The clips of Rated R have surfaced.
Here’s the thing: I don’t give a fuck if there aren’t any mainstream hits or dancefloor scorchers this time around. From what I’m hearing, there’s a solid, dark theme that can be fluidly traced from the first note to the last…and that’s a real good thing.
No, this isn’t going to be a collection of radio-ready singles like Good Girl Gone Bad…it’s a concept album. This is just the right material she needs to bring herself to the next level, moving from ‘just another radio flirtation’ to a full-on force to be reckoned with.
This album actually makes me interested in Rihanna as a person and as an artist. Can anyone honestly say they were bothered to know anything beyond her name after hearing “Pon de Replay” for the first time?
Besides, the dancefloor hasn’t been entirely ignored: “Rude Boy” sounds like a NASTY jam, and “Hard” is a wonderful, anthemic brag attack.
Rated R is likely going to be one of the most cohesive pop album in years.
Viva la Rihannoir!