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

Generally favorable reviews- based on 755 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 496 out of 755
  2. Mixed: 102 out of 755
  3. Negative: 157 out of 755
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  1. Panchogul
    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.
  2. PEDROMFR
    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.
  3. thaleslucas
    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. ♥    … Expand
  4. BWETMatangi
    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".
  5. asjklasjklas
    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
  6. greedybadidea
    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)    … Expand
  7. sicrano
    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.    … Expand
  8. raciocinio
    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.    … Collapse
  9. LoRevisor
    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    … Expand
  10. MyleeneFRW
    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.
  11. Samimacedo
    Jan 29, 2016
    10
    RAINHA DO POP PIOR ALBUM DELA POREM ESTAMOS AKI PRA AUMENTAR A NOTA NE NOM -q ..........................................................................................................................................................
  12. survivorfan989
    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.
  13. BabyJane
    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
  14. arvintaylor138
    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!!
  15. AloudSound
    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
  16. arianagrande626
    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.
  17. dharma
    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
  18. TheReviewr
    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.    … Expand
  19. Musicfan09
    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!
  20. Glitter
    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
  21. kendylmau5
    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
  22. virajshankar
    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.
  23. SugarVenomOhyea
    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
  24. GuilhermeMeirel
    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
  25. brehnrr
    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.
  26. ClaudooSSia
    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    … Expand
  27. RespectTheMusic
    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
  28. 4R73N15
    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
  29. joerizkallah
    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.
  30. jjesus
    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.
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2012
13
#13 Most Shared Album of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 25
  3. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Spin
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Nov 26, 2012
    60
    Even when Unapologetic fails, it often does so in interesting ways.
    Read full review
  3. NOW Magazine
    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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »