The MagazineCanada

On her third album Rihanna widens her sonic map, stepping away from the island-infused R&B that first defined her and embracing brighter, faster songs built to move bodies and lift spirits. The shift is not a retreat from sunshine and melody; rather, it crafts a consistent wave of upbeat energy that still carries an unmistakable warmth and charm. The record leans into dance-pop textures, punchy drum lines, and gleaming hooks, creating a sound that feels equally club-ready and radio-friendly, while maintaining the playful swagger that has defined her early work. The tempo shift is deliberate rather than accidental, a choice to keep listeners engaged through momentum and chorus-driven hooks, while still leaving room for warmer, more intimate moments that reveal a softer center beneath the brassy surface. In practice, the album balances high-energy anthems with moments of smoky, mid-tempo groove, showing a range that lands squarely between club ambition and pop accessibility. Umbrella anchors the project with a thunderous chorus and a rhythm that lingers long after the music ends, while Hate That I Love You pivots to a candid, shimmering duet dynamic that highlights vocal color and emotional clarity; Good Girl Gone Bad works as a bold declaration of persona, a self-possessed anthem that matches the glossy production; Breakin’ Dishes crackles with cheeky defiance and a bounce that keeps the energy high. The album’s best moments come when the artist blends bright, danceable energy with hooks that are instantly singable and emotionally direct, a combination that gives the record lasting appeal. Despite the tempo push, the Caribbean resonance never disappears completely, percussion threads through multiple tracks, giving the project a warm glow and a sense of place that fans will recognize even as the arrangements lean toward contemporary pop aesthetics. This balance is part of the record’s charm, offering something familiar to longtime followers and something fresh to casual listeners who discovered the artist in the run up to this release. If the listener appreciates this vibrant mood, they might also enjoy Ciara’s The Evolution, which shares the same forward driving energy and chart friendly sensibility, making it a natural companion experience. The verdict is clear: this collection stands as one of the most provocative Caribbean-inflected entries in mainstream pop, delivering sun-soaked charm with a confident pop sensibility that makes it easy to press play again and again. Overall, the album demonstrates growth without sacrificing the playful, radiant voice that first drew audiences, inviting listeners to revisit the tracks and experience the sturdy craftsmanship and pop craft that define this era of the artist’s career. Attribution: music press.