On Nov. 20, 2009, Rihanna Fenty dropped her much anticipated album, “Rated R.” The album is the culmination of her growth as a self-proclaimed “bad girl.” The album’s name describes it to a T, considering the very raw nature of the lyrical content. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and at number one on the Billboard Top R&B Chart. The album has received very positive responses from critics and fans.
“I like it; there isn’t one song on the album that I do not like. The CD is very collaborative and it flows very well,” Crystal Williams, junior theatre major, said.
The album is a mix of slow, edgy ballads and hardcore pop that shows Rihanna’s bad side. Other songs, like the rock-styled “Rockstar 101” and “G4L,” express Fenty’s more raw and gangster side.
“This is my most personal album to date. I put a lot of emotion and personal experience in the songs,” said Rihanna in a press release.
The album’s first single, “Russian Roulette,” debuted at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song, co-written by Ne-Yo, is a very slow and dark ballad discussing the dangerous game of Russian Roulette. The second single, “Hard,” featuring Young Jeezy, is a edgy hip-hopish song. The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Many fans view the album as a memoir to Chris Brown, as songs like “Stupid In Love” and “Russian Roulette” express sorrowful emotion for a lost relationship and display Rihanna’s emotional baggage from the tumultuous relationship between Rihanna and Brown.
“My favorite song off the CD is ‘Te Amo,’ because of its Spanish flare and the beat.” Paul Guzman Jr, sophomore mass media major, said.
One of the most raunchy songs on the album, “Rude Boy,” suggests a older, more mature side of Rihanna. She sings, “Come here rude boy can you get it up / Come here rude boy is you big enough / Take it baby, love me love me.”
“Rated R” features also hot collaborations, including the second single “Hard,” featuring Jeezy, and the sexy song “Photographs,” with an appearance by Black Eye Peas star will.i.am.
I give “Rated R” 4 out of 5 stars for the cohesiveness and real lyrics. I recommend this album to anyone who loves pop music.