Artist: Rihanna
Album: Loud
Label: The Island Def Jam Music Group
Rating: 4
Rihanna is back and she’s louder than ever.
Following the release of the dark and tough Hard last summer, full of Rihanna’s pain from her very public fallout with Chris Brown, the pop princess has released an album full of fun club jams without a trace of sadness left.
Rihanna’s lyrics this time around are strong and playful, with kinky songs such as “S&M.” Her second single with Drake, “What’s My Name?” is sure to be a radio hit.
Although this is mainly a fun album, Rihanna has never been one to shy away from ballads and Loud is no exception. She is stronger on songs that still have an up-tempo beat, such as the reggae-infused “Man Down,” but there is a beautiful piano version of her hit with Eminem, “Love the Way You Lie.” It proves that Rihanna can do more than club tracks, and will give you chills.
Loud is exactly what the title promises. It’s fun, fresh and sure to put the Barbados siren back on top.
Give these tracks a listen: “S&M,” “Man Down,” “Love the Way You Lie (Piano Version)”
For Fans of: Beyonce, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson
– Anneta Konstantinides
