In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, few artists have left as indelible a mark as the iconic Rihanna. Her unparalleled talent, dynamic stage presence, and magnetic charisma have propelled her to the upper echelons of the music industry, earning her a rightful place among the greatest performers of all time. As we celebrate her illustrious career, it is only fitting to pay homage to the top 10 best Rihanna songs that have not only dominated the charts but also resonated with millions around the globe. From her early breakthroughs to her chart-topping anthems, Rihanna’s discography represents a diverse tapestry of genres, emotions, and storytelling that showcases her boundless artistry. With a voice that effortlessly traverses between vulnerability and strength, and a fearless attitude that challenges conventions, each song on this list encapsulates the essence of what makes Rihanna a true musical powerhouse. So, join us on this nostalgic journey as we recount the unforgettable melodies and timeless hits that solidify Rihanna’s position as one of the greatest musical talents of our generation.
1. Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z)
Umbrella – a song with Jay-Z – is one of Rihanna's best! It became a global hit in 2007, and made her a pop star.
Umbrella stands out for its great tune and chorus, plus the special chemistry between Rihanna and Jay-Z. This collaboration makes it a true masterpiece.
If you haven't listened to it yet, you should! Hear Rihanna's vocal range and her skill at delivering powerful lyrics with finesse. The song will lift your mood, no matter the occasion.
For the best experience, use good headphones or speakers. This way you can hear Umbrella in its full glory, and appreciate the lyrics better too.
Don't forget to check out other songs from Rihanna's catalogue. From dance-pop to R&B – she has something for everyone! We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris): A song so catchy, you'll forget all about your love life and start grooving to Rihanna's dating advice.
2. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris) is an amazing collaboration. It's a chart-topper that combines pop and EDM elements to create a dance anthem.
Rihanna's powerful vocals express the feelings of being in love. Paired with Calvin Harris' electronic beats, the song is a beautiful mix of lyrics and rhythms.
Let's look at some facts about We Found Love:
- Artist: Rihanna
- Featured Artist: Calvin Harris
- Genre: Pop, EDM
- Release Date: September 22, 2011
- Album: Talk That Talk
The music video for We Found Love is special. Directed by Melina Matsoukas, it portrays a passionate relationship. It received many praises for its visuals.
The song held the record for ten weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It made Rihanna one of music's greatest stars and showed her ability to do great in multiple genres.
3. Diamonds
- Rihanna's "Diamonds" is an amazing hit, showing her powerful singing and deep emotion.
- Let's break down what makes "Diamonds" special:
- Released in 2012 as the lead single from her seventh album, "Unapologetic"
- Written by Sia Furler and Benjamin Levin, produced by Stargate and Benny Blanco
- Achieved great success, topping charts around the world
- Its words talk of love, strength, and self-confidence
- Rihanna's voice captures the listener, taking them on an emotional journey
- "Diamonds" marked a new style for Rihanna. Its simple sound and true lyrics showed her growth and her bond with her fans.
- To get the most out of "Diamonds," pay attention to Rihanna's soulful voice and feel the emotion in each note.
Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko): Rihanna's way of showing how she can make you cry without even saying a word.
4. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)
Rihanna and Mikky Ekko's "Stay" has enthralled fans globally. Its poetic words and heartfelt singing make it one of Rihanna's most powerful and beloved tracks.
The song's beauty is in its rawness. The simplistic piano music sets the mood for Rihanna to show her considerable vocal range, conveying yearning and sadness. Mikky Ekko's harmony adds depth, making it a stunning duet that touches listeners emotionally.
What makes "Stay" unique is its plainness. Minimalistic production allows the focus to be on the raw feelings expressed in the words. The combination of Rihanna's passionate performance and Mikky Ekko's soulful singing makes this collab really unforgettable.
Surprisingly, "Stay" almost didn't happen. It was initially written for another artist, but Rihanna fell in love with it and made it her own. This decision paid off as "Stay" became one of Rihanna's biggest hits, receiving critical praise and commercial success.
5. Work (feat. Drake)
"Work (feat. Drake)" is a real gem in Rihanna's discography – and here's why:
- Irresistible Rhythm: The rhythm of "Work" draws you in, and you can't help but move. Rihanna's vocals blend with Drake's verses, making for an intoxicating melody.
- Ambiguous Lyrics: The lyrics of "Work" are open to interpretation, adding an extra layer of complexity.
- Cultural Impact: "Work" was a smash hit and had a huge cultural impact. It showed Rihanna's versatility and highlighted her appreciation for different musical styles.
This song is a testament to Rihanna's determination to stay ahead of the curve. It shows her experimentation with Caribbean influences, creating a unique sonic experience.
6. Disturbia
Disturbia, the 6th best song by Rihanna, entrances listeners with its spine-chilling melody and thought-provoking lyrics. Let's dive into the enchanting realm of Disturbia and discover its one-of-a-kind features.
To get the most out of Disturbia, let's explore its essential elements:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 17, 2008 |
| Album | Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded |
| Genre | Pop |
| Songwriters | Robert Allen, Andre Merritt, Chris Brown |
| Producers | Brian Kennedy |
Achieving incredible success, Disturbia spotlights Rihanna's adaptability as an artist. Its immersive audio and emotive words create an unforgettable auditory experience that touches people's hearts.
As we savor the sensory voyage created by Disturbia, it is worth noting that this classic song goes beyond limits. Its dark undertones and introspective messages give us a peek into Rihanna's exceptional storytelling capabilities.
Pro Tip: To really submerge yourself in the realm of Disturbia, listen to it with a new outlook and focus on the intricate details woven within the song. You'll find novel layers of depth each time you play it. Rihanna makes being the only girl in the world look chic and cool in this dance anthem that'll have you feeling like a powerful diva soon!
7. Only Girl (In the World)
Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In the World)': A Worldwide Sensation!
This electrifying dance-pop and electro house hit captivated listeners and quickly topped the charts. It earned platinum certifications in multiple countries, a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording, and glowing reviews from critics and fans after its performance at the MTV Video Music Awards.
This success story began when Rihanna first heard the demo for the track. She instantly fell in love and knew it had to be part of her album. The song showcases her versatility as an artist and remains one of her most iconic hits to this day.
This anthem's unmistakable chorus and upbeat rhythms make it impossible not to dance along. It's a hit that proves Rihanna can handle the 'whips and chains' of a catchy hook. 'Only Girl (In the World)' will forever be a beloved song, leaving an indelible mark on pop music history.
8. S&M
S&M, short for sadomasochism, is an audacious entry on our list of the best Rihanna songs. It displays her daring exploration of relationships, love and power dynamics.
To appreciate this song's impact, let's analyze its elements:
- Lyrics: Vividly depict pleasure and pain within romantic encounters.
- Production: An infectious blend of electro-pop and dance beats accompanying Rihanna's fearless vocals.
- Catchiness: Impossible not to sing along to!
- Controversy: Explicit content and references to BDSM practices.
What makes "S&M" unique is its fearlessness in embracing taboos. It challenged norms and sparked conversations about sexuality and power dynamics.
Despite initial resistance, the song climbed charts worldwide and became a defining moment in Rihanna's career.
"S&M" stands tall as a reminder that art can provoke thought and challenge norms. It ignites conversations about unconventional topics.
9. Love the Way You Lie (feat. Eminem)
This iconic collab between Rihanna and Eminem is one of the top 10 best Rihanna songs ever. Here are 4 points that make it so good:
- The song covers raw emotions of a toxic relationship.
- Rihanna's voice captures vulnerability and anguish.
- Eminem's rap verses bring another layer to this charged piece.
- The lyrics create a vivid picture of love gone wrong.
It was a commercial success when released in 2010. It topped charts, and won critical acclaim for its message and musicality.
Rihanna drew inspiration from her troubled past relationships, which show through her delivery.
The history behind the song is Eminem's admiration for Rihanna's talent. He reached out to her with the idea and their collaboration created a memorable song.
10. Don't Stop the Music
"Don't Stop the Music," Rihanna's chart-topping hit, is full of carefree dancing and catchy beats. Its energizing melody and memorable lyrics make it an essential part of any party playlist.
Released in 2007, this song instantly became a classic. Its electronic rhythm combined with Rihanna's soulful voice creates an irresistible atmosphere.
The lyrics express a need to enjoy the music without any limits. It encourages us to savor the moment and celebrate life's pleasures.
This song blends pop, dance, and R&B elements, demonstrating Rihanna's musical versatility. It resonates with people all around the world.
"Don't Stop the Music" was very well-received and got nominated for many awards. Its influence on culture is still alive, as it continues to impact other popular dance-pop songs.
Don't miss the chance to feel the electrifying vibes of this song! Let the rhythm take you away and join in the celebration of music that knows no boundaries.
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.
