, and cross-genre appeal that resonates with teens, young adults, and longtime pop fans alike. Listeners wonder if the track will maintain momentum beyond the initial buzz as the album rollout unfolds, and industry watchers are keen to see how Rihanna’s public reaction might shape conversations around this bold pop moment. The release signals a strategic move to broaden the band’s footprint across North America while staying true to their signature pop sensibilities.
Musically Walks Like Rihanna blends bright, shiny production with a punchy rhythm and an instantly singable melody. The arrangement leans into dance-pop energy while weaving subtle Caribbean-infused touches, echoing Rihanna’s own genre-crossing approach without losing the track’s pop core. The vocal performances emphasize confident delivery and clean harmonies, creating a chorus that invites repeat listening. The production stacks glossy synths, bold percussion, and a sun-soaked guitar tone that together paint a musical landscape built for radio airplay, streaming playlists, and live performances. While the homage to Rihanna informs the track’s swagger, the song remains distinctly The Wanted, offering a fresh take that aims to stand apart from past pop formulae. The result is a tune that feels both contemporary and timeless, a blend that could translate well across Canadian and American markets where listeners respond to brisk tempos and high-energy hooks. Critics note that the track’s momentum comes from its tight structure and a chorus that sticks in memory after a single listen, a quality that often translates into strong week-to-week streaming numbers and sustained radio presence.
Industry observers predict solid crossover potential in Canada and the United States, with the single likely to gain early traction on pop, rhythmic, and adult contemporary stations. Streaming playlists in North America are expected to pick up pace as listeners discover the track’s infectious energy and relatable confidence. The song’s cross-market appeal is reinforced by its universal themes of self-assurance and standout style, which tend to resonate with diverse audiences. The social media conversation around Walks Like Rihanna should help propel its visibility, fueling a cycle of shares, clips, and dance challenges that often accompany new pop releases. While the market response remains to be fully measured, many see a clear path toward significant airplay, strong streaming growth, and potential chart moves in both major Canadian markets and U.S. markets with robust pop listening bases. The track also offers a platform for The Wanted to engage a broad audience, from nostalgic fans to new listeners drawn to a polished, contemporary pop sound.
The release of Walks Like Rihanna positions The Wanted to press forward with a momentum that could define the next phase of their career. If the track sustains its energy and the album showcases a cohesive, adventurous direction, the band might solidify a more expansive footprint in North America while keeping their core British and European fanbase engaged. A summer-ready anthem with international appeal, the song holds the potential to become a staple on radio rotation and streaming playlists alike, setting the stage for continued visibility into the fall season and beyond. Market watchers will be keeping an eye on how audiences respond to the blend of homage and originality, and whether Rihanna herself becomes part of the ongoing conversation around this release. In the end, Walks Like Rihanna emerges as a bold statement from The Wanted—a signal that the band is moving forward with confidence, ready to entertain both existing fans and a new generation of listeners who crave high-energy pop with stylish flair.