Distortion and simple baselines dominate “Consideration (feat SZA),” the first track off of ANTI – Rihanna’s long awaited and highly anticipated album. “I gotta do things my own way darling,” shows @badgalriri breaking the fourth wall and talking directly to her listeners.
The entire album is a reflection of her dedication to the pursuit of authenticity. Both tough and sensitive, she transforms her camouflaged vulnerability into astounding art in ANTI. That doesn’t mean that she holds back from sharing the glitz of stardom, though. “Let me cover your shit in glitter / I can make it gold, gold,” she belts, her signature vocal prowess ablaze.
She seems to supply her listeners with an arsenal of blended harmonies, full of texture and rich melodic cadences. The pursuit of authenticity leads to gritty vocal effects, distortion of the electric guitar, and a minimalist beat. The lyrics truly are in the spotlight and dictate the mood of the songs. Only Rihanna could transform a song about her insecurities into an anthem, without compromising the authenticity of the emotion.
“I needed you to please give my reflection a break
From the face it’s seeing now
From the pain it’s feeling now?”
Dare we say Rihanna’s just like us in some ways?
ANTI is a wake-up call; it is Rihanna of the past, and Rihanna of the present – and it gives us a look at Rihanna of the future. It is Rihanna doing things her own way.“I know I can be more creative and come up with poetic lines” Rihanna even shows herself at her most self-critical and vulnerable – a change from her usual, confidence-oozing, mask. She goes ahead and gives her listeners a raw glimpse of herself, laying her complicated and often difficult romantic cards on the table. ANTI is Rihanna’s open-sourced and rhythmic diary, proclaiming that originality, authenticity, and a badass beat
“And I know I can be more creative
And come up with poetic lines
But I’m turnt up upstairs and I love you
Is the only thing that’s in my mind”
Rihanna shows herself at her most self-critical and vulnerable – a change from her usual, confidence-oozing, mask. She croons through the album fearlessly, giving her listeners a raw glimpse of herself. She lays her complicated (and often difficult) romantic cards out on the table.
ANTI is Rihanna’s open-sourced and rhythmic diary, proclaiming that originality, authenticity, and a badass beat can conquer all.
