Rihanna shines bright in her seventh album "Unapologetic," demonstrating her willingness to take risks with her music and in her personal life.
The album, which was released November 19, 2012, is projected to reach number one album on the Billboard 200, according to Billboard.com.
Rihanna spits lyrics with David Guetta in the dynamic opening track "Phresh Out the Runway." The song sets the tone for the entire album and Guetta proves that he can effectively transition from electronic dance music into the realm of hip-hop and R&B.
Rihanna's collaboration with Sia Furler for her first single "Diamonds" has also been well received, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The electronic power ballad features more synthesizer and melodic phrasing as Rihanna crescendos to the chorus, "shine bright tonight, you and I, we're beautiful like diamonds in the sky."
Eminem teams up with Rihanna in "Numb," their second duet since the song "Love the Way You Lie," which Eminem references in his verse. Unlike their first song together, "Numb" sounds like it could fit into any club with its catchy, repetitious chorus.
Recognized mostly for her upbeat dance tunes, Rihanna showcases her vocal ability and vulnerable side on the track "What Now." Her voice is softer and lighter as she opens up to her fans in the lyrics, "The most where I'm happy, the more that I'm feeling alone."
Planted near the center of the album, "Nobody's Business," which features ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, is the album's most infectious track, featuring a pop beat reminiscent of Michael Jackson. Rihanna and Brown's voices harmonize effortlessly as they tell the world that their relationship is "nobody's business."
In my opinion, this song is the epitome of the entire album. Rihanna tells her fans that she is unapologetic about her relationship with Brown, despite their history of physical abuse.
Overall, Rihanna continues to demonstrate her ingenuity and creativity in "Unapologetic."The album offers listeners a variety of tracks that are completely different from one another and from previous albums. While many people may criticize the fact that the album is not cohesive, each song is unique and can stand on its own.
The Setonian gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Melissa Murray can be reached at Melissa.murray@student.shu.edu
