Rihanna, the Barbadian-born pop icon, has reigned over the music industry with her mesmerizing vocals, compelling lyrics, and fearless attitude. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, she has not only left an indelible mark on the charts but also reshaped the landscape of contemporary music. From her infectious debut single “Pon de Replay” to the chart-topping anthems like “Umbrella” and “Diamonds,” Rihanna’s discography is a treasure trove of hit songs that have become the soundtrack to countless lives around the world.
In this article, we embark on a journey through Rihanna’s stellar musical journey, handpicking the ten best songs that showcase her artistic versatility, vocal prowess, and unapologetic spirit. These tracks represent the epitome of Rihanna’s prowess as a global superstar, each one leaving an enduring imprint on pop culture.
With each release, Rihanna effortlessly transitions between genres, whether it be captivating dance-pop, provocative R&B, or introspective ballads. Her unique ability to fuse diverse musical influences while maintaining her distinctive style has garnered her numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and countless chart-topping hits.
Join us as we countdown through a collection of Rihanna’s most iconic tracks, reliving the exhilarating moments that define her illustrious career. From empowering anthems that champion individuality and strength to soul-stirring ballads that resonate deep within the heart, this list pays tribute to the ever-evolving artistry of an incomparable musical icon, Rihanna.
1. “Stay”
This chart-topping ballad rendered by Rihanna is an emotionally charged masterpiece that stands the test of time. The song's stripped-down beat, coupled with her soulful lyrics, connect with listeners on a personal level, evoking a sense of loneliness and longing. This track has cemented its place in history as one of the singer's most renowned pieces.
Rihanna's intensely raw performance prompts anyone to listen to this song on repeat. The minimalist production highlights both her heart-wrenching vocals and Mikky Ekko's enchanting harmonies. This ballad of pain and hope has a universal appeal, making it one of the best songs in the artist's repertoire.
"Stay" showcases Rihanna's versatility as an artist. The understated, melancholic piano melody provides an intimate setting for her robust vocals to shine. It's no wonder that this tune has stood the test of time and remains one of her most beloved songs.
Pro Tip: If you need to convey your deep emotions or just have a downhearted moment, put on "Stay" and let Rihanna sing away your blues!
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but Rihanna's 'Diamonds' is everyone's favorite karaoke jam.
2. “Diamonds”
The acclaimed track, “A Shimmering Jewel,” is the second entry on the list of top 10 Rihanna songs. This song was written by Sia Furler and Benjamin Levin and was released in 2012 as a lead single from Rihanna's seventh album Unapologetic.
To give a better insight into why this song deserves to be on the list, let's take a look at some of its noteworthy features in comparison with other great Rihanna songs. Below is a table highlighting some of the unique elements and qualities that make this song so special:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Written by Sia Furler and Benjamin Levin |
| Release year | 2012 |
| Album | Unapologetic |
| Genre | Pop, R&B |
| Chart position | Peaked at #1 in multiple countries |
It is worth noting that "A Shimmering Jewel" became an international success. It topped charts in multiple countries such as Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, UK, and US. The poignant lyrics and captivating melody helped make it one of Robin Fenty's most eminent works.
It's fascinating to learn that "A Shimmering Jewel" was initially intended for another artist before Rihanna recorded it. According to Sia Furler, she wrote the song for her own album but changed her mind because she knew it could be perfect for someone else – and that someone was none other than Rihanna.
Fact: In an interview with Billboard magazine, Sia revealed that she wrote “Diamonds” in just 14 minutes!
Rihanna proves she's not one to mess with in 'Man Down', but let's face it, we would all run in the opposite direction if she pulled out that gun.
3. “Man Down”
In Rihanna's discography, the single with the title of "Man Down" stands out as a powerful and emotional hit. The song narrates the story of a woman fighting back against her attacker in self-defense, addressing themes of violence and survival. Rihanna's intense vocals add to the dramatic effect of the song, making it relatable for many listeners who have faced similar situations.
Besides addressing important societal issues, "Man Down" is also notable for its unique fusion of reggae and R&B sounds. Produced by Jamaican musician Shama Joseph and written by Rihanna herself along with other acclaimed songwriters, this track showcases the artist's versatility in experimenting with different genres while staying true to her artistic vision.
Overall, listening to "Man Down" not only offers a musical treat but also prompts reflection on essential topics such as empowerment and justice. Missing out on this gem would be a shame for any fan of music or social commentary.
"Rihanna found love in a hopeless place, but we found a hit song that's guaranteed to get stuck in our heads for days."
4. “We Found Love”
This chart-topping hit by Rihanna and DJ Calvin Harris is a vibrant and energetic tune that captivates listeners with its irresistible beats. “We Found Love” holds the fourth position in our list of Rihanna's best songs of all time. The song features potent lyrics about the intensity of love, and how it can bring immense joy as well as overwhelming pain. The music video that accompanies it depicts a passionate love story marked by chaos and addiction. With over 900 million views on YouTube, “We Found Love” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
It’s interesting to note that this track was inspired by Rihanna’s personal experiences in relationships. She reportedly related to the lyrics intimately, which made her emotional while recording the song in the studio. Additionally, Harris mentioned in interviews that he created the melody for “We Found Love” after being influenced by dance music trends in Europe at the time.
If you haven't already listened to “We Found Love,” then you're missing out on one of Rihanna's most captivating tracks to date! Give it a spin today and experience the magic for yourself.
Rihanna proves that a bit of 'work' never hurt nobody, except maybe my dancing skills.
5. “Work”
Rihanna's "Work" is a compelling track that features Drake's vocals, adding a touch of dynamism to the song. The Caribbean-inspired rhythm and Rihanna's hypnotic voice make it a must-have on any playlist. The song debuted at number nine on Billboard Hot 100 and went on to reach number one for consecutive weeks.
The song speaks about being devoted to work and persisting in a challenging relationship. Its lyrics are catchy and relatable, making listeners bop their heads unconsciously. Rihanna's natural Caribbean dialect blends perfectly with the upbeat instrumentals, creating an instant hit.
Fun fact: this song is known for its unique chorus that repeats “Work, work, work” four times before transitioning into seductive gibberish.
Without this all-time favorite track, the list of Rihanna's best songs would be incomplete. Be sure to add it to your music collection if you haven't already!
Rihanna's 'Umbrella' may have protected her from the rain, but it also protected her spot on the top of the charts.
6. “Umbrella”
This track marked a turning point in Rihanna's career, earning her widespread acclaim and reaching the top of international charts. Its downtempo R&B beats and catchy chorus helped it become a hit at clubs across America. The song features Jay-Z's distinct rap, which complements Rihanna's vocals perfectly. It was also included in Time magazine's "100 Best Songs of All Time" list, cementing its place as one of Rihanna's most iconic tracks.
Rihanna co-wrote "Umbrella" with Terius Nash (The-Dream) and Christopher Stewart; the latter two also produced the single. Despite being initially rejected by Mary J. Blige, the song eventually found its way to Rihanna, who believed she could do it justice. It ended up becoming not just her first number-one single but one of the biggest songs of 2007 and remains an enduring fan favorite more than a decade later.
Rihanna proves that love can be both sweet and painful at the same time in 'Love On The Brain' – just like my relationship with pizza.
7. “Love On The Brain”
This track showcases Rihanna’s soulful range. “Love On The Brain” is an R&B ballad that hit the charts in 2016. Rihanna demonstrates her emotions through the pain evident in her voice, as she sings about falling victim to love. The lyrics possess a sad irony, for despite the ordeal she encountered with love, she remained deeply in love with it. This song's unique quality lies in its deviation from her usual bangers, leaning more towards an older style of bluesy R&B melody.
Rihanna’s ability to show vulnerability elevates this track to new heights, making it one of her greatest works yet.
In addition to being a commercial success, this song also earned rave reviews from critics and has been described as one of Rihanna's most emotional performances.
Listening to "Love On The Brain" takes you on an emotional journey of a woman grappling with the complexities of love. Its timeless musicality is proof that Rihanna can tackle any genre and make it sound like she owns it.
Rihanna proves that being a "Rude Boy" is actually pretty hot, as she delivers one of her sexiest and catchiest hits yet.
8. “Rude Boy”
This hit song by Rihanna showcases her boldness and confidence as she declares her desire for a partner who can handle her fiery personality. The catchy chorus and danceable beat make it a crowd-pleaser at parties and clubs alike. Its music video sparked some controversy due to its suggestive scenes, but the song remains a popular anthem for Rihanna fans worldwide. Its success helped cement Rihanna's status as one of the leading pop stars of her time.
Furthermore, "Rude Boy" was co-written by Rihanna herself, alongside several other talented writers, including Ester Dean and Makeba Riddick. Its ad-libs and vocal delivery make it a standout track on her fourth studio album, Rated R, which debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Listeners also appreciate the engaging lyrics that showcase Rihanna's playful side, such as "Come here rude boy, boy Can you get it up?" These risque lines highlight the singer's bold attitude while maintaining an air of playfulness.
Listeners looking to set a fun and flirtatious mood should consider adding "Rude Boy" to their playlist or party soundtrack. The song's upbeat tempo encourages dancing and partying while also showcasing Rihanna's exceptional vocal skills.
Rihanna may not know her own name in this song, but one thing's for sure – we'll never forget this catchy tune.
9. “What’s My Name”
One of the most popular songs in the career of Rihanna is a track titled "What's My Name?" This song was released as the second single from her fifth studio album Loud. The song features Canadian rapper Drake and received universal critical acclaim for its catchy chorus and upbeat production. The track reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it Rihanna's eighth chart-topping single in the country. Its popularity also won numerous certifications, including five-time platinum status in Australia.
A significant aspect of this track that sets it apart from others within Rihanna's discography is how well it showcases her vocal range. Throughout the song, she displays lower octave crooning and belting out vibrant high notes with ease. The interplay between Rihanna and Drake creates an added excitement to the piece, with their harmonizing vocals elevating the energy of each other's verses.
Pro Tip: "What's My Name" is a perfect example of how collaborations can create chart-topping hits in music.
Rihanna's 'S and M' is the perfect song for those who like their love with a touch of danger – or a lot of leather.
10. “S and M”
Introducing the tenth track on our list is a song that raised eyebrows and created quite a stir upon its release – “S and M”. This song showcases Rihanna's bold attitude and fearless approach to her music.
For a more detailed overview, let us take a look at the following table:
| Song | Album | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| “S and M” | Loud | January 21, 2011 |
“S and M” is not only known for its controversial lyrics but also for its catchy beats and electrifying production. It became an instant club hit, staying on top of charts globally for weeks.
This track solidifies Rihanna's status as a powerhouse artist in the pop industry.
It's worth mentioning that the song was co-written by Ester Dean, who has also written hit songs for other artists such as Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé.
Overall, “S and M” marks one of Rihanna's most daring musical ventures that continue to make waves even after its initial release.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
