Rank: 3/5
Finally, the music gods have answered our prayers in a big way.
After months and months of waiting, speculation and more waiting, Rihannahas finally released her highly anticipated eighth album “Anti.” For the most part, it was worth the wait.
Initially releasing the single “Work” featuring Drake, Rihanna and her team decided it was time for the whole shebang following a Tidal “leak.”
“Work”, the first song on the album, is full of the island flavor the “Rihanna Navy”desperately wants and deserves. Though some complain about not being able to understand what RiRi is saying, it’s important to note the song is in sung in mild patois, a Caribbeandialect.
The song is catchy and fun, and it’s nice to hear Drake and Rihanna collab again. “Work”is reminiscent of their previous smash “What’s My Name.”
While “Work” is an adequate single, it seems producer Glass John was right about one thing when he went on his infamous Twitter rant about “Anti” — “Kiss It Better” probably should have been the first single.
With roaring electric guitars and Rihanna’s impassioned vocals, “Kiss It Better” is probably the best song on the album. It’s infinitely listenable, and makes for great mood music, which she is best at.
Another highlight is “Desperado,” a song only Rihanna could pull off. It has a Western feel to it, and it really sets the scene of a lone wolf, wanted dead or alive, and “sitting in an old Monte Carlo,” as Rihannacroons.
“Woo”has the immediately identifiable signature Travis Scottsound, and it’s a banger. For all those who look to Rihannafor club music, this one’s for you.
The album winds down with “Close To You,” a surprisingly sweet minimalistic ballad. It’s a total departure from the rest of “Anti,”but in the best way. We really get to see all sides of Rihanna on this album.
“Anti” doesn’t come without its faults. There are some filler tracks in the middle, but overall, it’s a highly listenable album, albeit disjointed. It’s a good kind of disjointed, however, effortlessly going from pop ballads to island bops to trap house music.
It’s worth noting that we’ve received life from Rihanna in January, and will get Kanye in February and Drake in April. Looks like the people will finally be getting what they want.