Artist: Rihanna
Album: Rated R
Record Label: DefJam Recordings
Release Date: November 23rd, 2009
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars
Rihanna has endured love, pain and stardom since the release of her critical-acclaimed album “Good Girl Gone Bad”. The Barbados beauty has returned with strength, swagger, and improved vocals. Shying away from the up-tempo dance tracks that dominated GGGB, Rihanna created a darker and edgier pop sound which verbally expresses her inner emotions of a life-changing year in the spotlight.
Mad House
Come on in Mutha*ucka! Rihanna starts Rated R off with “Mad House” a dark and gloomy track that is reminiscent of a carnival fun house. The intro sets the tone for the album.
Wait Your Turn
Sometimes you just gotta wait your turn to get a chance. The unofficial single “Wait Your Turn” is a very catchy and bass-driven up-tempo track. Hands down one of the tracks that go HARD on Rated R.
Hard (Featuring Young Jeezy) [Second Single]
Rihanna let’s you know why she goes hard and is still the baddest chick in the game. Deep dark ground vibrating bass makes “Hard” a certified street banger. Atlanta Rapper, Young Jeezy, adds his swagger on the track like icing on a cake.
Stupid In Love
“Stupid In Love” is a beautiful penned track by R&B Superstar, Ne-Yo. “Stupid In Love” is somewhat an Ode to Chris with all the subtle nuances of a broken relationship. It’s rumored to be the 3rd single from “Rated R” and Rihanna’s favorite track on the album.
Rockstar 101
The infamous Slash rock guitar strings rattle the inner brains of “rock stars” everywhere. “Rockstar 101” is a bass thumping, guitar-waling world of Rihanna’s inner rock star. It’s a deep soul-stroking track that makes you want to pick up an electric guitar and rock out.
Russian Roulette [First Single]
A dark metaphor of something much more serious than a game of chance and luck; “Russian Roulette” is the lead single from Rated R. Dark, edgy, and morbid is the exact words to describe this brilliantly written ballad. The lyrics describe the game of Russian Roulette (Google it), but also talks about the pain of domestic violence.
Fire Bomb
“Fire Bomb” is actually a beautiful song, but I really don’t think it was written for Rihanna. It reminds me of a song written for Taylor Swift, Mandy Moore, or Miley Cyrus. Imagine a music video with someone singing their heart out in the rain with fire and glass shattering in slow motion and you have the synopsis of the track.
Rude Boy
A sprinkle of Caribbean flavor and a bangin’ beat is the ingredient for a “Rude Boy”. Steel drums, sultry vocals and swagger are the foundation of this amazing track. This bright and fun track was written by Ester Dean (“Drop It Low”) and adds a light touch to the dark over tones of the album.
Photographs (Featuring Will.i.am)
Sometimes the only memories you have are from a “Photograph”. Will.i.am and Rihanna co-wrote the mellow track that brings you on a journey of reminiscing. “Photographs” features vocals from Will.i.am and a Black Eyed Peas like drum break at the end.
G4L (Gangsta 4 Life)
You don’t wanna f*ck with Rihanna, she is a Gangsta 4 Life. “G4L” is a gritty, explicit and hardcore track that brings the “bad girl” back to the surface. Keeping in sync with the vibe of the album “G4L” is like the alter ego of the sweet and innocent Rih-Rih we all know and love. Not one of my favorites, but definitely worth listening to for lyrical purposes.
Te Amo
“Te Amo” is Spanish for I Love You. One of the only leaked songs that made it on Rated R; “Te Amo” is a curveball on the album. A beautifully written song that topped the Brazilian charts this year, but doesn’t fit into the range of the album.
Cold Case Love
Another track that I would solely dedicate to the heartache causes by ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown. “Cold Case Love” was written by Justin Timberlake and is very similar to his past creations. Orchestral instruments, drums, guitar and smooth vocals make “Cold Case Love” a standout track on the album.
The Last Song
As the closing credit to a movie rolls down the screen “The Last Song” plays. Guitars-strums, piano and hurt behind a voice are heard throughout the song. The track is kind of a depressing way to end an impressive album.
“Rated R” is an amazing album effort from Ms. Robyn Fenty. Creative, streamline and thought provoking lyrics captivate the sub-conscious minds of the audience. This album could be the soundtrack to the lives of many young girls that may have been or are in Rihanna’s shoes. Subliminal jabs at Chris are laced throughout the albums track listing. I expect the future re-release of “Rated R” will bombard our ears with more pop dance tunes than the album has given us. Overall, I think the album is enjoy and may take more than once listen to fall in love with…
Best Tracks
Wait Your Turn
Hard (Featuring Young Jeezy)
Stupid In Love
Russian Roulette
Rude Boy
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Preview: Rihanna “Rude Boy”
Posted By KlothezMinded – Follow Me on Twitter: KlothezMinded
I like this review, not because it’s a fairly positive review but you looked at the album by each individual track. I happen to keep the album is rotation because I like the lyrical heaviness. Since people are still looking for him to “put a ring on it”, they aren’t really into this album but for those who are still trying to solve a “Cold Case Love” (like myself) this is definetely the album for them.
“Come here rude bwoy, bwoy can you get it up!!!” Yessss! This is a real cute review! Still a Beyonce fan, but this CD gets my approval!
i luv dis review 2 ummmm luvin this album cuz itz nothink lik GGGB itz goh loadzz mr ballads which geh r dark nd a little depressing buh i lik havin thah feelin when ur angry lol. on a whole itz a sikk album wiv wikid traks……… the onli problem i hav wiv rihanna iz her blonde hair ewwwwww lamo
i luv dis review 2 ummmm luvin this album cuz itz nothink lik GGGB itz goh loadzz mr ballads which r dark nd a little depressing buh i lik havin thah feelin when ur angry lol. on a whole itz a sikk album wiv wikid traks……… the onli problem i hav wiv rihanna iz her blonde hair ewwwwww lmao
I totally agree with you. But This ‘new’ rihanna isnt really her..I’m frm the Caribbean and honestly is see her as being an embarrassment to us…really!!!! Cussin and carrying on on the album and then to see that Glamor gave her woman of the Year..how can she be whn she promoting violence on her album..COME ON!!!! Rihanna..go bck to your old self..and spot playin some one your not….
PS..Your alum suck…and your concert in London sucked too..PEACE OUT!!
Excellent and very accurate review… Rihanna’s sound has definitely changed , but it’s still a part of who she is… Keep It Up!
i coped rihanna’s album a week ago when it first leaked to the internet and i must say that it is a HUGE let down. This does not possess the makings of a comeback and the only people who will probably buy it are blindly loyal fans and people who feel sorry that she got beat up. it’s got only 3 decent tracks and even those become nerve-wracking after a few listens. you mean to tell me that with all the time she spent ‘working’ on this thing & ‘recovering’ from chris that no one had the sense to suggest that she get voice lessons? She STILL sounds like a dying cat whenever she attempts give any power to her voice and listiening to it crack during every song gives me a headache. i’ve already deleted this BULL off my computer
great review. You really listened to the songs, unlike other people who are comparing her to lady gaga.
Incredible Album.
wat your turn is my favrite song….
Lemme just say that this album is amazing! Def. became a Rihanna fan after hearing this. Good Job Robyn!
*coughiwanthoseticketscough*
onli.human@mac.com
Thanks For All The Comment Posts on My Reviews. Continue To Support The Artist and Keep Your Thoughts Coming.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this review, really it says everything I felt about each song…
I love this album, soooo much, it is different for her in such a good way, the lyrics r dark, & edgy, I just love it ….
Ummm my comment goes to ‘Disappointed’… you say you’re from the island? And this album’s 5 or 6 curse words are of embarrassment to you? When there’s tons of albums from artists that are profanity laced? Come harder with your hate.
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