This album is a total reinvention from Rihanna’s previous sound. Gone is the reggae and island influences, and hello r&b. Shes collaborated with so many bigger artists in this album and all of them are hits. This also I think marks when she started experimenting with her style, and her hair started defining her eras. This era probably is my second favorite out of all of them. We finally start meeting the artist she really is, she’s not just the sexy pretty girl, she’s a fucking badass.

1. Umbrella (single) – If you’ve heard the name Rihanna, you know this song, fan or not. Its a heavy r&b love fest, with pop elements, and dare I say: rock. I love it whenever Rihanna experiments with rock, she embraces it so well, it fits her style her voice. everything. The instrumentals, jayz’s verse, the lyrics, it’s all perfect. The song is so so made for Rihanna’s voice, it’s iconic.As much as this is a chart-topping type of song, the lyrics still have depth. Its a metaphor on how she supports her significant other through thick and thin, she’ll hold up the umbrella when shit hits the fan so to speak.
   Overall – 10/10
2. Push Up On Me – electro pop, repetitive lyrics, wanting a man to sex you up. It’s very descriptive, but out of all of Rihanna’s sex songs, this isn’t at the top of my list. Its a good song to clean to surprisingly.
   Overall – 6/10
3. Dont Stop the Music (single) – this is different than any single Rihanna has released before, its a fast tempo that stays consistent throughout the song, but that’s, not a flaw, it plays to the song’s strength. Sure she’s had dance numbers before, but this one is pure pop. There’s no huge build-up, the hook is totally flawless. It’s such an upbeat song that to this day is played in clubs. I would go far as to say this is like a better version of SOS.Overall – 9/10
4. Breakin’ Dishes – The attitude, the total reinvention starts to peek through here. The lyrics embrace her insecurity, and she’s going to keep breaking everything despite knowing the consequences. She realizes it’s not healthy, but it doesn’t matter, its a flaw shes chosen to acknowledge. ‘Is he cheating, man I don’t know, I’m looking for something else to throw.’ Love everything about it, the simple production works with the mind trip. Overall – 7.5/10

5. Shut Up and Drive (single) – I was one of those people that had no idea this song was about sex till a couple of years ago. The reputation Rihanna has for being crazy in bed exists for a reason. I love this song. Production-wise, it’s r&b with hints of reggae production. Again this is another one of those songs that with her voice and tone I can’t imagine anyone else singing it.Overall – 9/10
6. Hate That I Love You (single) – A medium tempo R&B almost ballad type of song, with the clapping and snaps its beautiful. The lyrics are so well written by Neyo and Stargate, all about how when there’s that one person out there that you can never get rid of because the love is so compelling. The reaction to the touch, the way they know you, it’s not avoidable. The worst part is realizing you need that person, and it elicits a strong reaction when we think about leaving them. The production reminds me of Miss Independent. I like how Neyo’s voice compliments Rihanna.Overall – 10/10
7. Say It – One of the few songs I’m hearing for the first time. And man did it hit close to home. The lyrics are describing being vulnerable, from both ends. The situation when he won’t open up, and you make him feel as comfortable as possible to make him verbalize his feelings. But at the end of the day, he won’t, and she won’t be the first one to expose herself. Its enveloped almost as something I would describe as bubblegum pop r&b.Overall – 8/10 (personal bias included)
8. Sell Me Candy – hate every verse, but I’m torn because the chorus and hook really work for me. The lyrics are so stupid. It’s the typical sexual candy song. Overall – 6.5/10 (just for the hook or it would be lower)
9. Lemme Get That – and immediately I hear the Arabic influences, but the song immediately after is a mess. I have no idea what it’s about, even after trying to decipher the lyrics multiple times. The melodies, production, vocals, nothings meshing. Yup, I got nothing more to say about it.Overall – 4/10

10. Rehab (single) – the intro keyboard/strings start and my heart skips a beat. Fuck. This is such a good song. I would even go as far as to say its in my top 10 fav Rihanna songs. The production is sooooo perfect, its the best r&b mixture of instruments, the vocals are like butter and I can’t decide if they’re complimenting the instrumentals or vice versa.I love the lyrics, they may be a little simple, portraying the concept of being addicted to someone and being burned. But even after being burned it’s difficult to let go, hence the rehab being necessary. Timberlake wrote the song and has a small component in the actual song, and his style/voice fits perfectly. Shout out to Timbaland for producing this gem.Overall – 10/10
11. Question Existing – The transition of good girl going bad is showing more prominently. The first half of the album is the so-called ‘good girl’ reflected in the lyrics and the musical style. This is a darker song, reflecting on the shit she’s gone through, and at the end of the day the question is to herself: is it all worth it? What’s the limit to tolerance, is there a limit? The bridge is beautifully vulnerable, and heartbreaking.
    Overall – 8/10
12. Good Girl Gone Bad – Almost seems like an upbeat song, until she starts singing. Treat us like shit, and its like a switch flips in our heads. The nice, tolerating, kind, sweet girl will disappear and will be replaced by a rock that doesn’t give a shit. It’s not a finality, she’s just warning the men. Such juxtaposition with the lyrics and production, but I absolutely love it.Overall – 8/10
13. Distrubia – This is again such an iconic Rihanna song. The pop with hints of rock again are so good. From what I’ve interpreted, its a whole experience of anxiety from start to finish. You push and push to try to get away from the feeling of entrapment, but it is like a hold that consumes you and just refuses to let go. Production-wise, love it, the kinda haunted feeling to it is so appropriate and her vocals are the perfect tone for the song.Overall – 10/10
14. Take A Bow – let us thank Neyo again for this masterpiece. Its a sarcastic interpretation of being cheating on in a r&b ballad formation. She’s calling out the guy that broke her, shes finally got that blindfold taken off, and despite his acts of feigned guilt, she isn’t falling for it this time. This almost is the song for Rihanna, that ‘irreplaceable’ is for beyonce. Beautifully composed, and even in her voice you can hear the sarcasm. Overall – 10/10
15. If I Never See Your Face Again – Ending the album on a really high note. The story painted in my head is so acute, there’s sometimes that one partner you can never get rid of no matter what. Emotionally or sexually, there’s just something so compelling that makes you not cut ties with them. But you want them to cut ties, because its the healthier option, and in reality would make our lives so much easier. But then the bridge comes: can we make this work? Can we stop treating each other like fleeting moments and actually invest in a relationship? The Maroon 5 influence is prevalent, Adam did a great job writing the song, a nice progression to an intense chorus. Overall – 10/0

I realize I use the word iconic often in this review, but that’s what she created with this beauty. This is probably in the list of one of my most listened albums of all time, I’ve had each song on this album except for two on repeat at least at one point in my life (until I got sick of them of course). Its such a cohesive masterpiece. She really proved that she wasn’t a one hit wonder, she left her mark on the music industry with this album. I have zero complaints, sure there’s some weak spots, but the hits overshadow everything that I’m easily willing to overlook them. Its a beautiful album: showcasing her duality of the fun loving girl and the dark vulnerable woman.

Album Review – 9/10