Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman. She emerged onto the music scene in the early 2000s and quickly became one of the most prominent figures in contemporary pop and R&B music.
Rihanna’s career began when she was discovered by a record producer in her home country of Barbados. She released her debut album, “Music of the Sun,” in 2005, which featured the hit single “Pon de Replay.” Her follow-up albums, “A Girl like Me” (2006) and “Good Girl Gone Bad” (2007), further solidified her success, with singles like “SOS,” “Umbrella,” and “Don’t Stop the Music” topping charts worldwide.
Throughout her career, Rihanna has continued to push boundaries with her music, exploring various genres including pop, R&B, dancehall, and reggae. She has released numerous successful albums, including “Rated R” (2009), “Loud” (2010), “Talk That Talk” (2011), “Unapologetic” (2012), “Anti” (2016), and “Rated R” (2022).
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also made a name for herself in the world of fashion and beauty. She has launched successful brands such as Fenty Beauty, Savage X Fenty, and Fenty Skin, which have received widespread acclaim for their inclusive and diverse offerings.
Rihanna’s impact extends beyond the world of entertainment; she is known for her philanthropic efforts and activism, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and humanitarian aid. She has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including multiple Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Overall, Rihanna is recognized as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with a career that spans multiple industries and has left a lasting impact on popular culture.
1. Only Girl (In the World)
“Only Girl (In the World)” is a song by Rihanna, released as the lead single from her fifth studio album, “Loud,” in 2010. The song was written by Crystal Johnson, Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Sandy Wilhelm, and Rihanna herself, with production handled by Stargate and Sandy Vee.
“Only Girl (In the World)” is an uptempo dance-pop and electro-house song that showcases Rihanna’s powerful vocals and infectious energy. Lyrically, the song expresses themes of love, desire, and empowerment, with Rihanna proclaiming herself as the only girl her partner needs.
Upon its release, “Only Girl (In the World)” received widespread critical acclaim for its catchy melody, energetic production, and Rihanna’s dynamic performance. The song topped the charts in numerous countries and earned Rihanna a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2011.
The accompanying music video for “Only Girl (In the World)” features vibrant visuals and sees Rihanna surrounded by colorful landscapes and natural scenery, further emphasizing the song’s themes of freedom and empowerment.
“Only Girl (In the World)” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and iconic songs, cementing her status as one of the biggest pop stars of her generation.
2. Disturbia
“Disturbia” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2008 as the third single from her album “Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded.” The song is known for its dark and edgy sound, blending elements of pop, electronic, and dance music.
“Disturbia” explores themes of paranoia, confusion, and inner turmoil. The lyrics depict a sense of being trapped in a psychological maze, haunted by disturbing thoughts and emotions. Despite its dark subject matter, the song is catchy and infectious, with a pulsating beat and Rihanna’s powerful vocals driving the melody.
“Disturbia” was a commercial success, topping the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its bold and innovative production. The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Anthony Mandler, features surreal and visually striking imagery that complements the song’s themes.
Overall, “Disturbia” is widely regarded as one of Rihanna’s standout tracks, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to push creative boundaries.
3. S&M
“S&M” is a song by Rihanna, released as the third single from her fifth studio album, “Loud,” in 2010. The song 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-house track with provocative lyrics that explore themes of sexual desire, dominance, and submission. The song features catchy hooks and a pulsating beat, showcasing Rihanna’s bold and confident persona.
Upon its release, “S&M” received mixed reviews from music critics, with some praising its infectious energy and catchy melody, while others criticized its explicit content. Despite the controversy, the song was a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Rihanna’s signature hits.
The accompanying music video for “S&M” features colorful and provocative imagery, with Rihanna depicted in various bondage-inspired outfits and engaging in playful and suggestive scenes. The video sparked further controversy and was met with both praise and criticism for its bold and provocative visuals.
Overall, “S&M” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and memorable songs, further solidifying her status as a boundary-pushing pop icon.
4. Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z)
“Umbrella” is a song by Rihanna featuring rapper Jay-Z. It was released in 2007 as the lead single from Rihanna’s third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song was written by Christopher Stewart, Terius “The-Dream” Nash, Kuk Harrell, and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, with production handled by Stewart and Nash.
“Umbrella” is a mid-tempo R&B and pop song with elements of hip hop and rock. It features a memorable hook and catchy melody, with Rihanna’s powerful vocals taking center stage. Lyrically, the song uses the metaphor of an umbrella to represent support, protection, and loyalty in a relationship.
Upon its release, “Umbrella” was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Rihanna’s most successful singles. The song earned Rihanna her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008.
The accompanying music video for “Umbrella” was directed by Chris Applebaum and features Rihanna performing choreography in various futuristic settings. The video received widespread acclaim for its stylish visuals and Rihanna’s captivating presence.
“Umbrella” is considered one of Rihanna’s signature songs and a defining moment in her career. It remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the greatest pop songs of the 2000s, solidifying Rihanna’s status as a global pop icon.
5. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
“We Found Love” is a song by Rihanna featuring Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. It was 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 track that features catchy hooks, pulsating beats, and euphoric synthesizers. Lyrically, the song explores themes of love, passion, and living in the moment. It tells the story of a couple who find love in unexpected places and choose to embrace the excitement and intensity of their relationship.
Upon its release, “We Found Love” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its infectious melody, energetic production, and Rihanna’s emotive vocals. The song topped the charts in numerous countries and became one of Rihanna’s most successful singles, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2013.
The accompanying music video for “We Found Love” was directed by Melina Matsoukas and depicts a tumultuous relationship between Rihanna and British model Dudley O’Shaughnessy. The video received critical acclaim for its visually stunning cinematography and powerful storytelling, further enhancing the song’s impact and popularity.
“We Found Love” remains one of Rihanna’s signature songs and a fan favorite at clubs and festivals worldwide, cementing her status as one of the biggest pop stars of her generation.
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 the Norwegian duo StarGate and Benny Blanco.
“Diamonds” is an uplifting and anthemic pop song with elements of electronic and dance music. The lyrics celebrate inner strength, resilience, and the beauty of life, using diamonds as a metaphor for enduring and shining through adversity.
The song’s chorus, “Shine bright like a diamond,” became an instantly recognizable hook, contributing to the song’s commercial success. “Diamonds” topped the charts in numerous countries and received critical acclaim for its catchy melody, Rihanna’s emotive vocals, and the song’s empowering message.
The accompanying music video for “Diamonds” features striking visuals and surreal imagery, enhancing the song’s themes of beauty and resilience.
Overall, “Diamonds” remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and memorable songs, solidifying her status as one of the leading pop artists of her generation.
7. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)
“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, and Elof Loelv, with production handled by Ekko and Loelv.
“Stay” is a poignant and emotional ballad that showcases Rihanna’s vulnerable side. The song features stripped-down instrumentation, primarily consisting of piano and strings, allowing Rihanna’s powerful vocals to take center stage. Mikky Ekko provides backing vocals and harmonies, adding depth to the song’s heartfelt lyrics.
“Stay” explores themes of love, longing, and vulnerability, with Rihanna pleading for her partner to stay with her despite the challenges they may face. The song’s raw and intimate atmosphere resonated with audiences, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
The music video for “Stay” features a simple yet powerful concept, with Rihanna sitting alone in a bathtub, conveying the song’s emotional depth and vulnerability. The video received praise for its raw and emotive portrayal of the song’s themes.
“Stay” became one of Rihanna’s most successful singles, topping the charts in numerous countries and earning Grammy nominations for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance and Best Short Form Music Video. It remains a fan favorite and a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
8. Work (feat. Drake)
“Work” is a song by Rihanna featuring 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 herself, with production handled by Boi-1da, Ritter, and Kuk Harrell.
“Work” is a dancehall and reggae-infused pop song with a catchy beat and infectious rhythm. The song features Rihanna and Drake trading verses and harmonizing on the chorus. Lyrically, “Work” explores themes of love, desire, and attraction, with Rihanna and Drake singing about the complexities of their relationship and the challenges they face.
The song’s repetitive hook, “Work, work, work, work, work,” became an instantly recognizable earworm, contributing to the song’s commercial success. “Work” topped the charts in numerous countries and became Rihanna’s 14th 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 dancing and flirting in a dimly lit club, capturing the song’s sensual and intimate vibe. The video received praise for its chemistry between Rihanna and Drake and its celebration of Caribbean culture.
Overall, “Work” became one of Rihanna’s biggest hits and remains a fan favorite, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles.
9. Love on the Brain
“Love on the Brain” is a song by Rihanna from 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 that showcases Rihanna’s powerful vocals and raw emotion. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, longing, and heartache, with Rihanna singing about the intense and sometimes tumultuous emotions that come with being in love.
Upon its release, “Love on the Brain” received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised Rihanna’s vocal performance and the song’s soulful production. Despite not being released as an official single, the song achieved commercial success, peaking within the top ten on various charts around the world.
“Love on the Brain” has since become one of Rihanna’s most beloved songs and a fan favorite among her discography. Its soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with audiences, earning it a place as one of the standout tracks on the “Anti” album.
10. Don’t Stop the Music
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2007 as the third single from her third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song was written by Tawanna Dabney, Michael Jackson, and its producers, StarGate.
“Don’t Stop the Music” is an energetic dance-pop and electro-disco track with elements of house music. It samples the bassline from Michael Jackson’s song “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and features a catchy hook that encourages listeners to keep dancing. Rihanna’s vocals are playful and confident, perfectly complementing the song’s upbeat production.
The song’s lyrics celebrate the joy of dancing and letting loose on the dance floor, with Rihanna singing about the excitement of being caught up in the music and not wanting the party to end.
“Don’t Stop the Music” was a commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries and becoming one of Rihanna’s signature songs. Its infectious beat and catchy melody made it a staple in clubs and on radio stations worldwide.
The accompanying music video for “Don’t Stop the Music” features Rihanna dancing and partying in a club, surrounded by colorful lights and energetic crowds. The video’s vibrant visuals mirror the song’s upbeat vibe and contributed to its popularity.
Overall, “Don’t Stop the Music” remains a fan favorite and a classic dance anthem, showcasing Rihanna’s ability to deliver infectious pop hits with mass appeal.
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.
