Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, songwriter, and actress who has become one of the most successful and influential artists of her generation. With a career spanning over a decade, Rihanna has released countless hit singles and albums, and has won numerous awards and accolades for her work. Her unique voice and distinctive style have made her a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and her influence on pop culture is undeniable.
In this list of the top 10 best Rihanna songs of all time, we will explore some of her most iconic and unforgettable tracks, from her early hits to her more recent releases. From the catchy pop anthems to the soulful ballads, Rihanna’s music has touched the hearts of fans around the world and has cemented her place as one of the greatest pop stars of all time.
These songs not only showcase her incredible talent as a singer and songwriter, but also highlight her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level, making her music an essential part of the pop music canon.
1. “Umbrella”
“Umbrella” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring rapper Jay-Z. The song was released in 2007 as the lead single from Rihanna’s third studio album “Good Girl Gone Bad”. The song’s catchy beat and Rihanna’s soulful vocals quickly propelled it to the top of the charts and made it one of the biggest hits of the year.The lyrics of “Umbrella” describe the strength and support that two people can provide for each other in a relationship, with the metaphor of an umbrella symbolizing protection from the storms of life. The song features a memorable hook, with the repetition of the line “ella ella eh eh eh”, adding to its infectious appeal.
2. “Work”
“Work” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring Canadian rapper Drake. The song was released in 2016 as the lead single from Rihanna’s eighth studio album “Anti”. The song’s unique blend of dancehall and R&B sounds made it an instant hit, with its catchy beat and Rihanna’s trademark sultry vocals.The lyrics of “Work” describe a tumultuous relationship, with Rihanna and Drake singing about the ups and downs of love and the challenges of communication. The song features a repetition of the phrase “work work work work work”, adding to its infectious and memorable appeal.
3. “Love On The Brain”
“Love On The Brain” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2016 as a track on her eighth studio album “Anti”. The song’s throwback sound and soulful vocals made it a standout track on the album, with Rihanna showcasing a different side to her musical style.The lyrics of “Love On The Brain” describe the ups and downs of a tumultuous relationship, with Rihanna singing about the powerful hold that love can have over us. The song features a powerful and emotional vocal performance, with Rihanna’s soulful voice perfectly capturing the intensity of the song’s lyrics.
4. “We Found Love”
“We Found Love” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris. The song was released in 2011 as the lead single from Rihanna’s sixth studio album “Talk That Talk”. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy melody and Rihanna’s soaring vocals made it a massive hit and one of the biggest songs of the year.
The lyrics of “We Found Love” describe the exhilaration and excitement of a new romantic relationship, with Rihanna singing about the power of love to bring people together. The song features a memorable hook, with the repetition of the phrase “we found love in a hopeless place”, adding to its infectious appeal.
5. “Rude Boy”
“Rude Boy” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2010 as a single from her fourth studio album “Rated R”. The song’s dancehall-infused sound and Rihanna’s bold vocals made it an instant hit, with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm.The lyrics of “Rude Boy” describe a woman who is attracted to a man who is confident and unapologetic, with Rihanna singing about the excitement and thrill of a new romantic relationship. The song features a repetition of the phrase “come here rude boy, boy can you get it up”, adding to its seductive appeal.
6. “Man Down”
“Man Down” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2011 as a single from her fifth studio album “Loud”. The song’s reggae-inspired sound and Rihanna’s emotive vocals made it a powerful and impactful track, with its hard-hitting lyrics and social commentary.The lyrics of “Man Down” describe a woman who shoots and kills a man who has wronged her, with Rihanna singing about the cycle of violence and the consequences of actions. The song features a powerful message about the need for accountability and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
7. “What’s My Name”
“What’s My Name” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring Canadian rapper Drake. The song was released in 2010 as the second single from Rihanna’s fifth studio album “Loud”. The song’s catchy beat and Rihanna’s smooth vocals made it an instant hit, with its memorable hook and infectious melody.
The lyrics of “What’s My Name” describe the thrill and excitement of a new romantic relationship, with Rihanna and Drake singing about the feeling of falling in love and the desire to be recognized and appreciated. The song features a repetition of the phrase “oh na na, what’s my name?”, adding to its catchy and memorable appeal.
8. “Diamonds”
“Diamonds” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2012 as the lead single from her seventh studio album “Unapologetic”. The song’s soaring vocals and anthemic melody made it an instant hit, with its memorable chorus and emotive lyrics.The lyrics of “Diamonds” describe the resilience and strength that comes with overcoming adversity, with Rihanna singing about the power of inner strength and perseverance. The song features a powerful and emotional vocal performance, with Rihanna’s voice perfectly capturing the intensity of the song’s lyrics.
9. “S&M”
“S&M” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2011 as a single from her fifth studio album “Loud”. The song’s provocative lyrics and catchy beat made it a controversial but popular track, with its bold and unapologetic message.The lyrics of “S&M” describe a woman who is in control of her sexuality and unafraid to express herself, with Rihanna singing about the power of BDSM and the thrill of exploring one’s desires. The song features a repetition of the phrase “sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me”, adding to its seductive and memorable appeal.
10. “Stay”
“Stay” is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, featuring American singer Mikky Ekko. The song was released in 2013 as the second single from Rihanna’s seventh studio album “Unapologetic”. The song’s stripped-down sound and raw emotional delivery made it a poignant and powerful track, with its haunting melody and evocative lyrics.The lyrics of “Stay” describe the pain and heartbreak of a failing relationship, with Rihanna and Ekko singing about the desire to hold on to love and the struggle to let go. The song features a raw and emotional vocal performance, with Rihanna’s voice conveying the heartache and vulnerability of the song’s lyrics.