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.
