Review: Rihanna – Unapologetic

BY SABRINA VICTOR

Rihanna’s latest album Unapologetic incorporates slinky pop grooves, an R&B-electro style, and the daring and defiant lyrics she is known for. This album is filled with club hits and singles that highlight Rihanna’s vocal improvements. Unapologetic lives up to expectations and although the songs weren’t written by her, she seems to connect with them to create her most confident and emotionally resonant album ever. In this impeccable vocal performance Rihanna manages to once again raise the bar for Modern Pop and R&B music.

As usual Rihanna includes hard-hitting club singles such as “Phresh out the Runway,” “Pour It Up,” and “Jump”. In the song “Jump” Rihanna takes Ginuwine’s “Pony” and remixes it with dub step beats and adds new verses with the existing chorus. On one of my favorites, “Pour it up” she creates a fun single about money and the love of strippers over hypnotic beats and handclaps.

Rihanna also reminds us on this album that she doesn’t care what others think and she’s going to live her life how she wants. “Right Now” featuring David Guetta is a feel good anthem about being young and living life to the fullest. “Nobody’s Business” feat. Chris Brown has a slick beat and leaves you wondering what is going on between the two. This catchy throwback to early-90s club music is a duet with both of them belting out “you’ll always be the one I want to come home to” and “you’ll always be my baby”. Not caring what the world has to say, Rihanna makes her feelings very clear despite public opinion.

On Unapologetic Rihanna’s vocal talent shines and for the first time she includes emotional and relatable ballads. In “Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary” she sings with an uplifting vocal about a partner who took the best years of her life and soon the song transitions into a confessional proclaiming she is going to change. In “What Now” Rihanna sings a flawless and vulnerable ballad with an incredible and emotional chorus, in which she is reflecting back. In “Diamonds”, the best performance Rihanna has delivered in years, she sings this inspirational pop ballad with a throaty and passionate voice.

Rihanna has proven to be one of the most hardworking artists in the music industry and has managed to keep going despite obstacles she faces. With world tours and new music dropping at Usain Bolt speed, Rihanna has proved to be one of the greatest performers of our time. On Unapologetic Rihanna does a great job incorporating party jams as well as ballads that showcase her vocal talent. This commendable album proves Rihanna doesn’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon.