Rihanna - Love On the Brain

Rihanna - Anti

Where Beyoncé was the supposed exposé of Beyoncé as a true artist, Anti is Rihanna's attempt at the same thing. The main difference is it's not as filth filled as the Queen's, instead it's a dancehall, pop/r&b infusion with some of Rihanna's most impressive vocals to date. We've been waiting for years for this album and I won't sugar coat it, a lot of fans will be distraught at the departure from her previous chart friendly sound. It's an album without a dance floor smash, an album with a dark and brooding backdrop, an album that at times feels dispassionate when it should be overflowing with emotion.

Opener 'Consideration' deals with Rihanna's rejection of her record label's desires, her bajan accent snapping "I got to do things my own way darling" and "Let me cover your shit in glitter / I can make it gold". It's a solid start to Anti, reminiscent of old skool Fugee beats and featuring a pleasant turn from SZA. It's followed up by the 1:12 filler 'James Joint' where Ri sings about wanting to be smoking weed whenever she breathes and it's moments like this where she loses the plot and you feel a little embarrassed by this try hard attitude. It's not the only awkward track on Anti. Lead single 'Work' (feat Drake) is ridiculous, annoying, uninspired drivel and could easily win the crown for the worst track of Rihanna's career. Preceded in the charts by the amazing 'Fourfiveseconds', 'Bitch Better Have My Money' and 'American Oxygen' (none of which made it onto the album), this move makes you wonder if Rihanna is really ready to make her own marketing decisions. Then there's 'Woo', a melody-less, inaudible piece of nonsense and even now I'm not sure what it's about. 

Sia - This Is Acting

You'd be forgiven for feeling that Sia's faceless campaign for her last behemoth album (first major commercial abum) 1000 Forms of Fear was a little bratty. Facing away from the crowd as your perform didn't seem like the best way to win new followers, however, somehow she nailed it. With incredible songs like 'Chandelier' and 'Elastic Heart' it would be impossible not to fall in love with the new, pop heavy version of the once odd ball, indy-pop artist. 

A leap has been made for new album 'This Is Acting', Sia now faces the crowd and reveals her mouth but covers the upper half of her face with a black and white wig. She's also flaunting some incredible pins but that's neither here nor there (they're really good legs!). I digress. This new album is even more commercial than its predecessor, but for good reason. The clue is in the title; this is Sia as 'Sia the Popstar'. This is Sia singing a collection of songs she'd never normally sing herself, ones she wrote for other major artists that either rejected them or in some cases she actually asked for the song back. This is the reverse of conventional musical experimentalism, where the likes of Beyoncé dabble in new noir sounds, Sia is striding on into the pop spectrum to fill her place.

Rihanna - Towards The Sun

So Rihanna dropped a new song on the world wide web last week. Said musical item is titled 'Towards The Sun' and it's from the soundtrack for the new Dreamworks movie, Home. 'FourFiveSeconds' was/is a serious grower; serious in that it takes some bloody hard work to really warm to it but eventually you do, kinda. Alas, this new song is much more 'instant' and is very likely to be a chart success. It's even more instantly likeable because Kanye West's name isn't attached. It's not the best song she's recorded and it's not the worst. It sits somewhere in the middle, with a memorable chorus and thumping arrangement, but the vocals sound a little overproduced and the finale isn't the climax you'd expect from a neo-power ballad. 

3 / 5

Rihanna feat. Kanye West and Paul McCartney - Fourfiveseconds

We've been waiting for a new Rihanna song for a very fucking long time and to be quite honest I was sick of waiting until I heard that just what I wanted had been dropped online. It wasn't exactly the sassy, beat driven joyride I was expecting. 'Fourfiveseconds' is an acoustic guitar led, midtempo jam with a pleasant melody and a convincing vocal performance from Rihanna. It peaks at the middle 8, Rihanna's voice cracking in all the right places, complemented by gorgeous gospel keys. Overall though the song fails to make an impact even after repeated plays and by the end you're left wondering if you missed the finale. Then you realise you didn't imagine the limp, lacklustre experience you just sat through. An artist like Rihanna releases songs that stamp themselves into your memory. I will be singing 'We Found Love' when I'm 65, 'Fourfiveseconds' I doubt I will remember ever happened. 

2.5 / 5

Pop Pilgrim's Hopes For 2015

We all have hopes and dreams of what 2015 will bring and I, like most people, hope that by this time next year I'll have hysterically shit myself when my Euromillions numbers come up trumps. However, this isn't a blog about being rich, how much you want your life to improve, blah blah wah wah. It's about music and most of the time it's about pop music, music you'd have been bullied for liking in high school. So here are ten things I plucked (rapidly) from my head that I'd love to see and post about in 2015:

10. BRITNEY SPEARS CONTINUES VEGAS RESIDENCY FOR ANOTHER TEN YEARS

Britney's last album Britney Jean was a cockup. Let's face it, it was a fucking disaster and she needs to learn from this mistake. It's unlikely she will because she is still completely 'hands off' when it comes to her music (not that she's ever been hands on). The only way to avoid another catastrophe is for her to continue miming in Vegas for another ten years and leave her ageing fans to enjoy the diamonds of her back catalogue without this 'modern music' nonsense.  

09. A NEW JANELLE MONÁE ALBUM IS OVERDUE

There's never an unsuitable time for a new Janelle Monáe record and right now I feel very much that I would enjoy such a thing in my life. Her music gets better and better over time which surely means her next installment in the Suite series will be perfect? If you've not immersed yourself in the world of Monáe you need to do so post haste. 

08. RITA ORA GETS ON WITH IT AND STOPS COLLABORATING 

That money from Katy Perry penned collaboration 'Black Widow' with Iggy Azalea won't last forever so Rita needs to get a move on with her next studio album. Her debut album ORA wasn't perfect (no it wasn't super Ora fans!) and really only had a few brilliant tracks on it, which ended up being the singles. So, my point is confirmed. The lead single from her sophomore album, 'I Will Never Let You Down', narrowly missed out on my Top 30 songs of 2014 and is actually very promising stuff.

07. SAM SMITH GETS OVER HIS ONE NIGHT STAND

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed Sam Smith's In The Lonely Hour and I'm sure everyone can relate to the material in some way. However, as beautiful as mega single 'Stay With Me' was/is, it's time to move on, dump the jonny and look to the future. I anticipate a new album by the end of 2015 because I'm certain Sam is probably at the eye rolling stage when he's asked to perform said single. 

Nicole Scherzinger - Your Love - "Skip to the midway mark..."

Boomerang was a bit of a misfire for Nicole Scherzinger last year, which is a shame because it's actually quite catchy and not shit once you play it a few hundred times. She's now back and like her nemesis Cheryl Cole (sounds good doesn't it?) she's releasing a new single just in time for Xfactor fever to carry it to a lower top 10 placing... if she's lucky. Your Love is from her tepidly anticipated sophomore album.

It starts off with lots of caribbean beach flavour, courtesy of Rihanna hit makers Tricky and The Dream. Then there are some "yeah - yeah' bits and a "woo". Going well so far right? Then Nicole jumps in with a really 'shit attempt at being seductive' spoken word segment which includes a line about being knocked out like Michael Tyson. It improves once she actually starts singing but then takes a nose dive when she "doo doo doo"s; this seems to have become habit in the now lazy popscape, throwing in some noises because you can't be arsed to come up with some proper lyrics.

If you make it past the first 50% of the song things do improve vastly. The mid section is brilliant and saves this 4 minute track from being a complete waste of time. The production amps up and the bass thumps under her vocals as for the first time on the track, you actually feel like you're listening to a popstar. Your Love isn't quite what I was expecting after such a lengthy hiatus from the charts. It's nowhere near the epic quality of Don't Hold Your Breath. The production is faultless throughout, however if you're a lyric snob you'll probably guffaw. Skip to the midway mark - it's really a very good mid section.

2/5

Rita Ora - I Will Never Let You Down

You'd be forgiven for forgetting about Rita Ora considering it's been nearly 2 years since she released her debut album Ora. It's not a bad thing though. Her most compared peer, Rihanna, releases a new album every other day so a decent break between collections gives hope that a lot of thought has gone into upcoming album O. Lead single I Will Never Let You Down is a more poppy affair than her past singles, sounding closest to her mega hit How We Do (Party). The thing I like about this song is it's a pop song, pure and simple, and tries to be nothing other than that. Here's the lowdown:

+ It's got a really fun, infectious yet simple chorus.
+ It's quite summery.
+ Vocals are on point.
+ There's a full Moschino ensemble in the video.

- It's not as instantly memorable as her past hits.

4/5

Shakira - Empire Review

That song she did with Rihanna, can't remember its name, was pretty shit. Let's all just stand up and admit it, it was not the single we expected or hoped for from two of the world's most lucrative pop stars. It certainly grows on you, but so do warts. Thankfully it had a steamy video with lots of ass gyrating and lower back arching and even a little lesbian erotica. 

So when Empire was announced I really wanted to hate it, with every ounce of my being. Well fuck me; it's actually quite good. Not far off Bond theme territory, this is an epic power anthem with hints of Alanis Morissette & Coldplay. It's not the song of 2014, even though the finale is pretty incredible, but it is one of the most distinct songs we've heard from Shakira in a long time and it serves as a great way to forget its star power driven predecessor piece of pish.

3.5/5

Two reasons that 'Can't Remember To Forget You' song isn't a total disaster...

1. Shakira looks like this...

2. Rihanna does this...

It's not the expected mammoth hit people anticipated and the chorus sure is bloody irritating, but after about 20 plays it gets stuck in your head. Not as much as the sexy as hell video though... Dey woke up like dis!

Song - 2/5

Video - 4/5 

Rated: Rihanna - What Now

Here's a photo of Rihanna bent over, just cos.

Another day goes by, another Rihanna single gets released. Her new song 'What Now' is one of the highlights from her latest album Unapologetic, an album I wasn't too favourable about upon its release; my mind hasn't changed. The song is strong with a booming, passion filled chorus and a rock synth production worthy of arenas the world over. It's no 'Diamonds', but it's better than the shit stain that was/is 'Right Now'.

3 / 5

Rated: Rihanna - Right Now

Rihanna's not only a pop star, she's the human pop factory, churning out shit after shit non stop for what seems like forever. Her latest album Unapologetic certainly isn't her best effort, trying a little too hard to be a gangster. It does however have its own share of startlingly good music, such as Sia Furler penned mega hit 'Diamonds', the gorgeous stripped ballad 'Stay' and the 7 minute beauty 'Love Without Tragedy/Mother May'. Aside from the first two songs I just mentioned, there isn't a vast supply of single worthy material there, so the next single release was always going to be like picking crap from a selection box of crap.

'Right Now' feat David Guetta is one of the album's few dance tracks, but the quality misses the mark set by 'Only Girl (In the World)' and 'We Found Love'. It's repetitive, unimaginative and deflating. The dub step/electro dance breakdown after each chorus is generic and cheap, and Rihanna sounds like she can't really be arsed. It's far from her best song, in fact it's one of her worst, but it does come in at the end of a back catalogue of incredible pop music.

1.5/5

Rated: Video roundup - Justin still smooth, Rihanna still naked and Charlie XCX is a white M.I.A.

I've been out of action for a while. Sometimes life gets in the way of things you actually enjoy and you forget how much you enjoy them. Now I have decided to stop being a twat and write again. However, 3+ weeks out of the game are probably going to mean my writing is a little sloppy shite for a while, forgive me. As a little gift to stop you all hating me for disappearing because I know how much your lives depend on me, here are 3 of the biggest music videos emerging at the moment:

Justin Timberlake ft. Jay Z - Suit & Tie

Ok so when I reviewed this song a few weeks back I gave it 5/5. Then I changed this to 3/5 because I got bored of it and thought I was just overexcited that trouser snake was still alive and kicking. Now I've crept back to a 4/5 just because it's so smooth, so different to everything else around right now, and now because the video's out and Justin looks damn fine in it. All valid reasons to increase one's rating. It's my blog anyway, I can do what I want with Justin Timberlake. He's on my turf now. Check out the video below. Like I said, it's smoother than a Gillette shave with a katana. 

Rated i: Top 25 Songs of 2012

The end of another year. Jesus Christina. 

So here we are, preparing our stomachs for the warmth and imminent agony of 'post Xmas dinner'. Figuring out what the hell we're doing at New Year, whether we're going to spend it getting pissed at a party or curled up on the sofa in our new slipper boots and long-johns, watching something uber violent and scary (just me?). One thing is certain, even if our festive plans aren't, 2012 has been an awesome year for music. It's been emotional, fun, surprising, revelationary (made up a word there) and camper than Louis Spence's underwear drawer.

We had the long awaited come back of Xtina with the epic 'Your Body', which didn't quite burn up the charts, but it's one of my top played songs of the year so far. There was the gorgeous revelation that is Jessie Ware and her mind blowing album Devotion; an album so perfect, I shit you not, it changed my year for the better. An Xfactor contestant released a 5 Star single and made my top 15. Rihanna is in there, of course, when wouldn't she be? She'll still be releasing singles when she's 65, probably still wearing a see through dress and getting soaked on the Xfactor live shows, now judged by 3 corpses and Louis Walsh (immortal). Rita Ora managed to get one on there, as did Leona Lewis who yet again flopped a bit. Poor cow. You're going to notice soon enough that there's a Eurovision entry on there too... I know good pop music when I hear it and it's one mother of a pop song.  Then we have the behemoth debut album by Scottish songstress Emeli Sande, Our Version of Events which has a single flying high in my countdown. Have a look below and let me know your thoughts, positive or negative. To be fair, I don't care if you think Sam and the Womp should be number one. Also, don't go expecting to see the ear torture that is 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. Over my dead body:

25. Aiden Grimshaw - Curtain Call

The first of the Xfactor alumni to appear on my countdown, and not one of them's a winner. Aiden surprised with his brilliant debut album, packed with dub-step and drum & bass influences all produced by the same dude who helped pull together Lana Del Rey's debut album. This was the second single from the album and although it didn't really see much of the charts, it's a stunning power ballad, brimming with cool and a huge chorus.

24. Girls Aloud - Something New

At first listen I despised this annoying little bitch of a song. Then once I realised how awesome the chorus was I let them off for having the 'G-g-g-go-go-go' stutter. It's not their best song but it is one of the catchiest mothers of 2012. Xenomania never falters.

23. Loreen - Euphoria

I've never liked a Eurovision entry/winner, let alone loved one. This song is instantly incredible and is Eurovision's finest moment to date.

22. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

When I first heard this I thought it was a joke song, like 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. I thought, 'what is this pish? It's a bit like that joke song by Robbie Williams called 'Candy''. Then after a couple of listens and seeing the video I thought, 'This is actually amazing and so much better than 'Candy' by Robbie Williams, which is total shite'. This is the second biggest song in the UK this year and will remain one of the catchiest pop tunes of the next decade (I imagine).

21. Rita Ora - R.I.P (Feat. Tinie Tempah)

Rita Ora hasn't had 20 number one hits on the charts; she has had 20 number one hits between her legs though. Ooohhhh Boom. The best part about this debut single from 20 Ora, apart from the hotness that is Tinie Tempah, is that panting bridge. It's one of my favourite moments of 2012 and is the finest song from her debut album ORA, which I didn't review very favourably.

Rated: Rihanna - Stay

Like the bus in Speed, Rihanna continues to tear up the chart roads like a hot wheeling musical maniac. Following on from the wonderful 'Diamonds' from the not so wonderful album Unapologetic, new single 'Stay Ft. Mikky Ekko' is a gorgeous piano lead ballad and perhaps one of Rihanna's most accomplished moments. Both singers give emotive performances; Ri's vocals are on point and the piano riff is one of the most perfect I've heard this year. As far as Rihanna ballads go this is grown up, cool, authentic and packed with passion.

If you don't like the song you soon will, trust me.

5/5

Rated: Rihanna + Xfactor = Poporgasm(s)

The Xfactor Live stage is used to ol' dirty Rihanna Fenty parading up and down its walkways with her buns out. She's belted out some impressive and, at times, iconic, performances on its fancy glowy surfaces. Her recent performance of 'Diamonds' saw her get totally drenched on stage and I am pretty certain that's never happened on the show before; well it did happen to Chris Maloney every week (nervous sweats). 

Tonight saw RiRi slow things right down with her beautiful new single 'Stay' from 7th album Unapologetic. It's one of the good songs from the album and she showed off some vocal ability many probably didn't expect her to have. It was lovely, really just lovely, but I wanted more... well fuck me did I get more?! She only blasted out 'We Found Love', which is only one of the best pop songs of all time. The joint was pumping. I was elated to the point of palpitation and my faith in her was once again restored. 

Rihanna, as much as I don't love your newest album, I still love you... almost as much as my mum and cat. Almost.

Click through below for some Rfactor highlights!

Rated: Sia Aka God - Sings Diamonds

My favourite, adorable, wonderful, talented and just fucking incredibly perfect singer Sia has performed  Rihanna's 'Diamonds' live. Good for her because it's her song. Good for her because, where Rihanna's is a 5/5, this is a 10/5. Popjustice drew my attention to this fantastic moment this evening and I thank him/her/them from the bottom of my Sia soaked heart. Let's hope she does just as PJ says she should do and release her own original versions of all the amazing songs she's written/contributed to for the likes of Ri and the unstoppable crap music machine that is Flo Rida.

Click through on the link below for a lovely song from Sia's amazing album We Are Born.

Rated Unapologetic: Apology somewhat needed

'I do my own thang, phresh of the runway' bites Riri on the opener to her seventh studio album Unapologetic. It's fierce, a bit indecipherable but full of the bad girl attitude she's developed rapidly over the past two years/albums. Many think she's in overkill at the moment and needs to take a serious hiatus to give everyone else a break. Others are delighted that she keeps popping out albums like a toaster hooked on pop tarts. I fall in with the latter category, or so I thought I did until I heard Unapologetic.

For a major Rihanna fan such as moi, one who has been hard for her music ever since the wonderful Rated R graced airwaves, Unapologetic is a disappointing, somewhat annoying collection of songs. The opener is quite cool, but when the haunting dark beats of 'Numb' (feat Eminem) kick in the album is thrown off track. Repeatedly stating 'I'm going numb' for what seems like an eternity I just pray for the song to come to a swift end. Then we're presented with the duff 'Pour It Up', a song that irritates with its horrendous lyrics and arrangement. The negatives keep coming with 'Get It Over With' and the poppy snorefest duet with ex/not ex lover Chris Brown 'Nobody's Business'. You're right it is nobody's business and also, no one fucking cares.

The album avoids a 1/5 rating because of some moments of brilliance. Lead single 'Diamonds' is a triumph of a song, perhaps a career best. Rihanna's vocals are on point, the production is gorgeous and the lyrics are strong. Chase & Status number 'Jump' is another top track, with its electronic dub step onslaught an absolute joy to absorb. 

The poor songs noted earlier don't showcase any vocal talent. Songs like 'What Now', 'Stay' and 'Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary' show off the vocals that have grown over the past 3 albums. The first track is an infectious, mid tempo anthem that would fit perfectly onto Loud. The third is an interesting track and is perhaps one of the album's most powerful performances. 'No Love Allowed' sees Rihanna embrace her Bajan accent just like she did on the brilliant 'Man Down' a couple of year ago and is just as loveable. Album closer 'Lost in Paradise' is average dub step pop, but certainly maintains the relief the latter part of the album injects into the sore spot left by the jagged/unpleasant earlier segment.

Unapologetic is not an improvement on Talk That Talk, which albeit wasn't a perfect album, and it certainly doesn't serve as a worthy successor to Loud or Rated R. It does show that Rihanna, even now in a state of over exposure, still holds the iron fist as the most powerful pop singer in the world. Her last three albums have given fans different music, new experimentations and in some cases a new Rihanna to play with. However, Unapologetic doesn't manage to remain cohesive and has too many mishaps littered throughout its track list to hit the top end of the review scale. There are, as previously said, moments of brilliance here. Songs that remind you of why you fell in love with dirty Ri in the first place. Right, now it's time for your holiday love!

Download: Diamonds/Jump/No Love Allowed/What Now

2.5/5

Rated Rihanna: Unapologetic incoming!

Ri - y'big dirty!

It was easily predicted that I'd be stratospherically high on the news of Rihanna's upcoming 7th album Unapologetic. With the first single being so bloody perfect and a refreshing step away from the dancey Calvin Harris days, how could I not be?

 

Anyway, I thought I'd just highlight that there are only 16 days until the album drops.

Yes, 16! 

Rated: Rihanna - Diamonds

Listen to 'Diamonds' here

Christ, so 'da bitch' is back with yet another new song. This isn't another single from current album Talk That Talk, it's a completely new song from a new album and it's called 'Diamonds'. As a Rihanna fan this is very exciting but for the non fans I imagine they're grinding their teeth to the gum right now. Talk That Talk was packed with attitude, naughty lyrics about being catered to down stairs (I don't know an actual polite verb for it that isn't offensive) and a duet with Jay Z. 

'Diamonds' is more in the vein of Rated R, spliced with some Lana Del Rey type production and tempo, and some very Sia sounding vocals. 

Lana + Sia + Rihanna = Fucking amazing!

With her vocals on top form, sounding authentic and strong, Rihanna owns the track from start to finish. It's a pretty meander away from the sex heavy content of her past singles, and a lovely reminder of great songs like 'Russian Roulette' and the other more ballady moments of Rated R. This is a song signifying why, as annoying and exhausting it may be for some, Rihanna has so successfully overcome overkill.

5/5

*I've been informed this was actually written by Sia (one of my favourite artists of all time). This makes me love it even more. Can I do 6/5?