I'm a 21 year old final year University student studying Politics. My interests include football, te...
I'm a 21 year old final year University student studying Politics. My interests include football, tennis and house music
Member since:19.12.2008
Reviews:8
Good Girl Gone Bad, marks the gear change for Rihanna from a run-of-the-mill Radio friendly act (see: SOS, Pon De Replay) into the international superstar class category that such a fine voice deserves. When my girlfriend first picked this album up I have to say I was apprehensive about being force fed a diet of nothing but Rihanna for the foreseeable future.
Whilst Umbrella (Track 1) was undoubtedly one of the signature tracks of 2007, I was unsure whether the rest of the album would prove to be so good. Yet GGGB proved my doubts wrong - a largely upbeat, dancey fest of simple but memorable tunes, slipping straight from the slower opening track to the groovy club-friendly Push Up On Me (co-written by soul legend Lionel Ritchie). From there the album swings on to the Michael Jackson 'Wanna Be Starting Something' sampling mega-hit 'Please Don't Stop The Music'.
Other highlights of the album include the attitude-laden 'Breakin Dishes' (Track 3) the title track 'Good Girl Gone Bad' (Track 12) and 'Rehab' (Track 10 - great lyrics and perfect for cool summers evenings, but the track could practically be the identical twin of 'What Goes Around' by Justin Timberlake). Rihanna also attempts to break from the norms of what recent fans might expect of her by going back to her roots in the quirky Carribean influenced 'Lemme Get That' (Track 9) - although very much a track you'll either like or press skip for.
There are however some weak points to the album. 'Hate that I love You' (Track 6) with Ne-Yo is so cheesey that it made me cringe - although my girlfriend (a big Ne-Yo fan) absolutely loved it. The following song 'Say It' (Track 7) continues along the ballad approach but rather than cheese being the issue, lyrical weakness and repetitiveness make this far from a classic.
Fans may also be disappointed that on the original release (although not on the later 'Reloaded' Album) club anthem Disturbia, and ballad 'Take a Bow' fail to appear. In addition UK fans will note that the version of Shut Up and Drive (Track 5) is slightly different from that heard on most radio stations (which is in fact the Wideboys remix), although it's still a good track with a suprising guitar opener.
Overall I'd definitely recommend Rihanna - Good Girl Gone Bad. It offers a real mix of different speeds and twists on genres, to guarantee that no two tracks sound too samilar, and that there's something on there for every mood. The fact that the closing title track 'Good Girl Gone Bad' appears to wrap up the 'story' of the album is also a neat, clever touch.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Upbeat, Funky, Modern, not your usual RnB, will suit a varied musical interests! Disadvantages: None
ICanWalkInHighHeels 08.08.2008 (08.08.2008)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna
Advantages: Upbeat, Funky, Modern, not your usual RnB, will suit a varied musical interests! Disadvantages: None
ICanWalkInHighHeels 08.08.2008 (08.08.2008)
·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Good Girl Gone Bad - Rihanna
Mar 12th, 2009
very helpful by (88%):
helpful by (13%):
