Rihanna set out in a different direction musically from the 2009 Rated R with her latest album Loud released at the end of 2010. This time around there is a definite direction and focus in terms of making it a “pop album,’
The album opens with the electro-dance beat backed “S&M,” but contrary to the song’s title, it is lyrically unimaginative. The album moves onto up-tempo tracks such as “What’s My Name featuring Drake, and the bombshell puts her vocals to good use over a sample from Avril Lavigne on the song “Cheers (Drink to That).” Rihanna returns to her Caribbean roots with the reggae tinged track “Man Down” which has lyrics reminiscent of her 2006 hit “Unfaithful”.
Out of all 11 tracks Rihanna’s vocals stand out most however on the tracks “Complicated,” “Only Girl in the World” and “California King Bed,” which displays both her passion and aggression. “Raining Men,” Rihanna’s collaboration with Nicki Minaj, borrows from Minaj’s style and makes for good chemistry between the two. And although Eminem is featured on “Love the Way You Lie (Part II)” and it is a strong song in terms of vocal smoothness, it feels slightly out of place on the album and is better suited for Rated R.
Although it’s a good album, there is less variety present here than on her other albums. The producers did a good job however matching sounds to Rihanna’s voice and style of vocal delivery. –kadeem lundy
