Is Jay-Z, Kanye West & Beyonce’s “Lift Off” A Hit Or A Miss?

After all the previews, rumors, reports of behind-the-scenes squabbles and the initial slice of “H.A.M.”, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s highly anticipated Watch The Throne has arrived — digitally at first, as of today, ahead of Friday’s (August 12) CD release. Head below to listen to Jay, ‘Ye and Beyonce’s collaboration “Lift Off” from the LP. When we first heard “Lift Off” at Jay and ‘Ye’s star-studded listening party last week at New York’s Rose Center For Earth And Space at the Natural History Museum, we couldn’t help zeroing in on Bey’s supercool cameo in the spacey jam.

“We gonna take it to the moon, take it to the stars / how many people you know can take it this far,” the 4 diva repeats throughout “Lift Off,” which seems to have been whipped up with the sole purpose of becoming the next big hip hop anthem. (You’ve been put on alert, “I’m On One”!)

And to be sure, the song — which was co-produced by West, Jeff Bhasker and Mike Dean — works pretty effectively in the anthem category when played at a large, crowded setting. But when blaring out of speakers on, say, your computer, there seems to be just a little something missing from the chorus.

Don’t get us wrong — “Lift Off” is a decent enough tune. But when the Queen B is involved, we have just come to expect something a bit larger and hook-laden than what we’re served here. In other words, we do have lift off. We’re just not sure exactly how much fuel is in this craft’s tank.

Are we crazy? Think we need to give our ears a once-over with a Q-Tip? Give “Lift Off” a listen, and decide for yourself.