Sure "Diamond" is one boring song, but Unapologetic might be the goods, the new cover is sure good enough. But Loud is some heavy duty competition and Talk That Talk was even bigger.
Rihanna is amazingly prolific. Seven albums in seven years including two last year and one to send off this year, plus another tour. And every song she pulls off the album is a hit. Both of her last two albums could've been pulled for more singles. She decided to shelve them before they ere done and release new material.
This is Prince like arrogance but also a signpost that of all the biggest stars of pop music, Rihanna has the most self-confidence in her ability to provide the goods. Which is strange because compared to her peer group, Minaj, Perry, Gaga, Rihanna lacks personality as a person and absolutely as a singer. She could be anybody and part of her signpost to a better pop world is a sense of coolness about her.
Her image, a sort of Trinidadian Princess of cool, is at odds with her get them and hold them music. When she gets the right song, she is very good. When she doesn't she has nothing to give it.
The one time I've seen her on stage she was not very interesting. All sound and fury signifying nothing, but on record… she can bring it sometimes.
Which leads us to a naked Rihanna on the cover of her new album. She looks great, gorgeous, and she doesn't need the publicity so she is doing it because she looks so beautiful. Sexy but more than that, a sort of depth of sensuality and a grown up facade after years of being something of a child. Let's hope the rest of the songs are better than "Diamond".