So here is a post about my favourite ever Rihanna songs because she's a queen, my favourite singer and it was her birthday yesterday so if you're reading this rihrih(hi) hope you enjoy.
Album: Music Of The Sun.
I remember buying this album when I was 10 from HMV(yes, people actually bought CDs once) and being excited the entire bus journey home because I couldn't wait to hear all of her songs. It was the first album I bought out of my own money that was rightfully mine. I'd grown up taking my mums CDs and singing along so I felt grown up actually having my own.
If It's Lovin' That You Want.
The music video to this used to make me want to be Rihanna. And I also bought earrings very similar to her blue tear drop style one she wears in the music video(very sad). This was a song that helped me determine what style of music I enjoyed and developed the genres I like now to this day.
The Last Time.
A classic Rihanna ballad, kind of wish it was a single although back then I don't think it would have gone too far as this wasn't the type of music that was selling in 2005/6. There isn't a direct reason as to why it's a favorite, it just is.
Pon De Replay.
The first ever single of dear RihRih. I remember watching the music video and thinking she was probably the most amazing person in the world. She instantly became my 10 year old self's idol, I didn't think there was any one more perfect, she was one of the first young, black females to break the music industry(for my age) and I kind of didn't have anyone else to look up to - I didn't identify with the likes of Pink, Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera.
I remember sitting on a park with my friend listening to this song and we sang the song to each other, both trying to dance but not lose our headphones. Fond memories.
Music Of The Sun.
My favorite summer song during 2006, the Caribbean sound can only make you feel happy and summery.
Album: A Girl Like Me.
I took this album on a school trip with me so a lot of the songs remind me of the trip which is really funny - crazy how a song can bring back memories.
If It's Lovin' That You Want.
The music video to this used to make me want to be Rihanna. And I also bought earrings very similar to her blue tear drop style one she wears in the music video(very sad). This was a song that helped me determine what style of music I enjoyed and developed the genres I like now to this day.
The Last Time.
A classic Rihanna ballad, kind of wish it was a single although back then I don't think it would have gone too far as this wasn't the type of music that was selling in 2005/6. There isn't a direct reason as to why it's a favorite, it just is.
Pon De Replay.
The first ever single of dear RihRih. I remember watching the music video and thinking she was probably the most amazing person in the world. She instantly became my 10 year old self's idol, I didn't think there was any one more perfect, she was one of the first young, black females to break the music industry(for my age) and I kind of didn't have anyone else to look up to - I didn't identify with the likes of Pink, Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera.
I remember sitting on a park with my friend listening to this song and we sang the song to each other, both trying to dance but not lose our headphones. Fond memories.
Music Of The Sun.
My favorite summer song during 2006, the Caribbean sound can only make you feel happy and summery.
Album: A Girl Like Me.
I took this album on a school trip with me so a lot of the songs remind me of the trip which is really funny - crazy how a song can bring back memories.
We Ride.
This is quite an important song to me, it holds so much meaning behind it. This was the first ever song that really meant something to me. I remember the first time I ever heard it, I was 11 sat in my garden on my swing. My mum had bought me Rihanna's second album A Girl Like Me for my 11th birthday and it was the first time I got to sit and listen to it properly, I had a portable cd player(we didn't have money for mp3's and iPods weren't a thing yet..) I remember when We Ride came on and it felt like a revelation, I don't know why but as cheesy as it sounds, this song has made me who I am in a way. I've always listened to it through rough times, and still do at 20 and each and every time I still think of the 11 year old girl who had just found her all time musical idol. LOVE YOU RIRI.
Unfaithful.
Who doesn't love this song? And if you don't, you must at least know the chorus to it..right? Right. I remember going through a phase of being obsessed with this song and back in 2006 I didn't have an iPod or Spotify to put it on loop, I had a portable CD player that I carried everywhere with me.
Her phone in the music video - which may I add looks VERY dated now - was on my Christmas AND birthday list. Didn't get it for either though because it was far too expensive for my mum to afford. The keyboard swiveled round and turned into a MP3, pretty impressive.
Anyway, back to the song. Start of many amazing Rihanna ballads, it was this song that kicked it off really for her other songs(that may or may not be mentioned later on during the post..)
Selfish Girl.
Another Caribbean influenced song, Rihanna sounds so young on this song it's actually quite cute. A song about being a little possessive over a guy basically and 11 year old me lived for that.
P.S(I'm Still Not Over You).
I have no idea why such a deep song was a favourite of mine at so young but it was. I remember memorizing the lyrics and singing them in the back of my dads car in the summer holidays during car journeys. It sounds more like she's singing a love letter she's written to someone which makes it a little more personal and raw for the listener.
A Million Miles Away.
I remember always singing this into my hairbrush as I got ready for school. I've sometimes listened to this song and cried to it. A song about being away from someone you love, not necessarily a boyfriend/girlfriend.
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad.
Rihanna's third album was the era of Umbrella(ft Jay Z) when she grew up and released more edgier music with edgier lyrics, and this was the start of when Rihanna evolved into who she really was musically and fashion wise.
Don't Stop The Music.
I don't think there has been a time I haven't danced to this song, can't. help. it. Still on my getting ready playlist, forever and always.
Breakin' Dishes.
I remember when I heard this song for the first time and thought Rihanna was a rock goddess. This was definitely her rebel stage, a song about destroying a mans belongings for being deceitful which, I don't blame her for. My favourite lyrics in this song include: "is he cheatin'? Man I don't know, I'm looking round for something else to throw." and "I'm feeling reckless, I'm feeling tested, and I can't believe he's out every night and never checks in."
Shut Up And Drive.
If you are part of the original internet gang you'll remember StarDoll. If you don't(SHAME ON YOU) then it was a website(don't know if it's still around..?) where you could dress up your favourite celebrities in their popular clothes. I would always dress Rihanna in the clothes she wore in the Shut Up And Drive music video. I also used to reenact the music video with my sofa(unlike Rihanna who had a car..) but I used to get a cloth out and everything pretending to clean it like she does. I lived a very quiet childhood.
Hate That I Love You(ft Neyo).
Oh this song just gives me feels. I wish they actually dated, they would have been a nice couple. I used to always sing this song in my room using my deodorants as microphones. I also used to have the lyrics to this as my MSN personal message(CRINGE).
Take A Bow.
I actually sang this to my family one Christmas as part of a Christmas talent show me and my cousins held. I would never say I'm a singer but I wouldn't say I can't sing, I just never take it seriously. I chickened out of auditioning for schools performance shows because I felt too self conscious, but I've always wanted to go to voice training and maybe one day I will.
This song will always be a karaoke go to for me. And if I were to ever audition for the X Factor(which I won't don't worry) but in a fantasy world I would audition with this song. Also, Rihanna's hair in this made me want to have hair like it but I was too young to decide how short to cut my hair so I was allowed like an inch off or something ridiculous - nothing drastic(thanks mum).
Album: Rated R.
This album was really where Rihanna turned over a new leaf in not only her own music, but the music industry. She was the leading lady in the business at the point of this album dropping. She moved with more guitar and rock influences this album a complete contrast to her first two albums but it felt natural, some artists try to hard to change their music style and it fails them.
Hard(ft Jeezy).
Although I wasn't a fan of her outfit choices in the music video I still love this song, it's still tune. It's quite empowering and tough for a woman and that's probably why I love it so much, this style of song is usually sung by a man featuring a woman so I like the switch up of roles.
Stupid In Love.
The big sister to Take A Bow just more mature. A good song to listen to whilst looking out of the car window whilst it's raining. Sad but a fave, thanks RihRih.
ROCKSTAR 101(ft Slash).
This song can make anyone believe they're a rockstar, and deep down I know that I am. A favourite lyric of mine being "to be what you is, you gotta be what you are, only thing I'm missing is a black guitar". I used to be able to play this on guitar hero too(it was the only song I could play though).
Fire Bomb.
Heavy guitars also on this song which I love, you wouldn't necessarily think it was a Rihanna song. I love the lyrics to this song, it's quite metaphorical such as "wish I could set you on fire so I don't have to burn alone, then you'll know when I'm coming from, fire bomb." I vaguely remember using some lyrics from this song in my MySpace bio(cringe again).
Album: LOUD.
Loud has always been my favourite Rihanna album out of all of them, it's like a breath of fresh air. It was her first album since her second that was slightly more lighthearted and not so focused on love and disasters. Rihanna was out of a dark place personally when she made this and it shows with the happy, Caribbean vibes. Albums previous were quite harsh and fierce whereas LOUD is quite girly and vulnerable.
What's My Name(ft Drake).
Of course this is a favourite it would be wrong if it wasn't. Did Drake ever find out the square root of 69?
Album: Rated R.
This album was really where Rihanna turned over a new leaf in not only her own music, but the music industry. She was the leading lady in the business at the point of this album dropping. She moved with more guitar and rock influences this album a complete contrast to her first two albums but it felt natural, some artists try to hard to change their music style and it fails them.
Hard(ft Jeezy).
Although I wasn't a fan of her outfit choices in the music video I still love this song, it's still tune. It's quite empowering and tough for a woman and that's probably why I love it so much, this style of song is usually sung by a man featuring a woman so I like the switch up of roles.
Stupid In Love.
The big sister to Take A Bow just more mature. A good song to listen to whilst looking out of the car window whilst it's raining. Sad but a fave, thanks RihRih.
ROCKSTAR 101(ft Slash).
This song can make anyone believe they're a rockstar, and deep down I know that I am. A favourite lyric of mine being "to be what you is, you gotta be what you are, only thing I'm missing is a black guitar". I used to be able to play this on guitar hero too(it was the only song I could play though).
Fire Bomb.
Heavy guitars also on this song which I love, you wouldn't necessarily think it was a Rihanna song. I love the lyrics to this song, it's quite metaphorical such as "wish I could set you on fire so I don't have to burn alone, then you'll know when I'm coming from, fire bomb." I vaguely remember using some lyrics from this song in my MySpace bio(cringe again).
Album: LOUD.
Loud has always been my favourite Rihanna album out of all of them, it's like a breath of fresh air. It was her first album since her second that was slightly more lighthearted and not so focused on love and disasters. Rihanna was out of a dark place personally when she made this and it shows with the happy, Caribbean vibes. Albums previous were quite harsh and fierce whereas LOUD is quite girly and vulnerable.
What's My Name(ft Drake).
Of course this is a favourite it would be wrong if it wasn't. Did Drake ever find out the square root of 69?
Fading.
This song could be about a relationship or friendship. A song about getting rid of a toxic person in your life and watch them fade out. It's something we all go through and the lyrics are downright relatable.
California King Bed.
I remember being so happy when this song was announced as a single. I actually bought the single in HMV even though I had it on the album I loved it that much. Even though it's quite a sad song, it's good to chill to and it's still on my chill playlist now, 6 years later.
Man Down.
This song could have been on her first two albums, it really sounds like early Rihanna with a more developed and mature voice. I especially enjoy exaggerating the 'RUM PAPA PUM' parts. And singing 'pull de trigger pon you'.
Raining Men(ft Nicki Minaj).
Everything. About. This. Song. When I had a car, I put this on my playlist to blast out my car and I would every morning on the way to college to get me started for the day. I'm still bitter there wasn't a music video(even though they did do a video to Fly but I love this song more). A song about moving onto the next one if this one don't want you, there's plenty of men out there - I especially love the lyric "set your standards lower boy you're aiming too high, matter of fact your friend looks better so HA goodbye."
Complicated.
I real belter, a shower/car/hairbrush song. A song about someone who doesn't know what he wants and makes the relationship complicated. This could also be about a friendship or platonic relationship too. We all know someone who it's difficult to love, but you still do.
Album: Talk That Talk.
Talk That Talk is another favorite album of mine, she stuck to the RnB side with this album and I think that's why it's close second favourite.
You Da One.
This song just makes you happy, doesn't it? It reminds me of summer and when I used to cook breakfast in the kitchen blasting this song with the he windows and garden doors open(soz neighbours).
We All Want Love.
A vulnerable song that I think connects with everyone. Everyone wants love whether it's from a partner or family member. You have to really listen to this song to appreciate the lyrics such as "some say love ain't worth a buck but I'd give my last dime to have what I've been dreaming about" and "I'm able to close my eyes but my hearts not so blind, i feel so entitled love owes me, I want what's mine."
Watch n' Learn.
This song reminds me of a developed version of Here I Go Again which is on her first album Music Of The Sun. It's a bit explicit with its lyrics but who cares? It's Rihanna.
Album: Unapologetic.
Out of all the albums this is my least favourite, I found that there were a lot of different songs and it didn't have a theme to it; like her first albums were RnB inspired, then Rated R was purely rock inspired but this album was a little all over the place.
Jump.
I remember when I first heard this song, it got me so hyper because it was so good. A vivid memory of mine is listening to this on the bus on the way to college. Good times. A basement type feel to it with a great bass drop which makes anyone and everyone want to dance.
Stay(ft Mikky Ekko).
I lurve this song. Rihanna really showcases her voice in this song, and does it even better live.
No Love Allowed.
Very reggae, very old Rihanna, very much a favourite. This song confuses me, not the lyrics but why it's on this album as it's quite an upbeat album and this is more of a chill song, this is what I meant about the the album being a little mix and match.
Half Of Me.
A vulnerable side to Rihanna that you wouldn't really expect from her as she's always singing about being empowering and getting her own money. But in this song she really talks about not always being so strong, and how we only see half of who she is; the lyrics "saw me on the television, hanging out my dirty linen" referring to her very open interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Album: ANTI.
A new era for Rihanna, it has been nearly four years since Unapologetic so I was very excited when ANTI dropped and I wasn't disappointed either.
Consideration(ft SZA)
Their voices sound amazing together especially with the backing track. I don't know what it is specifically that I love about the song, just everything about it.
Work(ft Drake)
WorkWorkWorkWaWaWaWa. LOVE IT. I was so happy when I found out these two did a collab again, they really make the best music together, don't they? This is the best song to cook to, although I did almost burn my omelette but it was only because I was dancing too much, so if you do cook to it pay attention, kids.
Needed Me.
I think my favourite part of the entire song is the "didn't they tell you that I was a savage?" part. It's makes me want to scream YAS RIHRIH. Although there are explicit words, it's the best song to jam to with friends.
Love On The Brain.
Perrie Edwards from Little Mix likes this song too and instagrammed a photo of the lyrics. It's a story telling song which Rihanna likes to do in order to get her opinion across in an indirect way.
Favourite Album's In Order:
1. LOUD
2. Talk That Talk
3. Rated R
4. Good Girl Gone Bad
5. ANTI
6. Music Of The Sun
7. A Girl Like Me
8. Unapologetic
Top Three Favourite Songs Ever:
1. We Ride
2. We All Want Love
3.(Joint Third): I Hate That I Love You (ft Neyo) & Take A Bow
Thanks for reading! Until next time..
Natalie xx
Sent from my iPad
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