Rihanna’s most versatile album yet is a global anthem for women (and a warning for men).
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TOP 5
5. Consideration (Ft. SZA)
SZA and Rihanna? I love that combo.
SZA is that quirky, alternative singer who might go on a date with you and then claim she can’t pay the bill because her “spiritual self doesn’t believe in money.” Rihanna, on the other hand, gives off the vibe of someone who’d just dip before the check even hits the table.
When you combine the two, you get two unique R&B flavors layered over a slow-tempo beat that feels like something straight out of an A$AP Rocky track. It’s rebellious, but from two totally different angles.
The only downside? You’re still stuck with the bill when it’s all said and done.
4. Kiss It Better
Wait a second, kiss what better? FCC, I need you to arrest Rihanna.
“Kiss It Better” is the kind of safe, emotional, slow-burning track that usually ends up in the #2 or #3 slot of Rihanna’s rollouts. Lyrically and tonally, the song feels like it’s written from the perspective of a 19-year-old white girl who ran away from home and now lives with her mysterious 29-year-old boyfriend.
The track swings between desperation and fury—sometimes aching with vulnerability, other times seething with rage. There’s a quiet storm brewing underneath all that sensuality.
Honestly, it wouldn’t feel out of place in a lineup of ’90s alt-pop bangers. Think Alanis Morissette with black people problems.
3. Love On The Brain
Rihanna’s hitting those notes on “Love On The Brain.” GYAT!
“Love on the Brain” makes someone sing like this? Why is it that when I have love on the brain, all that happens is my credit card gets maxed out?
But when Rihanna has it on her mind, we get one of her boldest, most wide-ranging vocal performances to date. She’s so into it that she even lets out a “woo” mid-track—like she’s impressed herself. And honestly? She should be impressed.
Throughout the song, she morphs from sounding like a youngin to an old black woman with a bunch of bills, even slipping in and out of accents like it’s nothing. This wasn’t just a vocal track—it was an out-of-body experience.
2. Work (Ft. Drake)
“OMG, “Work” features Drake! Didn’t they date?”
Honestly, I couldn’t give a flying f–k in a house full of flying f–ks if they dated. What actually matters is that Rihanna and Drake make incredible music together—period.
Their chemistry is what makes the music click. It’s not just two artists dropping verses—it’s a real-time emotional exchange. If Rihanna wants to be the rebellious bad girl, Drake’s the charming dork who dares her to go further. If Drake’s in his feelings, Rihanna’s the down-ass chick curled under the blanket with him, watching Forensic Files. It’s a vibe. It’s an understanding. It’s chemistry.
On “Work,” that same magic returns—equal parts sap, sass, and island rhythm. Rihanna’s patois-laced delivery feels effortless and hypnotic, giving the track a smooth, addictive vibe that’s impossible to ignore.
Sure, the lyrics are simple. But so is Chipotle’s questionable chicken-cleaning process—and people still line up for that. So stop overthinking it. Just enjoy the groove.
1. Needed Me
So, who needed Rihanna so severely that she had to call them out in a song? I figured it out already, y’all — it was TIDAL!
But in all seriousness, this track feels deeply personal, and it’s clearly aimed at someone. Rihanna doesn’t hold back—she’s direct, bold, and aggressive with her lyrics, making sure the message lands.
What makes Rihanna’s songs so lovable is how believable she is. When she says she’s gonna punch you in the face, you better start blocking. Few artists in R&B history have delivered lines with such ruthless conviction.
She’s not just singing—she’s confronting, commanding, and captivating. Honestly, Rihanna might just be the Stephen A. Smith of R&B.
SONG-BY-SONG BREAKDOWN
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Check out the individual track ratings we gave—these are what we used to calculate the overall score!
RGM RATING
(86%)
This might be the most versatile album Rihanna has ever dropped. She gives us island vibes, taps into her inner rockstar, delivers old-school soul, and hits us with some seriously impressive ballads. Sonically, it’s a buffet—and she’s the head chef.
That said, my only real beef lies with the content. At times, it feels a bit too one-note: either someone’s getting cussed out or someone’s being missed. What happened to spazzing out on a Tuesday like “FourFiveSeconds”? Or chasing down someone who owes you money, like in “Bitch Better Have My Money”? Those themes were unique, fun, and felt like lanes she could’ve explored even further.
Still, the album has a strong presence, especially for women. It’s empowering, unifying, and perfect for that moment in the club when a dude comes at you sideways. Ladies, this is your soundtrack.
Fellas… fair warning: if you say the wrong thing, this album might be the reason a drink ends up in your face. Either way, it’s for everybody.
| Album | Year | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| ANTI | 2016 | 86 |
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
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