Loud
by Rihanna
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 16, 2010
Metascore
67

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Nov 11, 2010
    91
    At times the album's lurid sexuality can feel forced: kink as oversold diva commodity. What Loud showcases best, though, is a star undefeated by her worst circumstances - and finding redemption in exactly the kind of pop nirvana that made her famous in the first place.
  2. Hot Press
    Nov 23, 2010
    80
    Pop chanteuse lets the sunshine back in.
  3. Boston Globe
    Nov 15, 2010
    80
    More than her previous records, Loud is all about Rihanna's fighting side.
  5. Spin
    Nov 15, 2010
    80
    This is a more mature nod to the bubbly pop that established her fame. And it's a statement from a woman who's come into her own, and who won't be going anywhere that isn't worth her while. We could all do worse than to follow her lead.
  6. Pitchfork
    Nov 24, 2010
    76
    More than a stocking stuffer but less than an idol, Rihanna has grown into one of the most reliable pop stars we've got.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    Nov 16, 2010
    75
    Loud is, at points, a powerful reminder of Rihanna's skills before the 2009 Grammys incident changed how we read her songs.
  8. HipHopDX
    Jan 13, 2011
    70
    While each track on Loud is an audio Polaroid of past work, there's little evolution. It's evident Rihanna is working her way to the top, but she's been doing that for three albums now.
  9. BBC Music
    Nov 16, 2010
    70
    It is Rihanna's vocal--at once commanding, soulful and vulnerable--that anchors the song, and Loud itself, elevating it from a hit-and-miss collection into something oddly arresting.
  10. The New York Times
    Nov 16, 2010
    70
    Loud works the pop gizmos as neatly as any album this year, maintaining the Rihanna brand. But the album has a hermetic, cool calculation until it gets to "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)," her take on the tortured hit she shared with Eminem.
  11. Dot Music
    Nov 15, 2010
    70
    After coming out fighting last time round off the back of a messy, violent break-up with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, it's nice to hear Rihanna getting back to something approaching normality on Loud.
  12. New Musical Express (NME)
    Nov 15, 2010
    70
    That voice, when she exploits the grit of that Barbadian burr to the max, is more unique and richly textured than ever, and that and her crack production team are all the personality.
  13. The A.V. Club
    Nov 23, 2010
    67
    With Rated R, she waded further into the co-writing pool, and the album's resulting darkness could be attributed to her public personal struggles. She goes the exact opposite route on Loud, eschewing any co-writing credits, acting as a conduit for club and radio jams about sex, parties, and sexy parties.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2010
16
#16 Most Shared Album of 2010

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 588 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 465 out of 588
  2. Mixed: 66 out of 588
  3. Negative: 57 out of 588
  1. unknown
    Nov 17, 2010
    10
    This album is probably one of my favorites of the year. It's super catchy, and there are a variety of songs in it. It isn't repetitive likeThis album is probably one of my favorites of the year. It's super catchy, and there are a variety of songs in it. It isn't repetitive like most albums and what I love is how Rihanna can always keep it fresh and with time she's becoming better and better.… Full Review »
  2. darryltrini
    Nov 23, 2010
    5
    An average album compared to the rest of her work. This was one of my most anticipated albums and was not pleased in the end. The tracks areAn average album compared to the rest of her work. This was one of my most anticipated albums and was not pleased in the end. The tracks are quite forgettable and boring at times. Very disappointed by this album. I expected so much more. However, Rihanna has shown some growth as a vocalist, with the welcomed improvements on her vocals on songs like Complicated, California King Bed, and Love The Way You Lie (Part II). Favorite Track: 'What's My Name' (ft. Drake). Least Favorite Track: S&M.… Full Review »
  3. Cazatuz
    Nov 17, 2010
    0
    Wow, Im shocked at these reviews, Not too shocked because Critics Overrate & Underrate thing all the time. Poor Rihanna, She thought she couldWow, 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… Full Review »
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