As one of the most successful and influential artists of our time, Rihanna has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her iconic sound and powerful lyrics. From her debut single “Pon De Replay” to her latest hits, Rihanna has consistently delivered chart-topping songs that have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. With her unique blend of R&B, pop, and dancehall, Rihanna has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music world. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 best Rihanna songs of all time, showcasing the range and depth of her talent, and the impact she has had on the industry. From upbeat dance tracks to emotional ballads, these songs have become a part of our cultural lexicon, and continue to inspire and empower listeners around the world. So, whether you’re a die-hard Rihanna fan or just appreciate good music, read on to discover the best of the best from one of the greatest pop stars of our generation.
1. “Work” (with Drake)
“Work” is a collaboration between Rihanna and Drake, released in 2016. The song is a dancehall-inspired track, with a catchy beat and playful lyrics. The song starts with Rihanna singing in her native Barbadian accent, and Drake adding his verses in a smooth rap flow. The song’s chorus is infectious, with Rihanna repeating “Work, work, work, work, work” in a sultry tone. The lyrics talk about a relationship where both parties have to put in effort to make it work, with Rihanna asking her lover to “work” for her attention and love. The music video for the song features Rihanna and Drake dancing in a dimly lit club, surrounded by their friends and fans. The chemistry between the two artists is evident, making the song a fan-favorite and a chart-topping hit.
2. “Love on the Brain”
“Love on the Brain” is a soulful ballad from Rihanna’s eighth studio album, Anti, released in 2016. The song is a departure from Rihanna’s usual sound, with a slower tempo and emotive vocals. The lyrics explore the intense and all-consuming nature of love, with Rihanna comparing it to a drug addiction. The song’s chorus is powerful, with Rihanna belting out “And you got me like, oh, what you want from me?” over a haunting melody. The song’s music video features Rihanna performing the song in a vintage-inspired setting, complete with a live band and backup singers. The song was critically acclaimed, with many praising Rihanna’s vocal performance and the song’s soulful production. “Love on the Brain” showcases Rihanna’s versatility as an artist and cemented her status as one of the most talented performers of her generation.
3. “Take a Bow”
“Take a Bow” is a mid-tempo pop ballad from Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, released in 2008. The song is about a woman who has been wronged by her lover and is ready to move on. Rihanna’s vocals are emotive and powerful, with the lyrics describing a toxic relationship that has come to an end. The song’s chorus is catchy and memorable, with Rihanna singing “Don’t tell me you’re sorry ’cause you’re not, baby when I know you’re only sorry you got caught.” The music video for the song features Rihanna performing the song in a theater setting, with scenes of her and her ex-partner interspersed throughout. “Take a Bow” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and has become one of Rihanna’s most popular songs.
4. “Unfaithful”
“Unfaithful” is a ballad from Rihanna’s second studio album, A Girl like Me, released in 2006. The song is about a woman who is cheating on her partner but feels guilty about it. Rihanna’s vocals are raw and emotional, with the lyrics conveying the pain and conflict that the protagonist is going through. The song’s chorus is haunting, with Rihanna singing “I don’t wanna be a murderer, I feel it in the air, it’s getting dark, and I’m scared.” The music video for the song features Rihanna acting out the lyrics, with scenes of her being torn between her two lovers. “Unfaithful” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries, and showcased Rihanna’s ability to tackle difficult themes in her music.
5. “Disturbia”
“Disturbia” is an up-tempo dance-pop song from Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, released in 2008. The song’s lyrics describe a dark and twisted world, with Rihanna singing “It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you, it can creep up inside you and consume you.” The song’s chorus is catchy and memorable, with Rihanna singing “Bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum.” The music video for the song features Rihanna in a haunted house, with scenes of her being trapped and tormented by her own fears. “Disturbia” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, and is considered one of Rihanna’s signature songs. The song’s eerie production and infectious chorus make it a fan-favorite and a staple in pop music.
6. “Needed Me”
“Needed Me” is a moody and atmospheric track from Rihanna’s eighth studio album, Anti, released in 2016. The song’s production is minimalistic, with a slow and steady beat and sparse instrumentation. The lyrics describe a woman who is in control of her own life and relationships, with Rihanna singing “Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage? F**k your white horse and a carriage.” The song’s chorus is powerful, with Rihanna repeating “You needed me” over a haunting melody. The music video for the song features Rihanna in a luxurious mansion, surrounded by her entourage and engaging in illicit activities. “Needed Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries and solidifying Rihanna’s status as a pop icon.
7. “Don’t Stop the Music”
“Don’t Stop the Music” is an upbeat dance-pop song from Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad, released in 2007. The song samples the 1980s hit “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” by Michael Jackson and features a catchy chorus with Rihanna singing “Please don’t stop the music, music, music.” The song’s music video features Rihanna dancing in a nightclub, surrounded by her friends and fans. “Don’t Stop the Music” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Rihanna several awards and nominations. The song’s infectious beat and memorable chorus have made it a staple in clubs and parties around the world.
8. “SOS”
“SOS” is an up-tempo dance-pop track from Rihanna’s second studio album, A Girl like Me, released in 2006. The song samples the 1981 hit “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell and features a catchy chorus with Rihanna singing “SOS, please someone help me, it’s not healthy for me to feel this way.” The song’s music video features Rihanna in a futuristic setting, surrounded by flashy lights and dancing with her friends. “SOS” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Rihanna her first number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s infectious beat and memorable chorus have made it a fan-favorite and a staple in pop music.
9. “Pon De Replay”
“Pon De Replay” is Rihanna’s debut single from her debut studio album, Music of the Sun, released in 2005. The song is a fusion of reggae, dancehall, and R&B, with a catchy beat and an infectious chorus. The song’s title is a Bajan (Barbadian) phrase that translates to “play it again.” The lyrics are playful and fun, with Rihanna singing about dancing and having a good time. The music video for the song features Rihanna and her friends dancing in the streets of Barbados, showcasing the vibrant culture and energy of the island. “Pon De Replay” was a commercial success, reaching the top five in several countries and launching Rihanna’s career as a pop star.
10. “Umbrella” (with JAY-Z)
“Umbrella” is a pop-R&B song featuring Jay-Z, from Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad, released in 2007. The song’s production is minimalistic, with a simple beat and a prominent melody. The song’s lyrics describe a woman who is willing to protect and support her lover, with Rihanna singing “Cause in the rain, you’re gonna shine.” The song’s chorus is iconic, with Rihanna singing “Under my umbrella, ella, ella, eh, eh, eh.” The music video for the song features Rihanna dancing in the rain, with scenes of her and Jay-Z in a luxurious setting. “Umbrella” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning Rihanna several awards and nominations. The song’s infectious chorus and Rihanna’s powerful vocals have made it one of her signature songs and a fan-favorite.