Rihanna rebounds, 'Loud' and clear
Rihanna performs during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2010 live show at La Caja Magica on November 7, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. Credit: Getty
Rihanna is back.
Forget the concerns with last year's dark, disappointing "Rated R," which awkwardly dealt with her all-too-public breakup with Chris Brown. With the bright and shiny "Loud" (Def Jam), she rebounds with her best album yet.
Though Miss "Umbrella" is understandably best known for her singles, "Loud" rewards those who listen to it as a whole.
The first half is filled with StarGate-produced club anthems starting with the clever, up-tempo "S&M" and ending with the massive Euro-trance "Only Girl (in the World)," which brings the drama as well as the BPMs.
She slows things down - for "What's My Name," which is already No. 1 and deservedly heading for omnipresence, and the soon-to-be-smashes "Cheers (Drink to That)," which will likely spawn catchphrases and countless drunken sing-alongs, and "Fading," a playful kiss-off. But they all still fit together as social tales set in public places.
The epic ballad "California King Bed" is a worthy centerpiece, showing off how Rihanna's vocals have grown and how she has adapted the seriousness from "Rated R" into a more workable sound.
The second half of "Loud" is more private, filled with regrets and worries, from the ska-influenced "Man Down" to "Love the Way You Lie (Part 2)," the sequel to her hit duet with Eminem, telling the tale from her point of view.
With "Loud," Rihanna shows that pop albums can be complex and upbeat, thought-provoking and successful. And, man, is "Loud" going to be successful, since every song here is a potential hit. Drink to that, RiRi.
Rihanna: "Loud"
GRADE: A
BOTTOM LINE: RiRi builds stronger, smarter, sassier pop.
