******
- Verified Buyer
Well, I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by this CD. I didn't want to like it because I thought it was too dark. But, after hearing the songs more it's grown on me considerably. It's a challenging CD, to be sure, as is the packaging. But as a whole, it's probably one of the stronger pop records to come along in a while. Rolling Stone called this CD "goth R&B" which is a pretty good description. Other descriptions I've heard were "hard-pop" and "harsh-pop" "dark-pop" or "confrontational-pop" (lol). It's simply pop music that is rough around the edges.The first three cuts, "Mad House," "Wait Your Turn" and "Hard" are like the introduction. "Mad House" is actually the invitation or warning and "Wait Your Turn" and "Hard" set the tone for a darker and more aggressive Rihanna. I wish "Mad House" was longer, actually. I liked the layered harmonious and ominous circus feel to that track. Rihanna sings "Come on, come on, come on in...." and I picture some somber and crazy looking woman standing on the front porch of a dilapidated house like "Fight Club," (lol) motioning in a leery passerby to come join her in her house of pain.The fourth song "Stupid In Love" opens with the line "Let me tell you something, never have I been a size 10 in my whole life..." This was a great opening and I take it to mean that she found some other girl's belonging in her boyfriend's things. The rest of the lyrics are more repetitive and simple. Overall it sounds like someone hitting themselves in the head and saying "Girl, you are so stupid!!! Stupid! Stupid!!!" There's a lot of self-loathing and regret in this one and it feels real and raw. One of Rihanna's better vocal displays.Next up is "Rock Star 101" and it goes the complete opposite direction in that now that she knows she played the fool, she wants to drown her troubles in a wave of partying and aggression. Playing a fool for the guy in the previous song has taken a beating on her self-esteem and her "swagga" and girlfriend wants IT ALL BACK. The song isn't really rock and there isn't a guitar solo (Slash is the featured guitarist). But, it does have rock elements in the heavy, crushing wall of sound created with the synthesizers and guitar. This works nicely after the self-defeating "Stupid In Love".Next up is the brooding "Russian Roulette," which was a very unusual choice to kick off this project. This is a challenging song and it took guts to release it first. It seems this song is about how love is a dangerous game of chance. The use of metaphors was lost on some listeners who take everything literally, but I appreciated it.Then there's "Fire Bomb", which is quite a lovely surprise in that it's more rock and upbeat. The tone is a bit sunnier, but the words are not. She wants to take her no good man out with her in a blaze of glory! She makes it sound almost beautiful, though. You really picture a long, hot summer road with two troubled lovers racing each other. This song is fantastic and has potential to be a radio hit."Rude Boy" is an upbeat song basically about quick meaningless sex. After a bad break up, some go this route. The beat is nice, but the song itself is forgettable."Photographs" follows "Rude Boy" and it has a pretty but soggy melody. It kinda reminds me of "Save A Prayer" by Duran Duran. I cannot stand Will.i.Am's rap part, though. So annoying."G4L" is a dud for me. This seems to be a fave for some because Rihanna talks a lot of smack here. I'll have to give this another listen, but it was the only song I really did not care for."Te Amo" is a winner! This song makes good use of her accent and the beat really makes you think of some place tropical. Beautiful song about unrequited love on a dance floor."Cold Case Love" is up next and it was co-written by Justin Timberlake. This is another strong cut. Loved how it continues to build, although the ending is too long. Great vocals from Rihanna and top-notch production. I can hear the ache in her heart on this track, as I can on "Stupid In Love.""The Last Song" closes the CD, of course, and it does so with beautiful vocals and guitars. I guess it's like she's saying this my last song about this soured love affair. I'm leaving it all on the road and now I am done. I've had my say! I kinda like the sad, airy ending to what sounds like a very passionate, tumultuous and violent ride. I am glad Rihanna decided to share the experience because it makes for a fascinating journey. I never thought Rihanna, of all pop stars, could make a CD quite like this one. It reminds me of Christina's "Stripped" in that it's a break from her usual sound and it's more personal. Janet's "Velvet Rope" is another example. "Rated R" is a more cohesive work than those CDs, however.Much love and respect to Rihanna for not repeating herself with "Good Girl Gone Bad Part II" or trying to cover up her pain with music her heart wasn't into. She has co-writing credits for at least 8 songs that I counted and she is an executive producer as well. It is good to see someone so young taking a hands-on approach in their career! Now I look forward to songs that turn inward more and discuss what it's like to stand alone and eventually learning to open your heart again.
