
Artist: Rihanna
Album: Talk That Talk
Released On: November 21, 2011
Born in Barbados as Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Rihanna aspired to be a singer performing songs made famous by her music inspirations: Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Destiny’s Child. It wasn’t before long that industry executives took notice and signed her to a contract under the guidance of music mogul Jay-Z. Rihanna has managed to keep everyone talking since she first stepped on the music scene in 2005 with her debut album, ”Music of the Sun”. After recently completing a world tour for her “Loud” album, she is back with her sixth studio album entitled, “Talk That Talk”. Breaking Madonna’s record, Rihanna made the achievement of twenty Hot 100 top-ten singles faster than any other artist in charting history. The first single “We Found Love” from this album became her eleventh #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100.
“You Da One” is a great opening track on the album, I felt the hook was very catchy and I personally love the bridge section. This song is classic Rihanna. “Where Have You Been” is one of my favorite songs from the album, I love the house music feel it’s giving. The song is simplistic, yet makes you want to dance all night long. I love how it opens and closes, almost acapella, that part alone is captivating. I feel it could be a big record. On “We Found Love”, Rihanna continues the dance/trance vibe and I love it. I would love to see the reaction in the clubs to this one. It’s sick how the instrumental crescendos higher and higher, then breaks into a groove that is really something reminiscent of 90s house music. Love it! With the album’s title-track “Talk That Talk”, Rihanna is joined by her mentor and hip-hop heavyweight Jay-Z. I love Jay’s verse, he rides the beat like the “G” he is. He rhymes, “I talk big money, I talk big homes, sell out arenas, I call that getting dome”. Dope! I really hope this track is released as a single because I love the arrangement. The bridge section breaks into a reggae rhythm that’s undeniably hot. “Cockiness (Love It)” is a sexy track, a bit raunchy and I predict alot of girls will make the song their ringtone/callertune. Rih sings, “I can be your dominatrix”, so you get the gest of the song. The instrumental was full of bass and my favorite part, although the song is short, is the bridge where Rihanna sounds like she’s “chatting”, which is a West Indian rapping style…very dope! Another song where Rihanna keeps on the line of rawness is the following track, “Birthday Cake”. The song is more of an interlude and just when she was about to get too explicit, it’s over. I like the instrumental, but I feel like I’ve heard it before.
“We All Want Love” is another favorite track of mine. I feel like this one could have been on the ”Loud” album. The song is about being in a lonely state and wanting more than just sex, but yearning for companionship. Overall, the message is true and I love the lyrics, the pre-chorus is what struck me immediately. I could see Rihanna performing this song on her next tour, but more acoustic and stripped. “Drunk On Love” is my favorite track off of “Talk That Talk”, it’s my kinda song. I really feel the lyrics when she sings them and it sounds like she is singing from a place of hurt. The lyrics are honest and many people should be able to relate to this song. Rihanna sings, “I wear my heart on my sleeve, always let love take the lead, I may be a little naive”. I’m hoping the track gets released as a single because it is that infectious. When I first heard “Roc Me Out”, I thought of a previous song she did “Rude Boy”. It has the same feel, in it being fun, sexy, nothing too heavy and still being a solid production. With “Watch N Learn”, the Barbadian beauty stays on the sassy side. This is a song I personally keep on repeat, the verses have a Carribean vibe, the instrumental is hard-hitting and the hook is catchy. “Farewell” is the only song I feel just did not belong on the album. I actually love the track, but it was not a good fit along the lines of the house/dance/hip-hop direction the previous tracks gave. The song is much more alternative rock and although well-produced, she should have held it for her next LP.
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Tags: Music Reviews, Rihanna