Rihanna, a multifaceted talent known for her singing, songwriting, fashion sense, and makeup brand, truly stands out as an entertainer. Since her 2005 debut with Def Jam Recordings, she has remained a fixture in pop culture, and our admiration for her continues to grow. Additionally, without Rihanna, we would have missed out on Tom Holland’s unforgettable Lip Sync Battle performance, something we’d rather not imagine.
While fans of the Barbados-born artist, affectionately called The Navy, eagerly await her next full album, her contributions to the 2022 soundtrack for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” have been a welcome delight. As her upcoming Super Bowl halftime show approaches, we’ve revisited her discography to highlight ten standout moments.
Best Rihanna Songs of All Time
Pon De Replay
Barbadian artist Rihanna’s breakthrough song, “Pon de Replay,” launched her onto the worldwide music scene in 2005 with a burst of colorful energy. The dancehall-inspired single encourages listeners to “turn the music up” and dance by combining Caribbean rhythms with current pop components.
Rihanna’s unique voice and charming personality shine through as she instructs the DJ to repeat the music, creating an appealing party atmosphere. “Pon de Replay” immediately became a club favorite and chart triumph, cementing Rihanna’s status as a promising new singer and laying the path for her subsequent musical successes.
Don’t Stop the Music
“Don’t Stop the Music,” released in 2007, is a remarkable tune by Rihanna that smoothly merges dance-pop with a house music sound, highlighted by an irresistible rhythm and memorable choruses. The song borrows from Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” notably the “Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa” chorus, which lends a familiar but unique aspect to the piece.
Lyrically, it expresses the ecstasy of losing oneself in the music and the dance floor, mirroring a human longing for escape via rhythm and melody. The song’s throbbing intensity and Rihanna’s mesmerizing voice helped it become a worldwide smash, topping charts and club playlists alike. “Don’t Stop the Music” solidified Rihanna’s status as a diverse performer capable of creating timeless dance hits.
SOS
One of Rihanna’s 2006 dance-pop singles, “SOS,” samples the legendary 1981 song “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell. With its pulsing pace and irresistible rhythm, “SOS” exemplifies Rihanna’s vocal flexibility and ability to command the dance floor.
The song’s lyrics focus on themes of despair and desire, as the protagonist pleads for aid while experiencing intense love attraction. “SOS” was a commercial triumph, topping global charts and cementing Rihanna’s position as a prominent pop phenomenon. The track’s blend of current and vintage inspirations exemplifies Rihanna’s unique approach to music, making it a memorable smash in her early career.
Umbrella
Rihanna’s “Umbrella” is a contemporary pop song that goes beyond its catchy rhythm to portray messages of support, devotion, and perseverance. The song’s catchy chorus, “ella, ella, ella,” became quickly familiar throughout the globe after its release in 2007.
Rihanna’s strong delivery, along with Jay-Z’s rap verse, provides a dynamic energy that transports the song’s message of togetherness through both sunny and gloomy days. With its iconic words and music, “Umbrella” is a timeless classic that represents the power found in togetherness and camaraderie.
Needed Me
“Needed Me,” released in 2016, is a dark, melancholy single from Rihanna’s highly acclaimed album Anti. The song combines elements of alternative R&B and trap, with minimalist production and a dark, atmospheric groove. Lyrically, it delves into themes of strength and independence, with Rihanna sending a bold and unapologetic message to a previous boyfriend, stressing that she was never dependent on him. Her vocal rendition is seductive and powerful, emphasizing the song’s genuine passion.
“Needed Me” was well-received by reviewers and commercially successful, peaking at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s assertive, self-assured tone and unique production reflect Rihanna’s growth as an artist and her ability to push the limits of current music.
Take a Bow
Rihanna’s deep R&B ballad “Take a Bow,” released in 2008, explores themes of betrayal and closure. The song’s production is smooth and simplistic, allowing Rihanna’s expressive vocals to shine. Lyrically, “Take a Bow” portrays the narrative of a lady confronting her unfaithful spouse, sarcastically congratulating his bad performance in their relationship with the classic words, “Don’t tell me you’re sorry, ’cause you’re not, baby when I know you’re only sorry you got caught.”
The song’s strong delivery and sympathetic message resonated with fans, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Take a Bow” showcases Rihanna’s vocal skills and ability to portray complex emotional stories, cementing her status as a diverse and fascinating musician.
Love on the Brain
Rihanna’s highly praised album Anti included the soulful ballad “Love on the Brain,” which was released in 2016. The song deviates from her regular pop and R&B sounds, venturing into vintage soul with a doo-wop vibe.
With sumptuous orchestration and a retro-inspired tune, “Love on the Brain” showcases Rihanna’s vocal range and emotional depth, as she delivers a raw and impassioned performance. The lyrics delve into the turbulent nature of love, portraying desire and fragility with lines like “It beats me black and blue, but it fucks me so good.”
The song received widespread recognition for its vocal delivery and production, garnering Rihanna honors and demonstrating her flexibility as an artist. “Love on the Brain” was a financial triumph, debuting at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating with listeners due to its sincere sincerity and timeless sound.
Disturbia
Rihanna’s “Disturbia,” released in 2008, is a gloomy, electro-pop ballad about anxiety and inner conflict. The song’s creepy, throbbing percussion and haunting melodies create a dramatic, almost cinematic mood. The lyrics depict a battle with uncomfortable feelings and mental turmoil, which is captured in the chorus with the phrase “It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you.”
Rihanna’s forceful vocal delivery heightens the song’s feeling of urgency and anxiety. “Disturbia” was a financial triumph, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving critical praise for its daring departure from conventional pop music. The song’s unique sound and intriguing story cemented Rihanna’s status as a varied and adventurous musician.
Unfaithful
Rihanna’s sad song “Unfaithful,” recorded in 2006, delves into the emotional complexity of adultery. The song, co-written by Ne-Yo, combines pop and R&B with dramatic piano accompaniment and symphonic strings. In “Unfaithful,” Rihanna depicts a lady who is torn between shame and grief over her unfaithfulness, passionately portraying the anguish it causes both her and her boyfriend.
Her vocal rendition is passionate and strong, conveying the song’s melancholy tone. The lyrics’ sensitivity and honesty struck a chord with many listeners, propelling “Unfaithful” to success. It cemented Rihanna’s ability to create intensely emotional and narrative-driven songs, adding depth to her increasing career.
Work
Rihanna’s dancehall and reggae-infused tune “Work,” released in 2016, features Canadian rapper Drake. It was the first single from her album Anti. The song’s basic production, highlighted by an addictive, laid-back groove and a repeating melody, generates a hypnotic rhythm that is both captivating and reminiscent of Caribbean musical traditions.
Lyrically, “Work” explores themes of love and desire, with Rihanna’s patois-inflected delivery lending a real and intimate touch. Drake’s verses compliment Rihanna’s vocals, creating a dynamic interaction between the two singers.
“Work” gained considerable recognition for its unusual sound and Rihanna’s vocal delivery, and it became a financial hit, topping charts across the globe, including the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s unique combination of genres, as well as its laid-back but captivating beat, cemented “Work” as a landmark smash in Rihanna’s repertoire and a defining single of 2016.
Frequently asked questions
What style of Music is Rihanna famous for?
Rihanna (born February 20, 1988 in St. Michael Parish, Barbados) is a Barbadian pop and rhythm-and-blues (R&B) singer who rose to international fame in the early twenty-first century. She is known for her unique and diverse voice, as well as her trendy look.
What was Rihanna’s first song?
Rihanna’s official first single is “Pon de Replay” from her debut studio album, Music of the Sun (2005). Vada Nobles, Alisha “M’Jestie” Brooks, Carl Sturken, and Evan Rogers collaborated on the writing and production. The song was released on May 24, 2005, as the album’s first single.
What is Rihanna’s name?
Rihanna’s real name is Robyn. Rihanna Fenty. Rihanna is her middle name, and she elected to adopt it as her stage name. Although it is unclear why she picked her middle name as her stage name, it is likely because it has a more appealing ring than Robyn.
