After years of bitching, I've decided to listen to Rihanna's "Rated R" album... and to my shock and surprise it is FANTASTIC. Just listened to it on Napster, might just buy it for my collection...
1. Mad House ***
I expected some gruntled voice to say "If you listen to this for 10 more seconds you will die in 7 days" but I went a bit paranoid I think :lol: It did its job in making me scared...
2. Wait your turn ****
I've known this song for a year obviously, and it's always been a guilty pleasure of mine. The intro and this song did not glue well together, that's the only negative I'll give it.
3. Hard ****
Another one I've known for about a year, and has been as much as a guilty pleasure as "Wait your turn". The chorus repeats a lot, but doesn't get all too repetitive. The song however doesn't show off her voice in a positive manner, but I guess you don't need that for a song like this.
4. Stupid in love ***
It's a very nice ballad, a bit of a darker version of "Unfaithful". I prefer this one to said song. It's another one that doesn't convince me of Rihanna's vocals. The lyrics are typical Ne-Yo which leaves me equally unimpressed.
5. Rockstar 101 ****
One of the songs the majority would know, but I was unaware of. Slash to me doesn't add anything more to the song. I think this is the first song on the album that defines its style. I picture this would be amazing live as well.
6. Russian Roulette ****
I was not a fan of the song when it first came out, and the video emotionally kicked into me sometimes. It grew on me the more I heard it. I think the lyrics let this one down a bit.
7. Fire bomb *****
ANTHEM! Absolutely love it. In my opinion it shows the attitude of the album, and compliments her voice very well. Clearly the best so far.
8. Rude boy *****
Supercatchy. Never grew old, probably the first song of the Rated R era that I instantly liked and did not hide my admiration for. Sexy and sensual, probably the more positive of the songs on this album. Likely that's the reason I like it a lot.
9. Photographs ****
I am not really a fan of will.i.am which degrades the song a small bit. Especially like the lyrics, and the 80's new age influence. It would however not remain on my playlists, probably due to the sole reason will.i.am is on the track.
10. G4L ****
Sensual, sexy and mesmerizing. Great electrosounds. A good representation of the album's attitude and great lyrics. The first and last lines would make awesome shirts :P
11. Te amo ****
Another one I liked instantly. Probably the best lyric of any of the songs, a lot of deeper meaning. The latino influences flow well with the electronic sounds.
12. Cold case love *****
6 minutes... long sit but it's a song that wouldn't fit in 3 minutes. This is brilliant stuff... it especially starts catching me from the point the bpm turns up. One of the highlights without a doubt.
13. The last song ***
First of all appropriate title :P Closing the album with "Cold case love" would've caused an anticlimax, but in my opinion this is not the most brilliant way to end this album. I'd have probably switched this song's running order with "Fire bomb" to give it an orgasmic ending.
This album, has made me appreciate Rihanna in a completely different level. The best song on the album to me is "Fire bomb", weakest "Stupid in love". Counting it all up I give it a 4.3/5. Great job, and can't wait to hear a happier Rihanna on the next album... anxiously awaiting.