• Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 19, 2012
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 755 Ratings

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  1. Aug 24, 2022
    3
    Despite three hit songs "what now" ,"Diamonds" &"stay" unapologetic is an overstuffed blurr of generic radio pop that just frustrates as a full bodied record. Her vocals are still good throughout but that can only do so much when the records fault seemingly outweigh it's promises
  2. Aug 14, 2020
    9
    Uno de los mejores trabajos de Rihanna, lo malo es que siento que su enorme potencial no fue bien aprovechado en cuanto a sencillos, varias canciones tenían madera suficiente para ser éxitos y se quedaron simplemente en el abismo.
  3. Feb 15, 2021
    7
    Definitely one of Rihanna's most mature album, which once more gave us memorable hits, like only Rihanna can give. Still missing some cohesion.
  4. Sep 22, 2014
    10
    Since "Rated R", Rihanna wasn't so deep with her albums, but with "Unapologetic" she really came back to the darkness more powerful than all!

    Songs like "Stay", "What Now", "Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary", "Loveeeeeee Song" and "Half of Me" remind that brave Rihanna who really has so much to scream to the world, with so many hurts and tears. By the way, sings like "Pour It Up",
    Since "Rated R", Rihanna wasn't so deep with her albums, but with "Unapologetic" she really came back to the darkness more powerful than all!

    Songs like "Stay", "What Now", "Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary", "Loveeeeeee Song" and "Half of Me" remind that brave Rihanna who really has so much to scream to the world, with so many hurts and tears.

    By the way, sings like "Pour It Up", "Jump" and "Phresh Out The Runway" made her a luxury woman that just wanna have fun and show her money.

    Rihanna is amazing and "Unapologetic" too! I was really impressed with it. ♥
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  5. Aug 15, 2013
    8
    Definitely not the best RiRi album, but not the worst either. Maybe it's just I'm so used to Rihanna's voice. But she definitely released the wrong songs. She should have released "What Now" and "Lost In Paradise".
  6. Nov 21, 2016
    4
    My rating on this is probably a little too high. "Phresh Out the Runway" is maybe the nadir of Rihanna's career so far, no matter how fun it is live. Half of the rest are decent-to-good and the rest are boring-to-bland. Eminem and David Guetta bring nothing new or interesting to the table. Mikky Ekko duet "Stay" is one of Rihanna's best, as is the Sia-penned "Diamonds". The rest is nothingMy rating on this is probably a little too high. "Phresh Out the Runway" is maybe the nadir of Rihanna's career so far, no matter how fun it is live. Half of the rest are decent-to-good and the rest are boring-to-bland. Eminem and David Guetta bring nothing new or interesting to the table. Mikky Ekko duet "Stay" is one of Rihanna's best, as is the Sia-penned "Diamonds". The rest is nothing too special. Expand
  7. Oct 16, 2013
    7
    Although it's certainly no Good Girl Gone Bad, Unapologetic 'unapologetically' matures Rihanna in terms of music production and lyrically aims at pissing off the media and many mom with its 'unapologetic' subject matter, with songs such as "Numb"; although obscure, the Barbian songstress confesses that she is so high, she's "going numb", which makes for an ear magnet (especially for theAlthough it's certainly no Good Girl Gone Bad, Unapologetic 'unapologetically' matures Rihanna in terms of music production and lyrically aims at pissing off the media and many mom with its 'unapologetic' subject matter, with songs such as "Numb"; although obscure, the Barbian songstress confesses that she is so high, she's "going numb", which makes for an ear magnet (especially for the listeners 'under the influence' and features the king of controversy in hip-hop and previous collaborator Eminem. While drug abuse, fame, and fortune are many risqué moments as well, its most explicit is its graphic confession of her lingering love for ex-boyfriend (and 'Rude Boy' if you will) Chris Brown(which has all but withered now). The two even collaborate on the Michael Jackson-tinged song "Nobody's Business". Whether you like it or not, it's there and it's raw. In general, Unapologetic has the bass bumpin' beats and heart throbbing ballads to balance itself evenly between the two and although it's missing the ensemble of potential hit-singles previous efforts held, there should be at least one song for everyone thanks to its diversity in production. Expand
  8. Apr 15, 2015
    6
    Not a bad album, but Rihanna's worst. Like Talk That Talk, there are Chris Brown Fortune-esque ballads on here, but more here. And they're also worse than the ones on Talk That Talk. The production is good, helped by David Guetta, Mike Will Made It, Stargate among others, however Rihanna doesn't have much lyrically, and the ballads are just boring. Grade: B-/C+. Highlights: "Phresh Out theNot a bad album, but Rihanna's worst. Like Talk That Talk, there are Chris Brown Fortune-esque ballads on here, but more here. And they're also worse than the ones on Talk That Talk. The production is good, helped by David Guetta, Mike Will Made It, Stargate among others, however Rihanna doesn't have much lyrically, and the ballads are just boring. Grade: B-/C+. Highlights: "Phresh Out the Runway", "Numb", "Love Without Tragedy". Worst songs: "Nobody's Business", "Stay" Expand
  9. Feb 17, 2020
    6
    Of all Rihanna's album this is what I didn't see the cohesion and production she always presented, the tracks have stressed tendencies only with sounds and emotions. It has a basic sound and not something that surprises me as it happened with old releases.
  10. May 27, 2020
    8
    Rihanna's seventh album finally gives a taste of the lyrical value that 'Rated R' had. The only issues on this album is that some of the production was quite risky and didn't always pay off, but the vocals on this album were top notch and comparable to that of those on display on 'Loud'. The features on this album were a big part of the problem and I believe that stems from the fact thatRihanna's seventh album finally gives a taste of the lyrical value that 'Rated R' had. The only issues on this album is that some of the production was quite risky and didn't always pay off, but the vocals on this album were top notch and comparable to that of those on display on 'Loud'. The features on this album were a big part of the problem and I believe that stems from the fact that Rihanna does better solo. Now all we need from Rihanna is an album like this, but with production perfection.

    Album Track Ranking:
    1. What Now
    2. Diamonds
    3. Lost in Paradise
    4. Pour It Up
    5. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko)
    6. Jump
    7. Right Now (feat. David Guetta)
    8. Get It Over With
    9. Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary
    10. No Love Allowed
    11. Half of Me
    12. Nobody's Business (feat. Chris Brown)
    13. Loveeeeeee Song (feat. Future)
    14. Phresh Out the Runway
    15. Numb (feat. Eminem)
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  11. Mar 22, 2018
    7
    An really divesive album, taking the songs that both fans & critics like as Diamonds & Stay, the album is very strange and with much different songs one of the others.

    But listening the album without prejudice, you clearly will listen an very matured album with great vocals by rihanna and with many good songs. Actually if you listen the album quietly you will come across with one of
    An really divesive album, taking the songs that both fans & critics like as Diamonds & Stay, the album is very strange and with much different songs one of the others.

    But listening the album without prejudice, you clearly will listen an very matured album with great vocals by rihanna and with many good songs.
    Actually if you listen the album quietly you will come across with one of best songs ever that Rihanna ever released, and i'm talk about the Masterpiece and Underrated song called "Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary", an beautiful ballad with almost seven minutes that when finished will leave you wanted more (at least more seven minutes).

    Together with the famous singles Stay & Diamonds the album have other great songs like Lost In Paradise, Loveeeeeee Song, What Now, Nobody's Business, Right Now.

    But of course Rihanna insists to make some bad songs like "Phresh out the Runway" & "Numb" that unfortunately ends preveting your album to be a completed masterpiece.
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  12. Dec 14, 2017
    7
    .........Rihanna just made a good album with the most kind of genres, R&B, Pop, Electronica, Hip Hop & also Reggae.

    Unapologetic isn't a Great album or a Masterpiece, But is so much better than you normally first impression. if you listen a second,third, fourth or even more times, you will see that maybe because of vastly musical style & genres, you don't realized that is really good
    .........Rihanna just made a good album with the most kind of genres, R&B, Pop, Electronica, Hip Hop & also Reggae.

    Unapologetic isn't a Great album or a Masterpiece, But is so much better than you normally first impression.
    if you listen a second,third, fourth or even more times, you will see that maybe because of vastly musical style & genres, you don't realized that is really good album.

    I Higher recommend the long track "Love Wihout Tragedy/Mother Mary" with almost seven minutes, make you want more seven minutes at least, A Excellent unknown & Underrated Rihanna Gem Song.
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  13. Dec 16, 2014
    6
    Rihanna could really have done something better, this album sounds like it was done anyway just to be released within one year, I think why the R8 ta taking so long, I hope to be better.
    Highlights: Diamonds and Jump
    Lows: Loveeee Song and Numb
  14. May 4, 2015
    1
    Katy Perry bursts back onto the scene with her amazing second album that is full to the grim of the tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that got herkhkkjhjghjbnnnnn
  15. Dec 10, 2017
    7
    Em "Unapologetic" Rihanna fez um álbum que passa por quase todos gêneros Baladas, Pop, Eletrônica, R&B, Hip Hop e até Reggae "No Love Allowed", por tanto é normal alguns ou muitos acharem o álbum inconsistente, ou simplesmente fraco ou até ruim.

    Mas Unapologetic é claramente mais um daqueles álbums que se deve dar quantas chances necessárias para realmente ver que o álbum mais acerta
    Em "Unapologetic" Rihanna fez um álbum que passa por quase todos gêneros Baladas, Pop, Eletrônica, R&B, Hip Hop e até Reggae "No Love Allowed", por tanto é normal alguns ou muitos acharem o álbum inconsistente, ou simplesmente fraco ou até ruim.

    Mas Unapologetic é claramente mais um daqueles álbums que se deve dar quantas chances necessárias para realmente ver que o álbum mais acerta que erra. Tome por exemplo A faixa totalmente ignorada e que quase nenhum conhece "Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary" facilmente uma das melhores músicas da carreira da Rihanna, e certamente um de seus trabalhos mais criativos, coesos e com certo nível de complexidade pelo fato de ser duas músicas em uma.

    Fora o hino do álbum escrito pela talentosa cantora e compositora Sia Furler "Diamonds" e o segundo hit "Stay [Feat. Mikky Ekko]", Unapologetic tem outras músicas que faz o álbum vale a pena como a faixa final "Lost In Paradise", "What Now" single que infelizmente não fez o sucesso merecido, "Nobody's Business", "Loveeeeee Song", Por fim "Unapologetic" O álbum não chega a ser um ótimo álbum da Rihanna, mas vale a pena ser escutado.

    Top músicas "UnapologetiCas"

    Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary, Stay, What Now, Diamonds, Lost In Paradise, Loveeeeeee Song & Nobody's Business

    Menções Honoráveis

    Jump, Pour It Up, Right Now & Get It Over With
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  16. Aug 20, 2019
    8
    Поработав с новыми продюссерами Рианна выпускает Поп/РНБ альбом с кладезью хитов. На этом альбоме нет "дэнс" направления как на его двух предшественниках. Это последний релиз Рианны на "Def jam" и , я думаю, они должны быть очень довольны его результатами. На альбоме много средних песен, но так же и бриллиантов, котороые заставляют забыть о недочетах.Поработав с новыми продюссерами Рианна выпускает Поп/РНБ альбом с кладезью хитов. На этом альбоме нет "дэнс" направления как на его двух предшественниках. Это последний релиз Рианны на "Def jam" и , я думаю, они должны быть очень довольны его результатами. На альбоме много средних песен, но так же и бриллиантов, котороые заставляют забыть о недочетах.
  17. Jul 6, 2015
    3
    PUTZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ não nem dar pra dormir escutando isso uma tortura Thumbs Up for Stay,What Now,Diamonds & Lost In Paradise o resto é lixooo
  18. Jan 7, 2021
    6
    Remember when Rihanna used to make music? Between 2009 and 2012 the pop icon released four albums back to back, one each year and would even go on tours for three of them. It worked incredibly well with "Rated R", "Loud" and "Talk That Talk" but I guess working nonstop had to have a bit of a negative effect on the output one day. And that sounds like I don’t like "Unapologetic" butRemember when Rihanna used to make music? Between 2009 and 2012 the pop icon released four albums back to back, one each year and would even go on tours for three of them. It worked incredibly well with "Rated R", "Loud" and "Talk That Talk" but I guess working nonstop had to have a bit of a negative effect on the output one day. And that sounds like I don’t like "Unapologetic" but compared to its predecessors which were also conceived in a short period it sounds inferior. There’s the bad **** R&B/hip-hop side of the album that contains of "Phresh Out the Runway", "Pour It Up" and "Numb".
    And there’s the dance pop and EDM side that consists of songs like "Right Now", "Jump" and "Nobody's Business".
    And there’s a third side that has all the pop ballads like "Diamonds", "Stay", "Half of Me" and "What Now" for example. I honestly could’ve done without "Loveeeeeee Song", "Get It Over With", "No Love Allowed" and "Lost In Paradise". The album drags a bit towards the end. "Unapologetic" sounds like Rihanna recorded three albums at the same time and then suddenly decided to throw all the material together to create one album. It’s not very cohesive and parts of it (the EDM ones) sound pretty dated now. However, it’s not a bad album overall and I connect a lot of good memories with this album. Nowadays, I don’t listen to this one a lot and it’s definitely one of Rihanna's weaker albums. "Diamonds" and "Stay" are gigantic hits and everyone who was alive in 2013 probably knows them. Also this has nothing to do with the music itself but that album cover has to be one of my favorite album covers ever.

    Highlights: Diamonds, Jump, Stay & Right Now
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  19. Mar 24, 2013
    2
    I Love Rihanna! LOUD And Talk That Talk Were Perfect Albums! This Album Is By Far Rihanna's Worst! There Are So Many Things Wrong With This Album But Dubstep Is The Main Issue! Vocally Rihanna Is Still Here Though... Diamond, Stay And Mother Marry Are Great Song... The Rest Belong In A Strip Club's Trash Can.. As A MEGA Fan I'm Really Sad That This Album Sucked!
  20. Nov 1, 2013
    3
    When diamonds first came out, I liked it but I thought it was a little bland. So when I heard an album of even blander songs, I was bored to death. In addition to that, half the songs sound like generic rap songs that every other artist does. What happened to Rihanna from the past?
  21. Mar 14, 2015
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Presh Out The Runway 40/100
    Diamonds 90/100
    Numb 30/100
    Pour It Up 70/100
    Loveeeeee Song 30/100
    Jump 100/100
    Right Now 80/100
    What Now 50/100
    Stay 60/100
    Nobody Business 40/100
    Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary 20/100
    Get It Over With 40/100
    No Love Allowed 30/100
    Lost In Paradise 90/100
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  22. Jan 29, 2016
    10
    RAINHA DO POP PIOR ALBUM DELA POREM ESTAMOS AKI PRA AUMENTAR A NOTA NE NOM -q ..........................................................................................................................................................
  23. May 14, 2023
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. No and no, yes it's good but I would have done better things, it was stagnant like their other albums Expand
  24. Nov 15, 2021
    3
    «Unapologetic» is by no means a bad album, it'd be nearly impossible to combine the music industry's best songwriters, producers and Rihanna's charismatic delivery and not create quality music. Nevertheless, as an album it has no real core, no real theme; unless you count “making hits” as a theme. However, if Sia's «Diamonds» is a sultry triumph, its character and uniqueness highlights the«Unapologetic» is by no means a bad album, it'd be nearly impossible to combine the music industry's best songwriters, producers and Rihanna's charismatic delivery and not create quality music. Nevertheless, as an album it has no real core, no real theme; unless you count “making hits” as a theme. However, if Sia's «Diamonds» is a sultry triumph, its character and uniqueness highlights the ultimately hollow pleasures of much around it. Expand
  25. Jan 21, 2019
    8
    Another solid Rihanna album, compared to her more recent albums this isn't as good, but there's enough here to make it a decent record. Diamonds was a great lead single, and the singles that followed were also very good.
  26. Aug 30, 2020
    3
    «Unapologetic» is by no means a bad album, it'd be nearly impossible to combine the music industry's best songwriters, producers and Rihanna's charismatic delivery and not create quality music. Nevertheless, as an album «Unapologetic» has no real core, no real theme; unless you count “making hits” as a theme. However, if Sia's «Diamonds» is a sultry triumph, its character and uniqueness«Unapologetic» is by no means a bad album, it'd be nearly impossible to combine the music industry's best songwriters, producers and Rihanna's charismatic delivery and not create quality music. Nevertheless, as an album «Unapologetic» has no real core, no real theme; unless you count “making hits” as a theme. However, if Sia's «Diamonds» is a sultry triumph, its character and uniqueness highlights the ultimately hollow pleasures of much around it. Expand
  27. May 25, 2016
    8
    1. Phresh Out the Runway 60/100
    2. Diamonds 65/100
    3. Numb 100/100
    4. Pour It Up 95/100
    5. Loveeeeeee Song 65/100
    6. Jump 100/100
    7. Right Now 95/100
    8. What Now 30/100
    9. Stay 90/100
    10. Nobody's Business 85/100
    11. Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary 65/100
    12. Get It Over With 10/100
    13. No Love Allowed 100/100
    14. Lost in Paradise 100/100
    15. Half of Me 65/100

    Metascore: 75
  28. May 11, 2016
    3
    .....................................................................................................................................................Really Bad Album
  29. Dec 5, 2013
    10
    One of the best albums by Rihanna, if you go back to her first album in 2005, you will see how Rihanna has evolved!! This album is just as good as Loud. This album may be rushed but it doesn't defeat the fact that she releases good music. Very diverse!!
  30. Nov 19, 2012
    7
    "Unapologetic" is a huge mixed bag off pop, R&B, dubstep, electronic music and soft tunes, which has given comparisons off her 2007 album 'Rated R'. I mean, really does it need reference? its sounds like that album [...] Rihanna has brought a demure and confident collection off songs since "Rated R", but she sounds so confused and lost in the lyrical depth and its meanings... maybe"Unapologetic" is a huge mixed bag off pop, R&B, dubstep, electronic music and soft tunes, which has given comparisons off her 2007 album 'Rated R'. I mean, really does it need reference? its sounds like that album [...] Rihanna has brought a demure and confident collection off songs since "Rated R", but she sounds so confused and lost in the lyrical depth and its meanings... maybe something less explicit and uneven next time. But, its sure a hit." Expand
  31. Apr 4, 2016
    3
    ........................................................................................................................................................A Trash...........with few excessions
  32. May 8, 2021
    8
    Omg why are people hating on this album it's amazing! It's a hip hop, dance and R&B album. My favorites are Phresh Out The Runway, Diamonds, Loveeeeeee Song, Stay and No Love Allowed.
  33. May 25, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. "Unapologetic" Uma Porcaria Rihanna Mal Acaba De Fazer "Talk That Talk" Em 2011 Que Já Um Disco Muito Ruim Com Turnê,Três Videos E Lança Um Apenas Um Ano Depois Fora Que Tem Uns 3 Meses De Shows Mais 1 Mês De Video Do Cd "Talk That Talk" Claro Que Não Ia Sair Um Disco Bom Só Tem Duas Músicas Boas Diamonds E What Now Mas Nem Essas Duas Salvou O Disco.
    E Stay,Lost In Paradise E Right Now Mediano E O Resto Insuportável
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  34. Jan 6, 2013
    7
    Well, Rihanna is back again. This time though, releasing an album which is surprisingly personal, dissing fans and critics that criticised her on again and off again relationship to her abusive beau, Chris Brown. Much better than her previous album last year, the pop diva storms the chart with one of her best singles yet, 'Diamonds'. While the rest of the songs don't live up to thisWell, Rihanna is back again. This time though, releasing an album which is surprisingly personal, dissing fans and critics that criticised her on again and off again relationship to her abusive beau, Chris Brown. Much better than her previous album last year, the pop diva storms the chart with one of her best singles yet, 'Diamonds'. While the rest of the songs don't live up to this single, it is a good effort from one of the more popular singers out there. Expand
  35. Duu
    May 22, 2013
    4
    The quick and dirty of this album is: There are 14 songs and only four ones worth listening to. "Diamonds" is a classic song of our era (congrats to Rihanna and Sia--the songwriter) The reason I gave this album four is because even though this album has four out of fourteen good songs, "Diamonds" is such an epically well constructed and career defining song, it is the same as having 2 or 3The quick and dirty of this album is: There are 14 songs and only four ones worth listening to. "Diamonds" is a classic song of our era (congrats to Rihanna and Sia--the songwriter) The reason I gave this album four is because even though this album has four out of fourteen good songs, "Diamonds" is such an epically well constructed and career defining song, it is the same as having 2 or 3 good songs on an album. Beyond "Diamonds", the other good songs are "Pour it Up", "Loveeeeeee Song", and "Jump" which recycles/re-imagines Ginuwine's hit song "Pony". Generally speaking, this album is not a complete album and Rihanna should have just released a few singles. Expand
  36. Aug 12, 2018
    9
    Unapologetic is the upgraded sequel to Talk that Talk and delivers 10 of Rihanna's best songs. In this album, she shows her "cooler" side but also expresses her emotions and does it seamlessly.

    1. Phresh Off the Runway, now this is an energetic intro song that hypes us for the album 10/10 2. Diamonds, although it sounds odd after the intro, its an amazing song 10/10 3. Numb ft.
    Unapologetic is the upgraded sequel to Talk that Talk and delivers 10 of Rihanna's best songs. In this album, she shows her "cooler" side but also expresses her emotions and does it seamlessly.

    1. Phresh Off the Runway, now this is an energetic intro song that hypes us for the album 10/10
    2. Diamonds, although it sounds odd after the intro, its an amazing song 10/10
    3. Numb ft. Eminem, an experimental but smoothly executed sound to hear on a RiRi album 9/10
    4. Pour It Up, this one is a banger and has a great music video to go with it 10/10
    5. Loveeeeeee Song ft. Future, the song that's so good it won't ever get out of your head 10/10
    6. Jump, this is a song that should have never made it past 2011 but Kanye was a nice surprise 6/10
    7. Right Now ft. David Guetta, David kills the beat and Rihanna delivers with the vocals 9/10
    8. What Now, why does every Rihanna song have to be so good i can't figure it out 10/10
    9. Stay ft. Mikky Ekko, this song is easily the best on the album 10/10
    10. Nobodys Business ft. Chris Brown, someone teach her how to pronounce "business" 8/10
    11. Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary, its a Rihanna song of course its good 9/10
    12. Get It Over With, the beginning makes the song just by itself 9/10
    13. No Love Allowed, the music is just so old RiRi its great 10/10
    14. Lost In Paradise, the song starts boring but the chorus makes it up 8/10
    15. Half Of Me, it's not the normal Rihanna song but its great anyways 10/10

    Standouts are Diamonds, Loveeeeeee Song & Stay

    Overall: 9.2 (rounded down to 9) Rihanna has a greatly underrated album here. It is really one of 2012's best albums and the reason the score is low is due to irrational hate on Rihanna. She wasn't her best on Talk That Talk and for some reason, the hate translated to Unapologetic.
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  37. Jul 11, 2013
    4
    Is funny how Rihanna's first number one album in the US could be the worst album in her career. This girl is always making the same things in her songs.
  38. Dec 15, 2012
    5
    Rhianna had already been a great pop artist. Some of her songs are in the group of the best in the business. However this newest Rhianna's album is uninteresting and even boring. The album contains a bunch of collaborations, that in my opinion were not very well succeeded. The only very good song of Unapologetic is for me, Diamonds. And Rhianna not even wrote it, it was Sia. So, I think isRhianna had already been a great pop artist. Some of her songs are in the group of the best in the business. However this newest Rhianna's album is uninteresting and even boring. The album contains a bunch of collaborations, that in my opinion were not very well succeeded. The only very good song of Unapologetic is for me, Diamonds. And Rhianna not even wrote it, it was Sia. So, I think is starting to lose her music skills. Is true that she is the most regular artist in music (7 albums in 7 years), but I think that she should take more time with the creation of an album, and make a better one that the last ones that she made. I know that she is able to create great songs, she just needs more time. Expand
  39. May 12, 2013
    9
    This totally slays all over Talk That Talk. This album is really great! Pour It Up, Stay, Diamonds and Nobody's Buisness Numb and Jump are the best tracks on the album. Great album!
  40. Aug 30, 2013
    7
    A plethora of lewd and loud anthems flourish in a minefield. Following in the footsteps of Talk That Talk, Unapologetic shuffles through the mix with Diamonds among thorns. There are five tracks too many here, that are incidentally placed in the album's heart. If the thorns were removed, a cohesive project of perfection rivaling Rated R is hiding in the shadows. But with thorns in theA plethora of lewd and loud anthems flourish in a minefield. Following in the footsteps of Talk That Talk, Unapologetic shuffles through the mix with Diamonds among thorns. There are five tracks too many here, that are incidentally placed in the album's heart. If the thorns were removed, a cohesive project of perfection rivaling Rated R is hiding in the shadows. But with thorns in the heart, Unapologetic suffers from bloated filler. Expand
  41. 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
  42. Aug 30, 2016
    1
    One of the worst albums of the year thus far. It shows absolutely no artistic growth, the lyrics are elementary, and the vocals are non-existent. All in all, a terrible album. Collapse
  43. Nov 19, 2012
    0
    What did Rihanna do? The album cover is terrible. The songs on the album are terrible. The lyrics of every song are terrible.. The only listenable song is "Diamonds" (the remix) too much party for rihanna
  44. Dec 11, 2012
    8
    Rihanna turns to a variety of producers on Unapologetic (David Guetta, StarGate, Benny Blanco, The Dream, etc.) in order to create a newer and less generic sound, and in all honesty, it works. While Unapologetic is in no way her revelation album, it is certainly darker and more elemental than any of her previous works, featuring infectious mid-tempo moments like "Diamonds" ("We're likeRihanna turns to a variety of producers on Unapologetic (David Guetta, StarGate, Benny Blanco, The Dream, etc.) in order to create a newer and less generic sound, and in all honesty, it works. While Unapologetic is in no way her revelation album, it is certainly darker and more elemental than any of her previous works, featuring infectious mid-tempo moments like "Diamonds" ("We're like diamonds in the sky") that show a side to Rihanna's vocals that we've never heard before, while also incorporating cinematic and vulnerable moments such as "Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary", which has contributions by The-Dream, who is known for a line-up of hit singles. Unapologetic is mainly influenced by hip-hop, EDM and dubstep genres without sounding like every pop album on the charts this year; "Right Now" featuring David Guetta comes off as formulaic, but in the end, it'll have everyone in the club jumping and singing along, which has always been Guetta's goal. In "Numb", Rihanna sings quietly over a gloomy bass about glamorizing the euphoria from drug use whilst Eminem joins in with one of the funniest lines of 2012 ("I'm the butt police and I'm looking at your rear, rear, rear!"). If you're looking for vulnerability, you're gonna have to wait. However, if it is viewed in pure entertainment, it's one of the greatest pop albums of the year. Expand
  45. Nov 22, 2012
    6
    My review: First of all: I am NOT her biggest fan but i wanted to give her a try.
    Phresh Out The Runway: Just one word: Sh*t. 0/10
    Diamonds: Her lead single was really good. I expected a lot of David Guetta but her producers made a really good single. Nice Work! 9/10 Numb: Ok, Eminems part is tooo short. If you want a "Love the Way you lie - Feeling", you are wrong. 5/10 Pour it up:
    My review: First of all: I am NOT her biggest fan but i wanted to give her a try.
    Phresh Out The Runway: Just one word: Sh*t. 0/10
    Diamonds: Her lead single was really good. I expected a lot of David Guetta but her producers made a really good single. Nice Work! 9/10
    Numb: Ok, Eminems part is tooo short. If you want a "Love the Way you lie - Feeling", you are wrong. 5/10
    Pour it up: oookay Rihanna and producers. Use different beats,please.... 3/10
    Loveeeeeee Song: I don't know that guy and i don't like this voice but Rihanna's part is really cool. 7/10
    Jump: Okay, but thats all 5/10
    Right Now: I want to be honest.Right Now, i get headache. 1/10
    What Now: A cool song but she cries a little to much. This song has energy!! 7/10
    Stay: Amazing. Do it just like that. You don't need David Guetta trash. 10/10
    Nobody's Business: I don't like Chris Brown but this song is danceable. 6/10
    Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary: 7 minutes, a loooong song but not the highlight (which is Stay). 5/10
    Get over it: Yeah Rihanna, Thats your style! 9/10
    No Love Allowed. Your dance hall carrier is over. Too sad. 6/10
    Lost in Paradise: Power full and danceable 8/10
    Final points: 5.8 --> 6 points. Her last album "Talk That Talk" received 3 points... You're getting better Rihanna
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  46. Jun 24, 2016
    7
    Unapologetic has its diamonds and its songs that will make you go very numb. There are stand out tracks such as Diamonds, Jump, Loveeeee Song, Right Now and What Now. But otherwise it is definitely hard to ignore the fact that this is an album that has been thrown together and mashed up. At times her vocals are overprocessed and the album when listened to as a whole seems lacking cohesion.
  47. Nov 19, 2012
    0
    I like Rihanna, but her formula is getting stale. It's almost like she's not needed on the project; she's not the engine behind the album. The main figures on this album seems to be the producers and the host of writers employed. She serves up some urban cuts and sappy ballads. She also collaborates with her beloved, convicted domestic abuser Chris Brown on the insulting "NobodiesI like Rihanna, but her formula is getting stale. It's almost like she's not needed on the project; she's not the engine behind the album. The main figures on this album seems to be the producers and the host of writers employed. She serves up some urban cuts and sappy ballads. She also collaborates with her beloved, convicted domestic abuser Chris Brown on the insulting "Nobodies Business." Overall, 1 or 2 ok tracks and the rest same old, same old. Expand
  48. Nov 27, 2012
    7
    Seventh Album, Seventh Year, Seventh? Anyway Rihanna brings 'Unapologetic' which sheds light and draws influences from her Fourth album 'Rated R' and Sixth 'Talk That Talk.' Personally I think that it is much more developed than her last, but not as good as her others. It has heavy-influences from EDM, Dub-step and Hip Hop and is her most diverse album to date. I loved how Rihanna put herSeventh Album, Seventh Year, Seventh? Anyway Rihanna brings 'Unapologetic' which sheds light and draws influences from her Fourth album 'Rated R' and Sixth 'Talk That Talk.' Personally I think that it is much more developed than her last, but not as good as her others. It has heavy-influences from EDM, Dub-step and Hip Hop and is her most diverse album to date. I loved how Rihanna put her musical style together on this album and probably this could be the end of Rihanna's ritual of releasing new s**t every November. Maybe she'll take a break (two years at the least). But saying that she'll probably release again in a year's time. Expand
  49. Dec 23, 2012
    1
    Rihanna Has Proven In The Past To Make Good Albums (Loud, And Talk That Talk)
    But Sadly This Album Is By Far A Major Low Point In Her Music Carrer.. If Every Song Was Like Diamonds And Mother Marry I Would Give It A 10! I Only Liked Two Songs, I'm Being Very Harsh Because She Can Do So Much Better!
  50. Jan 15, 2013
    0
    I miss when Rihanna knew how to make great songs and great albuns like " Loud " , " Rated R " ,Unapologetic is so disapointing . The songs don't have any feeling is just electronical sounds , she should stop for a while and make good albuns like she used to.
  51. Sep 3, 2021
    0
    este es por lejos su aborto mas asqueroso , que ya se retire pronto este trozo de mierda sin talento.
  52. Nov 26, 2012
    6
    pitchfork give only 4.5, ouch. so Unapologetic is album without vision or idea. tired of dubstep , reggie, or Guetta sounds 3 albums in a row.. boring. maybe 2 or 3 songs I like only
  53. Apr 11, 2013
    3
    I dont know what Rihanna is thinking trying to release a full length album every year. Her quality has gone WAY down even since the release of "Loud" her last good record. There are only two good songs on this album, "Stay" and "Diamonds". I feel she needs to talk a good 2-3 years and work on the QUALITY of her music again and not just worry about the quantity that she releases.
  54. Jan 25, 2015
    7
    "Unapologetic" is a solid and very strong album. I venture to say that is the main release of Rihanna from "Good Girl Gone Bad", that established in the market once and for all. She continues to launch clips, singles and albums of frantic and without disappoint fans (at least musically!). It is extremely difficult to do what Rihanna is the period of time that it does. Even having a"Unapologetic" is a solid and very strong album. I venture to say that is the main release of Rihanna from "Good Girl Gone Bad", that established in the market once and for all. She continues to launch clips, singles and albums of frantic and without disappoint fans (at least musically!). It is extremely difficult to do what Rihanna is the period of time that it does. Even having a songwriting team and producers behind the great responsibility, vision and dedication is still your thing. This album marks the moment when Rihanna tries to divide your professional and personal, showing everyone that no matter what is happening in your life, or drugs that use it, or the boyfriend she chooses, she is also an artist who delivers a successful product. In other words, the "Unapologetic" brings one message: I can back it Expand
  55. Sep 11, 2013
    4
    The worst album by her so far. When someone tries to work on so many things at one time [Recording, Dating, Designing clothes, Acting] that comes out with horrible results just hear: "Pour It Up", "Phresh Out The Runaway" and "Loveeeeee Song" and you'll know what i mean. Nobody's Business is the best song on it. But that's not enough to impress the world.
  56. Jan 11, 2020
    9
    Eu sinceramente não sei qual o problema dos usuários do metacritic com Rihanna, todas as avaliações dela nesse site são baixas, até nesse álbum transcendental que é o unapologetic. O álbum não tem UMA música ruim, é IMPACTANTE em todas elas.
  57. Aug 21, 2013
    6
    I read the reviews then listened to the songs. "One of her worst?" nooo. Not her best but still good. Half of Me, Jump. Diamonds. Phresh Out the Runway, Stay, Right Now, Lost in Paradise. These are good songs whoever said the album is completely terrible. No, it may not be your favorite but this is far from terrible. Rihanna is unique. The lyrics are not like Talk That Talk, Rude Boy, orI read the reviews then listened to the songs. "One of her worst?" nooo. Not her best but still good. Half of Me, Jump. Diamonds. Phresh Out the Runway, Stay, Right Now, Lost in Paradise. These are good songs whoever said the album is completely terrible. No, it may not be your favorite but this is far from terrible. Rihanna is unique. The lyrics are not like Talk That Talk, Rude Boy, or Hard but are still good. The EDM is perfect besides 1 or 3 give or take. Vocally she's good no real direct autotune. Expand
  58. Jul 5, 2013
    10
    Even if heavy synths of "Phresh Out The Runway" aren't the best way to open the album, I have to admit, that "Unapologetic" is a perfect album. Promoted by two amazing pop soul ballads ("Diamonds" and "Stay"), chilled-out hip hop song ("Pour It Up") and a monster Guetta collab ("Right Now") it's ready to become the greatest album of 2013. From sweet-love R&B song "Loveeeeeee Song",Even if heavy synths of "Phresh Out The Runway" aren't the best way to open the album, I have to admit, that "Unapologetic" is a perfect album. Promoted by two amazing pop soul ballads ("Diamonds" and "Stay"), chilled-out hip hop song ("Pour It Up") and a monster Guetta collab ("Right Now") it's ready to become the greatest album of 2013. From sweet-love R&B song "Loveeeeeee Song", through the dubstep "Jump", most epic song Rihanna ever made "Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary and reggae breakup record "No Love Allowed" to the deluxe edition only "Half Of Me" this album is almost flawless (excluding Chris Brown's unnecesary guest verse in "Nobody's Business"). It's definitely my favourite album of all-time.

    10 out of 10
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  59. Sep 10, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of Rihanna's best albums!!!I like the Adult style of the album!!! A disadvantage of 'Unapologetic' is its hardcore yrics at sometimes... But I like Rihanna's voice a lot!!! Expand
  60. May 29, 2020
    10
    An album that was mistreated by critics because of the artist's personal life rather than the music. Great and diverse body of work which perfectly blends multiple genres
  61. Nov 21, 2012
    0
    WOW, can't believe that Rihanna will collaborate with a man who abused her and be so nonchalant about it. Her actions are irresponsible and sends the wrong message to her young fans. She should be setting a better example. Other than that, the music doesn't live up to the hype. It doesn't contain any of those anthemic hits that brought her stardom and we've grown to love. Overall veryWOW, can't believe that Rihanna will collaborate with a man who abused her and be so nonchalant about it. Her actions are irresponsible and sends the wrong message to her young fans. She should be setting a better example. Other than that, the music doesn't live up to the hype. It doesn't contain any of those anthemic hits that brought her stardom and we've grown to love. Overall very rushed and not many good songs. Disappointed in Rihanna and her music. Expand
  62. Sep 12, 2013
    9
    Definitely one of her best, if not the best. The mix of sounds does not affect the cohesion at all. She seems to have found her niche with this. Well done.
  63. Nov 19, 2012
    0
    too much auto tune going one as she has changed both her appearances and voices many times to keep up with the other artists trying to be something that they are not.
  64. Nov 4, 2013
    5
    This is one of the weakest albums Rihanna made. There are a few standout tracks like Diamonds, Stay and Half of Me but songs like Pour it up is a big disapointment. She needs a break.
  65. Nov 16, 2013
    3
    We can clearly see a decline in Rihanna's music over the years. It seems like the fame has sunk into her and that she believes that whatever quality music she makes, it will still be purchased and acclaimed. Very disappointed!!!!
  66. Apr 25, 2016
    7
    A risk-taker, but that proved to be a sucess, 'Unapologetic' brings the most urban Rihanna to date and its driven by her capacity to mix a lot of genres into something very interesting.
  67. Nov 20, 2012
    3
    NOVEMBER 2011: Overall, Talk That Talk is a poor effort. While there are still some highlights, the album is a huge downgrade compared to her previous albums. I wouldn't surprised if she does another album next year.

    NOVEMBER 2012: Well, another year has passed and Rihanna has done another album. Big **** surprise there. After last year's half-assed cheap cash-in piece of **** that
    NOVEMBER 2011: Overall, Talk That Talk is a poor effort. While there are still some highlights, the album is a huge downgrade compared to her previous albums. I wouldn't surprised if she does another album next year.

    NOVEMBER 2012: Well, another year has passed and Rihanna has done another album. Big **** surprise there.

    After last year's half-assed cheap cash-in piece of **** that is Talk That Talk, you'd think that Rihanna, her songwriters and producers would have learned their lessons from that album and her record label should've let her have a break from the music world for a while. But NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! They have to make another ridiculously rushed product just to cash in on a already ridiculously rushed product.

    This album is just **** terrible. The lyrics were boring and repetitive, the music is uninspired and I felt like they wasted Eminem's talent on the track Numb. If you're expecting another Love the Way You Lie from them well don't. Eminem's rapping only lasted 30 seconds. WHAT IS THE **** POINT ON PUTTING HIM ON THE SONG ANYWAY???

    Alot of the tracks on this album are just fillers and uninteresting to listen to and I fell asleep half the time.

    But the album starts to get good during the second half of the album with tracks like Stay being a nice piano track, Half of Me is a pretty good track pretty much thanks to one of the writers being Emeli Sandé and Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary being by far the best track on the album.

    But the track Nobody's Business was just disturbing to listen to much due to the fact that it has Chris Brown on the track because well, he beat Rihanna up like a bodybag three years ago. While it has a nice sound and a OK sample usage from Michael Jackson's track The Way You Make Me Feel, you just cannot help but just thinking about the incident at the back of your mind.

    Rihanna's vocals on the album is once again a hit and miss. Some tracks she can give out really powerful vocal chords and yet on some of the tracks like Phresh Out the Runway, Pour It Up, Right Now and No Love Allowed I just felt like she was just using one different vocal chord on each of those tracks and it has got really stale.

    While it still have some gems, the album as a whole though is just a bore. For most of the album's length, Rihanna's singing is dull, the music is dull and it feels more like a half-assed EP than it is a full length album.

    With rushed under-produced tracks, rushed production values, being boring as hell and relentlessly forgettable, Unapologetic is a big mess.

    Track Picks:

    Diamonds,
    Stay,
    Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary and
    Half of Me

    DW Rating:

    1.5 stars out of 5
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  68. Nov 1, 2013
    8
    Well, there is no surprise...good job as always!
    I love affectional voice of Rihanna, every song on this album is authentic, regardless of genre ("Lost in paradise" electronic, house "Pour it up", "Numb"- hh, rave. She is so trueteller! I love Rihanna!
  69. Aug 24, 2022
    10
    Unapologetic is the reflection of the chameleon that Rihanna is with her music, she is always one step ahead in the industry. This excellent album is the blueprint of the self-titled album by Beyoncé and Bangerz by Miley Cyrus, not to mention that Rihanna once again set a trend during that time and artists are still using it as a reference. Thanks to this album Rihanna became the firstUnapologetic is the reflection of the chameleon that Rihanna is with her music, she is always one step ahead in the industry. This excellent album is the blueprint of the self-titled album by Beyoncé and Bangerz by Miley Cyrus, not to mention that Rihanna once again set a trend during that time and artists are still using it as a reference. Thanks to this album Rihanna became the first woman to win the contemporary album of the year at the GRAMMYs and that shows her excellent work. Expand
  70. Nov 19, 2012
    8
    It's actually good, even though it's so easy to hate, especially because of the Chris Brown duet. This album goes back to the dark feel of Rated R, but improves on it. It's moody and a much needed improvement on Talk That Talk. 'Diamonds,' is a great song, but there are so many great songs on it besides that. Though 'Nobody's Business' is a cringe-worthy idea, it's a great song. 'Jump,'It's actually good, even though it's so easy to hate, especially because of the Chris Brown duet. This album goes back to the dark feel of Rated R, but improves on it. It's moody and a much needed improvement on Talk That Talk. 'Diamonds,' is a great song, but there are so many great songs on it besides that. Though 'Nobody's Business' is a cringe-worthy idea, it's a great song. 'Jump,' 'What Now,' and 'No Love Allowed' are amazing tracks. Of course, the dumb David Guetta pairing is a skip, and 'Phresh Out The Runway' is an easy one to forget. If you need a personal track, just listen to 'Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary,' which is a seven minute epic seemingly all about her abusive relationship with Chris Brown. It's a compelling album and much better than the last two. Give it a shot! Expand
  71. Feb 5, 2016
    10
    I love the vocal performances in this album. From Diamonds to Stay,Right Now and What Now to the elements of hip hop in Phresh out the Runway or Pour it up. It's just so perfect.
  72. Oct 27, 2013
    10
    Her best album to be honest. It experiments with electropop, R&B, club music and more, with catchy dance songs like Right Now and Lost In Paradise, urban tracks like Fresh Off The Runway and Pour It Up, ballads like Diamonds, What Now and Stay, reggae in No Love Allowed, retro in Nobody's Business and experimental tracks like Numb and Jump. The album truly delivers, it takes the listenerHer best album to be honest. It experiments with electropop, R&B, club music and more, with catchy dance songs like Right Now and Lost In Paradise, urban tracks like Fresh Off The Runway and Pour It Up, ballads like Diamonds, What Now and Stay, reggae in No Love Allowed, retro in Nobody's Business and experimental tracks like Numb and Jump. The album truly delivers, it takes the listener on a journey. Rated R was her best album until this one. Expand
  73. Nov 2, 2015
    4
    Apart from "Diamonds" and very few other songs, this one is irrelevant. It probably wasn't of my kind, but being repetitive and showing the "bronx-ghetto woman" attitude seems cheap here. Just a simple commercial overproduced product. For hardcore fans, not for anyone.
  74. Mar 19, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Strong potensial album by Rihanna shows us that album can have club-ready tunes and strong ballads together.Vocals on this album are so strong and makes it beautiful,mature,funny,explicit record..... Expand
  75. Sep 14, 2018
    10
    Perfect! This album definitely outdid all of my expectations. Rihanna is fantastic.
  76. Apr 27, 2016
    10
    This is a MASTERPIECE. Everything about this album is right. Rihanna's vocals have grown so much and it shows. She always manages to outdo herself....
  77. Oct 20, 2016
    0
    It happened that she could do even worse she did in Talk That Talk. When in the previous album we've listened to two or three good songs, in this crap we have 100% of **** and laze production.
  78. Nov 10, 2017
    10
    DESERVES A HIGHER RATING

    Beats that go hard AF. Emotional deep lyrics. This album has everything. DUBSTEP. EDM. RnB. Electric New Wave. Beautiful Piano Ballad Stay and the instant classic that is Diamonds. Club bangers such as Numb, Pour It Up and Jump. Personal slow songs like Lovers Song and Love Without Tragedy. It has a song for every mood. Really enjoyed this album. Solid 8.5/10
  79. Nov 30, 2012
    5
    Sexual lyrics as usual, deteriorated vocals..... mixed review only for the dance singles for Diamonds, Jump Right now. So I guess it is her highest peak....
  80. Dec 29, 2012
    10
    Rih prepares the start of her most powerful era yet as Unapologetic reigns supreme, raising the bar even higher this year, setting standards for pop music at its highest level yet. Taking a whole new take on EDM, Rihanna list's some of the top producers under her belt this time around, as we are blown away by the albums opening track 'Phresh Out The Runway' as we get the change to seeRih prepares the start of her most powerful era yet as Unapologetic reigns supreme, raising the bar even higher this year, setting standards for pop music at its highest level yet. Taking a whole new take on EDM, Rihanna list's some of the top producers under her belt this time around, as we are blown away by the albums opening track 'Phresh Out The Runway' as we get the change to see Rihanna experiment with electronic and Hip Hop on the same track... Impressive for a pop artist. Songs such as Diamonds and Stay easily let us relate to the project as they are the ones we know and love. Songs such as 'Jump' 'Lost In Paradise' and 'No Love Aloud' give the album a more fun, inspiring, up-tempo tone, setting the album apart from old favourites such as TTT, Loud and Rated R. Overall a great project from the Barbados-raised superstar, leaving us wanting more. Just what will Rih do next...? Expand
  81. Nov 12, 2013
    10
    Rihanna had a total up do upon this album, you see the vulnerability and emotion throughout the songs, She expresses situations she's experienced some of her other albums some what lacked. her voice and live voice have immensley improved. Great Album.
  82. Nov 18, 2013
    8
    This album is great! it has variety for different crowds, ''something for everyone''.
    The best songs on the album are Jump, No Love Allowed and Mother Mary/ Love without tragedy.
  83. Dec 18, 2014
    8
    Phresh Out the Runway 40/100
    Diamonds 100/100
    Numb 100/100
    Pour It Up 100/100
    Loveeeeeee Song 85/100
    Jump 100/100
    Right Now 100/100
    What Now 30/100
    Stay 100/100
    Nobody's Business 100/100
    Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary 60/100
    Get It Over With 5/100
    No Love Allowed 100/100
    Lost in Paradise 100/100
  84. Jan 28, 2016
    10
    album de hits
    perfeito do inicio ao fim como sempre
    rihanna n decepciona os fans
    amei adorei? achei tudo?
    PHRESH OUT THE RUNWAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
  85. Nov 22, 2020
    10
    She sent us one of the best track on her career: loveee song. Still don't know why this music didn't get a videoclipe. ;/. The tour? My favorite. So well constructed.
  86. Nov 20, 2012
    0
    One of my most anticipated releases this year and I'm left disappointed. "Unapologetic" could of been a great album, but it lacks those BIG dance anthems that Rihanna is known for. Overall very vapid and no artistry whatsoever!
  87. Nov 19, 2012
    9
    This album is some of Rihanna's best work. Whilst her "thug life" persona still reigns strong, this project is still something we've never heard before. Just like all of her albums, Rihanna's sonic variation spans widely across the album, but this time, it's more than that. Some of the songs really go into uncharted territory for her level of pop supestardom. It goes without saying thatThis album is some of Rihanna's best work. Whilst her "thug life" persona still reigns strong, this project is still something we've never heard before. Just like all of her albums, Rihanna's sonic variation spans widely across the album, but this time, it's more than that. Some of the songs really go into uncharted territory for her level of pop supestardom. It goes without saying that probably not every track will be for everyone.. and there are highs and lows. But her brave experimentation is eventually proved very successful. The epic heights of 'Diamonds', the luxury of 'Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary', the beauty of 'Stay', the funk of 'Nobody's Business', the mystery of 'Numb' and the wild 'Jump' are some of the highlights. But the production and music all round is really great.
    Rihanna's lyrical allusions to Chris Brown throughout the album is the only one thing which unfortunately can't be ignored. As if a controversial collaboration with him wasn't enough, for some reason a couple of questionable references to past events seem somewhat... unnecessary.
    That said, Unapologetic should not disappoint anybody with a broad taste and general appreciation of urban pop music, mixed with the best of other genre influences like reggae and EDM.
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  88. Nov 21, 2012
    8
    Her best album since Rated R with different rhythms , great lyrics and vocal. She keeps surprising us with wonderful worksand showing to the world who Rihanna really is and what she really feels.
  89. Oct 26, 2013
    8
    This Rihanna is clearly not at her best; Unapologetic is generally a flat and overproduced, too rushed record. The fact is that one some songs her vocals are good, but the songwriting and producing is lamentable, while on others the lyrics are good enough, but the production really lacks; or the other way round.

    Too bad for masterpieces like "Diamonds" (Rihanna's best song by far, and
    This Rihanna is clearly not at her best; Unapologetic is generally a flat and overproduced, too rushed record. The fact is that one some songs her vocals are good, but the songwriting and producing is lamentable, while on others the lyrics are good enough, but the production really lacks; or the other way round.

    Too bad for masterpieces like "Diamonds" (Rihanna's best song by far, and one of the best of 2010s) or "Love Without Tragedy". The balladry on this album is also worth listening to, but both "Stay" and "What Now" display a lack of songwriting skills, using dried out cliches and unmatching expressions, used just for the sake of rhyme. There is also some quality r&b music (namely on "Love Song" and "Get It Over With"), but the dance numbers from the album are surely the worst; "Jump" and "Phresh Out the Runway" are decent enough, but "Right Now" murders the whole record. Another wrecking ball for the album is "Nobody's Business", while "Numb" ft. Eminem is also a dull melody. All the other unmentioned songs are not that bad, but not that good either.

    This is actually a step back from her previous albums "Rated R", "Loud" and "Talk That Talk" and pushes Riri back to her dance-hall rooted sophomore album, 'A Girl Like Me'.

    8.3/10
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  90. Jan 11, 2013
    4
    Rihanna's worst album so far. think she should care more about releasing good albums than an album every year. There are more ballads, unlike most of her previous albums. I liked her new music, but I like her old music better. She tries several different genres in the album, so you will like some songs regardless of your taste. The first few tracks are really stupid, but the rest of theRihanna's worst album so far. think she should care more about releasing good albums than an album every year. There are more ballads, unlike most of her previous albums. I liked her new music, but I like her old music better. She tries several different genres in the album, so you will like some songs regardless of your taste. The first few tracks are really stupid, but the rest of the album is not that bad.
    Track by track review (a little bit long, so I hope you don't fall asleep):
    1. Presh Out The Runway - 0/10 - It just sounds unfinished. Her voice is robotic, the instrumental could have been a lot better, and the lyrics are too stupid and don't make any sense.
    2. Diamonds - 8/10 - I didn't really like it at first, but now I think it's pretty good song. The lyrics in the chorus don't make so much sense (are there any diamonds in the sky?) , but overall it's a good and inspirating song. Slower than most of Rihanna's music.
    3. Numb (feat. Eminem) - 0/10 - Like in "Phresh Out The Runway", Rihanna sounds too robotic, and also Eminem couldn't sound weirder in this song. The lyrics are basically "I'm going numb" repeated several times, which isn't really creative.
    4. Pour It Up - 1/10 - Again, Rihanna sounds robotic and weird. The lyrics are too repetitive, does she really have to repeat "still got my money" in the entire song?
    5. Loveeeeeee Song (feat. Future) - 0/10 - Rihanna sounds too robotic (again?) and Future sounds like he wants to kill you when he should sound romantic.
    6. Jump - 4/10 - One of the few not-so-bad tracks in the album. Rihanna still sounds a bit robotic, but the composition is pretty enjoyable and the lyrics make some sense, except for the "ride it, my pony" part that is just an attempt to talk about sex while keeping the track clean.
    7. Right Now (feat. David Guetta) - 9/10 - Again, a good track in the album. A good and fun beat and lyrics that actually make sense. Best track in the album.
    8. What Now - 7/10 - Nice and unexpected ballad, even though she sounds different from usual. Again, a good track in the album. Slower than most of her songs, which is not really a bad thing in this case.
    9. Stay (feat. Mikky Ekko) - 6/10 - Good track, but I didn't really like some of Rihanna's parts, even though it's her song. Mikky Ekko really makes it better. Quite enjoyable if you like ballads.
    10. Nobody's Business (feat. Chris Brown) - 8/10 - Even though Chris Brown sounds a bit annoying in this song, it's a pretty good and fun song. The composition is great for the parties, and I really think the lyrics are about some of Rihanna's life.
    11. Love Without Tragedy / Mother Mary - 7/10 - The song is good. The lyrics are sad, but what's a ballad without sad lyrics? It's like "Titanic", you feel sad watching/listening to it but you like it anyway.
    12. Get It Over With - 2/10 - Streak of good songs successfully broken. Her voice doesn't fit the lyrics, and the metaphor about "floating in the clouds" doesn't make any sense. The composition is not so bad though.
    13. No Love Allowed - 3/10 - The composition is not so good, but the lyrics do make some sense, except for some parts like "911, it's a critical emergency yeah, run run run" that don't really have much to do with dangerous love the rest of the song describes.
    14. Lost In Paradise - 8/10 - One of the best tracks in the album. Not a slow ballad, but not really a dance track. Different from anything Rihanna's ever released. Not quite sure how to describe it.
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  91. Nov 30, 2012
    7
    Rihanna has made a good album, but, in my opinion she could make it better then another albums like 'Loud'. She try to do 'Unapologetic' during one month, and the world liked it, if Rihanna started to produce 'Unapologetic' three months ago, could be a biggest success by a big singer. (I don't speak in English, I just try, understand me please)
  92. Nov 22, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Unapologetic is amazing love song's Love Vocal Love All Rihanna is a Really DIVA Unapologetic is perfec love love loveeee LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Ririh Queen Expand
  93. Dec 6, 2012
    3
    I just have mixed feelings about this album, I was excited when I purchased this album but with the majority of songs on "Unapologetic" that I listened to, I was disappointed. It didn't appeal to me like the previous albums that she has made e.g "Loud" or "Talk That Talk". "Unapologetic" is certainly not the best album that has been made by R&B star Rihanna. I give her credit that her leadI just have mixed feelings about this album, I was excited when I purchased this album but with the majority of songs on "Unapologetic" that I listened to, I was disappointed. It didn't appeal to me like the previous albums that she has made e.g "Loud" or "Talk That Talk". "Unapologetic" is certainly not the best album that has been made by R&B star Rihanna. I give her credit that her lead single off her album "Diamonds" was good, but that's the only positive feedback I can give this album. Expand
  94. Dec 10, 2012
    6
    I was dissapointed in this album. some songs were worth listening too such as What Now, Stay, Love Without Tragedy/Mother Mary. The rest is okay. Rihanna needs to stop making an album every year and work on better productions and better lyrics instead of trying to hurry and release her albums
  95. Dec 20, 2012
    8
    Not going to lie i was nervous about how this album would turn out. But after listening to it, it is a really wonderful and good album. One of my favorite songs on the album is Diamonds.
  96. Jan 29, 2015
    10
    Liricamente e vocalmente é um álbum impressionante, deixando de lado as batidas eletrônicas do Talk That Talk e caindo dentro do R&B que consegue expor uma Rihanna novamente pessoal e livre de sua fase rebelde e sem remorsos com seu passado. Realmente é um álbum que teve seu destaque e hoje pode ser considerado um dos melhores da Bad Gal
  97. Jun 15, 2014
    2
    das Album ist ziemlich schlecht, das wirlkich einzig gute Lied ist wirklich nur Diamonds und Love Song, die anderen sind eher solalala, es gibt viel zu viel Dance, House, Elctronic und Pop, meiner meinung nach hat das album keinen Sinn, die Lieder sind schlecht geschrieben, und mittelmäßig produziert, es ist auch viel zu viel Mainstream mit keiner Roten linie, ich weiß wirklich nicht wasdas Album ist ziemlich schlecht, das wirlkich einzig gute Lied ist wirklich nur Diamonds und Love Song, die anderen sind eher solalala, es gibt viel zu viel Dance, House, Elctronic und Pop, meiner meinung nach hat das album keinen Sinn, die Lieder sind schlecht geschrieben, und mittelmäßig produziert, es ist auch viel zu viel Mainstream mit keiner Roten linie, ich weiß wirklich nicht was sie mit dem album sagen möchte, es ergibt einfach keinen sinn. Expand
  98. Sep 8, 2019
    10
    Unapologetic was the album that made me love her this much to call myself Rihanna navy.
  99. Apr 20, 2021
    10
    I don't know how people think it's okay to hate on this album? This album is mixed but still a great album.
  100. Nov 24, 2013
    0
    Dull, numb and stupid. Rihanna releases a new single accompanied with other 13 songs that don't stand out. Best tracks: Diamonds. Listenable tracks: Pour it Up. Hated tracks: are there any more tracks on this album?
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Nov 28, 2012
    70
    The now-24-year-old's voice may be simple, but it's distinctive--and as defiant as her album titles.
  2. Nov 26, 2012
    60
    Even when Unapologetic fails, it often does so in interesting ways.
  3. Nov 26, 2012
    40
    Sonically, the first half of Unapologetic picks up on the syrupy Southern hip-hop minimalism popular last summer, while much of the latter half is a grab bag of unwieldy balladry.