Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, is a global superstar who has left an indelible mark on the music industry and popular culture. Hailing from Barbados, she quickly rose to fame with her unique blend of R&B, pop, and reggae-infused music. Rihanna’s voice possesses a captivating range and versatility, allowing her to effortlessly navigate various genres and styles.
Beyond her extraordinary musical talent, Rihanna is also celebrated for her distinctive sense of style and fashion-forward sensibilities. Her daring and ever-evolving looks have made her a fashion icon, constantly pushing boundaries and setting trends that resonate with her millions of fans worldwide.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has achieved numerous accolades and milestones. With hit songs like “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “Work,” she has topped charts and dominated airwaves, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Rihanna has also garnered critical acclaim, winning multiple Grammy Awards and being recognized as a trailblazer in the industry.
However, Rihanna’s influence extends beyond music and fashion. She is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate for various social causes. Through her Clara Lionel Foundation, she supports education and emergency response initiatives around the world, making a positive impact on communities in need.
Rihanna’s undeniable talent, fierce individuality, and philanthropic efforts have made her an iconic figure, inspiring millions and leaving an indelible legacy that will continue to shape the entertainment industry for years to come.
1. Disturbia
The electrifying beats, addictive lyrics and Rihanna's iconic voice make the song "Disturbia" an unforgettable gem. It showcases the singer's diversity as she ventures into a darker territory, exploring themes of paranoia and psychosis. The track's haunting melody and striking visuals earned it a spot in the pop culture hall of fame, cementing its position as one of Rihanna's best songs.
Continuing with this heart-pumping rhythm, "Disturbia" displays Rihanna's vocal range while captivating listeners with its mysterious lyrics. This masterpiece fuses punk-rock and electro-pop sounds, giving rise to a unique sound that embodies the songstress's artistry. The song keeps you hooked from start to finish upholding it as one of Rihanna's most popular tracks yet.
What sets "Disturbia" apart is how well it resonates with the audience. Its lyrics speak volumes about mental health issues that remain largely stigmatized to date. This emotional depth has made the song relatable worldwide, empowering countless individuals going through their struggles.
"It was in 2009 when I first heard 'Disturbia', I instantly got entranced by RiRi's vocals. The provocative storytelling imagery took me on a journey through my imagination then later led me to purchase 'Good Girl Gone Bad' album."
She's got us singing along to a love-hate anthem that's as addictive as Rihanna's vocals on 'Hate That I Love You'.
2. Hate That I Love You
This hit single by Rihanna is a track from her self-titled third studio album. The theme of the song revolves around a feeling that one cannot escape, no matter how hard they try – loving someone while simultaneously hating them for it. The beautiful melody and perfect chemistry with guest singer NeYo make this one of Rihanna's standout tracks.
Rihanna's incredible vocal range coupled with NeYo's smooth R&B voice makes "Hate That I Love You" a timeless classic that fans can't get enough of. The lyrics are emotional and relatable, highlighting Rihanna's versatility as an artist.
Interestingly, despite being loved by many, many people don't know that this song was written by NeYo himself. In fact, he also provided the backing vocals which add an extra special touch to the song.
Rihanna's so famous, even Drake had to ask her name in 'What's My Name'.
3. What’s My Name
Rihanna's hit song "What's My Name?" is an iconic tune that is not only catchy but also has a nostalgic quality. With an intricate blend of pop and reggae, Rihanna's stellar vocals and Drake's rapping feature complement each other flawlessly. This 2010 single was such a ginormous success that it made its way to the top list of Billboard Hot 100, making it Rihanna's eighth chart-topper.
"What's My Name?" shines through some palpable Caribbean dancehall-style beats with melodic hooks in a combination of hip-hop swagger and confidence. As the lyrics suggest, it talks about being madly in love with someone, so much so that the only thing on your mind is asking them out publicly by saying "Hey boy, I really want to see if you can go downtown with a girl like me."
The music video portrays Rihanna sizzling in sexy red hair cascading wildly down her backside as she sings the chorus undulating between brightly lit neon-lit streets and maple leaf-dappled Toronto locales.
Given how the song seeks attention from its listeners with its upbeat tempo and catchy refrain, it remains one of Rihanna's most successful tracks to date.
Warning: Listening to 'Don't Stop The Music' may cause uncontrollable dancing and extreme levels of joy.
4. Don’t Stop The Music
This Rihanna classic is a must-have in every party playlist. With its catchy beats and high-energy chorus, it’s no wonder that "Music" became an instant hit worldwide. Rihanna's effortless vocals and the song's pulsating rhythm make it perfect for dancing or simply grooving to. Its success even spurred a number of remixes and covers from various artists across genres. Get your feet moving and keep the music playing by adding this iconic tune to your lineup.
Before Pon De Replay, Rihanna was probably just replaying Umbrella in her own head.
5. Pon De Replay
The song features an infectious beat that compels the listener to get up and dance while the lyrics tell about a girl out for a night of fun with her friends. With its upbeat tune and club-favoring lyrics, this song became an instant dancefloor banger. It established Rihanna as a formidable force in the music industry with an unwavering appeal.
Interestingly, '5th track on "Music of the Sun"': Pon De Replay was written by top-notch song-writer Evan Rogers when he noticed Rihanna’s talents during his trip to Barbados in 2003. Her voice caught his attention at first listen itself – drawing him to work with her as co-star and producer on this project.
Pro Tip: Adding Pon De Replay to your party playlist ensures that the energy levels remain high throughout the night!
Rihanna and Eminem's collab is like the toxic relationship you can't stop listening to, but with a killer chorus.
6. Love The Way You Lie
This chart-topping track, performed by Eminem featuring Rihanna, depicts a tumultuous relationship riddled with domestic violence. The lyrics are emotional and raw, as they detail the cycle of fighting, breaking up and making up. However, the underlying message is one of hope – that even in the most toxic relationships, it is possible to break free and find true love. 'Love The Way You Lie' was met with critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a classic in both artists' discographies. Its popularity also sparked conversations about intimate partner violence and the need for more resources for those experiencing abuse.
Unique details about this song include its origin story – songwriter Skylar Grey initially pitched it to a number of famous musicians before ultimately deciding on Eminem and Rihanna. Additionally, the music video features actors Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan acting out an abusive relationship through interpretive dance.
Listeners can't afford to miss out on this iconic cry for help against domestic violence wrapped in heart-wrenching lyrics. It's important to acknowledge that these types of relationships exist but also shows the strength that comes with leaving such relationships.
Rihanna certainly had us covered with this hit, proving that she truly is the queen of rain-soaked bops.
7. Umbrella
Rihanna's song '7. Umbrella' is a timeless classic that has remained popular amongst music lovers worldwide. The song was released in 2008 as part of her album 'Good Girl Gone Bad' and features hip-hop artist Jay-Z.
| Year of Release | 2008 |
| Album | Good Girl Gone Bad |
| Featured Artist | Jay-Z |
| Awards Won | Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, NRJ Music Award for International Song of the Year, and many more. |
The song has peaked at number one in multiple countries and remains an iconic representation of the artist's style and sound. With its catchy melody and unforgettable lyrics, '7. Umbrella' has cemented itself as one of Rihanna's most recognizable songs.
Fun fact: The song was originally offered to Britney Spears before being accepted by Rihanna.
Diamonds are Rihanna's best friend, and after listening to this song, they'll be yours too.
8. Diamonds
The timeless classic 'Diamonds' by Rihanna, has earned its place among her 10 best songs of all time. This song presents a unique mix of soulful pop beats with an effortlessly powerful vocal delivery by Rihanna. It is no wonder that this masterpiece from her 'Unapologetic' album has won numerous accolades and hearts worldwide.
For a glimpse at the song's impressive statistics, refer to the table below:
| Song | Album | Year | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamonds | Unapologetic | 2012 | Grammy nominated for 'Best Pop Solo Performance' |
Beyond its commercial success, 'Diamonds' has cemented itself in fans’ hearts with its uplifting lyrics and melody. It manages to combine emotional vulnerability and strength, making it relatable to anyone going through tough times.
In an interview with Billboard magazine, Rihanna revealed that she immediately knew 'Diamonds' was special and had an instant connection to the song's message.
Overall, it is evident that 'Diamonds' is one of Rihanna’s unforgettable songs. Its heartfelt lyrics and masterful production continue to shine bright like the eponymous precious gemstone.
Rihanna works hard so we don't have to, and 'Work' is the proof in the pudding.
9. Work
Rihanna's chartbuster 'Work' has carved a niche as one of her best songs of all time. The upbeat track featuring Drake, amassed immense recognition and accolades for its infectious tune and catchy chorus.
The fusion of Caribbean and Dancehall beats with the singer's incredible vocal range has made it an instant hit resonating with the global audience.
It's interesting to note that the single won Best Collaboration at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards and has achieved diamond status in France, along with platinum certification in several countries across Europe and North America.
Do you want to miss out on listening to this phenomenal track? Add it to your playlist today!
Rihanna and Calvin Harris found love in a hopeless place, which apparently is a sweaty nightclub where people dance till they drop…and that's just the bouncers.
10. We Found Love
Rihanna's iconic hit 'We Found Love' showcases her exceptional ability to convey an emotional journey through music. With its euphoric beat and heartfelt lyrics, the song describes a love that has been found despite past struggles. It was written and produced by Calvin Harris and debuted in 2011, quickly becoming one of Rihanna's most successful singles. Its winning combination of soulful singing and pop sensibility make it a true standout among her discography.
The song marked a significant shift in style for Rihanna, as it incorporated more electronic dance music (EDM) elements into her previous R&B and pop sound. 'We Found Love' was notable for its stunning music video, which paired the song with haunting imagery that showcased the dynamics of a tumultuous relationship. This slice of life approach worked well for the song’s theme.
What sets this track apart is its powerful bridge, where Rihanna sings: "It's like you're screaming, and no one can hear/You almost feel ashamed, that someone could be that important/That without them, you feel like nothing/No one will ever understand how much it hurts." This powerful stanza resonates with listeners worldwide.
According to Billboard, the song spent ten non-consecutive weeks atop the US Hot 100 chart making 'We Found Love' one of Rihanna's biggest hits till date.
Edward Tomlin 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.
