This Day in Pop: Rihanna releases ‘Rated R’ album in 2009

[Adriannn]

A day like today but 12 years ago, Rihanna released her fourth studio album, ‘Rated R’.

Her most critically acclaimed work to date, Rated R is characterized by a mature, heartfelt delivery and by being the first record in which Rihanna starts participating more in the creative process. It was highly anticipated, since the violent incident with Chris Brown had taken place just nine months prior. The era saw Rihanna with a complete sonic and visual overhaul.

Unlike some other projects of hers, the album follows a line and it does not seem to be put together only to host her smash hits. Originally to be titled ‘Such a ******* Lady’, the songs explore heartbreak, regret, and a hard-edged, boastful attitude. In terms of production, pop, hip hop, R&B, and rock are seamlessly blended.

I would like to discuss some of these songs, tracks that laid the blueprint for what Rihanna continued to do, at least until 2016.

Lead single ‘Russian Roulette’ took many of us by surprise. We were used to fun bops and we got a response to all that had been going on in her personal life, covered in some of her best vocals to date.

‘Wait Your Turn’, ‘Hard’, and ‘Rockstar 101’ depict Rihanna as a bold, fearless woman, just the way she is. She definitely owns this persona and it shows in her delivery.

Ballads like ‘Fire Bomb’ and ‘Cold Case Love’ truly shine in this album, and in her entire discography. Some fans hoped they would become singles, and while I would’ve agreed, I also like their hidden gem status. The bridge in Fire Bomb lives rent free in my mind. Cold Case Love is an obvious nod to Chris Brown, six minutes and four seconds of pure greatness.

‘Rude Boy’, the big hit in the album. Classic Rihanna: dancehall influences, raunchy lyrics, and a catchy hook.

‘Te Amo’ is one of the most interesting songs in the album. One might think that the latin music influence might be too on the nose, but it works effortlessly. As the song progresses it just gets better. The bi-curious energy is real here.

‘The Last Song’ closes the album beautifully. The lyrics are perfect for that empty post-breakup feeling.

Rated R is probably my favorite Rihanna album, and its influence can be seen in all of her ensuing projects. It was the first one in the string of albums that she put out within a year or less between them. I daresay, if it were released today, it would sound…kind of fresh… what do you think, Exhale?

[Neydelinska Spearsi]

No one knows about this jam. A bonus track from the album

 

 

 

 

[Adriannn]

7 minutes ago, FreeBritBrit said:

No one knows about this jam. A bonus track from the album

 

 

 

 

It is a nice song! it just wasn't part of the album I bought 

[gapeach704]

Hated this album, but love the video for “hard”. I remember seeing that video and I started drinking 12 gallons of water a day to get skin as clear and glowing as she had. Then I grew up and realized she also had makeup on 

 But, drinking water is important.

[TeaWaiter]

"Cold case love" is the shyte and one of my favourites of hers, this song made me appreciate Rihanna as an artist, pu***fied TimberFake did a great job with it 

[Whyshouldibsad21]

Loooovvvveee this album. Brings back so many good memories. I used to blast it when I got my first car 😭 I could listen to it without skipping. Hard, fire bomb, cold case love, rude boy, the last song all standouts. 

[NBT]

G4L makes me want to go driving in the dark of night and avenge everything I've ever gone through.

 

[I Always Sing Live]

Mad House is one of the best intros any pop girlie has ever put on an album. G4L is a bop, but the rest of the b-sides are kind of hit-or-miss. Stupid in Love is cute despite the juvenile lyrics, though. The singles on the other hand... They're all amazing, but Te Amo and Russian Roulette are easily two of her best songs.

[BlackoutITZ]

This is still her best album imo, followed by Anti

 

Every song slaps very hard

[Adriannn]

1 hour ago, TeaWaiter said:

"Cold case love" is the shyte and one of my favourites of hers, this song made me appreciate Rihanna as an artist, pu***fied TimberFake did a great job with it 

Exactly, this one truly makes justice for Rih Rih's artistry

[Adriannn]

1 hour ago, Damon said:

G4L makes me want to go driving in the dark of night and avenge everything I've ever gone through.

 

I feel like I have to be in a specific mood for G4L 

[Adriannn]

1 hour ago, I Always Sing Live said:

Mad House is one of the best intros any pop girlie has ever put on an album

OMG it is 

[Neydelinska Spearsi]

The remix version of the album is still a smash

[IJustWannaLurk]

I loved this album when it came out. I'm not really keeping up with Rihanna but it seems to me that she likes to pretend this album doesn't exist?

[On_Mah_Raydah]

Her best album, I listen to it all the time

[thebritmaster]

Love this album. Love Hard 

[Adriannn]

14 hours ago, IJustWannaLurk said:

I loved this album when it came out. I'm not really keeping up with Rihanna but it seems to me that she likes to pretend this album doesn't exist?

Well she's just selling makeup and underwear now 

[Adriannn]

7 hours ago, thebritmaster said:

Love this album. Love Hard 

I watch the music video on a regular basis 

[IJustWannaLurk]

4 hours ago, Adriannn said:

Well she's just selling makeup and underwear now 

Yeah but tbh I think she's building hype and gonna try and pull a Beyonce for her next album by either droping it out of nowhere hoping people lose their minds or doing a whole short movie with it. I must say I wasn't very into Anti so if that's where she's headed, I'm not really interested, myself.

[Korb]

Where them girls talkin' trash? Where them girls talkin' trash? 

Where dey at ,where dey at , where dey ATTTTTT??!!