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CD review: Rihanna ‘Rated R’
‘Rated R’
(Def Jam)
Grade: A-
There is no way to review Rihanna’s new album “Rated R” without mentioning Chris Brown. After what happened earlier this year, their relationship is the proverbial elephant in the room.
The lead single “Russian Roulette” (“Know that I must pass this test / So just pull the trigger”) and its dark metaphor for love? The anthemic songs about how great she is on her own and the reflective ballads about lost love that every R&B album has? While she rarely explicitly mentions their relationship, almost everything about “Rated R” could be plausibly interpreted to be about Brown in some way.
It’s unfortunate, because “Rated R” should be judged on its own merits. Rihanna has become one of the most consistent hit-makers in pop music, and this album continues that trend. Five or six songs easily could be top 10 singles - from the Jeezy- and Slash-assisted club smashes (“Hard,” “Rockstar 101”) to the slower ballads (“Fire Bomb” and “Te Amo”) and songs that ably mix both styles (“Photographs” and “Wait Your Turn”).
Almost every one of the album’s 12 songs has a strong, memorable and catchy chorus. A superstar group of producers and songwriters - headlined by StarGate, the team behind “So Sick” and “Unfaithful” - give Rihanna a varied musical backdrop (from slow pianos to R&B tinged guitars and electronic club music) that still fits together cohesively. This allows Rihanna to stretch herself as a singer like she never has before.
“Rated R” should only further establish Rihanna as one of music’s pre-eminent superstars. And as for Chris Brown, maybe that’s the only message she needs to send — success is still the best revenge.
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By Eva Webber
November 23, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
You definitely could have reviewed her CD with mentioning Chris Brown. I mean they are both going to continue to be successful. Let the kids grow up and live their life. Enough already…he has an album coming out and I am sure people will go out and purchase that as well. If it was not for her looks she would not be where she is now. Vocally she is terrible and the AMA’s last night proved that. But now a days you dont have to have great vocals to sell records, sex appeal alone will do that.
By Dana Knowles
November 23, 2009 1:41 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with the previous comment by Eva. One album has nothing to do with the other- besides people are already too caught up with art imitating life: NOT EVERY SONG/ALBUM IS BASED SOLELY ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCE! Especially considering that Rihanna does not write her own music. I have heard the album and I personally think it is a failed attempt to change her sound and make her more “edgy.” In my opinion, she doesn’t have what it takes to pull it off (i.e. the vocal chops and the artistry).
By Jay N
November 23, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this
I like Rihanna - including her voice. If you don’t think she can sing then move on and don’t comment. You should have established your opinion on the first album… This album has interesting lyrics, obviously intended to be reminiscant of her previous drama/relationship. It seems to be directed at it, and unfortuneately, because of that - she almost seems bitter. I think she should have found a better focus. It’s not my fave of all her other work. She seems like she’s angry.
By Adrian
November 24, 2009 10:12 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with Eva on this as well. The review would not have mentioned the “superstar group of writers and producers” behind her success. These days, every artist has a team behind them. They just need someone to sell the product. Too bad talent runs secondary to the image. She’s a beautiful woman who’s been abused, bitter and extremely sexy. Easy selling points right there.
By Dana Knowles
November 24, 2009 10:19 AM | Link to this
Well, that is your opinion if you like Rihanna’s voice, Jay, as you stated, and what I stated is mine, so I am just as eligible to comment as you are.