Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. Born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna rose to fame in the mid-2000s with her debut single “Pon de Replay.”
Throughout her career, Rihanna has become one of the most successful and influential artists in the music industry. She has released numerous hit songs across various genres, including pop, R&B, hip hop, and dancehall. Some of her most popular songs include “Umbrella,” “Disturbia,” “Don’t Stop the Music,” “We Found Love,” and “Work.”
Rihanna’s distinctive voice, dynamic performances, and versatile musical style have earned her critical acclaim and commercial success. She has won multiple Grammy Awards and holds numerous records, including being the first artist to have eight consecutive number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has ventured into acting, appearing in films such as “Battleship” and “Ocean’s 8.” She has also achieved success as a businesswoman, launching her own fashion and beauty brands, including Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty.
Rihanna’s impact extends beyond music and entertainment. She is known for her philanthropic efforts, advocating for various social causes, including education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. She has also used her platform to address issues of racial and gender inequality in the industry.
Overall, Rihanna’s talent, versatility, and influence have solidified her status as one of the most iconic and influential figures in contemporary popular culture.
1. Umbrella
“Umbrella” is a song by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, released in 2007 as the lead single from Rihanna’s third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song was written by Terius “The-Dream” Nash, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Kuk Harrell, and Jay-Z, with production handled by Nash and Stewart.
“Umbrella” is characterized by its catchy hook, infectious beat, and memorable chorus. The song’s lyrics metaphorically compare a supportive romantic relationship to an umbrella, offering protection and comfort during difficult times. The chorus features the iconic line, “Now that it’s raining more than ever, know that we’ll still have each other.”
The song’s production incorporates elements of pop, R&B, and hip hop, with Rihanna’s powerful vocals and Jay-Z’s rap verse adding to its appeal. “Umbrella” received critical acclaim upon its release and became a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
“Umbrella” also earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008. The song’s memorable music video, featuring Rihanna dancing in the rain and sporting various fashionable outfits, further contributed to its popularity and iconic status.
“Umbrella” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and well-known songs, often cited as a defining moment in her career and a staple of contemporary pop music. Its catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and empowering message have made it a timeless anthem for resilience and support.
2. Don’t Stop the Music
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2007 as the fourth single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song was written by Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen, Tawanna Dabney, Michael Jackson, and Rihanna, with production handled by StarGate and Rihanna.
“Don’t Stop the Music” is an uptempo dance-pop and electro-disco song that incorporates elements of house music and funk. The song features a catchy and infectious beat, with pulsating synths and Rihanna’s energetic vocals driving the track forward.
The lyrics of “Don’t Stop the Music” celebrate the joy of dancing and partying, encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment. The chorus features the repeated refrain of “Please don’t stop the music,” emphasizing the desire to keep the party going.
“Don’t Stop the Music” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including the United States, where it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s catchy melody and danceable groove made it a favorite in clubs and on dance floors around the world.
The music video for “Don’t Stop the Music” features Rihanna dancing in a nightclub with friends, surrounded by colorful lights and energetic choreography. The video further contributed to the song’s popularity and cemented its status as a dance-pop anthem.
“Don’t Stop the Music” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and iconic songs, often cited as a highlight of her discography. Its upbeat vibe, infectious energy, and memorable hook continue to make it a favorite among fans and a staple of dance playlists.
3. Stay
“Stay” is a song by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko, released in 2012 as the second single from Rihanna’s seventh studio album, “Unapologetic.” The song was written by Mikky Ekko, Justin Parker, Elof Loelv, and Rihanna, with production handled by Parker and Loelv.
“Stay” is a stripped-down ballad characterized by its raw emotion and intimate vocals. The song features a simple piano accompaniment, with Rihanna’s powerful and vulnerable vocals at the forefront. Mikky Ekko provides backing vocals and harmonies, adding depth to the song’s emotional impact.
The lyrics of “Stay” explore themes of love, vulnerability, and longing. The song’s chorus features the repeated refrain of “Stay,” expressing a plea for the person’s partner to remain with them despite the challenges they may face.
“Stay” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for Rihanna’s emotive performance and the song’s raw honesty. It became a commercial success, reaching the top five in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
The music video for “Stay” features a simple yet powerful visual of Rihanna alone in a bathtub, reflecting the song’s themes of vulnerability and isolation. The video received praise for its raw and intimate portrayal of emotion.
“Stay” remains one of Rihanna’s most acclaimed and beloved songs, often cited as a highlight of her career. Its heartfelt lyrics, haunting melody, and emotional delivery continue to resonate with listeners, making it a timeless ballad in Rihanna’s discography.
4. We Found Love
“We Found Love” is a song by Rihanna featuring Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, released in 2011 as the lead single from Rihanna’s sixth studio album, “Talk That Talk.” The song was written and produced by Calvin Harris.
“We Found Love” is an uptempo dance-pop and electro house song that features pulsating beats, synthesizers, and catchy hooks. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, passion, and euphoria, with Rihanna singing about the exhilarating feeling of being in love and losing oneself in the moment.
The chorus of “We Found Love” features the repeated refrain of “We found love in a hopeless place,” emphasizing the idea of finding love unexpectedly and against all odds. Calvin Harris’s production adds to the song’s infectious energy, making it a favorite on dance floors and radio airwaves.
“We Found Love” was a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Rihanna’s most successful singles, earning critical acclaim and winning the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2013.
The music video for “We Found Love” was directed by Melina Matsoukas and features Rihanna and model Dudley O’Shaughnessy in a tumultuous and passionate relationship, depicted through a series of chaotic and visually stunning scenes. The video received praise for its bold imagery and thematic depth.
“We Found Love” remains one of Rihanna’s signature songs and a defining moment in her career. Its infectious beat, catchy melody, and universal themes of love and euphoria have made it a timeless anthem for listeners around the world.
5. 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 Eriksen and Hermansen (known as Stargate) and Benny Blanco.
“Diamonds” is a mid-tempo pop and R&B song with electronic and dance elements. The song features a hypnotic beat, lush synthesizers, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, “Diamonds” speaks about resilience, strength, and overcoming adversity, using the metaphor of diamonds to represent inner strength and beauty.
The chorus of “Diamonds” features the memorable refrain, “Shine bright like a diamond,” which has become one of the song’s most iconic lines. The song’s uplifting message and infectious melody contributed to its commercial success.
“Diamonds” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It received positive reviews from critics, who praised Rihanna’s vocal performance and the song’s anthemic quality.
The music video for “Diamonds” was directed by Anthony Mandler and features Rihanna in various surreal and visually stunning settings, including underwater scenes and desert landscapes. The video received praise for its artistic direction and cinematography.
“Diamonds” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and well-known songs, often cited as a highlight of her discography. Its uplifting message, catchy melody, and powerful vocals have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of contemporary pop music.
6. 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, with production handled by Fred Ball.
“Love on the Brain” is a soulful and emotive ballad characterized by its vintage R&B sound. The song features a stripped-down production with prominent piano chords and a soulful backing chorus. Rihanna delivers a powerful and passionate vocal performance, showcasing her vocal range and emotive delivery.
Lyrically, “Love on the Brain” explores the complexities of love and relationships. The song’s lyrics depict a tumultuous and passionate love affair, with Rihanna singing about the highs and lows of being deeply in love with someone who may not always treat her right.
The chorus of “Love on the Brain” features the repeated refrain, “And you got me like, ‘Oh, what you want from me?'”, emphasizing the song’s theme of emotional vulnerability and longing. Rihanna’s raw and soulful delivery adds to the song’s emotional impact, drawing listeners into the depths of her feelings.
“Love on the Brain” received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for Rihanna’s vocal performance and the song’s retro-inspired production. While not released as an official single, the song became a fan favorite and received significant radio airplay.
“Love on the Brain” remains one of Rihanna’s standout tracks, often cited as a highlight of her “Anti” album. Its soulful sound, emotive lyrics, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals have made it a timeless ballad in her discography.
7. Work
“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 PartyNextDoor, Drake, Boi-1da, Allen Ritter, and Rihanna, with production handled by Boi-1da, Ritter, and Kuk Harrell.
“Work” is a dancehall and reggae-pop song that features a minimalist production with a repetitive beat and infectious melody. The song’s lyrics revolve around themes of love, desire, and attraction, with Rihanna and Drake trading verses about their romantic relationship and the physical and emotional connection they share.
The chorus of “Work” features Rihanna singing the repetitive phrase, “Work, work, work, work, work,” adding to the song’s catchy and infectious vibe. Drake’s verses complement Rihanna’s vocals, adding depth to the song’s narrative and showcasing their chemistry as collaborators.
“Work” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became Rihanna’s fourteenth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, tying her with Michael Jackson for the third-most number-one singles in the chart’s history.
The music video for “Work” features Rihanna and Drake in a dimly lit club setting, dancing intimately together and interacting with other patrons. The video received praise for its sensual and authentic portrayal of the song’s themes.
“Work” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and recognizable songs, often cited as a highlight of her “Anti” album. Its infectious beat, catchy melody, and Rihanna’s sultry vocals have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of dance playlists worldwide.
8. Take a Bow
“Take a Bow” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2008 as the second single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded.” The song was written by Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Shaffer Smith, and Rihanna, with production handled by Eriksen and Hermansen (known as Stargate).
“Take a Bow” is a mid-tempo pop and R&B ballad that features a piano-driven melody and a soulful vocal performance by Rihanna. The song’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and disappointment in a romantic relationship. Rihanna sings from the perspective of someone who has been wronged by their partner and is now demanding recognition for their pain.
The chorus of “Take a Bow” features the repeated refrain, “You better run for cover,” emphasizing the narrator’s defiance and strength in the face of heartbreak. The song’s emotive lyrics and Rihanna’s powerful delivery add to its emotional impact, making it a standout track on the album.
“Take a Bow” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Rihanna’s most successful singles, earning critical acclaim and receiving Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year.
The music video for “Take a Bow” features Rihanna in a dramatic and cinematic narrative, depicting scenes of betrayal and heartbreak. The video received praise for its artistic direction and Rihanna’s emotive performance.
“Take a Bow” remains one of Rihanna’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as a highlight of her discography. Its emotional lyrics, soulful melody, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals have made it a favorite among fans and a classic in contemporary pop music.
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 was written by Crystal Johnson, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm, and Rihanna, with production handled by Eriksen and Hermansen (known as Stargate).
“Only Girl (In the World)” is an uptempo dance-pop and Eurodance song that features a pulsating beat, synthesizers, and a catchy chorus. The song’s lyrics celebrate the feeling of being in love and desired, with Rihanna singing about wanting to be the center of her partner’s attention and affection.
The chorus of “Only Girl (In the World)” features the repeated refrain, “Want you to make me feel like I’m the only girl in the world,” emphasizing the narrator’s desire for love and attention. The song’s infectious melody and Rihanna’s energetic vocals contributed to its commercial success.
“Only Girl (In the World)” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became Rihanna’s ninth number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, further solidifying her status as one of the most successful artists in contemporary pop music.
The music video for “Only Girl (In the World)” features Rihanna in various colorful and vibrant settings, including a field of flowers and a desert landscape. The video received praise for its visual imagery and Rihanna’s energetic performance.
“Only Girl (In the World)” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and well-known songs, often cited as a highlight of her “Loud” album. Its catchy melody, energetic production, and Rihanna’s confident vocals have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of contemporary pop music.
10. Needed Me
“Needed Me” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2016 as the third single from her eighth studio album, “Anti.” The song was written by Rihanna, Brittany Hazard, Charles Hinshaw, Dijon McFarlane, Khaled Rohaim, Adam Feeney, and Te Whiti Warbrick, with production handled by DJ Mustard and Frank Dukes.
“Needed Me” is a mid-tempo R&B and trap song that features a dark and atmospheric production, with haunting synths and a sparse beat. The song’s lyrics explore themes of empowerment, independence, and self-worth, with Rihanna singing about realizing her own strength and not needing validation from others.
The chorus of “Needed Me” features the repeated refrain, “Didn’t they tell you that I was a savage?,” emphasizing the narrator’s confidence and assertiveness. The song’s moody vibe and Rihanna’s smoky vocals add to its atmospheric quality, making it a standout track on the album.
“Needed Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became Rihanna’s 29th top-10 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, tying her with Michael Jackson for the third-most top-10 hits in the chart’s history.
The music video for “Needed Me” was directed by Harmony Korine and features Rihanna in various scenes of revenge and empowerment, including scenes of violence and nudity. The video received praise for its bold and provocative imagery.
“Needed Me” remains one of Rihanna’s most acclaimed and iconic songs, often cited as a highlight of her “Anti” album. Its dark and atmospheric production, along with Rihanna’s confident vocals, have made it a favorite among fans and a standout in her 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.
