Rihanna's hit track 'SOS' has been a staple of the mid-2000s pop scene, and yet, it still holds secrets that fans are only just uncovering. Evan 'Kidd' Bogart, an American songwriter and record producer who's worked with the likes of Beyoncé and Rihanna herself, recently revealed that the song's second verse is packed with hidden references to songs by iconic Eighties acts.
For the uninitiated, 'SOS' is an upbeat dance track that samples Soft Cell's 1981 hit 'Tainted Love.' But what's not immediately apparent is the multitude of Eighties song titles peppered throughout the lyrics. According to Bogart, the song's writers were inspired by a plethora of Eighties classics, including 'Tears for Fears' 'Head Over Heels,' A-ha's 'Take on Me,' and more.
This hidden layer of meaning adds a whole new level of depth to the song, and it's a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind some of the decade's most iconic pop hits. When the writers of 'SOS' were tasked with crafting the song's second verse, they decided to pay homage to the iconic acts that paved the way for their own success.
The song's numerous Eighties references will likely send die-hard music fans on a wild goose chase, as they frantically scour the lyrics for the various hidden song titles. And while Rihanna and her team will never confirm the full extent of the references, fans are free to speculate and interpret the lyrics as they see fit.
One thing is for sure, though: 'SOS' is more than just a catchy pop hook – it's a love letter to the Eighties and a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting. So the next time you find yourself belting out the song's chorus, remember that there's a whole world of hidden meaning and reference waiting to be uncovered.