Rated R
by Rihanna
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2009
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 645 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 537 out of 645
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 645
  3. Negative: 61 out of 645

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  1. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    1
    Russian roulette is agreat direction that would've been a better overall sound but unfortunately Rated R is a muddling hodgepodge of dated generic pop that equates being sexy with being rebellious. Sure to be a classic due to its commercial impact Rated R feels like a novelty in her discography
  2. rayssab
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    esse álbum riri abriu o coração. mostrou sua raiva, seu amor e esses sentimentos. um álbum que merece receber mais flores, aqui está a minha.
  3. rodq09
    Aug 24, 2022
    10
    Rated R was the first monument album by a pop star. Rihanna could have continued with an album with multiples hits but she preferred to completely change what everyone in the industry was doing, her mind and vision should be studied.
  4. evermore13
    Nov 15, 2021
    5
    She brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to doShe brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to do with the Brown affair. We have an album that opts to cater for the variety of fans that flock to support Rihanna in her time of trouble. It's a diverse work. But this so happens to be its biggest setback.… Expand
  5. arianagrande626
    May 8, 2021
    9
    My third personal favorite of her! It's so underrated. The album is a mixture of a lot of genres including pop, R&B, rock and hip hop. My favorites are Stupid In Love, Fire Bomb, Russian Roulette and Rude Boy.
  6. fentytours
    Apr 20, 2021
    10
    This is an underrated album tbh. Every song deserves attention and love. So stream Rated R for clear skin
  7. Redrih
    Mar 1, 2021
    9
    The best album of all time) It's so emotional. All songs are amazing. But Stupid in love >>>>
  8. yad3
    Dec 12, 2020
    10
    one of the best album in history. these girls could never make something like rated r. and the fact that she was only 21 while making it. shes a genius. cant wait for R9
  9. alysoonw
    Nov 22, 2020
    10
    Honestly? AN ALBUM! Just for "russian roulette" and "cold case love" you already know the album is great! unfortunately, another rihanna's work that didn't received the recognition deserved. But she knows everything she does is good!
  10. antonioo_m_s_
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Todos sus álbumes son magníficos, pero un tal 2009 llegó un álbum que para mi es el mejor de toda su carrera. Rated R es la perfección de álbum.
  11. Afterglow_0202
    Aug 29, 2020
    6
    She brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to doShe brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to do with the Brown affair. We have an album that opts to cater for the variety of fans that flock to support Rihanna in her time of trouble. It's a diverse work. But this so happens to be its biggest setback.… Expand
  12. CZRAFAEL
    Jun 2, 2020
    10
    Vulnerability, strength, power and an incredible voice being exposed. Rihanna shows once again that she can sing what she wants to sing well.
  13. 4R73N15
    May 29, 2020
    10
    A very mature body of work, especially considering that the artist in question was barely overage. Lyrics, emotions, perfect blend of several sounds.. this album has everything
  14. DavidReneIV
    May 29, 2020
    10
    Rated R es sin duda el mejor álbum de Rihanna hasta la fecha, todas sus canciones encajan perfectamente en todo sentido. EXCELENCIA MUSICAL, UNA OBRA DE ARTE.

    Rated R is without a doubt Rihanna's best album to date, all of her songs fit perfectly in every way. MUSICAL EXCELLENCE, A MASTERPIECE.
  15. greedybadidea
    May 26, 2020
    8
    Rihanna decides to get more personal with listeners on her fourth studio album. This album succeeds in many ways with production and lyrical content. but sometimes it doesn't always resonate sonically. This is her most unique album to date and she takes many risks within the project which I appreciate even if they don't always pay off.

    Album Track Ranking: 1. Russian Roulette 2. The    Rihanna decides to get more personal with listeners on her fourth studio album. This album succeeds in many ways with production and lyrical content. but sometimes it doesn't always resonate sonically. This is her most unique album to date and she takes many risks within the project which I appreciate even if they don't always pay off.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. Russian Roulette
    2. The Last Song
    3. Rude Boy
    4. G4L
    5. Te Amo
    6. Stupid in Love
    7. ROCKSTAR 101 (feat. Slash)
    8. Fire Bomb
    9. Wait Your Turn
    10. Cold Case Love
    11. Photographs (feat. will.i.am)
    12. Mad House
    13. Hard (feat. Jeezy)    … Expand
  16. cipriano
    Feb 17, 2020
    7
    Rihanna's most personal album becomes where she went through everything and put it in a good way and with great melancholy. It becomes a good way to hear, and your sound is a distant and good thing to catch up and improve more and more. It's fascinating to hear and really takes the listener on a journey.
  17. MyleeneFRW
    Aug 20, 2019
    8
    Абсолютный рост после предыдущего альбома, звучание под стать Рианне, несколько промахов, но в общем работа лучшая, на тот момент, в карьере певицы.
  18. survivorfan989
    Jan 16, 2019
    8
    Another good album from Rihanna, its a step down from Good Girl Gone Bad but there are some solid songs and it had some good single choices.
  19. Sergio97costa
    Sep 14, 2018
    10
    Perfect! This album definitely outdid all of my expectations. Rihanna is fantastic.
  20. Malucas
    Aug 14, 2018
    10
    I can't remember a song I couldn't hear. Every lyric, every song is so deep. Fire Bomb should be single
  21. prayyoucatchme
    Aug 30, 2016
    1
    Wow, Im shocked at these reviews, Not too shocked because Critics Overrate & Underrate thing all the time. Poor Rihanna, She thought she could pull off another Bâ Collapse
  22. virajshankar
    Jun 15, 2016
    7
    The album is fine, but definitely not the most appealing. At times it feels awesome to listen to, but sometimes you really just want to skip the song . It is extremely fluid in some places yet completely dry in others. If this album wasn't so daring I would not give it more than a 5.
  23. arcanjo
    May 29, 2016
    9
    Still her best to date.Both weird and pop, Rihanna intimate songs portraits a woman that break out a confrotating relationship but dont turn out to be the self pitting break up record, showing a very confident and - as always - daring girl.
  24. BabyJane
    May 25, 2016
    8
    1. Mad House 100/100
    2. Wait Your Turn 100/100
    3. Hard 90/100
    4. Stupid in Love 60/100
    5. Rockstar 101 95/100
    6. Russian Roulette 35/100
    7. Fire Bomb 20/100
    8. Rude Boy 100/100
    9. Photographs 95/100
    10. G4L 65/100
    11. Te Amo 90/100
    12. Cold Case Love 100/100
    13. The Last Song 65/100
    14. Hole in My Head 95/100

    Metascore: 79
  25. mrjurrianvriet
    Apr 27, 2016
    10
    This is what I call AN ALBUM. Once again RiRi proves us she is a bad gal and we shouldn't mess with her! It's very personal. Lyrically and musically very good. One of her first albums with various genres of music.
  26. Zanessa250QI
    Apr 4, 2016
    8
    ................................................................................................................................The best album of Rihanna................ Full of great & beautiful Ballads....
  27. horcrux2007
    Feb 4, 2016
    8
    Rated R is more foreboding and mature album than Rihanna's previous records, starting out with the suitably strange "Mad House" and ending with a haunting ballad "The Last Song." "Russian Roulette" is another stand out from the album while "Rude Boy" is more in tune with Rihanna's previous pop hits.
  28. Samimacedo
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    HINARIO DEMAIS< RAINHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA pisou na Beyoncé
  29. rihannadescolad
    Jan 28, 2016
    10
    linda igual a barbiezinha muito bom eceleite amei o albummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm pisou no chris brown que superaçãooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
  30. CaaioGomez
    Nov 27, 2015
    10
    MELHOR ALBUM DA DISCOGRAFIA AMO TODAS AS MÚSICAS UMA REVOLUÇÃO E TANTO PARA A RIHANNA ESSE HINARIO NÃO TEM UMA MÚSICA QUE EU NÃO GOSTE HINO HINO
  31. BuySameOldLove
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    Esse álbum é incrível, letras maduras e totalmente bem produzidas, sem duvidas esse álbum é um dos melhores de 2009 e o melhor trabalho da Rihanna merece nota 100000
  32. ifckedreedus
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    C'est mon album préféré de Rihanna. Il est tellement personnel, il raconte son histoire. Après Good Girl Gone Bad, qui est un très bon album, mais commercial tout de même, je ne pouvais espérer mieux pour son retour !
  33. lucasrocha
    May 27, 2015
    10
    one of the best albums I've ever heard in life, but this is my favorite album of all time , the best career album of Rihanna, full of emotions , stories, a complete and perfect album from beginning to end
  34. KarenLovesRobyn
    May 7, 2015
    10
    This album is amazing. I feel like I've entered into the dark side and it was awesome. This album made me fall in love with Rihanna even more. Favourite tracks are Russian Roulette, Wait You Turn, Stupid in Love and Hard
  35. longjetty7
    Apr 28, 2015
    8
    My favorite Rihanna album, and apparently everyone else's favorite too. Rated R is dark and brilliant, but it never strays away from the catchy hooks and hip hop beats that Rihanna does so well. The songs are varied but flow together nicely, making for a cohesive and memorable pop album. My personal favorite songs are Cold Case Love, Rude Boy, and Stupid in Love, but there are a lot ofMy favorite Rihanna album, and apparently everyone else's favorite too. Rated R is dark and brilliant, but it never strays away from the catchy hooks and hip hop beats that Rihanna does so well. The songs are varied but flow together nicely, making for a cohesive and memorable pop album. My personal favorite songs are Cold Case Love, Rude Boy, and Stupid in Love, but there are a lot of great songs on here, and they're spaced out nicely. So aside from a few weak tracks, Rated R is a thoroughly enjoyable and emotional experience start to finish.… Expand
  36. GuilhermeLeme13
    Apr 8, 2015
    9
    Esse álbum, sem dúvidas, é o melhor disco da carreira da Rihanna, uma música melhor do que a outra, traduções emocionantes, sonoridade diferente, clipes maravilhosos etc...
  37. Dasinger
    Apr 5, 2015
    10
    Album do milênio, pisa no universo, dona da industria musical, pisa na beyonce, empregada dela e do jay z que não penteia o cabelo da filha, rainha mesmo
  38. LuizFelipe
    Mar 14, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Mad House 60/100
    Wait Your Turn 80/100
    Hard 100/100
    Stupid in Love 60/100
    Rockstar 101 70/100
    Russian Roulette 100/100
    Fire Bomb 70/100
    Rude Boy 100/100
    Photographs 60/100
    G4L 60/100
    Te Amo 100/100
    Cold Case Love 60/100
    The Last Song 50/100    … Expand
  39. ThyDark
    Feb 15, 2015
    10
    An amazing and huge album that shows how Rihanna grew up through these years. Rated R is a masterpiece, that marks our century. There's no doubt that it's her best album ever.
  40. LoRevisor
    Jan 15, 2015
    8
    Excelente Álbum de Rihanna.Mad House,Rockstar 101 fode um pouco o álbum mas continua um grande álbum.

    Top 5 Rated R 2009
    1-Fire Bomb
    2-Russian Roulette
    3-Wait Your Turn
    4-Te Amo
    5-Cold Case Love
  41. Gus-freakshow
    Dec 18, 2014
    7
    Mad House 100/100
    Wait Your Turn 100/100
    Hard 95/100
    Stupid in Love 60/100
    Rockstar 101 100/100
    Russian Roulette 5/100
    Fire Bomb 5/100
    Rude Boy 100/100
    Photographs 95/100
    G4L 90/100
    Te Amo 90/100
    Cold Case Love 100/100
    The Last Song 80/100
  42. DarkBates
    Nov 6, 2013
    10
    Her most darkness album. I love it. Its so... intense! The song "Cold Case Love" touch your soul, definitely... And "Rude Boy" sneaks a bit of context, but it's a different song, and still good.
  43. najlepsza
    Nov 1, 2013
    9
    Definetely, HER BEST ALBUM, palpable emotions as always in her case. However, here after battery by our awesome Chris Brown even more noticeable. This album incorporates psycho themes and I like it so much!!! "The Mad House" is my favourite intro ever. "Hard" is my personal anthem and "Fire Bomb" makes me feel like I am not the only one with my maybe a little naive but romantic soul.Definetely, HER BEST ALBUM, palpable emotions as always in her case. However, here after battery by our awesome Chris Brown even more noticeable. This album incorporates psycho themes and I like it so much!!! "The Mad House" is my favourite intro ever. "Hard" is my personal anthem and "Fire Bomb" makes me feel like I am not the only one with my maybe a little naive but romantic soul. Such a warm song!… Expand
  44. Glitter
    Aug 30, 2013
    9
    Brooding with raw emotion and boasting as the only album to have Rihanna serve as a co-writer for the entire track listing, and to serve as an executive producer. To date the most personal and cohesive album in her career.
  45. BWETMatangi
    Aug 14, 2013
    4
    I was a little disappointed, since "Good Girl Gone Bad" was so good, or because this was a bad Rihanna CD. This is where she ultimately goes from the girl who sings "Pon De Replay" to dropping the F bomb all over.
  46. ClaudooSSia
    Jul 6, 2013
    9
    "Rated R" shows us two different sides of Rihanna and two different ways of getting along with the past: first one shows us a fragile girl who can't deal with the trouble (vulnerable, beautiful ballads like "Russian Roulette", "Cold Case Love"), the second one shows us a dubstep and hip hop diva who can deal with the problems using guns, army ("better yet Navy") and tongue-in-cheek"Rated R" shows us two different sides of Rihanna and two different ways of getting along with the past: first one shows us a fragile girl who can't deal with the trouble (vulnerable, beautiful ballads like "Russian Roulette", "Cold Case Love"), the second one shows us a dubstep and hip hop diva who can deal with the problems using guns, army ("better yet Navy") and tongue-in-cheek language (big, impressive songs like "Hard" or "G4L"). Although those to parts of the CD are completely different together they make a compact album. Some of my favourite songs (excluding 4 that I mentioned before) are: raggamuffin sassy single "Rude Boy", loud and dubsteppy "Wait Your Turn", Latin influenced "Te Amo" and powerful ballad telling us about the power of love "Fire Bomb". Well done Rihanna, well done!

    9 out of 10    … Expand
  47. tomica11
    Nov 19, 2012
    10
    One of the four of Rihanna's best albums. All the songs are awesome and flow as a story based on the assault attack that Brown made on Rihanna. Rated R
  48. Pedro
    Nov 1, 2012
    10
    Rihanna's best work ever. Although it wasn't such a success in sales and the public would rather go hear "Loud" or "Talk That Talk", Fenty proves that she can belt out ballads anytime she wants.
  49. Paranoid_Poison
    Oct 24, 2012
    10
    Still her best and most highest quality album. Rated R got something special and stands out from her other albums. Maybe, troubles in her life in those times made this work great. My score is addressed not only to the album, but to this era and image too. Rated R is good from opener to the end. Every song isn't useless and every song is enjoyable and listenable, containing difference toStill her best and most highest quality album. Rated R got something special and stands out from her other albums. Maybe, troubles in her life in those times made this work great. My score is addressed not only to the album, but to this era and image too. Rated R is good from opener to the end. Every song isn't useless and every song is enjoyable and listenable, containing difference to one another and got some interesting processing. 'Mad House' is steamy, 'Hard' & 'Rockstar 101' are agressive, 'Wait Your Turn' & 'G4L' are uprising, 'Russian Roulette' & 'Te Amo' are soft, 'Rude Boy' & 'Cold Case Love' are rhythmic, and final song is like a freedom from darkness of the album. But not looking for this diversity, the whole album sounds integral. This is a case how a brief rock'n'roll influence and dubstep/electronic elements can make sound pop music worth.… Expand
  50. Mattwriter9
    Aug 24, 2012
    8
    I feel like this is Rihanna's best work. "mad house" was an amazing intro and each song was amazing. I feel like she simply wanted to amaze people in her "rude boy" track. That was her worst track. But she shows her bad side and the old her in the "Russian roulette" track. Overall a great album.
  51. TwistedFantasy
    Aug 1, 2012
    10
    Every song is amazing. Vocals, songwriting and production all impressed me.
    Fire Bomb is incredible. Many different types of dark sounds were incorporated, even in the grimy hip-hop/pop -type songs, like the chilling production of G4L.
  52. GagaForGhibli
    May 31, 2012
    5
    I Feel Bad Giving Rihanna Anything Below A 8...
    I Only Listen And Like Only 3 Songs On This Album.. They Arent Bad Songs.. There Just Not Catchy And Popy Like Rihanna Is...
    Sadly This Is Not What I Am Looking For...
  53. MarcoAC
    Apr 30, 2012
    9
    Simply perfect. Rihanna got through their emotions with sincerity after previous events, which gave the album a personal touch and can be seen from afar as his best.
  54. JoelSN
    Mar 24, 2012
    8
    Rated R is, by far, Rihanna's best work yet. Even if the album takes a quite shameful profit of Rihanna's private life situation at the moment, the quality of the record is undeniable. It is sad that this one was not as successful as Good Girl Gone Bad, being, in fact, her least successful album, tied with "Music of the Sun". This, to me, is a proof of how the general public doesn't takeRated R is, by far, Rihanna's best work yet. Even if the album takes a quite shameful profit of Rihanna's private life situation at the moment, the quality of the record is undeniable. It is sad that this one was not as successful as Good Girl Gone Bad, being, in fact, her least successful album, tied with "Music of the Sun". This, to me, is a proof of how the general public doesn't take her seriously, and that's disappointing, but understandable. This album is the only one where her has taken a role as an artist. She has writing credits on some songs, including the best song on the album "Fire Bomb". I fear she will never take that role again, given the much more successful "Loud". She saved this album's campaign with the smash single "Rude Boy" with is an extremely simple yet enjoyable Caribbean-pop record. That could make us expect what was, sadly, coming next.

    Highlights: Cold Case Love, Fire Bomb, Stupid in Love, Wait your Turn.    … Expand
  55. RonaldOVOXO
    Mar 6, 2012
    7
    This is probably My favorite rihanna album due to fact she's a bad ass on this album. Her features and her songs makes her sound intimidating and powerful. This is Rihanna's Best Work
  56. RogerSmith97
    Feb 4, 2012
    6
    I Love Rihanna.. But This Album Was Well Meh.. I Loved Russian Roulette, Rude Boy, And Photographs. The Rest Were Ok....
    My Favorite Rihanna Albums:
    1- LOUD
    2- TALK THAT TALK
    3- GOOD GIRL GONE BAD: RELODED
  57. DMB
    Dec 14, 2011
    10
    One of the best pop albums of all time! I wasn't really a fan of Rihanna until I listened to this album.
    Absolutely Flawless.
  58. kowalski
    Dec 3, 2011
    6
    Normally, I would stray away from over-produced pop-stars, but this album has personality. Even if it's a very dark side that's interesting. Great record.
  59. lucasamag
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    This album is a work of art. None of her albums were able to beat this one. Loud was a commercial album, made just for selling. Not that I don't like it, but it's true. Talk That Talk is an amazing album, but Rated R still reigns.
  60. Kevdog65
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    This album is simply amazing. I LOVE how she can go extra low with her voice. I love the mood of this album. Makes you feel pretty badass. Personally, i like stupid in love the best. I think this is her best album. Better than LOUD and Talk That Talk to me.
  61. proreviewer
    Nov 19, 2011
    0
    Boring album with sappy ballads. Rihanna is not able to evoke the emotions that is required for some of the songs, instead it comes off as sappy and bland.
  62. musicfanatic
    Sep 14, 2011
    0
    'Rated R' could of been good. It's just very boring and no excitement that I expected it would be... Her vocals have improved though, but more work is needed.
  63. musikcritik
    Sep 14, 2011
    0
    'Rated R' is a letdown from GGGB. There is too much filler and it sounds like she's trying to hard to convey the "dark" pop star role. However, she's at her best in the Caribbean inspired 'Rude Boy'
  64. musiccritic
    Aug 20, 2011
    0
    After the 'Good Girl Gone Bad' era, I was expecting a huge record from Rihanna. Rated R was a letdown. The ballads are sappy and seemed to be pulled from Celine Dions reject pile. Not good at all.
  65. cbeanfan
    Aug 19, 2011
    0
    Not a good album at all. I only like 1 song, which is 'Rude Boy' I'm a Rih fan, but no there are no hits on this... I prefer LOUD though. Songs like Stupid In Love, Photographs and the other slow songs are a borefest.
  66. SnowDay
    Aug 14, 2011
    8
    With all due respect to Rihanna, Chris Brown's assault was the best thing that happened to her career. After her less than exciting Good Girl Gone Bad, she needed something fresh to pick up the slack. She found it. The highlights of this album include Hard, Rockstar 101, Firebomb, Te Amo, Russian Roulette, and Rude Boy. It should also be noted that this album contains less ballads thanWith all due respect to Rihanna, Chris Brown's assault was the best thing that happened to her career. After her less than exciting Good Girl Gone Bad, she needed something fresh to pick up the slack. She found it. The highlights of this album include Hard, Rockstar 101, Firebomb, Te Amo, Russian Roulette, and Rude Boy. It should also be noted that this album contains less ballads than Good Girl Gone Bad, so if you too found that album to be a bore, don't be afraid to try this.… Expand
  67. darryltrini
    Jul 7, 2011
    0
    Aside from a couple songs, this is pretty boring with songs like Stupid In Love, Rockstar 101, Wait Your Turn. Not her best. My favorite is Te Amo & Firebomb
  68. Yumny
    Jun 4, 2011
    8
    Rihanna recovers from the infamous Chris Brown-incident with an album that is both depressing, emotional and moving as well as fierce, dangerous and edgy.

    Some were shocked to find out what had become of their favorite Barbadian party girl. But as Beyoncé had Sasha Fierce, Rihanna is willing to show off her alter ego as well. Question is, was it too early to let the new    Rihanna recovers from the infamous Chris Brown-incident with an album that is both depressing, emotional and moving as well as fierce, dangerous and edgy.

    Some were shocked to find out what had become of their favorite Barbadian party girl. But as Beyoncé had Sasha Fierce, Rihanna is willing to show off her alter ego as well. Question is, was it too early to let the new Rihanna Chris Brown has unintentionally created take over, or is it appropriate for the R&B princess to let her dark side get the best of her, considering what happened? The urban superstar is chaotic and immersive at times, as proven by the unappealingly scary Mad House. As well, she appears to be trying to hard to maintain an edgy and dangerous tone and image. The immelodious mess that is G4L proves my point, as goosebumps run down one's arms when Rihanna's voice sneers along minor tones and Auto-Tune blurs the chaos together. Same goes for the overly melodramatic The Last Song in which the Barbadian singer's emotional reminiscing takes down the quality of her sound. I would almost note that RiRi's voice doesn't seem to fit for weeping ballads, if it wasn't for the slight brilliance that Stupid In Love weighs in. Although this track's sadness is annoying at times, the lyrical tone and calypso-resembling underbeats level up the track to that of an enchanting break-up song. The beats are continued in almost cheerful, late-night lesbian experience hinting song Te Amo and the intruiging Cold Case Love which appears to be a slower version of Stupid in Love. Cold Case Love is by far one of the best tracks on the album, striking at Chris Brown lyrically several times. The song delivers a litteral CB-reference once (''What you did to me was a crime"), then continues to ultimately deny the obvious ("Your love was breaking the law") by changing the subject from physical to emotional harm, finally combining the two neatly. But Rihanna's producers and management have made sure their cash cow wouldn't drown in a sea of despair completely by nailing down a few playful, tough and upbeat songs. These songs, however, prove incapable of changing the album's dark overall tone. The happiest tune found is the #1 hit Rude Boy, an obvious musical reference to seventies and eighties feminism (think Grace Jones as well as Madonna and Blondie) and a lyrical anthem to one-night stands, stating Rihanna might be hurt and broken down, but is still dirty and down with the boys. This message is continued in the enthralling Fire Bomb, which would've been a highlight if it hadn't been for the annoying hardrock underbeat which starts the song. By far the best track on the album is the phenomonal Hard, for which RiRi collaborated with Young Jeezy. The track suggests fire, fierceness and danger, as well as an enormous ego and arrogance on the level of Kanye West. But let's not forget the words of that other R&B miracle, Beyoncé, who once sang: "Some call it arrogant, I call it confident." As long as Rihanna keeps her ego down in real life, the arrogance of Hard mesmerizes and thrills to the max. But that was it for the good news. The will.i.am collaboration Photographs is nice at first sight, but fails to impress after careful relistening. And the one who penned down the awful Russian Roulette for Rihanna, should be fired! Rihanna's voice, coming deep from her throat, transforms this drag to something that's even worse. Accompanied by that horrible music video, the choice of Russian Roulette as the album's lead single was what discouraged me to buy Rated R in the first place.    … Expand
  69. itz_giological
    Jun 2, 2011
    9
    Finally revealing the edginess we've long hoped for, here is the Barbadian pop star's most creative effort and she needn't it be radio-friendly to be a success. Her own Velvet Rope and vengeful masterpiece.
  70. I_Am_F
    May 26, 2011
    8
    Definitely her best album, very dark and personal. It's a shame she put out such a generic album (LOUD) once this wasn't that successful commercially though.
  71. iamanicon
    May 23, 2011
    10
    It seems Pops most innovative stars create music during times of turmoil and struggle. Rated R is the soulful and heartbreaking version of Britney Spears' sexed up Blackout. Both Albums are to this day the best albums I have ever bought.
  72. OfficialCarlo
    Nov 26, 2010
    10
    Rated R is the best, most fascinating and artistic album of Rihanna. Before, I found Rihanna as trying too hard to be edgy in the album but all of her songs are good and coherent. The theme of revenge, dark, and being betrayed is present in all tracks. For me, the album doesn't care the chart performance because it is not appealing to the audience.
  73. fedelmason
    Nov 25, 2010
    8
    Probably, Rihanna's best album to the date, because at difference of "Loud" we can say that the song are Rihanna's songs because she co-wrote it.
  74. Spyro
    Nov 21, 2010
    1
    "Very boring - you've heard it all before. Nothing catchy and undeniable. Strange, but the only good songs, "Fire Bomb" and "The Last Song", are both produced by Brian Kennedy and are both pop-sad. Probably because sadness is the same for sweet girl Rihanna and her Rated R version." completely agree with you
  75. jmagicvamp
    Nov 19, 2010
    8
    A bleak interpretaion of the last year, overall a solid pop album with some rock and latin influence. While her uptempo numbers are good, it's her ballads, Stupid in Love, Cold Case Love and lead single Russian Roulette that really stand out when she shows off those pipes. The album is unevenly paced, but rightly so. Probably the best pop record of the year.
  76. doofad5
    Nov 14, 2010
    10
    Best album. Great catchy songs keep 'em coming! I love the songs rude boy, hard and rockstar!!!!!!!! I can't wait for the new album LOUD I already love the song what's my name from that album.
  77. ddfrankie
    Nov 6, 2010
    10
    If you are a fan of true pop, you'll love the album. Rihanna delivers some beautiful ballads and also catchy songs that will be stuck in your head. Her best album so far.
  78. gagaforever
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    Rihanna's best album by far. Rated R exhibits Rihanna's dark side after the harsh reality of her abuse. Songs like "Wait Your Turn" "Hard" and "Rude Boy" have the pop beats and lyrics that her former albums had, but Rated R has a different side. "Cold Case Love" is a dark song about a strong, and forceful love that relates to her relationship with Chris Brown....Check this album out
  79. OoOshii
    Oct 6, 2010
    10
    Rated R is a masterpiece, that marks our century with beautiful ballads, fierce lyrics and sassy spirit.
    Rihanna has done it again, she has introduced a new style to her music that was missing in her previous album, yet maintaining her image as a Daring Diva whos willing to try new sounds.

    Love it!
  80. AlleeX
    Aug 29, 2010
    10
    An amazing album that shows Rihanna's dark side and a lots of provocative (Rude Boy, Rockstar 101, Hard) and those lyrics who describe her relationship with Chris Brown (Russian Roulette, Fire Bomb, Stupid In Love, Cold Case Love). With Rude Boy she got back to the bright Rihanna, unlike the whole trying to be a hard chick. On this record she fused various numbers of genres like pop,An amazing album that shows Rihanna's dark side and a lots of provocative (Rude Boy, Rockstar 101, Hard) and those lyrics who describe her relationship with Chris Brown (Russian Roulette, Fire Bomb, Stupid In Love, Cold Case Love). With Rude Boy she got back to the bright Rihanna, unlike the whole trying to be a hard chick. On this record she fused various numbers of genres like pop, r'n'b, dub-step (Rockstar 101, Mad House, Wait Your Turn),mix of modern sound and dance hall in worldwide hit Rude Boy and she even tried to get more edgy and rock sound in Rockstar with Slash and in Fire Bomb.
    Although the used a lots of auto tune in Rude Boy, Photographs, Fire Bomb, Rockstar, Hard and even in her beautiful ballad Cold Case Love we could see her amazing vocal abilities.
    Again Rihanna proofed that she's a R&B Diva and shared with fans her painfull story.    … Expand
  81. JonH.
    Dec 7, 2009
    9
    Rhianna is flirting with greatness, on this album
  82. MoniqueS.
    Dec 6, 2009
    9
    Her best album yet, Personal favorite 'Fire Bomb'.
  83. A.R
    Dec 5, 2009
    10
    It's an exceptional record from a pop star who just two year ago was making metaphors with umbrellas. Rated R shows Rihanna's growth as an artist. I'm happy that there is still some meaningful pop music.
  84. RodrigoM
    Dec 1, 2009
    10
    This album is great. The record is lirically better than Good Girl Gone Bad, and although this is more "pop-sad" than her previous albums, it is still catchy and addictive. The best songs are Russian Roulette, Stupid in Love and Rude Boy, but the rest is very good too. Near a masterpiece.
  85. DJ
    Nov 30, 2009
    9
    I love this CD. She needed a change from kiddy-pop!
  86. MIkeB.
    Nov 30, 2009
    10
    This is what happens when artists are able to take more control over their music. She gave us something different. Her bajan accent is in full force and she plays with her lower register like no one I've ever heard. When I first listened to it I immediately compared it to her last album GGGB. But I realized there is no comparison, these are two completely different albums, though she This is what happens when artists are able to take more control over their music. She gave us something different. Her bajan accent is in full force and she plays with her lower register like no one I've ever heard. When I first listened to it I immediately compared it to her last album GGGB. But I realized there is no comparison, these are two completely different albums, though she still gives us enough of what she has done so well in the past. Now I can't stop listening to it! I'm obsessed! I hope everyone gives Rated R a chance and listen to every track before you write it off. RiRi is back but she definitely shed her little miss sunshine image and grew up. Best album of 2009 for sure! So everyone needs to stop buying all of these Number 1's and re-released albums!! SUPPORT RIHANNA!! => My Top 5 Songs: 1. Cold Case Love 2. Te Amo 3. Russian Roulette 4. Rude Boy 5. Photographs.… Expand
  87. CocoE
    Nov 30, 2009
    8
    This is a nice break from what is on the radio right now. I am so tired of all the dancey club music. Now the warning at the start of this CD serves notice and is true--this CD is not for everyone. This is an aggressive and bold CD. And if you listen to it in context of someone going through a ton of emotions related to a brutal break up, media intrusion etc., it all makes sense. Stand This is a nice break from what is on the radio right now. I am so tired of all the dancey club music. Now the warning at the start of this CD serves notice and is true--this CD is not for everyone. This is an aggressive and bold CD. And if you listen to it in context of someone going through a ton of emotions related to a brutal break up, media intrusion etc., it all makes sense. Stand out cuts: The Last Song, Fire Bomb (this should be a single), Stupid In Love, Cold Case Love, Russian Roulette, Rock Star 101 & Photographs. There are a lot of emotions on display and Rihanna owns them all. This is a better reflection of what she can do as an artist than "Good Girl Gone Bad." You can tell that GGGB was made with radio hits in mind, but that is not the case with this CD. This is one of those rare "I don't give a damn..." CDs that a mainstream artist makes once and awhile. "Fire Bomb" should be the next single. This CD will not do as well on the charts but I hope Rihanna isn't detered from pushing the envelope because of that!!! Rihanna should keep following her heart and eventually, radio will catch up to her.… Expand
  88. DanD
    Nov 28, 2009
    2
    Few R&B artists are able to tackle an edgier sound with much success. Like most of them, Rihanna fails. Her emotional year is reflected in a set of disjointed songs that absent the physical abuse scandal would lack oomph. There's barely a likable track on the record and I don't expect any of these songs to top the charts.
  89. EbonyW
    Nov 28, 2009
    10
    The best album of the year lyrically. Vocally Rihanna has improved so much and each track on the album gave you something different. That extra umph in pop music.
  90. NickG
    Nov 28, 2009
    5
    I have to admit this album was extremely overrated by critics.The only songs I can remember were G4L, Rockstar 101, wait your turn and russian roulette.Her attempts at ballads were extremely weak.Russian roulette was the only good ballad.79 was a score too high for this album in comparison to other artists with better work.The songs are generally immemorable, disturbing at times and not I have to admit this album was extremely overrated by critics.The only songs I can remember were G4L, Rockstar 101, wait your turn and russian roulette.Her attempts at ballads were extremely weak.Russian roulette was the only good ballad.79 was a score too high for this album in comparison to other artists with better work.The songs are generally immemorable, disturbing at times and not "dance-able".She tried something dark and thought that derogatory language would fully cover that.… Expand
  91. DarelT.
    Nov 27, 2009
    10
    This Album definitely shows Rihanna growth as artist...not only channeling her experiences into her work but providing a cohesive piece of work that may just well be the best album of the year... However I feel that while Rihanna will lose some fans with this album she'll gain many others... This album will be the one that takes Rihanna from cookie cutter satus to Legendary one way This Album definitely shows Rihanna growth as artist...not only channeling her experiences into her work but providing a cohesive piece of work that may just well be the best album of the year... However I feel that while Rihanna will lose some fans with this album she'll gain many others... This album will be the one that takes Rihanna from cookie cutter satus to Legendary one way or another.… Expand
  92. Spin
    Nov 27, 2009
    5
    Rated R, Rihanna's first album since her brutal confrontation with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, wants to recast her as a searing woman scorned. It doesn't quite take.
  93. ChrisM
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    Rhianna's best album and my fave album at the mo! Firebomb, Te Amo, Rude Boy & Stupid in love are my fave tracks!
  94. MichaelH
    Nov 26, 2009
    7
    I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Even if it isn't well written, produced, or for that matter a strong album on it's own, it does represent a lot in it's context. Rihanna co-wrote 9 songs -- a first for her. She also stood as executive co-producer, and did a majority of the styling and creative direction. I think she had something to say, and even if we think I was pleasantly surprised with this album. Even if it isn't well written, produced, or for that matter a strong album on it's own, it does represent a lot in it's context. Rihanna co-wrote 9 songs -- a first for her. She also stood as executive co-producer, and did a majority of the styling and creative direction. I think she had something to say, and even if we think it's sensationalizing her past, it's still making a statement about physical abuse and the emotions that run their gambit subsequently. Of course she hasn't been through the worst a person can go through. But she had to go through it with absolutely no privacy. I think she accomplished something pretty cool, even if she isn't really Rated R.… Expand
  95. AthG
    Nov 26, 2009
    10
    This is the best album of her career. I love it and it's currently on repeat. It's her own music, she's not trying to be hot, or to get pop hits with this album. She has truly become an artist with this record.
  96. DammyA
    Nov 25, 2009
    10
    I love it. Very unique, she has carved her own genre...no other Cd or artist sounds remotely like her.
  97. vlad
    Nov 25, 2009
    3
    Very boring - you've heard it all before. Nothing catchy and undeniable. Strange, but the only good songs, "Fire Bomb" and "The Last Song", are both produced by Brian Kennedy and are both pop-sad. Probably because sadness is the same for sweet girl Rihanna and her Rated R version.
  98. TimA
    Nov 25, 2009
    9
    Rihanna could have made a blank disc and sold a million records, but she took the time to craft dark pop music that can be both entrancing and scary. I think that ultimately the album delivers, this isn't one for "Umbrella" fans but it's one for those of us that can handle more complex pop. I personally love it.
  99. NicolaL
    Nov 24, 2009
    8
    Rihanna's best offering yet. There is no 'Umbrella' on Rated R, but it seems like a more honest (and angry) album. Still it does contain some catchy tracks. I loved it.
  100. GarethW
    Nov 24, 2009
    10
    Without a doubt, the greatest album of 2009 so far. This is emotive, expressive, and intense music, which Rihanna sings with her bajan accent in full view to the world. What happens when Good Girl Gone Bad, is given the bajan twist from Music of the Sun, some stunning Ballads from A Girl Like Me, and a unique, gritty, raw Drum and Bass edge. A new sound for the industry, welcomed with Without a doubt, the greatest album of 2009 so far. This is emotive, expressive, and intense music, which Rihanna sings with her bajan accent in full view to the world. What happens when Good Girl Gone Bad, is given the bajan twist from Music of the Sun, some stunning Ballads from A Girl Like Me, and a unique, gritty, raw Drum and Bass edge. A new sound for the industry, welcomed with open arms. Rihanna has sealed her place as the icon of young, daring music.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2009
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Village Voice
    Jun 24, 2011
    60
    You are way, way better off not projecting any kind of emotional subtext onto this record.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    70
    What works as therapeutic psychodrama for the singer doesn't always work quite as well as pop music, which, from the shiny surfaces, it's clear everyone here is still striving for.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    88
    Nothing else on the album can top 'Russian Roulette,' but they certainly complement it, and make its startling conclusion feel sadly inevitable.
    Read full review
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