Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty in 1988, is a Barbadian singer, actress, and fashion designer. Rising to fame in the mid-2000s with hits like “Pon de Replay” and “Umbrella,” she quickly became a global pop sensation known for her powerful vocals and versatile musical style blending R&B, pop, and dancehall influences. Rihanna has achieved numerous accolades including Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards, and she’s recognized for her bold fashion choices and entrepreneurial ventures in beauty and fashion. Beyond music, Rihanna’s impact extends to advocacy for social justice and humanitarian causes, making her a multifaceted cultural icon.
1. Only Girl (In the World)
“Only Girl (In the World)” is a dance-pop song by Rihanna, released in 2010 as the lead single from her fifth studio album “Loud.” The song features upbeat electronic beats, catchy melodies, and Rihanna’s powerful vocals. “Only Girl (In the World)” celebrates themes of love and desire, with lyrics that express devotion and exclusivity to a romantic partner. The song’s infectious chorus and energetic production contributed to its commercial success, topping charts worldwide and becoming a dance anthem. Rihanna’s confident delivery and the song’s vibrant sound solidified its place as a standout track in her discography.
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 an uptempo dance-pop and electropop track with dark and eerie lyrics.
In “Disturbia,” Rihanna sings about feeling trapped in a nightmare and struggling to break free. The song’s lyrics and music video, which features surreal and disturbing imagery, create a sense of unease and tension.
“Disturbia” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. The song’s catchy hook and Rihanna’s powerful vocals helped it become one of her signature songs. “Disturbia” has been praised for its edgy sound and provocative lyrics, and it remains a fan favorite and a staple of Rihanna’s live performances.
3. S&M
“S&M” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2010 as part of her fifth studio album “Loud.” The song features a lively dance-pop beat with elements of electronic and rock music. “S&M” explores themes of sexual liberation and empowerment, with lyrics that playfully embrace themes of dominance and submission. The song’s provocative lyrics and catchy chorus contributed to its popularity, becoming a commercial success worldwide. Rihanna’s bold persona and confident delivery in “S&M” further solidified her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist who explores themes of love, desire, and self-expression in her music.
4. Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z)
“Umbrella” is a song by Barbadian singer 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 is a catchy pop and R&B track with a memorable hook and a strong beat.
In “Umbrella,” Rihanna sings about standing by someone through good times and bad, using the metaphor of an umbrella to symbolize protection and support. The song’s chorus, with its iconic line “ella, ella, ella,” became a pop culture phenomenon and helped propel the song to the top of the charts worldwide.
“Umbrella” was a commercial and critical success, earning Rihanna her first Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The song’s innovative production and Rihanna’s powerful vocals cemented its status as one of the defining songs of the 2000s.
5. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
“We Found Love” is a dance-pop song by Rihanna, featuring Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris. Released in 2011 as the lead single from her sixth studio album “Talk That Talk,” the song became a global hit. “We Found Love” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, electronic dance beats, and Rihanna’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics celebrate the euphoria and excitement of falling in love unexpectedly. With its infectious melody and catchy chorus, “We Found Love” topped charts worldwide, showcasing Rihanna’s ability to blend her powerful voice with Calvin Harris’s production expertise. It remains one of Rihanna’s most successful and memorable collaborations.
6. Diamonds
“Diamonds” is a song by Rihanna, released in 2012 as the lead single from her seventh studio album “Unapologetic.” The song is a mid-tempo pop and R&B ballad with electronic influences. “Diamonds” features Rihanna’s soulful vocals and a powerful chorus that celebrates resilience, inner strength, and the beauty found within oneself. The lyrics metaphorically compare these qualities to diamonds, emphasizing their enduring and precious nature. The song’s uplifting message, combined with its memorable melody and production, resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a commercial success and one of Rihanna’s signature songs in her expansive music career.
7. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)
“Stay” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring guest vocals from American singer Mikky Ekko. It was released in 2012 as the second single from Rihanna’s seventh studio album, “Unapologetic.” The song is a stripped-down ballad with a haunting melody and emotional lyrics.
In “Stay,” Rihanna and Mikky Ekko sing about the desire to hold on to a relationship despite its difficulties. The song’s raw and intimate vocals, coupled with its sparse piano accompaniment, create a sense of vulnerability and longing.
“Stay” was a commercial success, reaching the top five in several countries. The song’s powerful message and heartfelt delivery resonated with audiences, and it has since become one of Rihanna’s most acclaimed songs. The music video for “Stay” features a simple, one-take shot of Rihanna soaking in a bathtub, adding to the song’s emotional impact.
8. Work (feat. Drake)
“Work” is a dancehall-infused pop song by Rihanna, featuring Canadian rapper Drake. Released in 2016 as the lead single from her eighth studio album “Anti,” the song quickly became a global hit. “Work” is characterized by its infectious Caribbean rhythms, minimalist production, and Rihanna’s distinctive vocal delivery, blending English and Caribbean Patois. The song’s lyrics revolve around love, attraction, and the complexities of relationships, with Rihanna and Drake trading verses that explore desire and intimacy. “Work” topped charts worldwide and solidified Rihanna’s status as a versatile artist capable of exploring diverse musical genres while maintaining her unique style and charisma.
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 is a soulful ballad with doo-wop and R&B influences, featuring powerful vocals from Rihanna.
In “Love on the Brain,” Rihanna sings about the complexities of love and relationships, expressing both vulnerability and strength. The song’s emotional lyrics and passionate delivery showcase Rihanna’s vocal range and versatility as an artist.
“Love on the Brain” received critical acclaim for its soulful sound and Rihanna’s standout performance. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. Its timeless sound and heartfelt lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in Rihanna’s discography.
10. 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 features upbeat electronic beats, catchy melodies, and Rihanna’s dynamic vocals. “Don’t Stop the Music” samples Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and incorporates elements of dance and house music. The lyrics celebrate the joy of dancing and partying, encouraging listeners to let loose and enjoy the moment. The song’s energetic production and Rihanna’s commanding presence contributed to its commercial success, becoming a club anthem and a staple in her repertoire of hits.