Going back to her pop roots, Rihanna lights up the music scene with the appropriately titled, Loud. Taking an almost complete u-turn from 2009’s Rated R, Rihanna dishes out a more pop/dance/electro album reminiscent of 2006’s A Girl Like Me and 2008’s Good Girl Gone Bad. Although it only debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, it did sell 207,000 copies the first week, which is the most she has ever sold in one week (in the U.S.). So far it has sold over 1 million in the U.S. and 10 million in the U.K.
“S&M” – With an opening track titled “S&M”, one can only imagine what Rihanna is portraying before listening to it. However, after one listen, the image becomes steamy, but clear. The actual title of the song is mentioned until you’re more than half way through the song, but the lyrics, “’Cause I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it/Sex in the air I don’t care, I love the smell of it/Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me.”, give a pretty good indication about the meaning of the song. Fast, and upbeat, “S&M” rages through the radio and past the bans like a fiery, dance-pop orgy. 5/5
“What’s My Name (feat. Drake)” – Like someone took an iron to “Rude Boy”’s sassy and fast tempo and added the always smooth Drake, “What’s My Name” is one of those “love it or hate it” songs. This is second single and Rihanna’s 8th number one on the Hot 100, and also Drake’s first. Sparking numerous rumors of their possible romantic affiliation, “What’s My Name” defiantly energizes their assumptions, with playful and romantic lyrics followed by a catchy series of “oh-na-na’s”. And just when I got “S&M” out of my head. 5/5
“Cheers (Drink To That)” – A T.G.I.F. anthem, “Cheers” is perfect for a night on the town. It’s not much of a club hit like the past two songs were, but it holds its own as a solid possible hit. The lyrics quite mediocre, and have almost no rhyme scheme. The hook is addicting though, (“yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah, etc.”) just as most of Rihanna’s songs are. 4/5
“Fading” – A pro-independence break-up song, it reminds me of “Take A Bow” in that Rihanna is taking the empowerment stance (in the lyrics) by kicking their ex-lover out “Can’t you see that you’re fading, fading, fading, fa-a-a-ding away.”. The little hums throughout the song are a little pointless and sound like they are part of an unreleased Kanye song. Nevertheless, “Fading” resonates with the idea of starting anew, turning the page, all that jazz. 5/5
“Only Girl (In The World)” – Taking home the award for Best Dance Recording at the 53rd Grammy’s, “Only Girl” is also the first single. Another fast-paced club track, its another “love it or hate it” song. The verses don’t seem too impressive, but the hook possesses an amazing vocal performance. Honestly, it’s the best part of the song – especially when there’s no beat. Nice work, Stargate. 5/5
“California King Bed” – Defiantly my favorite on the album, this song brings back bittersweet memories and brings a little tear to the eye every once in a while. This is probably her best track vocally, and the guitars are a nice break from the fast club beats. The lyrics are very poignant and fit right into the melodies. 5/5
“Man Down” – Reaching into her Barbadian heritage, “Man Down” features a very deep Caribbean sound fused with sirens and Rihanna’s lingering accent. Although it’s not a certified club track, it does show a side of Rihanna that hasn’t been present since her very beginnings. This kind of track shows the diversity that Rihanna has as an artist, and this track serves as what “Te Amo” was for Rated R. It also shows Rihanna’s vocal strength. The hook lyrics are so-so and the sirens get annoying, though. 4/5
“Raining Men (feat. Nicki Minaj)” – Similar to “Man Down” in its Caribbean flavored themes, this song brings back the club anthems that were present in the beginning of the album. The bass line comes in and adds a completely different twist to the song. Rihanna’s lyrics are more rap-like, but the hook’s high-pitched mimic of the words in unnecessary. Nicki’s verse is quick and to the point, but also delivers the signature Nicki style to it. I wish there was more diversity to the lyrics, however. 4/5
“Complicated” – Another vocal-heavy song, the lyrics reflect the themes from “Love The Way You Lie”, in the apparent struggle to love someone due to the sparking chemistry but aggressive natures of the tow lovers. The song itself is okay, but the faster beat that comes in later throws the song off balance. 3/5
“Skin” – A sexy and seductive (almost a stripped down version of “S&M”) track fills the room with a dark and provocative allure. The beat and tunes eventually ride in, and fall into place with the sultry lyrics. The song goes on a little too long though, and because of the lack of lyrical diversity, it makes it drag on and on. In fact, the last minute of the song is a guitar solo that should have either faded away sooner, or opened up the hook again. 3/5
“Love The Way You Lie (Part II) [feat. Eminem]” – The second part of the already chart-topping single is, in one word, breathtaking. Eminem’s verse is tight and it makes it feel like a very realistic continuation of the original song. Rihanna’s vocals are showcased very well, especially with the piano in the beginning. A very nice way to end the album. 5/5
After a rough couple of years, Rihanna regains her momentum through the club and radio hits and orchestrated ballads – all found within Loud. With Rated R, she showed us what happens when a good girl goes bad, with metallic scenes and dark themes. With Loud, we see the rebirth of the pop princess phoenix we know so well (ahem, the red hair?). I only have one question: what style is she going to masquerade as in her next album?
