One Thing Rihanna SHOULD Be Apologetic For--Album Review

Rihanna "Unapologetic" Album Review

7/15= 46%

I have FINALLY listened to the entire "Unapologetic" album.

After not being impressed with song snippets that were released weeks ago, I wasn't in a rush to listen to this Rihanna CD like I have been for her past albums. 

What Rihanna's music lacks in lyrical substance is usually made up for in catchy production, however, this album falls flat. She pushes out a CD each year, but this is the first one that actually sounds like it was rushed. 

"Unapologetic" owes an apology for being disappointment overall, but there are a few gems (***). However, this will not be in constant rotation like the "Talk That Talk" and "Rated R" albums were. 

Maybe some of the other songs will grow on me?

1. ”Fresh Out The Runway”

Minus the cursing, which is a bit excessive, this is decent. We got a sample of Riri's rap ability in the "Birthday Cake" remix, and she explores that more in this song.  

Beat is good, lyrics are repetitive.

Overall, not crazy about this song, but I can see the chorus being played at fashion shows.

2. ”Diamonds”

I'm still wondering why this was the first single, and how this song made it to the album. 
Everything from the emotionless/strained vocals to the bland production just puts me to sleep.

 This track certainly does not shine bright, but somehow still shot to #1 on the Billboard 100 Chart. She is now tied with Madonna in number one songs. Only Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and Mariah Carey are ahead of her for the title of the most number ones. 

3. ”Numb” (featuring Eminem)***

"I'm the butt police, and I'm looking at your rear rear rear" really Em? lol #CORNY

Anywho, this spacey mid-tempo tune is perfect for a club setting when the effects of alcohol (and/or drugs?) are kicking in......

4. ”Pour It Up”

In this hip-hop track, Rihanna let's her haters know that she is not at all phased because she "still got mo money."

Comedian Kevin Hart seems to enjoy this one:

5. ”Loveeeeeee Song” (featuring Future)***

"I don't wanna give you the wrong impression. I need love and affection." This line from Future let's us know what this song is about in a nutshell. 

This smooth R&B track is one of my favorites on the album. Future was a good pick for a feature , and his unique sound meshed well with Rihanna's. 

I hear a little influence from singer Jeremih in Ri's vocal structure here (I-I-I). 

6. “Jump”***

This track starts off with Ri seductively telling a lover that he will never find another like her, and that she is the only one that he needs. The song changes pace in the chorus, with the beat changing to something Skrillex-like. 

The switch from the slower tempo to  the faster dubstep works well in this song. 

Sidenote: I was excited to hear the line from Ginuwine's "Pony" in this. Who doesn't love that song?

7. ”Right Now”

One of two David Guetta collabos on the album.  Sounds like any other dance song you hear on the radio, nothing makes this track unique or special. 

8. ”What Now”

Here, Rihanna sings about yearning for someone who is missing (I wonder who) and not having anyone to call on in her time of despair.
This slow song is just ok.


9. ”Stay” (featuring Mikky Ekko)

Up-and-coming singer/producer, Mikky Ekko, lends his vocals to the somber piano ballad.
This is a nice duet. Good, but not great.

10. ”Nobodies Business” (featuring Chris Brown)***

The Dream, who produced and co-wrote a number of tracks this album, jumps on another Rihanna/Chris Brown collabo (he wrote and produced "Birthday Cake").
Lyrics from Michael Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel" were incorporated into this bold declaration of forbidden love. 

This is a solid R&B track. 

11. ”Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary”***

Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary samples the beat from "Message in a Bottle" by The Police, and while I wish these were two separate songs, the transition between the two was smooth. 
This track has a personal feel, with Ri singing to Mother Mary and Mister Jesus about wanting to change in the second half.

12. ”Get It Over With”***

Rihanna isn't the artist we look to for songs with depth and meaning, however, this slow track touches is about needing to "get it over with" and just cry instead of allowing a storm to build up inside of you. There are also metaphors about using Marijuana to alleviate stress (floating in the clouds). 

Lyrically, this is the best song on album.

P.S. Male voice in background sounds like Breezy. Maybe there was some work going on in the studio after all?

13. ”No Love Allowed” aka Man Down 2.0

Going back to her reggae roots, this is the "Man Down" for this album. She even refers to murder and guns in this song like in her previous track. 

14. ”Lost In Paradise”***

"It may be wrong, but it feels right. To be lost in paradise."

Songwriter Ester Dean helped put into words Rihanna's perceived sentiment in regards to her turbulent relationship with Chris Brown.

The vocals here are good. This is a stand out track on "Unapologetic."

15. “Half of Me” (Bonus track)

This is the piano ballad is the cliché "you don't know the REAL me" song, but it's appropriate, as Rihanna's personal life has really been overshadowing her music lately. 

Not something I'd immediately turn off if it were to come on the radio, but  this song wouldn't make it to my iPod. 

What do you think of Rihanna's latest work?