Rihanna
Talk That Talk

Up there in the Olympus of those in charge... there are people who think they know what the masses like. Creating a single product capable of monopolizing the attention of many, able to climb the charts worldwide in such a way as to bring in lots of... lots of money for the Majors or production houses.

The word product, I believe - even if a bit harsh - is the most fitting, because it explains in just a few syllables what these artists really are: nothing more than products destined for sale.

Our market is now saturated with them and, like it or not, we always end up finding out about these pseudo-singers.

The sacred monsters of this category are: Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, the so-called singers churned out by Disney... and why not, even the youths churned out like rabbits by the wonderful Mrs. Costanzo; but the list would be too long.

So today I would like to focus on Miss Rihanna.

As you all know, she has come out with a new album, the emblematic "Talk That Talk". That she was productive is obvious, but one album a year is too much even for her.

I am not a fan of hers, nor do I care for the genre (which is obvious given my preface) but one has to admit that the young lady has churned out a decent album that, not without its flaws, is pleasant to listen to. Without too much commitment. The album consists of 14 tracks, of fluctuating quality but absolutely above the average of the products churned out by the rest of young and dashing Riri's colleagues.

It starts with "You da one": a decent track but easily forgettable. It is commendable that it relies on a so to speak... "Caribbean" rhythm and therefore different from about 90% of what her aforementioned colleagues offer. It moves to "Where have you been", a club track, definable as trashy, but not completely bad. It is saved by some moans from the singer and a strong chorus, which will surely guarantee its success. Before us is "We found love", the first single from the album and according to yours truly, the best track. Excellent hook and enjoyable throughout its duration, it strikes immediately with its melody. "Talk That Talk" featuring Jay-Z, who manages to ruin everything he touches. But the album's title track is decent, having a certain darkness that enchants at first listen but already tires by the second. The next is the most controversial track, titled "Cockiness (Love it)" an amalgam between rap and reggaeton that fails precisely because of its uniqueness, unlistenable for me. "We all want love" is a simple track, with a chorus that doesn't quite stick in your head but is pleasant to listen to, a positive aspect is that at first glance I thought I was listening to an indie song. Strange. Nice track. The mood rises with "Drunk on Love", an excellent track with a beat worthy of being called such, and the rest is done by the young lady's voice. "Roc me out" is a powerful track, not easy to place, but still placeable, with a chorus that energizes and makes you want to run. Two great tracks, one after another, what did I miss? But the dream must end and it ends forcefully with a track that to describe as bad would be an understatement, "Watch N' Learn"... simply bad. But then something mystical happens, Rihanna's sweet voice starts to appeal to you and when listening to tracks like "FareWell" you melt away and let yourself be lulled. A very sweet song. "Red Lipstick" is a bold track, not recognizable as one of hers, but lacking a soul and pathos, empty.

The last two tracks elevate the album significantly, we have a simple yet effective "Do ya Thang" capable of arousing a touch of good humor when listening to it and finally the powerful "Fool In Love", a poignant track, dedicated to the young Riri's Mom and Dad, that resonates deeply once heard, implying an immediate re-listen.

What can I say, an album worth listening to, sometimes daring (and appreciated) and failing, at times ruminating on the past (and making mistakes) and succeeding. This is Rihanna's album, a continuous daring and pressing the same keys over and over again.