Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. She rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut single “Pon de Replay” and quickly became one of the most successful and influential artists in contemporary music.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has released numerous chart-topping albums, including “Music of the Sun” (2005), “Good Girl Gone Bad” (2007), “Rated R” (2009), “Loud” (2010), “Talk That Talk” (2011), “Unapologetic” (2012), “Anti” (2016), and “Talk That Talk” (2011). She is known for her versatile musical style, which spans genres such as R&B, pop, hip hop, dancehall, and reggae.
Rihanna’s hits include songs like “Umbrella,” “Disturbia,” “Rude Boy,” “Diamonds,” “Work,” “Love on the Brain,” and “We Found Love.” She has received numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, and she holds several Guinness World Records.
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “Battleship” (2012), “Ocean’s 8” (2018), and “Guava Island” (2019). She has also established herself as a successful entrepreneur, with ventures in fashion, cosmetics, and lingerie, including her popular Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty brands.
Rihanna’s impact extends beyond music and business, as she is also known for her philanthropic work and advocacy on issues such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. She has used her platform to champion diversity, inclusivity, and social justice, making her a prominent figure in popular culture and a role model for millions around the world.
1. Umbrella
“Umbrella” is a hit song by Rihanna, featuring rapper Jay-Z, released in 2007 as the lead single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song is characterized by its catchy melody, infectious beat, and memorable chorus.
“Umbrella” became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world and earning critical acclaim. The song’s empowering lyrics, which metaphorically compare a romantic partner to an umbrella providing protection and support, resonated with listeners and became an anthem of resilience and strength.
With its distinctive sound and Rihanna’s powerful vocals, “Umbrella” catapulted her to international superstardom and solidified her status as one of the leading artists in contemporary music. The song’s iconic music video, featuring Rihanna in various glamorous outfits and settings, further contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.
“Umbrella” remains one of Rihanna’s most iconic and enduring hits, cherished by fans for its infectious energy and timeless appeal.
2. Don’t Stop the Music
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a dance-pop song by Rihanna, released in 2007 as the fourth single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, infectious groove, and catchy hook.
“Don’t Stop the Music” became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world and earning critical acclaim. The song’s infectious rhythm and Rihanna’s energetic vocals make it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations alike.
With its pulsating beat and euphoric vibe, “Don’t Stop the Music” captures the essence of a carefree night out and became an anthem of celebration and escapism. The song’s iconic music video, featuring Rihanna dancing in a club surrounded by colorful lights and revelers, further contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.
“Don’t Stop the Music” remains one of Rihanna’s most beloved and enduring hits, cherished by fans for its infectious energy and irresistible charm.
3. Stay
“Stay” is a soulful ballad by British pop-rock band Shakespears Sister, released in 1992 as a single from their album “Hormonally Yours.” The song features a haunting melody and emotionally charged lyrics, sung by Siobhan Fahey, the band’s lead vocalist. “Stay” explores themes of heartbreak, longing, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics depict the inner turmoil of someone desperately pleading for their partner to stay, despite the challenges they face together. With its dramatic orchestration and Fahey’s powerful vocal delivery, “Stay” became a massive hit, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its raw emotion and evocative storytelling.
4. We Found Love
“We Found Love” is an electrifying dance-pop song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. Released in 2011 as the lead single from Rihanna’s sixth studio album “Talk That Talk,” the song is characterized by its infectious beat, catchy melody, and euphoric production. Lyrically, “We Found Love” explores themes of love, passion, and the exhilaration of being in a relationship. The song’s lyrics celebrate the thrill of finding love unexpectedly and losing oneself in the moment. With Rihanna’s dynamic vocals and Calvin Harris’s pulsating electronic beats, “We Found Love” became a massive commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning critical acclaim for its infectious energy and irresistible hook.
5. Diamonds
“Diamonds” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2012 as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Unapologetic.” The song is characterized by its anthemic melody, powerful vocals, and uplifting lyrics.
“Diamonds” became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world and earning critical acclaim. The song’s message of resilience and inner strength, symbolized by the metaphor of diamonds, resonated with listeners and became an anthem of empowerment.
With its soaring chorus and Rihanna’s emotive delivery, “Diamonds” captures the beauty and resilience of the human spirit, making it a favorite on radio stations and in live performances. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring striking visuals and scenes of Rihanna amidst cosmic imagery, further contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.
“Diamonds” remains one of Rihanna’s most iconic and enduring hits, cherished by fans for its inspirational message and timeless appeal.
6. Love on the Brain
“Love on the Brain” is a soulful R&B ballad by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featured on her eighth studio album “Anti,” released in 2016. The song showcases Rihanna’s powerhouse vocals and emotive delivery, backed by a stripped-down arrangement of piano and strings. Lyrically, “Love on the Brain” delves into the complexities of love and desire, exploring themes of longing, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil. The song’s raw honesty and soulful performance resonate deeply with listeners, capturing the intensity and unpredictability of romantic relationships. “Love on the Brain” received widespread acclaim from music critics and became a fan favorite, earning praise for Rihanna’s vocal prowess and the song’s timeless appeal.
7. Work
“Work” is a song by Rihanna, featuring Canadian rapper Drake, released in 2016 as the lead single from her eighth studio album, “Anti.” The song is characterized by its dancehall-infused beat, Caribbean influences, and repetitive yet infectious chorus.
“Work” became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world and earning critical acclaim. The song’s catchy melody and Rihanna’s seductive vocals make it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations alike.
With its laid-back vibe and playful lyrics, “Work” captures the essence of a carefree night out and became a popular anthem for partygoers. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring Rihanna and Drake dancing provocatively in a dimly lit club, further contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.
“Work” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and enduring hits, cherished by fans for its irresistible groove and infectious energy.
8. Take a Bow
“Take a Bow” is a poignant pop ballad by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2008 as the fifth single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song features a haunting melody and emotive lyrics, exploring themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and resilience in the face of a failed relationship. In “Take a Bow,” Rihanna confronts a deceitful partner, expressing her disappointment and ultimately finding the strength to move on. With its soulful vocals and atmospheric production, the song resonated with listeners worldwide, topping charts and receiving critical acclaim for its emotional depth and relatable subject matter. “Take a Bow” remains one of Rihanna’s most iconic and enduring hits, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
9. Only Girl (In the World)
“Only Girl (In the World)” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2010 as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Loud.” The song is characterized by its energetic dance-pop beat, euphoric chorus, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals.
“Only Girl (In the World)” became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world and earning critical acclaim. The song’s empowering lyrics, which celebrate love and devotion to a romantic partner, resonated with listeners and became an anthem of self-confidence and empowerment.
With its pulsating rhythm and Rihanna’s emotive delivery, “Only Girl (In the World)” captures the joy and exhilaration of being in love, making it a favorite on dance floors and radio stations alike. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring Rihanna in various colorful and extravagant settings, further contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.
“Only Girl (In the World)” remains one of Rihanna’s most iconic and enduring hits, cherished by fans for its infectious energy and uplifting message.
10. Needed Me
“Needed Me” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featured on her eighth studio album “Anti,” released in 2016. The song is characterized by its dark, trap-influenced production and Rihanna’s sultry vocals. Lyrically, “Needed Me” explores themes of independence, empowerment, and self-worth. In the song, Rihanna asserts her strength and confidence, warning a former lover that they were not essential to her happiness and that she is better off without them. With its bold lyrics and infectious beat, “Needed Me” became a commercial success, topping charts and earning critical acclaim for its assertive message and captivating sound.
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.
