Say what you will about Rihanna’s taste in men (in addition to clothing and promotional tours), but the girl can sing.
She has a powerhouse voice, made more interesting by her Bajan accent.Given her strong vocal ability, one would think any Rihanna album would capitalize on this strength.
Unapologetic, however, doesn’t. Instead, it feels tired, repetitive, and just like every other album Rihanna has put out in recent years. It lacks the freshness, originality, and attitude the singer is known for, epitomized in 2007’s Good Girl Gone Bad.
Take, for example, her highly publicized and gossiped about collaboration with Chris Brown, “Nobody’s Business.” The track, aside from calling attention to the on-again-off -again couple’s tumultuous and controversial relationship, is a prime example of the album’s “been there, heard that” feeling.
Similarly, “Numb,” a collaboration with Eminem, is reminiscent of every other Rihanna song you’ve ever heard, and not even the better ones. It feels heavy and overproduced, and the lyrics lack a certain spark. Eminem’s part is the silver lining of the song, but it too feels like a run-of-the-mill Eminem performance.
The song just serves as a reminder of just how good Rhi-Rhi and Eminem’s last collaboration, “Love the Way You Lie,” was, and just how bad “Numb” is in comparison. “Stay” is the standout track in the album; a slower song that showcases Rihanna’s vocal range, placing her unique voice centre stage. Rihanna delivers a nuanced performance of the song that is infused with emotion and pain.
Still, “Stay” is not enough to save the album, but it does provide hope for future material if Rihanna stays on its slowerpaced path. Overall, Unapologetic makes it clear that Rihanna has released seven albums in seven years, and suggests that she should take a break before heading back to the studio. Maybe then will audiences see the spunky and innovative Rihanna they used to love.
Vanessa Del Carpio
Staff Writer
