rihanna-goodgirlgonebad music reviews Virgin Media
Glossy R&B youngster showcases fine voice on uber-produced songs
Competition is fierce in R&B, and marketing and production budgets are huge. It should come as no surprise that Rihanna - who, despite her tender age, has already racked up a considerable run of hits - is being touted as a bright hope for the genre's future, and as a result this album has everything you'd expect from a label really trying to make it work. Big name guests? Check. Production and songwriting superstars? Check. With this kind of support, it can't really fail.
Although her voice may lack anything to really set it aside from most other R&B singers, there's no doubt that her mellow tones are extremely easy on the ear, and on Good Girl Gone Bad no exception is made. The standout tracks - including recent single Umbrella, Breakin' Dishes and Shut Up And Drive - are those which marry this voice with deep, bassy, electro-influenced backing tracks, reminiscient of those turned out by Aaliyah in her heyday. Overall, a success.
More to try:
Beyoncé: Dangerously In Love
Nelly Furtado: Loose
Amerie: Because I Love It
