Monnie1976's Full Review: Good Girl Gone Bad by Rihanna
Rihanna shimmied her way into the collective conscious after her smash “Pon De Replay” in the summer of 2005 and she’s basically been there ever since. Her debut album Music of The Sun was memorable and one I still spin fairly often. Blending the influences of the Caribbean into urban music, she was literally a ray of sunshine on the music scene. She then released her second album A Girl Like Me which was a bit of a step back but still solid and pleasurable to listen to. Her appropriation of the classic hit “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell was molded into the hottest jam of 2006 and her bad girl anthem “Unfaithful” was a deliciously scandalous hit as well. Now she’s back in 2007 once again bidding for jam of the summer and it’s pretty clear she’s winning. If “Umbrella” doesn’t do it then she has eleven back up plans who all have hit potential written all over them.
I feel like we get a more personal view of Rihanna on this outing with glimpses into her personal life or at least some of the speculation. There have been numerous rumors about whether Rihanna and Jay-Z had more than a professional relationship. I find it very interesting that the very first single from the album is the cold, detached yet oddly satisfying “Umbrella”. A duet with rap mogul Mr. Knowles, Rihanna is professing her undying love and devotion in a very stark, almost guarded musical setting. She coos “In the dark you can’t see shiny cars, that’s why you need me there, with you I’ll always share.” It’s almost a direct counter to Beyonce’s flamboyant, materialistic “Upgrade U”. When “Question Existing” starts you think it’s going to be about sex considering she talks about stripping everything off but really it’s a metaphor about being vulnerable. It ponders fame, love and pushing yourself to the very limits. Fairly deep for an album that mainly could be considered more confectionary than revolutionary. The music swirls and draws you in with its harsh production slapping in the background and her voices layer and loop around each other in an almost haunting fashion. “Good Girl Gone Bad” is such a fantastic way to finish the album with its weary message about women and how once they’re damaged it can never be undone.
Don’t worry though. Rihanna hasn’t abandoned her thoroughly danceable jams and she definitely turns up the heat numerous times on the album. “Push Up On Me” blends the 80’s pop memories with her expressive vocal. I totally think of Expose, Sweet Sensation and the like when I hear her demanding for the sexy man she’s noticed to push up on her against a retro clap like track, delirious synthesizers and energy that just crackles from your speakers. “Don’t Stop The Music” throbs with its hybrid of pop and techno with a sample from Michael Jackson’s classic “Wanna Be Starting Something”. It pounds, it pulses and totally pulls you in. Rihanna doesn’t have the best voice but the girl knows how to work it. The sample crescendos in and out like waves and the effect is highly addictive. This should be on everybody’s workout mix.
“Breakin’ Dishes” is Rihanna’s entry into the sing/chant template that Stefani kicked off with her famous/infamous (depends on who you ask) “Hollaback Girl” and it works for her. It’s not the best cut on the album but its definitely not skippable. “Shut Up And Drive” samples an 80’s classic “Blue Monday” by New Order and it’s a pure pop delight and personally I like this much better than her insanely popular hit “S.O.S.” last year. “Say It” is so flirty and fun with its more tropical, breezy feel. I love this song with its carefree, romantic vibe and it calls up the early nineties which is never a bad thing. “Sell Me Candy” continues this summertime vibe and it’s definitely one sweet and addictive track.
She also throws in a very well done duet with another one of my favorite current artists Ne-yo. If you took the concept of “Irreplaceable”, the beat from “Sexy Love” and add the chemistry of the two leads then you have “Hate That I Love You” They sound wonderful together and the song is beautiful and is probably going to be a huge hit. This is really the only true ballad on the album. Then there is “Rehab’. Many have labeled this as sonically a sequel to Timberlake’s slightly superior “What Goes Around” and there is a good reason for that. There is no way you can listen to this and not think of that song. This is a good track but it’s not nearly as original as the rest of the album.
Rihanna is proving that she is a force to be reckoned with on the pop scene. Her album has all the elements it needs to be one of the best year. It has a lot of variety without going to far overboard, its insanely addictive and you can listen to it from start to finish several times in a row before you even realize it. Now that’s a good album. I’ll be shocked if she doesn’t have at least four hits off this one. Especially since she had several off the last one and this is blatantly leagues above that one.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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