After much anticipation, Rihanna's eighth studio album, "ANTI" has hit the web. With a leak on Wednesday night and an official iTunes release on Friday night, you really have no excuse for not having downloaded this album yet. However, if you're still hesitant about whether "ANTI" is for you, I've given you the rundown on all 13 tracks here (the deluxe version includes three bonus tracks).
1. Consideration (feat. SZA)
This drum-machine-looping opening track is a great opening statement for this stylistically rebellious album. "I got to do things my own way," is a lyric aimed directly at critics who might question whether Rihanna's new sound is true to her club-banging roots.
2. James Joint
It's no secret Rihanna spends a lot of her time using herbal remedies, and this song is quite the hazy-sounding ode to that. I like the heavy synth and the short, interlude feel this track has.
3. Kiss it Better
"Kiss it Better" sounds like Rihanna took the instrumentals of an '80s rock ballad and did what Rihanna does best. She spills passionate lyrics like, "Man, f*** your pride!" over this gentle-sounding track. It's not my personal favorite, but it is another great example of the versatile direction Rihanna is taking her sound in 'ANTI."
4. Work (feat. Drake)
Likely to be the most radio-played song from the album, "Work" has a similar sensual feel to Drake's "Hotline Bling." I feel like this track feels just enough like the old Barbados Rihanna while staying in a progressive, experimental vein.
5. Desperado
Currently my favorite song from the collection, "Desperado" creates a smokey, mysterious atmosphere. I could definitely see this song accompanying a film about an a**-kicking gal with attitude. The lyric "If you want/we could be runaways runnin' from/ any sight of love" gives the song an anthemic, empowering vibe.
6. Woo
In my opinion, this is one of the most experimental-sounding tracks on the album. It's gritty and filtered and feels more akin to "BBHMM," which was released last year.
7. Needed Me
This is another one of my favorite tracks on the album because of the creative blend of a more typically masculine R&B lyrical style and electronic instrumentals similar to the work of FKA Twigs. It's short and sweet, but I honestly wish it would go on forever.
8. Yeah, I Said It
This track has a very distinct bedroom seduction sound. I listened to it on a long, late-night drive and it was a great city soundtrack. There's a lot going on in the sparse instrumentals as Rihanna dives into a new, more mature sound.
9. Same Ol' Mistakes
I initially didn't enjoy this sound, but the more I listened to the album, the more I realized how well this track fits within the collection. This loop-heavy song has an almost hypnotizing effect. The lyric "feel like a brand new person" is probably exactly how fans who were expecting "SOS"-era Rihanna felt listening to this album.
10. Never Ending
In one of the most vulnerable, tender moments of the album, Rihanna goes acoustic. It's very reminiscent of Dido's "Thank You", using heavy guitar and bongos. It's a pleasant surprise addition to the album, and great for those late-night cry-alone-in-your-room sessions.
11. Love on the Brain
If you're ready to hear Rihanna's vocal chops like never before, this is the song to listen to. "Love on the Brain" goes way back, drawing on sounds of the 1950's and 1960's R&B era, but throwing in a few twists. It sounds something we'd expect from Duffy. (But actually, where'd she go?) I think it's a treat to hear Rihanna really belt out a ballad now and then.
12. Higher
Keeping the vintage lounge singer feel, Rihanna continues to flex those lungs in "Higher." This is definitely another track worthy of curling up with and having a good, cleansing, nostalgic cry: "I wanna go back to the old way, but I'm drunk instead." We've all been there. Thanks, Rihanna.
13. Close to You
Piano ballads, yes. At this point, I'm realizing just about every song on this album is either good for making you feel like a boss or melting your heart. This one does the latter pretty darn well.
