Riri Delivers Sizzling, Profane Pop Hits!!
Loud (2010)
1. "S+M"
Like I said, it's hard to believe how innocent Rihanna was at the beginning of her career compared to her at this point in her career. "S+M" needs no explanation of what this song is talking about. Who knew Rihanna was this sexually devious and depraved! A bigger shock is how successful this song became as it went to #1 among Rihanna's record 14. I won't lie, this song is so infectious and extremely catchy that I can't help but sing along to the melodic hook. Whether you are into bondage or not. Who would think in this day in age a song like this would be a hit and not band for publicly celebrating sado masochistic practices...but Rihanna pulls it off and it's a pretty superb start to the album that embodies a great pop hit.
(B+)
2. "What's My Name" (Featuring Drake)
This electronic R&B/Hip Hop collaboration from Rihanna and Drake was another big hit for the two of them and I can't deny this is great track. It's fun, playful and sweet song that sees Rihanna singing of a guy who makes her feel amazing and makes her forget her own name. I've enjoyed this song ever since it came out in '10 and it's still a good song.
(B+)
3. "Cheers (Drink To That)"
A great anthem for the end of the week, "Cheers (Drink To That)" sees Rihanna singing about the joys of indulging when the weekend comes but most of all just being carefree when life gets you down. It's a pretty good song even if the it's message is pretty simple. It's overall enjoyable and catchy.
(B-)
4. "Fading"
"Fading" is a heartfelt song that sees Rihanna singing of her man who is "fading" as to say that her man is losing himself as their relationship begins to fall apart. I like it. The hook is nice and catchy enough with the lyrics being pretty good overall.
(B)
5. "Only Girl (In The World)"
I feel like "Only Girl (In The World)" is the song that really cemented that that Euro-Pop/EDM craze that hit that 2010s was here to stay. This is a great pop song, filled with infection electronic beats, a fine vocal performance from Rihanna and lyrics that emphasize that this is one you'll remember for years to come. This was a major hit around the world and really was the best opening single for the album. One of Rihanna's best hits that shows that she can be a very capable pop artist.
(A)
6. "California King Bed"
"California King Bed" sees Rihanna drawing inspiration from the pop/rock genre once again and she does a fantastic job with this track! The lyrics are saddening as Rihanna sings of a relationship that couldn't be more at a distance as two lovers lie next to each in bed. Rihanna's vocal performance, once again, is superb (at least for her) and I feel the emotion that was surely lacking from her earlier ballads that were just so bland. Anyway, a great song.
(A-)
7. "Man Down"
I love when Rihanna goes back to her Caribbean roots with these latter albums. Where "A Girl Like Me" seemed to drown itself with generic reggae songs, songs like "Man Down" stand out because they are rare and have more effort put into them. "Man Down" is a tragic tale of Rihanna shooting a man out of blind anger and I love every minute of it, especially when she delivers the Jamaican patois portion of the song. A strong follow-up to the last track and a nice change in genres.
(A-)
8. "Raining Men"
Another R&B/Hip Hop collabo from the album, this Rihanna and Nicki Minaj join forces. Though I find it funny that a part of the song samples "enney, meany, miney, mow" of all children's games. I guess it could be worse. It's okay I guess. Kind of filler.
(C)
9. "Complicated"
Once again, Rihanna sings of a relationship that has become tedious because of a lover who makes things worse through their disrespectful tantrums. I enjoy the song for it's lyrical content and Rihanna's above average vocals. It's relatable and it works.
(B-)
10. "Skin"
Now, this is level sexy I like from Rihanna. Not too dirty and has that right kind of sexuality that you can listen to with their significant other. It's playful and leaves more to the imagination without having to spell it out for the listeners. I like the electronic rock/hip hop tone of the song, it's really good.
(B+)
11. "Love The Way You Lie" Part II (Featuring Eminem)
This is a good sequel song to her #1 worldwide hit with Eminem that ends the album on a strong note. Eminem of course comes through with a hit verse that brings a lot of intensity to the song and Rihanna brings a lot of vulnerability as she did with their first collaboration. This is fine track to conclude the album.
(B+)
Wow, I really enjoyed "Loud" more than I thought I would. Following such a good album like "Rated R", you think Rihanna would drop the ball but this is a great pop album. It's up-beat, fun and once again shows a wide range of musical genres that work as a whole. I'd say the only problem is that "Loud" doesn't have clear theme like her last two albums. After the edgier attitude of "Good Girl Gone Bad" and serious, inner demons concept of "Rated R", "Loud" seems content with just being lighter and more optimistic which isn't bad. The music is overall still pretty strong, I love singles from the album from "Only Girl" to "Man Down". Also Rihanna never forgets to takes things seriously and really show some substance like with "California King Bed". The collaborations are solid for the most part (all though Nicki doesn't bring much to the table in "Raining Men") Overall, "Loud" is just a great pop album that shows that Rihanna surprisingly can versatile with different genres of music and has enough talent to pull it off. The album went on to sell over 8 million worldwide and had her most successful opening week sales of her career as well as 3#1 singles. She became the youngest artists who accumulated the most #1 singles since Mariah Carey. Sure, Rihanna isn't one of the most gifted musicians and singers, but with "Loud" she once again shows she is marketable pop artist who knows her way around a handful of hits.
(B+)
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