But you don't believe the girl with 5 platinum albums by age 24 who has been DOMINATING radio Ceaselessly, helped usher in the digital age, and shows NO signs of slowing down is gonna be remembered?
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POPGAF |OT3| Geo Da Silva > nails on chalkboard > Taylor Swift
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But you don't believe the girl with 5 platinum albums by age 24 who has been DOMINATING radio Ceaselessly, helped usher in the digital age, and shows NO signs of slowing down is gonna be remembered?
Rihanna delivers a mature 7th album to occasionally mixed results.
Much of the appeal and success that Rihanna has lies within her ability to cater to both pop and urban audiences without causing a divide with either one. A lot of artists have problems being able to successfully please both yet to Rihanna its not as problematic.
That being said, Rihanna is the reigning queen of TOP 40 as recently stated by Billboard themselves. In her 7 years out in the game she has scored more TOP 40 hits than artists thta have been out for double or triple of that timeframe. So it comes as a surprise that Rihanna has released an album so scarce on obvious TOP 40 hits.
At the same time though, its not as surprising. Unapologetic is not only a left-field release but its also a smart one. If the main #1 hits of 2012 (as well as burgeoning trends) are any indication of whats "in" and what's "next" then its clear Unapologetic was made to cater early to that.
For Unapologetic, Rihanna sheds most of her TOP 40 hitmaking for mostly R&B tracks, Adult Contemporary cuts and urban songs.
As a fan, I can safely say Rihanna has never known what a good album opener sounds like (excluding Rated R) and Unapologetic follows this tragic trend by opening with "Phresh Out The Runway", a tryhard "urban" track by David Guetta. Both artists here sound equally ridiculous.
The next track, and what would've been a more fitting opener, is her latest smash hit "Diamonds". The elegant track not only represents the album better as a whole but it also marks a swift change in tone sonically for Rihanna. While to many people "Diamonds" is just another Rihanna single that hits the top spot on the chart, for her and her team its reassurance that Rihanna can excel commercially in other types of songs beyond her usual type of releases. In my opinion, "Diamonds" and whatever singles follow from Unapologetic, will be career-defining for Rihanna in terms what she does next.
Whatever magic "Diamonds" is lost on "Numb". This track is the reunion of Eminem and Rihanna after their "Love The Way You Lie" releases. But this song is completely different from those songs and beyond a brief reference to to them, it shares nothing at all. The instrumental is hot but both Rih's and Em's delivery are not. In fact both to me sound grating, especially over this incredible instrumental otherwise.
After "Numb" the urban and R&B tracks continue to flow, this time thanksfully they're much better. "Pour It Up" is basically the female sequel to "Bandz a make her dance" (which also happens to be one of Rih's fave tracks this year) and "Loveeeee Song" is a crooning duet between newly reinvented artist Future and Rih. This song is actually Unapologetic's most successful album track on itunes and would do well on urban and r&b formats (both ac and hot versions).
Rihanna's TOP 40 side briefly shows up on "Jump" and "Right Now". Both featuring the fading trend of featuring dusbtep/D'n'B breakdowns as choruses. "Jump" interpolates a hilarious (yet effective) Ginuwine's "Pony" sample. As a personal note, its hard for me to pin-point a particular format for Jump. It has urban elements and pop elements and yet its not clear what it is. For this reason alone I dont see it getting plays anywhere but on Urban radio stations in the UK.
Finally we reach the good parts of Unapologetic. Its in the second half of Unapologetic that it forms a clear identity of what it wants to be. Gone are the shoddy urban tracks and mediocre TOP 40 offerings and instead focuses on Adult Contemporary cuts that have never been Rihanna's best strenghts...until now.
"What Now" is a beautifully delivered song thats both sad and conflicted. Rihanna delivers a strangely alluring vocal (especially in the second batch of verses). Im not exactly sure why they added a random 80's glam rock outro in the end on an otherwise well done midtempo though.
After "What Now" comes one of Unapologetic's shinning moments: "Stay". A simple haunting ballad that has one of Rih's best vocal deliveries. Stay is a song of longing that may seem like its for a lover but the more I listen to it the more Im convinced its about her departed grandmother Dolly, who I believe is the major influence in this album, despite the media's constant belief that Brown is the major inspiration on this record.
Speaking of Brown, who is featured on what's without a doubt THE jam of the album "Nobody's Bussiness". The track is a plain fun Michael Jackson inspired jam (it also samples MJ) thats sure to be a likely the feel-good song of the summer (if released in that timeframe). The one main detractor of this track is Bruises himself, whose presence makes an otherwise fun, cool track rather uncomfortable on the first few listens.
My personal favorite album track is actually "Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary". I like how this song legitimately sounds like a track released in the 80's rock track by The Police, who strangely are not credited despite similarities to "Message in a bottle". Is a lawsuit underway? :conniving:
"Get it over with" is Unapologetic's most mellow track. The problem is that after "Mother Mary" you kinda want something more upbeat and GIOW even slows down things even more. Nevertheless its a very unique track in Rihanna's discography and I think if you get high to it it could potentially be amazing.
"No Love Allowed" plays into Rihanna's Bajan heritage and its always been her card of differentiation from other pop gurls. What's awesome about Rih is that she can work well in pop as well as this kind of sound without seeming forced or non-credible.
Closing the album is "Lost In Paradise" which ends up on the weak side after you've been exposed to Unapologetic's best offerings in the second half. I would've prefered she closed with "Half of it" which is a far more personal track that explains Rih's point of view of her life and how media plays into it. She's never done this type of tracks and I like how classy she did it. Its not a "oh poor me" kind of track, which is always welcomed from pop-stars.
Unapologetic has about as many wrongs as it has rights. The album is a crucial one in establishing Rihanna as a more "serious" artist to audiences and so far they have responded favorably to it. Im excited about this album's campaign to be honest.
Songs with samples can't sound fresh? Someone should have told Kanye that, when he was making his debut album.
You are missing the point I'm trying to make. 4's freshness and 'forward thinking'-ness comes from its diversity. Not every individual track is going to be the most innovative thing ever, but the album does many things and does them well.
I suppose your point applies to those who haven't heard the original songs. Aside from "I Miss U" I didn't find the album to be that impressive, innovative, or forward-thinking... especially in the sense that godels is trying to build it up to. But that is just my opinion.
What did Party sample btw? Countdown was the only song that used samples, IIRC.
Wafflecakes
Member
As I implied. I don't think raw radio success and sales is that closely tied to legacy when it comes to music. (for example....as much as Gaga has had far less total success than Rihanna.....I don't think anyone would argue which would be remembered more if they both quit the game today)
I really don't think, that if Rih's career ended today, she would be considered a legend or icon. Though I also admit that it could change. Rihanna is still young and a LOT can happen. She needs a couple more iconic songs (only one right now is Umbrella) before her legacy is cemented.
Edit: Oops typed Diamonds instead of Umbrella.....
And funny that for all the praise Bey gets for her bravery releasing 4 she still sent out Run The World - one of the worst tracks she's ever recorded and not at all indicative of what she was doing with the rest of the album. And then followed it up with Irreplaceable Pt. 2.
Fresh my ass.
Fresh my ass.
Soulscribe
Member
I don't think there's anything "forward-thinking" about 4. I just think it's a fully realized album. Every song on that album sounds like it was written by the same person, with the same personality. Furthermore, every single song harkens back to a certain style that Beyonce found influence in (Love On Top bringing back the golden retro style of Donna Summer, End of Time channeling Michael Jackson circa Off The Wall). It's just a well-conceived album that's full of diversity, big moments, subtle moments, and they all make sure to keep Beyonce's amazing vocals in the spotlight. It might not be her most exciting or dynamic record, but it's her best. No gimmicks, no flash or pizzazz, just her voice and a beat.
Some integrity. Such conviction. Bad Bitches stand by their concepts.
When Christina put out a concept album, she released Ain't No Other Man as the lead single - a song that was the perfect introduction to everything she wanted to accomplish with the album.
She didn't attempt to blindside the masses with a stale, lazy and DIRECT rip of a song that had been (and still was) tearing up the dance clubs.
#Fraudulent
The Abominable Snowman
Member
Good sampling can sound very fresh. No one can or should deny this
Yes, stealing Amerie's sound, producers, and direction worked out very well for Beyeti. I liked 4. I even started singing "Tears rolling down My Face" a few times when I'd forget Her Buttery Complexion's lyrics.
Thanks *.*
And yes I agree. Those would be single choices as well *.*
I'd release Loveeee Song during the Fall tho. I think it would be a nice urban jam during that time before she inevitably releases a new single/album. Im really excited what she does next after this album.
Can someone with an ATRL account go into this thread and agree with the question being asked here.
Please.
edit: Amazing review, ITZ *.*
Get that star~
Please.
edit: Amazing review, ITZ *.*
Get that star~
Don't even get me STARTED on this. Befraudce stole Amerie's ENTIRE swag.
Amerie's debut remains more flawless and authentic than anything that camel host is capable of.
Supermanisdead
Member
I just can't with gaf today. Between the tired FF13 threadshitting in gaming side to the insane Beyonce hate in popgaf. I am done :s
Majmun
Member
I don't know why you're so rosy on Bey. She's the reason the Put It In a Love Song video didn't get released.
#BeyistheLifeRuiner
Supermanisdead
Member
Majmun
Member
Good sampling can sound very fresh. No one can or should deny this
yes, especially when you don't rely on popular beats and think outside the box
Beyonce's entrance was flawless tbh
NaughtyDog said:
Wafflecakes
Member
Didn't see this posted.
Jewel collaborating with Kelly on her greatest hits album.
Jewel 'Greatest Hits' Features Kelly Clarkson, Pistol Annies
Should be interesting.
Jewel collaborating with Kelly on her greatest hits album.
Jewel 'Greatest Hits' Features Kelly Clarkson, Pistol Annies
Should be interesting.
Wafflecakes
Member
looks like Kelly finally found someone that wants to collab with her
congrats
Your ignorance is unsurprising considering how quickly you bailed on Ke$ha after is became apparent that her sales were flagging. Not here for basic fair weather stans shading Kellegend......
......Kelly has never had problems getting collab's....they have generally been with country artists though. (unsurprising since the lives in Nashville)
Your ignorance is unsurprising considering how quickly you bailed on Ke$ha after is became apparent that her sales were flagging. Not here for basic fair weather stans shading Kellegend......
......Kelly has never had problems getting collab's....they have generally been with country artists though. (unsurprising since the lives in Nashville)
He's probably referring to this:
...and how she was ignored by all of them, I think.
Wafflecakes
Member
He's probably referring to this:
...and how she was ignored by all of them, I think.
Unsurprising that low lifes are afraid to be outshone by Kelly's vocal brilliance. Their fear is so.....basic.
Also. Final Sales #'s in.
The Abominable Snowman
Member
Amerie and Kelis were just too ahead of their time. All their concepts got stolen by The Creole Whose Skin Is The Same Tone As The Sun and Curried Goat, among others. It's kind of sad. Amerie and Kelis were bullied out of pop/urban too.
Unapologetic is actually doing better than TTT week to week.
I hope she performs on the US soon.
Unapologetic is actually doing better than TTT week to week.
I hope she performs on the US soon.
I know, I'm proud of her for performing better than that flop of an album. I need her to continue her streak of platinum albums.
<+)O Robido O(+>
Member
Madonna is still slaying though. Gaga's brief, waning, success is but a blip in the radar. If she's reduced to giving away concert tickets now, 2.5 albums in, that doesn't speak well for her longevity.
lmao Taylor making your faves looks like flops in comparison
Harry doing his job.
That's fucking ridiculous.
What artist other than Madonna is seeing worldwide tour success like Gaga is? For how many artists is to south america and touring in stadiums there even an option?
Your concept of success is asinine. Not doing as well as madonna is not the same fading, flopping, etc. Madonna has been in the game since forever, she is expected to do well. But for Gaga to have comparable touring success only after 4 years in the business is incredible.
<+)O Robido O(+>
Member
The irony is that they're trying to pass off that tequila swilling pot head as The Queen, after 2.5 albums, and a punk ass meat dress. Eff that noise.
The Abominable Snowman
Member
The self shade of those 5 year old fingerless miners bopping to "Diamonds"
<+)O Robido O(+>
Member
Now bitch... While you're playing, Prince has released an album of actual B-sides, and it slays your faves album tracks. Prince, as of now, is releasing music he wrote 20 to 30 years ago, re-recorded of course, and it sucks. <---Keepin it real.
I agree.
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