Rihanna, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty on February 20, 1988, in Barbados, is a global superstar renowned for her dynamic voice and genre-blending music. She first gained fame with her debut album *Music of the Sun* in 2005, featuring hits like “Pon de Replay.” Rihanna’s versatile career spans pop, R&B, and dancehall, highlighted by chart-topping singles such as “Umbrella” and “We Found Love.” Beyond music, she is a successful entrepreneur with her beauty brand, Fenty Beauty, and fashion line, Fenty. Known for her bold style and philanthropy, Rihanna remains a powerful cultural icon.
1. Only Girl (In the World)
“Only Girl (In the World)” is a 2010 single by Rihanna from her fifth studio album, *Loud*. The song, written by Crystal Johnson, Mikkel S. Eriksen, and Tor Erik Hermansen, is a high-energy dance-pop track that features Rihanna’s vibrant vocals and an infectious chorus. It’s about feeling like the most special person in a relationship, with the lyrics expressing a desire to be cherished and adored. The song received critical acclaim for its catchy production and strong vocal performance and topped charts worldwide, including the US Billboard Hot 100. It won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2011.
2. Disturbia
“Disturbia” is a 2008 single by Rihanna from her third studio album, *Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded*. Written by Chris Brown, Robert “Mutt” Lange, and Caleb “KJ” Caddell, the song is a dark, atmospheric pop track with elements of dancehall and electro. Its lyrics explore themes of paranoia and psychological distress, wrapped in a haunting and catchy melody. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting highly worldwide. “Disturbia” was praised for its innovative production and Rihanna’s compelling vocal performance, further solidifying her position as a leading pop artist.
3. S&M
“S&M” is a 2010 single by Rihanna from her fifth studio album, *Loud*. Written by Sandy Vee, and produced by Vee, Calvin Harris, and Mikkel S. Eriksen, the song is a provocative dance-pop track with a playful, upbeat vibe. The lyrics explore themes of desire and sensuality, using BDSM imagery as a metaphor for intense attraction and passion. The song was a commercial hit, topping charts in multiple countries, including the US Billboard Hot 100. It sparked some controversy due to its explicit content but was also praised for its catchy hooks and Rihanna’s confident delivery.
4. Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z)
“Umbrella” is a 2007 single by Rihanna featuring Jay-Z, from Rihanna’s third studio album, *Good Girl Gone Bad*. The song, written by The-Dream, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, and Jay-Z, is an anthemic pop-R&B track with a memorable hook and a robust beat. Jay-Z’s verse adds a hip-hop edge to the song, while Rihanna’s chorus conveys a message of unwavering support and loyalty. The song was a massive commercial success, topping charts globally, including the US Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for seven consecutive weeks. “Umbrella” is widely regarded as one of Rihanna’s signature hits and a career-defining track.
5. We Found Love (feat. Calvin Harris)
“We Found Love” is a 2011 single by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris, from Rihanna’s sixth studio album, *Talk That Talk*. The song, written by Harris and produced by Harris and Nicky Romero, is an energetic dance-pop anthem with a pulsating beat and catchy melody. The lyrics reflect the exhilaration and chaos of finding love in a tumultuous world. The track was a commercial juggernaut, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 for ten consecutive weeks and achieving global chart success. “We Found Love” was praised for its infectious rhythm and dynamic collaboration, and it remains one of Rihanna’s most iconic hits.
6. Diamonds
“Diamonds” is a 2012 single by Rihanna from her seventh studio album, *Unapologetic*. Written by Sia, Benny Blanco, and Stargate, the song features an uplifting, anthemic melody and poignant lyrics about resilience and finding strength. The track’s production is marked by its soaring chorus and powerful beat, conveying a sense of triumph and self-worth. “Diamonds” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting highly worldwide. The song received acclaim for Rihanna’s emotional vocal performance and its inspirational message, making it one of her most celebrated and enduring hits.
7. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)
“Stay” is a 2013 single by Rihanna featuring Mikky Ekko, from her seventh studio album, *Unapologetic*. The song, written by Ekko, Justin Parker, and produced by Parker and Ekko, is a stripped-down, emotive ballad with a minimalistic piano arrangement. It explores themes of vulnerability and the complexity of a turbulent relationship. Rihanna’s heartfelt vocals are complemented by Ekko’s poignant contribution, creating a powerful duet. The track was well-received, reaching number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting internationally. “Stay” was praised for its raw emotional depth and has become one of Rihanna’s most critically acclaimed songs.
8. Work (feat. Drake)
“Work” is a 2016 single by Rihanna featuring Drake, from her eighth studio album, *ANTI*. The song, written by Rihanna, Drake, and producers Boi-1da and Sevn Thomas, is a dancehall-infused track with a catchy beat and a laid-back groove. The lyrics are centered around a passionate, somewhat complicated relationship, with Rihanna and Drake delivering a blend of English and Caribbean patois. The song was a commercial hit, topping the US Billboard Hot 100 and charting highly around the world. “Work” was praised for its infectious rhythm and the chemistry between Rihanna and Drake, solidifying its place as a standout track in their discographies.
9. Love on the Brain
“Love on the Brain” is a 2016 single by Rihanna from her eighth studio album, *ANTI*. Written by Fred Ball and Joseph Angel, and produced by Ball, the song is a soulful R&B ballad with a vintage, doo-wop-inspired sound. The lyrics express intense emotional vulnerability and the tumultuous nature of a complex romantic relationship. Rihanna’s powerful and raw vocal performance is a highlight of the track, which showcases her versatility as an artist. The song received widespread critical acclaim for its expressive delivery and retro vibe and reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it one of Rihanna’s standout hits.
10. Don’t Stop the Music
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a 2007 single by Rihanna from her third studio album, *Good Girl Gone Bad*. Written by Michael Jackson, DJ Eddie, and produced by DJ Eddie and Stargate, the song is a high-energy dance-pop track with an infectious beat and a sample of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” The lyrics encourage dancing and losing oneself in the music, creating a vibrant party anthem. The track was a commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was praised for its catchy rhythm and Rihanna’s dynamic performance.