rihanna :: LOUD :: review

New Rihanna is good! Overall this album is pretty inconsistent, but because of that we get some really awesome new songs, and a couple that you can just forget about. That being said, there is a lot to like, and I really look forward to sitting with it for a while and adding it to my Riri playlist. Personally I don't think this album is as good as Rated R, but I think I liked that one a little more than most people. The critics have given LOUD favorable reviews, and most of them are pleased that she is back having fun and moving on from her "personal troubles." Rihanna said it best herself: "I'm gonna miss the Rated R era too, but nothing compares to the album I just made," she said, adding, "I made sure not to let you down with my music. You guys are always defending me, so now you’ve got some great songs to justify it. I didn’t want to go backward and remake Good Girl Gone Bad. I wanted the next step in the evolution of Rihanna, and it’s perfect for us"

1. S&M (****) This is a fun upbeat track to start off the album. It doesn't quite reach the heights of her greatest hits, but you're going to like this one, I promise. "I may be bad, but i'm perfectly good at it!"
2. What's My Name (*****) featuring (adorable) Drake. This one is hot 2 death! Drake and Rihanna suit each other on this track, and it smolders with natural chemistry and sexiness. Both of these hot young artists are in their element here. "You're just my type oooo na NA na NA."
3. Cheers (Drink to That) (****) This one was completely unexpected. Based on an Avril Lavigne sample (I'm With You) this one is about getting out there, feeling good and having fun with your friends. "Cheers to the freakin' weekend, I'll drink to that."
4. Fading (***) For me, this is the first miss on an otherwise strong start to the album. It sounds like several of Riri's other songs watered down and thinned out. No real punch, but nothing really bad either. "Go on, be gone, ta ta, so long."
5. Only Girl (In the World) (*****) An instant classic, the first single released from the album, and probably its defining track. Rihanna has characterized LOUD as move away from the darker edge from Rated R, but without just recreating her sound from Good Girl Gone Bad. This is the best example of her success in that regard. Fun, club friendly, car friendly, (and cat friendly - addition by kylie) Rihanna at her best. "Let me take you by surprise, make it last all night."
6. California King Bed (***) Slow jam about cuddling. Not what I'm looking for from you, Riri. "How come when I reach out my fingers, It seems like more than distance between us."
7. Man Down (***) Another low point. This one is sort of an island groove affected slow jam about Rihanna shooting someone. Police sirens and steel drums? "Oh Mama, I just shot a man down in Central Station in front of a big ole crowd."
8. Raining Men (****) This track featuring Nicki Minaj is such a relief after getting through the two snoozers that precede it. Nicki is another natural collaborator for Rihanna. She is like the urban rap star that Rihanna's Barbadian heritage would never let her be. These two are clearly having fun, and so am I when this one comes on. "I ain't even worried bout you homie, cuz theres plenty more fish in the sea."
9. Complicated (****) This features a strong vocal, allowing Rihanna to actually belt and sing a little. Its a shame the rest of the song is a little weak, because with a little more pep in the musical arrangements I think this could have been one of the best songs on the album. Waiting for the dancehall remix. "If you really want to be alone, I throw my hands up cuz baby i tried"
10. Skin (***) I've got to be honest that I don't really know what to do with this one. I want to like it more than I do, and maybe it will grow on me with repeated listens, but there is definitely something there that interests me. "No heels, no shirt, no skirt, all im in is just skin"
11. Love the Way You Lie (****) This song works as a slow burning ballad. The Eminem contribution is just fine. Rihanna sounds pretty, but I think the original has a little more heat.
12. Love the Way You Lie (Piano Version) I would have preferred to have another new song than just get a different version of a song that was a response to an Eminem song. More Rihanna plz.