Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad (Reloaded) (CD 2008)

The music of Barbados-born singer Rihanna is a breezy blend of hip-hop, commercial pop, and Caribbean flavors which made her a bona fide superstar before the age of 20. Given her immediate success, one had to wonder if Rihanna would be a flash in the pan, but her third album, 2007's GOOD GIRL GONE BAD, is a winner. Interestingly, Rihanna avoids the Caribbean tinge that made her breakthrough single "Pon the Replay" a massive hit, sticking instead to more straightforward dance-pop designed for the club and the singles charts. More interesting still, she pulls it off with assurance and skill.

It doesn't hurt that heavyweight producers such as Timbaland (who contributes several tracks to GOOD GIRL) are on board, or that Rihanna is backed by the Def Jam empire. In fact, Def Jam president Jay-Z appears on the album's lead single, "Umbrella," an irresistible, stomping dance anthem that does exactly what a single should. Another highlight is "Shut Up and Drive," which works a powerful groove based around a sample of New Order's "Blue Monday." There are notably fewer ballads here than on Rihanna's sophomore effort, which is a welcome change, and makes the album more focused, energized, and danceable front to back.

I would have laughed at anyone who told me I'd like this girl. "Umbrella" did absolutely nothing for me, but then I heard "Don't Stop the Music" and I was sort of interested. The song that sold the whole thing for me was "Say It". Umbrella has grown on me after listening to it in my time, as opposed to the constant radio airplay. "Rehab" and "Lemme Get That" are favorites also.

Artist: Rihanna
Genre: R&B/Soul
Sub Genre: Modern R&B
Release date: 2 June 2008

Track listing
Disk 1
1.Umbrella - with Jay- Z
2.Push Up On Me
3.Don't Stop The Music
4.Breakin' Dishes
5.Shut Up And Drive
6.Hate That I Love You - with Ne-Yo
7.Say It
8.Sell Me Candy
9.Lemme Get That
10.Rehab
11.Question Existing
12.Good Girl Gone Bad
13.Cry (Bonus Track)
14.Disturbia
15.Take A Bow
16.If I Never See Your Face Again - with Maroon 5

Recorded in: Stereo
Run time: 60.58 mins
No. of disks: 1
Recording location: Studio