Re: Rihanna's New Single/New Album/Track List [merged]
"Mad House" seems like a promising "Thriller"-esque, "Welcome to My Nightmare" opener. However, it's theatrical darkness does not really fit the more mundane drama of the album. The opener anticipates theatre, creativity, horror, something truly inspired. Not the typical tragic relationship ditties. Now, "Russian Roulette" does fit the mold the opener prepares the listener for, however it is certainly an aquired listen. It does deliever theatricality, drama, and performance in song.
"Wait Your Turn" is not a bad listen, the strong bass really pushes the song along. It would be better if I could only understand the song's purpose on the album. In tandem with the video, as with "Russian Roulette", provides a sinister image that gives the song the life it lacks. "Hard" has a completely corny opening, but once it hits the :22 second mark, Rihanna's vocal and the beat bring the song to life. It's the first sign of energy and life on the album. Rihanna in bragadocious mode sounds pretty decent, but I still fail to see the purpose of the song other than to provide the album with a true hip-hop/club banger a la "Live Your Life", "Run This Town". "Stupid in Love" is exactly what the title says, it's stupid. Weak lyrics cannot save Rihanna singing this bland ballad. A song which seems to be a statement on demanding the respect of one's lover falls flat on it's face because of it's mundane, thimble deep lyrics. "Rockstar 101" features Slash, who obviously just wanted a paycheck because the song really doesn't deserve his talent at all. "Fire Bomb" opens like an eighties' rocker, and although I don't remember what Rihanna was singing ,or if she was singing, I do remember the crash of the drums and the excitement of guitar.
"Rude Boy" is typical filler about how Rihanna wants to be f*cked. Moving on..."Photographs" with Will.I.Am initally seems promising considering the talent of the featured artist, but proves to be a rather mundane mid-tempo that makes you wish for the brillance of "Meet Me Halfway" (now that's a pop song!). However, this song could be another aquired listen as with intial singles (I'm still on the fence). "G4L" is the return of the mode Rihanna went to for "Hard". Rihanna swearing swearing just doesn't sit well with me, I mean she was the bubblegum queen three years ago and now this? Why? Rihanna ain't no gangster. "Te Amo"? Oh please! I mean it's cute or whatever, but where is this coming from? "Cold Case Love" written by Justin Timberlake continues the rock influence on this album, but doesn't add anything more than what we already heard on "Russian Roulette". "The Last Song" is Rihanna's own original song produced as a rather eighties' sounding rock ballad. Not bad, considering the horrible songs contributed by other writers for this album. Nice closer for the album, but nothing earth-shattering.
I suppose after the Chris Brown incident Rihanna wants to prove how resilient she is, how pained she was, and how she has matured. The message is here, but lyrics are too weak to feel genuine or unique. My conclusion is the songs worth buying are: "Wait Your Turn" (as video), "Russian Roulette" (as video), "Hard", and possibly "Photographs". Thanks for reading, if you read through the entire thing. LOL
Minnie Mouse has more of an edge and street cred in the hood than Rih-Rih here. Like cool it with all the niggas, motherfuckers and bitches. We all know your prissy ass hasn't stepped foot in anybody's ghetto since forever. She's a G 4 life, girl quit playin'.
](/images/smilies/bang.gif "Brick wall ](*,)")
