Rihanna - Rated R

If you've been waiting then now is the time to rejoice because the 'wait is ova' for Rihanna's fourth studio album named "Rated R".

The new album is the follow-up to her "Good Girl Gone Bad" album from '07 which was a hit selling over 7 million copies worldwide and grabbing multiple awards ranging from Grammy's to VMA's. In that light it's easy to see why expectations are high for Rihanna's fourth.

The first thing that catches our attention is how much darker the album sounds and feels compared to her previous music installments. The intro named 'Mad House' has this grime, grunge feel to it strengthened by the use of electronic elements and dark bass lines that carry over into 'Wait Your Turn' and most of the other tracks.

The whole dark theme of this album is clearly a way for her to deal with what happened to her this past year. Something that's reflected in most of the lyrics, for example on 'Rockstar 101' where she sings: "Six inch walker/Big shit talker/I never played the victim/I'd rather be the stalker" or on 'Wait Your Turn' - "I pitch with a grenade, swing away if you're feeling brave / I'm such a fucking lady, you don't have to be afraid" shedding her anger by incorporating a level of vulgarity in her songs you haven't heard before from Rihanna.

If you're a Rihanna fan with a preference for her more softer side you just can't go wrong with 'Cold Case Love' (prod. by The Y's), the soft melody and mild nature of this track is a break from the dark side but when the production hits a high you'll be instantly hooked on what we feel is the best track on this album -- offering the listener nothing less than a plethora of sound. In short: The Y's produced one hell of a track here.

The contrast between the different tracks on "Rated R" is pretty big, take for example a sweet, soft love track like 'Photographs' (ft. Will.i.am) and then the up-tempo, sexed up 'Rude Boy' and it's clear that this is one album that spans both areas of the love/hate spectrum.

Even if you're not into her music and just give the album a quick once-over, it'll be apparent that the real winner here is the composition. With UK's dubstep duo Chase & Status setting the stage, Stargate slam-dunking with tracks like 'Rude Boy' and 'Stupid in Love' and The Y’s incredible production on 'Cold Case Love', we can't help but congratulate Rihanna on her excellent choice of producers.

So you must be asking yourself if it's all smooth sailing with Rihanna's newest body of work. Well not really, there's still the issue of her voice reaching an annoying pitch now-and-again. We should add that it didn't bother us that much but it could become an issue for some listeners after a few listening sessions. So be warned!

after all that has happened to Rihanna this past year, in the end it's all about good music and good music is what Rihanna delivers with Rated R. She took her experiences and her anger and molded them in the best way possible to deliver her best body of work till date. Rated R is nothing but win for this young R&B artist.

Rihanna's "Rated R" in stores November 20th 2009.

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