Unapologetic is Rihanna’s seventh album in seven years, and every year she and her team make it their mission to collect a strong variety of production with Rihanna’s topsy-turvy life telling the story.
Of course no one is looking for this album to save anyone or any genre; and seeing that Rihanna has trained us to look for another album 12 months from now, it’s music for the moment.
Rihanna is quick to remind you of her pop influence starting with “Phresh off the Runway,” which isn’t a strong seller, but it does seem like she’s living that life.
Dramatic production with equally dramatic and positive lyrics were the key to the powerful “Diamonds” single, which Rihanna has performed on nearly every large media platform, and even garnered a Kanye West remix a week before the album’s release. Sadly, “Numb” featuring rapper Eminem, was not a standout track in the slightest.
“Pour It Up” shows Rihanna’s love for ratchet hip hop with production similar to Juicy J’s “Bandz Make Her Dance.” With the use of overused rap flows in her first verse, she serves you her thug life mentality talking about strip clubs, money, and the like.
Loveeee song is heavily auto-tuned and Rihanna sounds like she channeled Jeremih in this hood love song featuring the new King of ‘tune, Future. “Jump” is obviously a Ginuwine remake with popular dubstep production. If you liked the old one, you’ll be OK with this one.
David Guetta’s production on “Right Now” gives you the expected dance track, “What Now” allows Rihanna to stretch her vocals on a ballad that channels her inner Vanessa Carlton, and “Stay” finished up the snooze fest before the main event, “Nobody’s Business.”
The title and feature by Chris Brown shouldn’t have been a surprise, for Rihanna eased us into the collaboration with “Birthday Cake” remix. The fan favorite, high-energy vogue-friendly song, where both seem to channel the late and great Michael Jackson is very reminiscent of ’90s house music that kept all ages on the dance floor. As the two serenade each other, they lead you into a dancing trance. and whether you approve of their love or not “it ain’t nobody’s business”. In the event that this song didn’t divulge enough about Rihanna’s feelings for Chris Brown, take a listen to “Love Without Tragedy.”
It’s hard to get Chris out of your head as she continues solemnly with “Get it Over With” which leads to a reggae inspired “No Love Allowed” and closes out with “Lost in Paradise.”
Clearly, Rihanna grabbed popular flows and sounds from genres. Say what you want, but she’s Unapologetic.
Check out the snippets:
