Anti
by Rihanna
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2153 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,713 out of 2153
  2. Mixed: 135 out of 2153
  3. Negative: 305 out of 2153

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  1. rafaelmello
    Jun 5, 2019
    4
    Desse álbum, só gostei de Kiss It Better e Needed Me, não sei porquê, até tentei escutar algumas faixas, mas não me desceu.
  2. IGa
    Jan 31, 2016
    4
    It may even seem innovative and conceptual, but we must take into account that many pop artists are coming out of your comfort zone to invest in something more "conceptual" the artistic point of view. If we take this into account, "ANTi" (like the most Rihanna's albums) is just another product launched to strengthen fads. This album sounds more like a derivation of "BEYONCE". "ANTi" wouldIt may even seem innovative and conceptual, but we must take into account that many pop artists are coming out of your comfort zone to invest in something more "conceptual" the artistic point of view. If we take this into account, "ANTi" (like the most Rihanna's albums) is just another product launched to strengthen fads. This album sounds more like a derivation of "BEYONCE". "ANTi" would be more original if not for conceptual rise of Beyoncé, Miley, Selena and Lorde.… Expand
  3. artpopgr
    Jan 30, 2016
    6
    Restricted artistry, good songs & vibes, totally different from the past. It's not the Rihanna you expect, and I personally didn't wait for 3 years for this kind of album. Work is a mediocre lead single, but there are some bold statements such as Desperado and Consideration. The rest of the tracks do not offer anything exciting. The interlude was a bad idea for a 13-song album. 6 pointsRestricted artistry, good songs & vibes, totally different from the past. It's not the Rihanna you expect, and I personally didn't wait for 3 years for this kind of album. Work is a mediocre lead single, but there are some bold statements such as Desperado and Consideration. The rest of the tracks do not offer anything exciting. The interlude was a bad idea for a 13-song album. 6 points for cohesiveness.… Expand
  4. OurEntity
    Mar 28, 2016
    4
    I actually really liked the flow of this album. It needed more old rihanna mixed with new rihanna. This album had massive potential, it just didn't live up to it.
  5. TheReviewGuyx
    Jan 28, 2016
    5
    I suppose I should start with answering the question you are all asking, 'is it worth the wait?'. The succinct but honest answer would be no. This album is bordering on chaotic: from the beginning to end, there's a lack of cohesiveness and, at times, a serious lack of substance within the material.

    Don't get me wrong, I applaud Rihanna for trying to be experimental and trying to grow    I suppose I should start with answering the question you are all asking, 'is it worth the wait?'. The succinct but honest answer would be no. This album is bordering on chaotic: from the beginning to end, there's a lack of cohesiveness and, at times, a serious lack of substance within the material.

    Don't get me wrong, I applaud Rihanna for trying to be experimental and trying to grow musically. However, that's all it is. It's an artist who has little artistic musicianship, 'trying' to be experimental. Delving deeper into this, it's actually not Rihanna who's even trying to be anything, it's the clustered team of producers and songwriters behind every track. That's the problem with this album, whilst it seems to be her most personal to date in some parts such as 'Kiss it Better', you do have to wonder whether these are Rihanna's experiences or those of someone else.

    Anti is an album that sees its artist trying to escape the convention of her stardom. Does she fail? Not really. With all its flaws, it's not a bad album; though, nor is it a good one. It's very middle of the road. Nevertheless, I hope this doesn't discourage Rihanna and she pursues this aspiration to grown as an artist, it can only do her good.

    5/10.    … Expand
  6. Coleenardo
    Jan 28, 2016
    5
    The first time I listened to this album, I really wasn't impressed. The only song that stood out was Love on the Brain (possibly the best song Rihanna has done). However, after a few listens, I must admit it has grown on me a lot. Kiss it Better, Desperdo, Woo, Never Ending, Love on the Brain and Higher definitely have the potential to really grow on me. The rest of the album just fallsThe first time I listened to this album, I really wasn't impressed. The only song that stood out was Love on the Brain (possibly the best song Rihanna has done). However, after a few listens, I must admit it has grown on me a lot. Kiss it Better, Desperdo, Woo, Never Ending, Love on the Brain and Higher definitely have the potential to really grow on me. The rest of the album just falls completely flat. Work just doesn't work at all and Same Ol' Mistakes drags on and on and on.

    I understand what Rihanna was trying to achieve here, but I'm not crazy about the execution.    … Expand
  7. Sam_97
    Jan 28, 2016
    5
    This might as well be her most artistic and unique album and the vocals are her finest yet
    however the album as a whole piece does not deliver. After 3 years one would think Rihanna is preparing a musical masterpiece, this album is just Rihanna's attempt on making an experimental urban influenced album ala the self-titled Beyonce. Unlike Beyonce, Anti does not feel cohesive , clearly    This might as well be her most artistic and unique album and the vocals are her finest yet
    however the album as a whole piece does not deliver. After 3 years one would think Rihanna is preparing a musical masterpiece, this album is just Rihanna's attempt on making an experimental urban influenced album ala the self-titled Beyonce. Unlike Beyonce, Anti does not feel cohesive , clearly there has been a struggle in figuring out the overall sound of this album. While tracks such as Kiss It Better and Close To You highlight Rihanna's desire for timeless records others such as Woo and Work seem to burn out fast. Rihanna has created her most involved project but it feels like a mixtape and less like an album.    … Expand
  8. chommy
    Jan 28, 2016
    5
    Yall can give the album all the 10s you want, it ain't gon change the critic score. :ahh:

    OT: the album is okay. Definitely not worth the 3 year wait, and I waited 4 years for MDNA.
  9. nikbenavid
    Jan 28, 2016
    4
    After years and years of pumping out rushed albums helmed by huge writing camps and producers, Rihanna finally got curious about making music and gave us Anti, her first album in over three years. Her trying to be artistic is extremely apparent, and falls short for the most part. Love On The Brain, Never Ending, and Kiss It Better are stand outs on a very dull and boring album filled withAfter years and years of pumping out rushed albums helmed by huge writing camps and producers, Rihanna finally got curious about making music and gave us Anti, her first album in over three years. Her trying to be artistic is extremely apparent, and falls short for the most part. Love On The Brain, Never Ending, and Kiss It Better are stand outs on a very dull and boring album filled with strange production.… Expand
  10. jpdumani
    Jan 30, 2016
    6
    This album is not as powerful, but has good, regular and bad songs
    Rihanna sounds good, but lacked 30%
    So was the wait for a single album
    the best songs are kiss it better, sex with me, need me, consideration & woo
  11. chidime
    Jan 28, 2016
    5
    Very disappointing release from Rihanna. While I see and respect the change in musical direction, the album just does not deliver. It is not that the songs are bad (though about 2 or 3 are bad), or the lyrics are not profound enough, but the album simply lacks cohesion. (Strangely, every Rihanna album after Loud has lacked cohesion for reasons I can't explain). The albums just does notVery disappointing release from Rihanna. While I see and respect the change in musical direction, the album just does not deliver. It is not that the songs are bad (though about 2 or 3 are bad), or the lyrics are not profound enough, but the album simply lacks cohesion. (Strangely, every Rihanna album after Loud has lacked cohesion for reasons I can't explain). The albums just does not come together to create something solid and it just ends up feeling as though not enough time was spent organizing and planning the album. In other words, it sounds confused. And to make things worse, the lead single is probably one of the worst songs on the album. Go figure. I am a big Rihanna fan, but apart from Rated R and Loud, she has not been able to deliver an actual album. She makes collections of songs.… Expand
  12. jonaXOXOXO
    Jan 28, 2016
    6
    I would give this album a mixed review. The record as a whole, is disappointing, especially since she decided not to put Only If For a Night, BBHMM, American Oxygen or FourFiveSeconds on ANTI. But songs such as Kiss It Better, Same Ol' Mistakes and Needed Me gives me a better look on the album. I really like the fact that she decided to go in a softer direction with her music. The JamesI would give this album a mixed review. The record as a whole, is disappointing, especially since she decided not to put Only If For a Night, BBHMM, American Oxygen or FourFiveSeconds on ANTI. But songs such as Kiss It Better, Same Ol' Mistakes and Needed Me gives me a better look on the album. I really like the fact that she decided to go in a softer direction with her music. The James Joint Interlude is incredible and I only wish it was longer. I also think her vocals are incredible on ANTI and the production is great. What puts me off is the song Work (Featuring Drake). The song is nothing new and the songwriting for the chorus is annoying. I would definitely recommend the album, because despite some songs being unoriginal, most are worth a listen.… Expand
  13. frankwarhol
    Jan 28, 2016
    6
    Eu não apoio o ANTi de maneira alguma. Um álbum com descartes de outros artistas, que não tem um conceito definido. Não esperava menos da Rihanna, que tem 10 anos de carreira nas costas e é vista como novata até hoje, Só fatos amore.
  14. Blizzardz
    Jan 28, 2016
    6
    ANTI é um álbum bom para fins sexuais, eu mesmo já transei com o meu namorado ouvindo Work, imitando que ele era o Drake e eu a Rihanna... Mas o gostinho do álbum para por aí.
    O álbum não tem uma pegada da Rihanna. Ela tentou ser conceitual, mas não atingiu o seu limite artístico. Apesar de que o álbum é melhor que seu antecessor Unapologetic (aliás... o que não é?)
  15. Custom_Concerns
    Feb 6, 2016
    4
    Rihanna surprised me on this record with a number of tracks that I actually quite enjoyed. Those few tracks, however, were not enough to save a record that from an artist that still perpetuates every mainstream pop cliche known to man.
  16. jrodfilms
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    There are two standout tracks 'Kiss it Better' & 'Woo' - those are singles that would be popular. The rest of the album would consist of a few listens to digest what is going on here. Some filler.
  17. ZhaneJohnson
    Jan 29, 2016
    6
    I feel like she's only been spending some a few hours to make this album with a lot of long interludes. There are some good ones like Kiss It Better & Love on the Brain but nothing much. Always the same world as Unapologetic. Navy had to wait for something that she made not in a perfectly and good way. Sorry but not sorry for them
  18. HKBryce
    Jan 29, 2016
    6
    Re her past albums, I've frequently complained that much of her output sounded as if she was barely present save for phoning in the vocals. On first listen this sounds more interesting than previous albums, simply that it's less predictable; more Rihanna, less record co. committee. First album still has most appeal but artists with this much talent need to grow past just releasing catchy singles.
  19. MarcosArcher
    Feb 1, 2016
    6
    Could be better, but anyways. What else could we do? A disappointment. Could be better, but anyways. What else could we do? A disappointment. Could be better, but anyways. What else could we do? A disappointment. Could be better, but anyways. What else could we do? A disappointment. Could be better, but anyways. What else could we do? A disappointment.
  20. bitinho
    Jan 28, 2016
    5
    Rihanna é uma das melhores cantoras/performers da história da música, no entanto, percebe-se que para ela, cantar não é mais prioridade. Anti é um álbum preguiçoso, que tenta ser inteligente e cult, mas fica muito longe disso.
  21. slaywilly
    Jan 29, 2016
    4
    Not being the biggest Rihanna stan, I thought we were getting a flawless new album but that didn't happen. There are fillers on this album and they just don't sound like something worth waiting since 2012, you do the math. ANTI is an okay album, it doesn't have the same quality as her last albums did. It was a dumb move taking all of the singles she had released this past year off the record.
  22. ArtRushmer
    Feb 10, 2016
    6
    Scattershot, but not without its appeal. There are genuine highlights on Anti and some of the most intriguing, honest lines Ri-ri has ever delivered, however, its tempered by the over-reliance on sexuality, most of which feels forced and one or two that are just complete drivel. It doesn't help with juvenile lines like "If you had a twin, I would still choose you".

    Pop/RnB has exhausted    Scattershot, but not without its appeal. There are genuine highlights on Anti and some of the most intriguing, honest lines Ri-ri has ever delivered, however, its tempered by the over-reliance on sexuality, most of which feels forced and one or two that are just complete drivel. It doesn't help with juvenile lines like "If you had a twin, I would still choose you".

    Pop/RnB has exhausted the well of cheesy love songs, so much like hip-hop it seems that the unfortunate next step is to be as sexually explicit as radio will allow... its a sorry lack of originality. However, she sounds a lot more honest than anything Beyonce or Kanye has done, so that scores extra points for me.
    My Top Tracks: Same Ol Mistakes, Love On The Brain, Higher    … Expand
  23. ViktorMaloedov
    Feb 13, 2016
    6
    I'm not like Rihanna, but ANTi is good. Consideration and James Joint - my favorite songs. Goodnight Gotham - it's very bad, Rihanna soured song by Florence
  24. rafaelss
    Feb 17, 2016
    5
    She tries to much to reach an unclear concept. It lacks the conduction line that makes ANTI a solid block. She sacrifices scope for earning a urban conceptual vibe. The album is musically amazing, and definitively sounds good, but it cost a few million dollars and was produced by the most famous producers in the music industry. And she is singing better than never. But does that make theShe tries to much to reach an unclear concept. It lacks the conduction line that makes ANTI a solid block. She sacrifices scope for earning a urban conceptual vibe. The album is musically amazing, and definitively sounds good, but it cost a few million dollars and was produced by the most famous producers in the music industry. And she is singing better than never. But does that make the album she wanted to do? Did She know what she wanted to do? The final result is pure reflection of the trajectory of the album: by trying to much to add some extra personality to her work she gets a messy medley of nowadays feelings. Although, it remains a one time interesting listening, specially if you're high...… Expand
  25. CosmicPaint
    Feb 28, 2016
    6
    To put it out there first, this was my first Rihanna album I've listened to. Before this, I had heard pretty much all of her radio songs and was familiar with the kind of songs she wrote and recognized her as one of the best vocalists out right now. So there weren't really any expectations coming in.
    The album starts strong with Consideration, with guest vocals from SZA of TDE who manages    To put it out there first, this was my first Rihanna album I've listened to. Before this, I had heard pretty much all of her radio songs and was familiar with the kind of songs she wrote and recognized her as one of the best vocalists out right now. So there weren't really any expectations coming in.
    The album starts strong with Consideration, with guest vocals from SZA of TDE who manages to vibe well with Rihanna. Production is minimalist and showcases two great singers.
    From there it kind of falls off and loses focus. The songs are diverse but horribly incoherent after her single Work featuring Drake, arguably one of the weaker songs on this album. Woo is hard to listen to with the screeching guitar looping over and over without any variation. Though I do applaud Desperado with its very smart production and I genuinely enjoyed its aesthetic.
    However, it is the last four tracks that redeem this album. Starting with the acoustic ballad Never Ending, I almost had to check if this was really a Rihanna song because she sounded so incredibly vulnerable, which was a good thing. It's so simple, but so effective in showcasing Rihanna's gentler side.
    Love on the Brain feels like a very familiar song, but its familiarity is what instantly drew me to it as she belted out on yet again another vulnerable song.
    Higher is the best track on this album; channeling her inner drunk caller, she desperately pleads for her lover to come, promising a change within herself. As a metaphor, it can be taken that music is her lover, making promises to be more creative or wanting it to go back to the old way. It's almost tragic how short it is.
    Overall good album with some replay value. I tend to skip the songs in the middle but a solid job by Rihanna.    … Expand
  26. jjesus
    Apr 25, 2016
    5
    In my opinion, ANTi by Rihanna is not a cohesive and meaningful album. With odd instrumentals, weak lyrics, skipful songs, Rihanna waited almost 3 years to give us a 'masterpiece' by half.
  27. TheAtlantic
    Apr 26, 2016
    6
    The biggest flaw with Anti, is that it is dishonest. Rihanna attempts to position herself as an artist that is truly trying to make a complete "body of work". Instead, it comes off as if she started to put together a puzzle but stopped halfway through to do something else. The album lacks cohesiveness, and relies mostly on "Work" (which is ironically the least artistically adventurous) toThe biggest flaw with Anti, is that it is dishonest. Rihanna attempts to position herself as an artist that is truly trying to make a complete "body of work". Instead, it comes off as if she started to put together a puzzle but stopped halfway through to do something else. The album lacks cohesiveness, and relies mostly on "Work" (which is ironically the least artistically adventurous) to carry it. The album sloppily puts together its tracks without a true end goal. Rihanna wants to be seen as deep, but then doesn't make the effort to.

    With that said, Higher and Close To You both highlight what the Rihanna of the future could be, if she ever wants to dive into a new era where she actually attempts to capitalize on her creativity. Anti is experiment, and it shows Rihanna trying something new. Even so, it also shows her not trying "enough". Rihanna deserves points for produced an unorganized yet solid album, even if it isn't necessarily genuine.    … Expand
  28. WhyNotASinger
    Sep 9, 2016
    6
    This album actually disappointed me. Except for "Kiss it better", "Love on the brain" and "Work", the album sounds messy and strange. Maybe this is what Rihanna wanted, an anti-pop record, but we miss her.
  29. TryAgainGata
    Sep 13, 2016
    6
    1. Consideration ft. SZA 5/5
    2. James Joint 5/5
    3. Kiss It Better 3/5
    4. Work ft. Drake 4/5
    5. Desperado 3/5
    6. Woo ft. Travis Scott 2/5
    7. Needed Me 3/5
    8. Yeah, I Said It 4/5
    9. Same Ol' Mistakes 5/5
    10. Never Ending 4/5
    11. Love on the Brain 5/5
    12. Higher 3/5
    13. Close to You 4/5
    14. Goodnight Gotham 3/5
    15. Pose 3/5
    16. Sex with Me 3/5
  30. ranoovski
    Nov 4, 2016
    5
    5,8
    I did not like "Anti" from the release and still do not like it. Album is boring, it is impossible to listen to two times in a row, it ponapihali all the boring samples and lyrics that bring to vomiting.
    Like a couple of songs: Desperado, Needed Me and Goodnight Gothem.
  31. survivorfan989
    Jan 25, 2019
    6
    Its a poor album, saved by a few great songs. 'Love on the Brain' and 'Kiss it Better' are fantastic, but there's so many 'filler' tracks and one too many short interludes.
  32. scheibex
    Feb 14, 2016
    6
    Um álbum difícil de engolir, conceitual, ácido. É realmente o adeus de rihanna para os charts e músicas "farofas". Aqui vemos uma artista grande que finalmente depois de 7 álbuns evoluiu.
  33. vic-thesinner
    Jun 1, 2020
    6
    I like the uniqueness of this album, way different from anything that Rihanna have ever released. Favourite tracks: Work, Kiss it Better, Needed Me and Love on the Brain.
  34. ManuelContreras
    Apr 8, 2018
    6
    Work, work, work, work, work, work He said me haffi Work, work, work, work, work, work! He see me do mi Dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt!
  35. JhosepKingsley
    Mar 27, 2018
    5
    "ANTI" is an exceptional album, very careful and worked; From the magnificent conceptual art to the quite fresh and street sounds that give us a glimpse. It reflects very well the urban style that it intends to transmit.
  36. andyn823
    Jun 6, 2020
    5
    Great production, good vocal. But I just don't like her lyrics and her bad girl image. I think it is just too much. It makes me uncomfortable. I enjoy Rihanna's older records, which have beautiful lyrics and beautiful meanings, than this album. I am kinda disappointed in this.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Most Discussed Album of 2016
10
#10 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Uncut
    Feb 29, 2016
    80
    One of the most coherent and surprising big-ticket pop albums in years. [Apr 2016, p.79]
  2. HipHopDX
    Feb 23, 2016
    72
    In many ways, ANTI is a step in the right direction for Rihanna, creatively.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Feb 22, 2016
    80
    It's confusing, with flaky endings and mood swings, and an utterly compelling mix of not caring at all and desperately caring. [Apr 2016, p.87]
See all critic reviews »