Rated R
by Rihanna
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2009
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Village Voice
    Jun 24, 2011
    60
    You are way, way better off not projecting any kind of emotional subtext onto this record.
  2. musicOMH.com
    60
    We have an album that opts to cater for the variety of fans that flock to support Rihanna in her time of trouble. It's a diverse work. But this so happens to be its biggest setback.
  3. The Guardian
    60
    In the absence of a song as undeniable [as 'Umbrella'], they try a number of approaches, with varying success.
  5. The A.V. Club
    58
    Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to do with the Brown affair.
  6. Spin
    50
    Rated R, Rihanna's first album since her brutal confrontation with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, wants to recast her as a searing woman scorned. It doesn't quite take.
  7. PopMatters
    50
    She brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 645 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 537 out of 645
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 645
  3. Negative: 61 out of 645
  1. JarvsH
    Nov 24, 2009
    10
    Her best album so far, and probably the best pop record in years.
  2. MIkeB.
    Nov 30, 2009
    10
    This is what happens when artists are able to take more control over their music. She gave us something different. Her bajan accent is in This is what happens when artists are able to take more control over their music. She gave us something different. Her bajan accent is in full force and she plays with her lower register like no one I've ever heard. When I first listened to it I immediately compared it to her last album GGGB. But I realized there is no comparison, these are two completely different albums, though she still gives us enough of what she has done so well in the past. Now I can't stop listening to it! I'm obsessed! I hope everyone gives Rated R a chance and listen to every track before you write it off. RiRi is back but she definitely shed her little miss sunshine image and grew up. Best album of 2009 for sure! So everyone needs to stop buying all of these Number 1's and re-released albums!! SUPPORT RIHANNA!! => My Top 5 Songs: 1. Cold Case Love 2. Te Amo 3. Russian Roulette 4. Rude Boy 5. Photographs.… Full Review »
  3. MarcoAC
    Apr 30, 2012
    9
    Simply perfect. Rihanna got through their emotions with sincerity after previous events, which gave the album a personal touch and can be seenSimply perfect. Rihanna got through their emotions with sincerity after previous events, which gave the album a personal touch and can be seen from afar as his best.… Full Review »
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