'Reloaded' Improves an Already Amazing Album
Pros:
Amazing quality of songs, great style, shows emotion and personality!
Cons:
A little over-produced in parts.
The Bottom Line:
Definitely get this album! There is something for everyone. Every song could be a hit single and represents top notch music. The additional songs are also amazing.
|
|
Overall Rating:
|
 |
|
Author's Review
No one can argue that Rihanna had her breakout success with the release for her double platinum album "Good Girl Gone Bad." With the hit singles 'Umbrella,' 'Shut Up and Drive,' 'Hate that I Love You,' and 'Don't Stop the Music,' Rihanna truly found her style, and a genre in which she can showcase her personality. Due to her massive success, it is only fitting that she re-releases her album in a 'Reloaded' fashion.
The album includes all of the singles from the original "Good Girl Gone Bad" album. Many of these songs provide an electropop, club sound which has become Rihanna's staple. This includes 'Breakin Dishes,' a story of a belligerent female narrator throwing a fit due to her cheating boyfriend, the club favorite 'Don't Stop the Music,' and the seductive 'Push up on Me.' In addition to this, Rihanna bridges R&B and Rock in the smash hit 'Umbrella,' and the sassy 'Shut up and Drive.' All of this is complemented by a smooth blend of R&B where, for the first time, Rihanna truly displays her vocal abilities. This happens in 'Rehab,' 'Hate that I Love You,' and 'Good Girl Gone Bad.' Overall, the original singles show the many dimensions of Rihanna and really allows her to explore facets of music she hasn't touched yet. In these singles, there is something for everyone; songs to dance to, feel-good music, sentimental ballads, and songs to listen to before going to bed.
Given all of that, the reloaded version expands upon the style, quality and mood of the initial album. Four new singles are included, 'Take a Bow,' 'Disturbia,' 'If I
Never See Your Face Again,' and some other tracks that are exclusion to an international audience. 'Take a Bow' is a soulful ballad that is a mix between Beyonce and Mary J Blige. It is definitely verging on a more generic R&B style and isn't the most original of Rihanna's songs, however it is definitely breathtaking nonetheless. The lyrical content can definitely appeal to women who have dealt with a cheating boyfriend. 'Disturbia' is one of Rihanna's most innovative song, taking her electropop style to a new level, and is no doubt going to be a club hit. While it's lyrical content is somewhat questionable and unclear, it follows a futuristic theme that is appealing to many people who are into more produced, electronic music. The third single is 'If I Never See Your Face Again,' which features Maroon 5. While an interesting pairing, it is also an ingenious pairing! Their funky styles compliment each other amazing and the blend of their voices is very pleasing. The best thing about this song is that Rihanna gets to show her vocals on a more upbeat song, something she hasn't been able to really do yet.
Overall, the new songs can be added to the rest of the album quite easily. The quality of the old and new songs are top notch, and the style epitomizes current music. There is something for everyone, something for whatever mood your in, and something for every occasion. Every song on this album could be a hit and is definitely worth listening to.