In light of the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime performance, fans have been transporting back to the nostalgia of the 2000s by replaying Rihanna’s greatest hits. Her strong vocals, unique charisma and versatility have revolutionized the music industry, shaping her into one of the greatest female singers of all time. So in appreciation of her incredible talent and discographical career, here are some of Rihanna’s best songs to listen to.
Love on the Brain
A soul ballad inspired by ‘50s and ‘60s music, “Love on the Brain” was a creative risk throughout her Anti album that we are all thankful Rihanna took. She took an unique approach to traditional vocal parts by having verses in falsetto and the chorus in full voice when it is usually the other way around. Rihanna’s tantalizing attitude and emotion-filled lyrics is what truly captivated audiences, exposing her soulful, dynamic voice that evokes the pain of a brutal yet addictive love. It is rumored that this song alludes to the artist’s abusive relationship with Chris Brown. The bluesy melody and her riveting performances for “Love on the Brain” have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on fans and audiences alike.
We Found Love
When reminiscing on the days of childhood, most American teenagers can attest to the widespread popularity of music for playing in clubs. Rihanna’s music embodied this aesthetic and her song “We Found Love” truly shaped and reflected the culture of the 2010s. The nine-times-platinum success is her best-selling single ever and spent eight weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Infusing elements of dance-pop, techno and Europop, Rihanna’s dreamy, smooth vocals perfectly juxtaposed against the electronic drum beat, ascending listeners into auditory heaven with her phrasing on “It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny.”
S&M
One of Rihanna’s most unapologetic and spicier songs, “S&M” was released 2010 in her Loud album, adhering to the album’s concept of expressing sexuality. Rihanna’s ability to match her attitude and presence to her tracks shows just how talented she truly is and why she is as popular as she is. “S&M” exudes the confidence and flirtatiousness that audiences aspire to possess and it is sung in a way that feels empowering to the female population. The bold concept is further heightened by the pronounced crimson backdrop of the music video and Rihanna’s bright red hair.
Disturbia
Although she played no role in composing “Disturbia,” it’s Rihanna’s excellent execution that made the song such a hit. The song demands the audience’s attention from the very beginning with the echoing, haunting screams followed by a catchy beat of “bum bum be-dum, bum bum be-dum bum.” Like Nicki Minaj, Rihanna has expertise in making ridiculous words sound passionate. “It’s a thief in the night, to come and grab you, it can creep up inside you, and consume you”—who else can make this sound so poetic? The infectious melody mixed with Rihanna’s powerful voice and lyrical melodrama is what made “Disturbia” appealing to so many.
Kiss it Better
“Kiss it Better” is a musical masterpiece, capturing the ‘90s R&B vibe that so many people are currently into. However, the song did not do too well commercially because of the hype surrounding her other songs released in 2016 such as “Work” and “This is What you Came For.” But this does not take away from the phenomenal substance of the music. The sensual project of the music video is lush with black-and-white shots of Rihanna and adds to the cathartic experience of the track, making us sing about a lost love that we have never had. This song is truly underrated and should be on everyone’s playlists.
