Rihanna's ANTI: A Review
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Rihanna's ANTI: A Review

A track-by-track review of Rihanna’s long-awaited eighth studio album

22
Rihanna's ANTI: A Review
Christopher Polk

That Rihanna reign just won’t let up.

Around the evening of January 27, Twitter was abuzz over the alleged leak of Rihanna’s new album, ANTI. Being exhausted from the Kanye West shenanigans that ensued earlier that afternoon, I didn’t pay it much attention.

But, by the end of the night, it came to my knowledge that ANTI was officially released for free on TIDAL after an accidental glitch caused the album to be available for download before its intended release date.

So, after Wednesday night’s episode of American Idol, I sat down and listened to Rihanna’s first studio album since 2012, and was pleasantly surprised. This album is unlike any of her others, as it doesn’t chase the current trends, but instead leans toward the “timeless” sound she’s been looking for.

The album isn’t perfect, but it’s definitely solid, and will most likely be one of the best albums of 2016. Below are my thoughts, track by track:

-Consideration (feat. SZA)- Being one of the only songs on the album with a feature, the underrated SZA and Rih channel their inner Santigold as they trade one-liners effortlessly over a kicking snare drum and bass and eerie synths.

-James Joint: Co-writer’s James Fauntelroy’s musical influence is evident on this interlude, as Rihanna coos about an undeniable love over twinkling synths. (Sidenote: If you have no idea who James Fauntelroy is, you’re doing your ears a disservice.)

-Kiss It Better: The electric guitar and the Bajan superstar create a melodic duet as the singer repeatedly asks her lover “What are you willing to do?” in an effort to get him to take his kisses down low. (Kelly Rowland’s words, not mine.)

-Work (feat. Drake): This dancehall tinged pop tune had Charlamagne dancing, surged to No.1 on the iTunes Single’s chart, and became the most played song on radio the day of its release. Simply put, this song jams. Although catchy, the lead single doesn’t fit the theme of the album, and could’ve gone without Drake’s lackluster verse.

-Desperado: The synths and kick snare from the lead track take new form here as Rihanna tries to convince a mysterious outlaw to take her with him as he prepares to leave town. Add this one to your “Aimless Driving/Just Riding” playlist.

-Woo: You know how you can tell when Ne-Yo wrote a song, because it sounds like he’d sing it himself? As soon as Rihanna sung the first line of this trap-futuristic track, I knew the Weeknd had to have co-written on it. Soncially, though, the track is slightly cluttered, as the distorted guitar tends to fight with bass and synths, resulting in Rih's vocals being lost in the shuffle.

-Needed Me: This laid back, DJ Mustard produced track finds Rihanna reminding her lover of his ranking on her “hitlist.” She reinforces her reputation as a black widow, asking him “Didn’t they tell you I was a savage?”

-Yeah, I Said It: Rih continues the braggadocio narrative on this Timbaland produced track, confidently strutting her stuff and giving her lover permission to not be gentle with her in the bedroom.

-Same Ol’ Mistakes: Arguably the best song on the album, Rihanna sings of the internal battle between her heart and her head over staying with a not-so-good-for-her lover. (Sidenote: this song is a cover of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes”)

-Never Ending: Rihanna is at her most vulnerable here, crying out for love to find her on this folksy track, confessing “This feeling always gets away/Wishing I could hold on longer/It doesn't have to feel so strange/To be in love again.”

-Love on the Brain- The singer infuses the emotion of Etta James and the angst of Freddie Mercury on this modern doo-wop, solidifying her best vocal moment since "FourFiveSeconds.”

-Higher: Rihanna begs for her lover’s forgiveness on this interlude, admitting “You take me higher, higher than I've ever been, babe” over a sad, solitary violin and pandering bass.

-Close to You: Rihanna finishes the album with piano-grandeur, similar to her “As Real As You and Me” tune from the "Home" Soundtrack. The track perfectly encapsulates the overall feel of the album, leaving the audience fully satisfied.

The already platinum album is available for sale on TIDAL and iTunes, which also has the deluxe version for sale. Rihanna is eight albums in, and when it comes to her artistry, she's just scratching the surface. She continues to carve out her musical legacy, and shows no signs of taking her foot off the pedal.

Rihanna, job well done.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

98716
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments