Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, is a highly acclaimed Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. She rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her captivating voice, distinct style, and chart-topping hits, quickly becoming one of the most influential figures in the music industry.
Rihanna’s musical career began in 2005 when she released her debut single “Pon de Replay,” which became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. Her debut album, “Music of the Sun,” was released later that year, followed by her second album, “A Girl Like Me,” in 2006. Both albums showcased her versatility as an artist and laid the groundwork for her future success.
In 2007, Rihanna released her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” which marked a significant turning point in her career. The album spawned several hit singles, including “Umbrella,” which became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Rihanna’s edgier image and more mature sound propelled her to superstardom, earning her widespread acclaim and numerous awards.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has continued to push boundaries and experiment with different musical genres, ranging from pop and R&B to dancehall and hip-hop. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “Rated R” (2009), “Loud” (2010), “Talk That Talk” (2011), “Unapologetic” (2012), “Anti” (2016), and “Talk That Talk” (2017).
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also ventured into acting and entrepreneurship. She has appeared in several films, including “Battleship” (2012) and “Ocean’s 8” (2018), and has launched successful fashion and beauty brands, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Rihanna’s impact extends beyond the entertainment industry. She is known for her philanthropy work, advocating for various causes including education, healthcare, and human rights. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.
Overall, Rihanna’s influence on music, fashion, and culture is undeniable. Her powerful voice, captivating performances, and fearless approach to creativity have solidified her status as one of the most iconic and influential artists of her generation.
1. 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 was written by Crystal Johnson, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, and Sandy Wilhelm, and produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee.
“Only Girl (In the World)” is an uptempo dance-pop and eurodance song with electronic and house influences. Lyrically, the song celebrates love and desire, with Rihanna singing about wanting to be the center of attention and feeling like the only girl in the world when she’s with her partner.
The song’s production features pulsating beats, synth layers, and a catchy chorus that showcases Rihanna’s powerful vocals. Its energetic and infectious melody, combined with its empowering lyrics, made it a commercial success and one of Rihanna’s biggest hits.
“Only Girl (In the World)” topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, where it became Rihanna’s ninth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also received critical acclaim, with praise for its catchy hook, production, and Rihanna’s vocal performance.
The accompanying music video for “Only Girl (In the World)” features Rihanna in various colorful and surreal settings, surrounded by vibrant landscapes and dancing freely. The video’s visual aesthetic complements the song’s themes of liberation and self-expression.
Overall, “Only Girl (In the World)” cemented Rihanna’s status as a pop powerhouse and further solidified her reputation as one of the most successful and influential artists in contemporary music.
2. Disturbia
“Disturbia” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2008 as the third single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded.” The song was written by Rihanna, along with Brian Kennedy, Andre Merritt, and Chris Brown, who also produced the track.
“Disturbia” is an uptempo pop and electropop song with dark and eerie elements. Lyrically, the song explores themes of inner turmoil, paranoia, and psychological unrest. The chorus features the repetition of the word “disturbia,” evoking a sense of chaos and confusion.
The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its catchy melody, infectious hook, and Rihanna’s strong vocal performance. “Disturbia” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries and earning platinum certifications in multiple territories.
The accompanying music video for “Disturbia” features a dark and surreal aesthetic, with imagery inspired by horror films and psychological thrillers. The video received critical acclaim and further contributed to the song’s success.
“Disturbia” remains one of Rihanna’s most popular and iconic songs, often performed live and included in her greatest hits compilations. Its dark and infectious sound has made it a favorite among fans and a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
3. S&M
“S&M” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2010 as the third single from her fifth studio album, “Loud.” The song features guest vocals from American rapper Britney Spears on the remix version. “S&M” was written by Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm, Ester Dean, and Rihanna, with production handled by Stargate and Sandy Vee.
“S&M” is an uptempo dance-pop and electro-R&B song with provocative lyrics that explore themes of sexual dominance and submission, as well as themes of power dynamics in relationships. The song’s chorus features the catchy and memorable refrain “Na-na-na, come on.”
Upon its release, “S&M” received mixed reviews from music critics, with some praising its catchy melody and infectious beat, while others criticized its explicit content. Despite the controversy, the song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in numerous countries and earning platinum certifications in several territories.
The music video for “S&M” features Rihanna engaging in various provocative and fetishistic activities, drawing further attention to the song’s themes of sexuality and empowerment. The remix version of the song featuring Britney Spears was also accompanied by a music video that received widespread attention.
“S&M” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and iconic songs, often performed live and included in her greatest hits compilations. Its bold and provocative lyrics, combined with its infectious beat, have made it a favorite among fans and a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
4. Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z)
“Umbrella” is a 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 was written by Christopher Stewart, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, Kuk Harrell, and Jay-Z, with production handled by Stewart and Nash under their production duo, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart.
“Umbrella” is a mid-tempo R&B and pop song with elements of hip hop and rock. Lyrically, the song metaphorically uses an umbrella as a symbol of protection and support in a romantic relationship. Rihanna sings about being there for her partner through thick and thin, offering them comfort and security like an umbrella in a storm.
The song’s production features a distinctive beat, catchy melody, and a memorable hook, highlighted by Rihanna’s powerful vocals. Jay-Z’s rap verse adds an extra layer of depth and contrast to the song, complementing Rihanna’s performance.
“Umbrella” became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world, including the United States, where it spent seven consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s iconic hook and infectious rhythm made it an instant hit, earning critical acclaim and numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.
The accompanying music video for “Umbrella” features Rihanna in various futuristic and visually striking scenes, dancing and performing alongside Jay-Z. The video’s creative direction and Rihanna’s iconic looks further contributed to the song’s success and cultural impact.
“Umbrella” remains one of Rihanna’s signature songs and one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its memorable chorus, catchy melody, and empowering message have made it a timeless classic in pop music history.
5. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
“We Found Love” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris. It was released in 2011 as the lead single from Rihanna’s sixth studio album, “Talk That Talk.”
“We Found Love” is an uptempo dance-pop and electro house song with elements of techno and Europop. The song’s lyrics depict the exhilarating highs and lows of a passionate romantic relationship, with themes of love, obsession, and addiction.
Upon its release, “We Found Love” received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its infectious melody, catchy hook, and Rihanna’s emotive vocals. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in over 25 countries and earning numerous certifications.
The music video for “We Found Love” was directed by Melina Matsoukas and features Rihanna and model Dudley O’Shaughnessy in a tumultuous relationship marked by love, violence, and addiction. The video received critical acclaim for its powerful imagery and storytelling.
“We Found Love” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and iconic songs, winning a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. Its infectious energy and universal themes of love and longing have made it a favorite among fans and a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
6. Diamonds
“Diamonds” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2012 as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Unapologetic.” The song was written by Sia Furler, Benjamin Levin, Mikkel S. Eriksen, and Tor Erik Hermansen, with production handled by Benny Blanco and StarGate.
“Diamonds” is a mid-tempo pop and R&B ballad with electronic and dance influences. Lyrically, the song explores themes of resilience, strength, and self-empowerment. Rihanna sings about rising above challenges and embracing one’s inner strength, likening the experience to being like a diamond—strong, unbreakable, and beautiful.
The song’s production features a pulsating beat, atmospheric synths, and a soaring chorus, highlighting Rihanna’s emotive vocals. The melody is catchy and anthemic, with a memorable hook that resonated with audiences worldwide.
“Diamonds” was a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim. It became one of Rihanna’s biggest hits, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and receiving numerous certifications for its sales and streaming figures.
The accompanying music video for “Diamonds” features Rihanna in various surreal and visually stunning scenes, including underwater sequences and shots of exploding diamonds. The video’s abstract imagery and artistic direction complement the song’s themes of resilience and beauty.
“Diamonds” solidified Rihanna’s status as one of the most successful and influential artists in contemporary music. Its powerful message of empowerment, combined with its infectious melody and memorable production, have made it a standout track in Rihanna’s discography and a fan favorite for years to come.
7. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)
“Stay” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring American singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko. It was released in 2012 as the second single from Rihanna’s seventh studio album, “Unapologetic.”
“Stay” is a downtempo ballad with a minimalist production, primarily consisting of piano and strings. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, vulnerability, and the desire for emotional connection. Rihanna’s raw and emotive vocals, combined with Ekko’s haunting harmonies, add to the song’s emotional impact.
Upon its release, “Stay” received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its stripped-down production and Rihanna’s powerful vocal performance. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top five in numerous countries and earning platinum certifications in several territories.
The music video for “Stay” features a simple and intimate visual of Rihanna singing in a bathtub, adding to the song’s sense of vulnerability and raw emotion. The video received critical acclaim for its raw and authentic portrayal of emotion.
“Stay” remains one of Rihanna’s most acclaimed and iconic songs, often praised for its emotional depth and honesty. Its universal themes of love and longing have resonated with audiences around the world, making it a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
8. Work (feat. Drake)
“Work” is a song by Rihanna featuring Canadian rapper Drake, released in 2016 as the lead single from Rihanna’s eighth studio album, “Anti.” The song was written by Rihanna, Drake, PartyNextDoor, Allen Ritter, Rupert Thomas Jr., Monte Moir, R. Stephenson, and Matthew Samuels, with production handled by Boi-1da, Kuk Harrell, and Noah “40” Shebib.
“Work” is a dancehall and reggae-infused pop song with elements of R&B. Lyrically, the song revolves around themes of love, desire, and passion. Rihanna and Drake trade verses and sing about the complexities of their relationship, with Rihanna expressing her desire for her partner’s affection and Drake responding with his own feelings.
The song’s production features a minimalist beat, sparse instrumentation, and a repetitive melody that creates a hypnotic and infectious groove. Rihanna’s distinctive vocals, combined with Drake’s smooth delivery, add to the song’s sensual and intimate atmosphere.
“Work” was a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Rihanna’s biggest hits. It spent nine consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making it Rihanna’s longest-running number-one single at the time.
The accompanying music video for “Work” features Rihanna and Drake dancing and partying in a Jamaican-themed club, surrounded by friends and dancers. The video’s relaxed and carefree vibe complements the song’s laid-back and sensual energy.
“Work” received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and Rihanna and Drake’s chemistry. It became one of the most successful collaborations between the two artists and further solidified their status as two of the biggest names in contemporary pop and hip-hop music.
9. Love on the Brain
“Love on the Brain” is a song by Rihanna, featured on her eighth studio album “Anti,” released in 2016. The song was written by Fred Ball, Joseph Angel, and Rihanna herself.
“Love on the Brain” is a soulful ballad that showcases Rihanna’s vocal prowess and emotional depth. Lyrically, the song explores themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. Rihanna sings about being deeply infatuated with her partner, despite their tumultuous relationship and the pain it may bring. The song’s lyrics convey a mix of passion, frustration, and devotion, as Rihanna expresses her desire to be loved and understood by her significant other.
Musically, “Love on the Brain” features a retro-inspired sound, drawing on elements of doo-wop, R&B, and soul. The song is characterized by its lush instrumentation, including piano, strings, and backing vocals, which contribute to its timeless and nostalgic vibe. Rihanna’s powerful and soulful vocals take center stage, delivering a heartfelt and impassioned performance that resonates with listeners.
“Love on the Brain” received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for Rihanna’s vocal performance and the song’s emotional resonance. Although it was not released as an official single, it became a fan favorite and garnered significant attention on streaming platforms and radio stations. The song’s raw emotion and timeless appeal have solidified its status as one of Rihanna’s standout tracks and a highlight of her “Anti” album.
10. Don’t Stop the Music
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2007 as the fourth single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song was written by Tawanna Dabney, Michael Jackson, Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel S. Eriksen, and Rihanna, with production handled by StarGate.
“Don’t Stop the Music” is an uptempo dance-pop and electro house song with elements of Europop and funk. The song’s lyrics revolve around the theme of partying and dancing all night long, with the refrain “Don’t stop the music” serving as a call to keep the party going.
Upon its release, “Don’t Stop the Music” received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its infectious beat, catchy melody, and Rihanna’s energetic vocal performance. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top five in numerous countries and earning platinum certifications in several territories.
The music video for “Don’t Stop the Music” features Rihanna in various club settings, dancing and partying with friends. The video received positive reviews for its vibrant visuals and choreography.
“Don’t Stop the Music” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and iconic songs, often performed live and included in her greatest hits compilations. Its infectious energy and universal theme of partying have made it a favorite among fans and a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
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.
