Even though "Loud" came out of nowhere, it proved that Rihanna's grip on the mainstream would indeed remain as strong as ever. Three singles topped the charts, and when a fourth one was just settling into the top ten, in true Rihanna fashion, she decided to quickly follow up with another chart-devouring machine in order to capitalize on fourth-quarter sales. This time the new monster single was "We Found Love", a song aided by Calvin Harris' pure pop production, and whose excited vocals and obnoxiously addictive hook are sure to top the charts in no time at all. Also true to form, instead of simply releasing a deluxe edition of "Loud", she decided to release her third annual November album, "Talk That Talk".
Rihanna's earnestness in cranking out albums so quickly is always a quirk worth exploring, since an artist who contains impeccable pop-making abilites shouldn't need to constantly re-assert herself as a dominant presence in music. Although if "We Found Love" proves anything, it's that releasing not just songs, but entire albums every so often is how she keeps her visibility so crystal clear. Other artists release an album, and either go on tour or lay low for a couple years contemplating their next career moves. But not Rihanna, she is too confident to not rush new material every year, even though it doesn't sound rushed. Then again, with an A-list team of songwriters and producers in her corner, Rihanna doesn't need to really do anything to make another hit, she lets her team do their magic, and she brings their sentiments to life. And "Talk That Talk" is no exception to this pattern, as Rihanna only co-wrote four tracks here. More than "Loud", but that doesn't necessarily guarantee another smash. "You Da One" retains her Barbadian flavors, and "Cockiness (Love It)" is just as simple and as addictive as anything else Rihanna has ever done, but there are also a few errors in Rihanna's excution in "Talk That Talk" as a whole. The empty "Roc Me Out" and the unnecessarily short "Birthday Cake" seem like filler, while "Watch N Learn" is good, but seems like a track that settles for less instead of driving for more. Still, even with its faults, "Talk That Talk" still maintains Rihanna's level of quality. "Where Have You Been?" is an instant club groover, and her second Jay-Z collaboration "Talk That Talk" is a worthy successor to their first duet "Umbrella" back in 2007.
The only disappointing elements that arise with this album come when put in comparison to "Loud". The cover suggests a bolder and more sensual Rihanna, and there is no doubt a palpable sense of carnality here, but "Talk That Talk" never feels as compelling as her 2010 blockbuster. And as it comes to a close with "Farewell", there's a slight aftertaste of dissatisfaction. But, as always, "Talk That Talk" will work to titilate, and after enough spins, it will become a satisfying follow up to "Loud". There's still the sweet naivite present in "We All Want Love", and "Drunk on Love" is a cool, sleek rock number, and as a whole, this album is a little more focused. Although this focus makes "Talk That Talk" slightly less appealing, it's still another great Rihanna album, and minus the fluff, could be one of her best to date.
Recommended Tracks in Bold:
1. You Da One 2. Where Have You Been? 3. We Found Love
4. Talk That Talk 5. Cockiness (Love It) 6. Birthday Cake
7. We All Want Love 8. Drunk on Love 9. Roc Me Out
10. Watch N Learn 11. Farewell
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