Unapologetic is Rihanna’s seventh album in seven years and it’s safe to say that this worldwide superstar isn’t going anywhere. It’s easy to forget sometimes that she is only 24 as she’s already achieved so much.
For her latest record, she manages to find the balance between fun, pop tracks and strong ballads which give a real insight in to her emotions. Throw in references to the 80s and some reggae rhythm and there you have Unapologetic. With every producer/songwriter/ artist scrambling to get the chance to work with RiRi, she really has her pick of hits, and this album proves just that.
Unapologetic kicks off with David Guetta collaboration Phresh Out The Runway – a strong start that represents the album title perfectly. David also features on Right Now, a party track guaranteed to get anyone up on the dance floor. Next up is the album’s lead single Diamonds. This track has already been number one in the UK charts and is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the whole record. Another is Rihanna’s duet with rumoured boyfriend Chris Brown, appropriately titled Nobody’s Business. This collaboration was always going to be controversial, and whether you agree with the pair’s romantic relationship or not, you cannot deny that this is a hit.
Eminem makes an appearance on Numb, a song which is very different to the pairing’s 2010 smash-hit Love The Way You Lie, but the two clearly work well together as it’s another great track. Love Without Tragedy/ Mother Mary samples The Police’s Message In A Bottle and shows off RiRi’s versatility and strong vocals. The best ballad on the record is Stay, a really beautiful song which is sure to make it’s way on to the radio soon.
Overall, Unapologetic is a must-listen album and shows that Rihanna still has the ability to surprise both her fans and critics!
[rating=4]
