What I know about R&B and hip-hop can be summed up with the following words: “it’s not my thing really.” So when my friend, Calum, forced his ear phones on me and made me listen to the current single “Umbrella”, from Rihanna’s third album Good Girl Gone Bad (GGGB), I was surprised to find that I liked it. A Lot. In fact, that afternoon I went home and downloaded the entire album.
GGGB is loaded with dancey, hip-pop tracks that run the gamut from the Euro-dance electronica of “Please Don’t Stop The Music” – easily the best track on GGGB — to the guitar driven, Prince-esque sex romp “Shut Up And Drive”.
“Umbrella” feat. Jay-Z – what doesn’t Jay-Z feature on these days? – is the dancey, hooky first track from GGGB. Although Rihanna’s voice lacks the emotive qualities I usually prefer, electronic production makes-up for it with interesting vocal manipulations, giving her voice a knife-edged sex appeal. The song is helped in no small part by the addictive lyrical hook “You can stand under my umbrella… ella… ella… eh, eh, eh” It draws you in and says “sit down for a good listen.”
The dancey, sexual tease of “Please Don’t Stop The Music” is far and away the hottest track on GGGB. Brought to you by the Norwegian production team StarGate, famous for writing electro-pop numbers for British pop sensations like Atomic Kitten and Blue before moving to US-based artists; producing hits like “Beautiful Liar,” the duet with Beyoncé and Shakira, and “So Sick” by Ne-Yo. “Please Don’t Stop The Music” is a Euroclub-feel dance track with overpowering beats, sensual electro-dance hooks and a sample of mamasay-mamasas (from Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Something”) that perfectly blur’s into the track, complete with Jackson’s signature high pitched “woo hoo” scattered throughout. This track is more than memorable, it’s manifestly unforgettable.
Article comments
1 - sos
a great album
2 - sos
I dont know what people say and i dont care the truth is that i really loved this album from the first time i put the cd in my car radio! Each song its great for its own reason! The cd is much better from her previous 2 albums and its really a big move! All songs are really cachy and beautiful like Rihanna!Go GIRL! U ARE THE BEST
3 - nini
i agree. this cd is great. i must admit, i had bad thoughts about it when i first heard it cause it was a bit different from her previous albums. but i love every song on the cd. im a huge fan!!! keep up the good work
4 - FACTS4U
Please stop lying. Ok? The album was pure-d-trash! If it is so hot, why hasn't her "fans" purchased the thing? huh? Why did she have to cancel several dates on her tour due to poor ticket sells? Just stop lying to the public, no one is falling for it. Ok? :-) ciao
5 - Trina
I think that Rihanna is Cool but she has a problem, she has to put on short clothing to look sexy. Rihanna you need to dress decent like jordin sparksor beyonce you need to respect your self in order for people to say good things about you put on decent clothes RIHANNA
6 - Trina
Rihanna when you come to our country you get on like you don't want to be touch, but don't worry you. Rihanna you would not be up for ever and then you would need the same people to touch you and be there for you.