Nfared Reviews

Rihanna: Music Of The Sun



Monica, Brandy, and Usher were all successful artist before the age of twenty.
In fact, recently, a large percentage of those taking a career in music have
just barely passed the driving age. Whether or not this fact is good or bad has
always been water cooler discussion, but it does seem to hold true that the
younger you are, the more you have to prove. With her hit single “Pon Da
Replay”, newcomer Rihanna is attempting to prove that even at seventeen, age is
mostly irrelevant when it comes to getting attention. The track listing for her
debut album Music Of The Sun has been changed several times though, just to be
sure she does not have any serious issues getting her career off the ground.



“There’s a Thug In My Life” is an attempt at being age appropriate. The mid
tempo track is relaxing and fits Rihanna’s firm voice. Though her overall sound
gives her age away, it takes nothing away from her ability. She sings with
confidence and riffs with the skill of an old pro. Her voice is clear and smooth
as she displays excellent control. Lyrically though, this song is awkward. As
she tells the story of a young man she met, “Gotta keep it on the down low/I’ll
never let my mama know” she seems sweet and innocent. The young man that has
caught her interest also sounds like he may not be bad for her, but then she
suddenly says in the chorus, “There’s a thug in my life/how am I gonna tell my
momma?/she’s gonna say it ain’t right.” First, there is nothing before the
chorus that would lead to the belief that the young man is a thug. Then there is
the question of why he has to be a thug. The use of that term does not seem
genuine, but more of an attempt to get attention. Then to make
matters even more-- interesting, she says in the chorus she is going to “Give
him everything”, then she turns right around says “Mama don’t worry/I’m not in a
hurry/I won’t make you sorry”. While perhaps there is no such thing as being
consistent in confusion, it would be helpful if Rihanna’s story agreed with
itself.



Rihanna finds her niche with “Last Time”. The guitar-based ballad with its
inconsistent bass line displays her ad-libbing skills. Vocally she is fluid,
intent and passionate. Lyrically Rihanna is much more solid as she assures in
the harmony filled chorus, “It’s the last time/you’re ever gonna kiss these
lips/or ever will deceive these eyes/believe me when I tell you this/baby boy
it’s the last time.” Throughout the song there are heart felt phrases including,
“… I trusted each and every word, never thinking that I’d get burned”, “Fool me
once/shame on me/fool me twice/now the song is through” and the victorious “But
I’m still standing tall as I walk away”. Rihanna shows that she bas been a
victim but realizes that she does not have to live like one.


Final Grade
Rihanna’s voice alone is engaging enough to encourage Music Of The Sun. There is
also that fact that she is new and young. These are all positives for a strong
release. While this album will not necessarily change anyone’s mind about music,
or have any type of groundbreaking impact, the variety of the tracks and
Rihanna’s skill and sweet sounding voice come together to make a great release,
in some respects better than a few of her peers that have been in the industry
for years. Final Grade B+



















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