Rihanna's 5th studio album Loud landed in most markets today 15 Nov 2010. Though I got the leaked iTunes version, I'm still waiting to grab myself a physical copy of the album.
Having done my initial listening sessions, I've really fallen in love deeper with Only Girl (In The World) and thought that it was the best choice as a lead single. The song speaks so much about the album's feel and character - fun, carefree, flirty, LOUD! The synths entagled in rich rhythm and drums plus the signature electro sound of Stargate makes a perfect club anthem! This song is sure to join the ranks of her other hits that will forever be etched in her career that launched her to stardom. Songs like Umbrella, Don't Stop The Music and Unfaithful.
I also noticed the evolution of Rihanna's voice in the album, her range was higher, wider giving a vibrant impact on the album's loud attitude. This is mostly evident in Only Girl and Complicated
It was also confirmed by Rihanna's team that What's My Name (featuring Canadian R&B sensation Drake) will be the next single and the video is already being shot. My impression of the song is Stargate's Euro synthpop meets Rihanna's Barbadian singing style plus Drake's sexy voice. The result, a dancey, radio-friendly record but otherwise, forgettable.
Other songs like the provocative S&M, which is another Stargate produced track was also confirmed to be the third single and an accompanying music video will also be released. Man Down is probably the most Barbadian-influenced track in the album - very similar to her I Got That track from Good Girl Gone Bad. The fun & playful Raining Men (with Nicki Minaj) is also an attention grabber along with the mellow side of the album California King (Bed), Cheers (Drink to That) and Love The Way You Lie - Part II which this time, features rapper Eminem) proves Rihanna's versatility as a recording artist. Love The Way You Lie part II is an acoustic throwback to RiRi and Eminem's chart-topping hit Love The Way You Lie. Do you remember Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' The Empire State of Mind? A. Keys also had her own piano version of the song in her 4th studio album. Nothing, I just want to segue that info and relate it to how Rihanna did it with hers. LTWYP2 in my opinion is a much better version with Eminem's less raps and more of part from RiRi.
Noteworthy tracks: S&M, Only Girl (In The World), Love The Way You Lie - Part II, Cheers (Drink to That), California King (Bed)
Track list:
01. S&M
02. What's My Name
03. Cheers (Drink To That)
04. Fading
05. Only Girl (In The World)
06. California King (Bed)
07. Man Down
08. Raining Men
09. Complicated
10. Skin
11. Love The Way You Lie - Part II
What do you think?
