Rated R (reissue) vinyl

Barbadian singer Rihanna's Rated R album marked a bold departure from her earlier pop-centric sound and saw her head into a darker, edgier side. Released in the aftermath of her highly publicised personal struggles, the newly reissued album blends rock, hip-hop and pop with haunting and aggressive undertones. Tracks like 'Russian Roulette' and 'Hard' reflect her emotional vulnerability and resilience, while 'Rude Boy' offers a more playful, upbeat vibe. Rihanna's vocal delivery is powerful and raw as you would expect given the context and effectively conveys the album's themes of empowerment, defiance, and introspection. Rated R is a daring and transformative work that highlights Rihanna's talents and is well worth copping for your collection.