Back in 2005, Rihanna released her first single, "Pon de Replay". Now fast forward 9 years later and she's become a famous pop star. Today I'll be reviewing her 5th album, "Loud". "Loud" was a complete change from her 4th album, "Rated R" which was more dark. "Loud" achieved 3 number one singles in the U.S., was nominated for many grammys, and had a total of 7 singles. Here's my track by track review:
1) S&M: The fourth single from the album. I didn't listen to the song until it became a single. I will also and admit (and I know this will sound stupid) but I didn't know what the term "s&m" meant until a friend of mine told me. I was surprised but that didn't stop me from liking the song. The video also gained controversy which is strange since her video for "Umbrella" didn't get any controversy. The song was also remixed with Britney Spears on it which helped it get to number 1 in the U.S. Personally I prefer the original version. 9/10
2) What's My Name (featuring Drake): The second single from the album. While I can't stand Drake's verse and wish it was taken out, I still love this song. It's very catchy and vocally one of Rihanna's best songs. No surprise this song also got number 1. 10/10
3) Cheers (Drink to That): The seventh and final single from the album. The song samples Avril Lavigne's song, "I'm with You" and since I'm a huge Avril Lavigne fan I automatically liked this song. While I don't drink I still like this song and I like that Avril was in the video for it. It was a pleasant surprise. 10/10
4) Fading: This song samples Enya's "One by One". When a re-release for "Loud" was announced in 2011 there was a rumor that a new "Fading" would be the first single from. Although a version of the song without the Enya sample leaked, the re-release of "Loud" was cancelled and "Talk That Talk" was released instead. It used to be my favorite song on the album but because I've listened to it so much, It's gotten a little boring but I still love it. 9/10
5) Only Girl (in the World): The first single from the album. While the song did get her a grammy and became a number hit in the U.S., I find it to be the weakest song on the album. The production is okay and the lyrics are kinda boring. 7/10
6) California King Bed: The fifth single from the album. I didn't listen to this song until it was announced as a single. Then it made me cry and it became my favorite song. The song is a pop/rock ballad and showcases her vocals perfectly. The video was also amazing. 10/10
7) Man Down: The sixth single from album. "Man Down" was co-written by recording artist Shontelle who knew Rihanna before she became famous. The song has a reggae beat but lyrically very dark. In the song Rihanna talks about how she show a man down. The song itself is listen growing on me. 8/10
8) Raining Men (featuring Nicki Minaj): The third single from the album. A lot of people didn't know this song was a single since it didn't have a video and was released on to U.S. urban radio. Rihanna and Nicki mainly rap the song with Rihanna also singing the chorus and the hook. While the chorus is great the rapping doesn't really fit with the song. 8/10
9) Complicated: No this song is not an Avril Lavigne cover. I'd be horrified if it was. The song is about how a relationship can get complicated sometimes. While the song was vocally great and perfect for radio, it was not released as a single. To this day that still surprises me. 10/10
10) Skin: Like "S&M", "Skin" is a very sexual song. I initially ignored "Skin" because it's intro sounded boring but after awhile I was surprised how risky the lyrics were. If the song had a video, I'm pretty sure it would've been her most controversial video ever. 10/10
11) Love the Way You Lie (Part 2) (featuring Eminem): We all know Eminem's single "Love the Way You Lie (featuring Rihanna)" since it became a big hit in 2010 but I'm pretty sure no one thought that a sequel to the song would be made. This version is told from a woman's perspective and was supposed to be on Skylar Grey's album since she wrote but it was given to Rihanna instead. Although the song is okay, it's not as good as the original in my opinion. 7/10
Rihanna is now working on her eighth album which should be released by the end of the year. My favorite song on this album are: "California King Bed", "What's My Name (featuring Drake)", "Skin", "Complicated", and "Raining Men (featuring Nicki Minaj"). Out of 110 points I give the album 98 which is 89%, a B+. Awesome job Rihanna! Can't wait for the new album!
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