By now, Rihanna is a household name. Her latest album, “Loud” premiered today, and the reviews are in. This album, unlike her previous album “Rated R” is fast-paced and upbeat, featuring songs where the star flaunts her flirtatiousness and sex appeal. “Rated R” was a dark and moody album, following the assault made by her then-boyfriend Chris Brown. In this album, Rihanna reasserts herself as a party girl, ready to get “Loud”. 
Rihanna’s music is all synthesized, pop music, or “club bangers”, as is appropriate. Rihanna’s music contends with other pop music singers such as Kesha and Lady Gaga, but Rihanna has been on the music scene long enough to hold her own, with a fan base that is ever-growing. On this album, Rihanna collaborates with other well known artists like Drake, and a personal favorite, Nicki Minaj. Rihanna’s music doesn’t necessarily present anything “new” to the table, however it is her unique voice that sets her apart from her musical peers. Rihanna originates from Barbados, and she plays up her West Indian accent well in her songs, especially “Loud”‘s “Man Down”. On top of all this hype, RiRi is also sporting a bold new look, bright red hair that has already been termed “Kool Aid-tastic”. MTV’s Kyle Anderson says that “at times the album’s lurid sexuality can feel forced: kink as oversold diva commodity. What Loud showcases best, though, is a star undefeated by her worst circumstances — and finding redemption in exactly the kind of pop nirvana that made her famous in the first place.” Well said.
Rihanna was featured on the New York radio station Z100 this morning and will be performing tonight on David Letterman, in the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City. New York City seems to be especially excited about this new Rihanna milestone.
Unfortunately, the popular music business is more about “product” than “art.” As a result, there are a great many individuals who weigh in on the creation and refinement of an album. It is not as simple as it once was, when a group of musicians just created the music they heard and felt and then made a record of it. “Image” is a major part of every pop act today.