Rihanna's 'Talk that Talk": A Track by Track Review

Just about one year after releasing the multi-platinum set, "Loud," 23 year-old pop star Rihanna follows up with an all new record that's even better than the last one. Buoyed by the lead single, "We Found Love," the new album debuted at #3 on Billboard's 200 Albums Chart a few weeks ago and it has stayed amongst the top albums ever since. With a mix of up-tempo pop ditties, heartfelt ballads and island-flavored jams, this one is a must for all Rihanna fans.

Here's a track by track review of Rihanna's "Talk That Talk":

You Da One

The first track on the album is a mid-tempo one with an island flavor brought about by the singer's Barbadian style vocals. It's easy on the ears and quite possibly has the potential to be a hit single. Take a listen here.

Where Have You Been

This clubby tune asks the question that's been on Rihanna's mind for some time now. This one is fast-paced and very dance-friendly and you can check it out right here.

We Found Love

This, the lead single off "Talk That Talk," featuring the help of Scottish singer/songwriter/producer Calvin Harris, is arguably Rihanna's best song ever. The tune was a record breaker for the singer, making her the fastest female musical act to hit 20 top ten singles in the fastest amount of time. It quickly became her eleventh #1 one hit for its catchy, almost melancholic sounds and infectious lyrics. The song sounds great on dance floors and all over the radio, and has surely won some new fans for the RiRi. Check out the video for "We Found Love" here.

Talk That Talk

The title cut features guest vocals by Jay Z and is a slamming dance track that'll surely fill dance floors one day soon. Check it out right here.

Cockiness (Love It)

This is where things start to heat up. Oh, there are so many adjectives I could use to describe this sexy, sultry, sassy, full of double entendres, raga dub-step jam! Oops, I think I just did! This one's definitely rated R and very infectious! Take a listen here.

Birthday Cake

The sexiness continues as Ri-Ri gets downright naughty on this short, steamy interlude, as she coos…

It's not even my birthday
But he want to lick the icing off
I know you want it in the worst way
Can't wait to blow my candles out

Check it out here.

We All Want Love

This sweet, melodic sing-along is one of my favorites off of "Talk That Talk." It speaks to something we all want…

We all want someone there to hold
We just want somebody
We all wanna be somebody's one and only
We all wanna be warm when it's cold
Yeah yeah yeah

No one wants to be left scared and lonely

Take a listen to this one right here.

Drunk on Love

This mid-tempo track is kind of dramatic and to me, it's filler.

Take a listen here.

Roc Me Out

So give it to me like I want it
This is for your eyes only
Roc me out, back and forth
Roc me out, on the floor

This up tempo song is catchy and could very well be a single. Check it out right here.

Watch n' Learn

Rihanna plays love teacher on this fun one. It's fast-paced and catchy and you can try it on for size right here.

Farewell

The album's power ballad is as good as any Rihanna's ever done! Try it out here.

Red Lipstick

This one by far the naughtiest song on the record, and that's probably why it only appears on the deluxe version of the set. The lyrics are downright explicit, but oh so sexy and oh so funky. The sounds of Middle Eastern-style strings and raga raps by Rusko add to its sexiness. Take a listen here.

Do Ya Thing

"Do Ya Thing" is a happy, catchy sing-along type of thing! Check it out here.

Fool In Love

This ballad sort of reminds me of Britney Spears' "Criminal," at least in theme. Just check out these lyrics and you'll see what I mean:

Mama, I found a man
Who loves me and understands
Papa, he's quite a man
He adores me, he's my biggest fan
And don't get me wrong,
I know he's not perfect in your eyes
But somehow he's flawless in mine

RiRi's in love with someone that mama and papa wouldn't approve of…sound familiar? This one's a bit more melodramatic than Spears', but probably better! Give this one a listen right here.

So there you have it! Rihanna's "Talk That Talk" is overall a little brighter and a lot sexier than anything she's ever done before, and I am sure we'll be hearing a lot of things from this one on the radio and in dance clubs very soon!

More Rihanna:

Rihanna Gains Steam with "We Found Love"

Rihanna's Top Ten Songs…So Far!

Rihanna's "Loud": A Review

Sources:

Rihanna continues Billboard chart lead with "We Found Love"

Rihanna 'Talk That Talk': Track by Track Review

Rihanna's 'Talk That Talk' Debuts at No. 3 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart