Rihanna’s effortless cool and unapologetic attitude have often overshadowed her remarkable musical talent and relentless work ethic, both of which are evident in her incredible string of hits. It’s hard to believe that the young artist from Barbados who debuted with “Pon de Replay” in 2005 would go on to become the best-selling digital singles artist of all time, surpassing 100 million sales. Furthermore, she ranks among music legends like Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and Madonna in terms of Top 10 singles. In celebration of this iconic artist, we delve into her impressive, history-making catalog to highlight some of her best songs to date.
“Loyalty” (with Kendrick Lamar) (2017)
This standout track from Kendrick Lamar’s Damn. album showcases Rihanna’s effortless flow alongside Kung-Fu Kenny himself. While her lyrics might be playfully nonsensical – “On your pulse like a CD in/Gas in the bitch like it’s premium,” she raps – her captivating charisma makes it utterly compelling. Kendrick Lamar himself praised Rihanna’s artistry, stating, “I love everything about her. Her artistry, how she represents women to not only be themselves but to express themselves the way she expresses herself through music, and how she carries herself.”
Recording artists Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna, winners of Best Rap/Sung Performance for "Loyalty"
“Lemon” (with N.E.R.D.) (2018)
N.E.R.D.’s comeback single after seven years is a politically charged anthem, featuring quotes from Gloria Steinem and a powerful message against hate, all set to a minimalist, bass-heavy groove. While the group’s return alone was significant, especially following Pharrell’s massive hits in the 2010s, the real surprise was a swaggering verse from an unexpected guest MC: Rihanna. She delivers boastful rhymes packed with clever nods to hip-hop legends, showcasing a cool, laconic flow. Interestingly, the track was initially intended for Sean “Diddy” Combs, but N.E.R.D. decided to keep it for themselves. “Lemon” marked Rihanna’s 50th Top 40 hit, thirteen years after her debut.
Pharrell Williams and Rihanna perform on stage during Rihanna
“Man Down” (2010)
“Man Down” is a Rihanna track that resonated deeply with her R&B and urban audience. In this song, she embraces patois accents more prominently than in any previous single, creating a powerful female response to reggae dancehall anthems like Chaka Demus & Pliers’ “Murder She Wrote.” Rihanna described the song to Spin as being “about breaking a man’s heart.” However, the controversial music video for “Man Down” expanded the narrative, portraying Rihanna as a woman seeking revenge for rape. Defending the video, Rihanna explained on BET’s 106 & Park, “We needed to go back to why it happened, because obviously she’s not a cold-blooded killer.”
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“Take Care” (with Drake) (2011)
Drake once stated in 2016 regarding his long and fruitful collaboration history with Rihanna, “A lot of the energy we bring is genuine.” This genuine connection is undeniable in “Take Care.” Their on-again, off-again relationship appeared to be in an “on” phase when they collaborated on the deeply vulnerable title track from Drake’s 2011 sophomore album. Producer Noah “40” Shebib masterfully sampled a Jamie xx remix of Gil Scott-Heron, creating beautiful, stalactite-like guitar sounds over a slow, Balearic beat. However, the true magic lies in the chemistry between Rihanna and Drake, as they explore themes of past heartbreaks and navigate the uncertainties of a new relationship.
Singer Rihanna and rapper Drake perform during the 2011 NBA All-Star game halftime show
“Wild Thoughts” (with DJ Khaled, Bryson Tiller) (2018)
“Wild Thoughts” is a stellar pop hit that seamlessly blends musical history. DJ Khaled and songwriter PartyNextDoor sampled a 90s collaboration between Wyclef Jean and Carlos Santana to craft this steamy, Latin-infused track. Rihanna, teaming up with trap-soul artist Bryson Tiller, unsurprisingly steals the spotlight with an old-school New York hip-hop flow, even referencing Joe Namath’s Super Bowl-winning ’68 Jets. At the 2018 Grammys, the trio amplified the New York connection with a performance that paid homage to the Harlem Renaissance in set design and costumes. Khaled recounted Facetiming with Rihanna during her vocal recording, saying, “She was singing the record on the phone and I was dancing on the phone, she was dancing and we was going back and forth.” Soon, the world was dancing along to this infectious hit.
Recording artists Bryson Tiller, Rihanna and DJ Khaled perform onstage during the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards
“Hate That I Love You” (feat. Ne-Yo) (2007)
Ne-Yo, who co-wrote Rihanna’s 2006 ballad “Unfaithful” and was praised as a “genius” by the then-19-year-old Rihanna in an MTV interview, contributed to three tracks on her monumental 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad. “Hate That I Love You,” a Grammy-nominated gem, stood out, updating the soul duet for the mid-2000s R&B scene by merging breezy guitars with poignant harmonies. Ne-Yo told Vibe in 2008, “The best way to express an emotion like love is through storytelling. It makes it more, ‘I can relate to this character in this song, because I’ve been through something similar.'”
Singer Ne-Yo and Singer Rihanna on stage at the 2007 American Music Awards
“Where Have You Been” (2011)
Geoff Mack’s 1959 country song “I’ve Been Everywhere,” famously covered by Johnny Cash and Kacey Musgraves, found an unexpected interpolation in this Talk That Talk track. Crafted by Ester Dean, Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Calvin Harris (of “We Found Love” fame), “Where Have You Been” is a beat-heavy, pleading song with urgent lyrics. Rihanna’s voice soars as the intensity builds into a fast-paced, captivating chorus.
Rihanna performs at the Wells Fargo Center
“Pour It Up” (2012)
Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, “Pour It Up” showcases Rihanna in a powerful, boss-like persona in a strip club setting, throwing money at dancers. With lyrics like “Money make the world go round/Bandz make your girl go down,” she playfully subverts traditional gender roles. The music video, known for Rihanna’s visual artistry comparable to Madonna and Beyoncé, expands on this concept, depicting her as both a stripper and a client, transitioning from pole dancing to twerking on a golden throne while smoking a cigar.
Rihanna performs for the London leg of her 777 tour at Kentish Town Forum
“Take a Bow” (2008)
Rihanna’s 2007 album Good Girl Gone Bad was a massive success thanks to hits like “Umbrella,” “Shut Up and Drive,” and “Don’t Stop The Music.” A year later, it was re-released as Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, featuring three new tracks, including “Take a Bow.” Written by Stargate and Ne-Yo, the same team behind Beyoncé’s “Irreplaceable,” “Take a Bow” became another hit, making Billboard history by jumping from Number 53 to Number One in a single week. This solidified Rihanna’s staying power in the music industry.
Singer Rihanna performs on stage during the Conde Nast Media Group
“Rude Boy” (2009)
Following the immense success of Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna faced pressure with her 2009 album Rated R. While initial singles “Russian Roulette,” “Hard,” and “Wait Your Turn” didn’t reach “Umbrella” levels of success, “Rude Boy” changed the game in February 2010. This dancehall track, crafted by a team including Stargate, Ester Dean, and Rihanna herself, quickly rose to Number One on the Hot 100, holding the spot for five weeks and becoming the album’s biggest hit.
Singer Rihanna performs at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert
“Kiss It Better” (2016)
In late 2014, Rihanna teased a new song by posting a video of her guitarist Nuno Bettencourt laying down a solo over a recording of her singing “kiss it, kiss it better, baby.” This sparked anticipation for her eighth album, Anti. Released over a year later, Anti included “Kiss It Better,” a sinuous track co-written by Rihanna, Jeff Bhasker, and others. Bettencourt’s power-ballad guitar work intertwines with dreamy R&B synths, as Rihanna delivers a raw, emotional ultimatum to a lover.
Singer Rihanna performs onstage during the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year honoring Lionel Richie
“Disturbia” (2008)
Rihanna explored a darker, gothic aesthetic with her summer 2008 hit “Disturbia,” foreshadowing her willingness to experiment with edgier sounds. The lyrics, reminiscent of early Black Sabbath, are set to a danceable beat. Singing “bum-bum be-dum-bum-bum” over an eerie disco chant, Rihanna portrays a descent into paranoia and hallucinations, questioning, “What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel like this?” The chorus declares, “Am I scaring you tonight?/Your mind is in Disturbia!” “Disturbia,” written by Chris Brown before their public controversy, became one of her most futuristic early hits, paving the way for her exploration of darker themes.
Singer Rihanna performs on stage during Z100
“S&M” (2010)
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but chains and whips excite me,” Rihanna sings boldly on “S&M,” a Number One hit with bouncy electro-keyboard lines and lyrics by Ester Dean. Released shortly after her assault by Chris Brown, “S&M” is a powerful statement of agency in the face of public scrutiny. She told Spin, “People are going to talk about you, you can’t stop that. You just have to be super-strong and know who you are so that stuff just bounces off.” The song’s message is clear: Rihanna is in control and unapologetically herself.
Rihanna attends the Gareth Pugh Pret a Porter show as part of the Paris Womenswear Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010
“What’s My Name” (feat. Drake) (2010)
Rihanna’s ongoing relationship with Drake has been a source of fascination, particularly since he featured on the Number One hit “What’s My Name?” Initially excluded from her 2009 album Rated R, the StarGate and Kuk Harrell-produced remix of the solo Rihanna track, featuring Drake, was included on 2010’s Loud. Rihanna told Billboard, “Drake is the hottest rapper out right now and we’ve always been trying to work together.” Drake’s verse, “Yeah, I heard you good with those soft lips/Yeah, you know word of mouth,” is met with Rihanna’s equally flirtatious response, “Not everybody knows how to work my body/Knows how to make me want it/But boy you stay up on it,” creating a whirlwind of mutual attraction.
Rihanna and Drake attend Drake
“Bitch Better Have My Money” (2015)
While “Bitch Better Have My Money” was not a major pop chart success, peaking at Number 15 on the Hot 100, this non-album track became an anthem for her core R&B fanbase. Reprising a phrase from AMG’s 1991 hit, the song reaffirmed Rihanna’s broad appeal and confident swagger. Bibi Bourelly, who conceived the song, told Noisey, “We were just vibing with [producer] Deputy in one of the local studios I record out of. He played me [the beat], I went in and started saying something like ‘Bitch Better Have My Money!’, because I was feeling ratchet that day.” The final version credited numerous songwriters and producers, including Rihanna herself.
Recording artist Rihanna attends the 2015 BET Awards
“SOS” (2006)
In 2006, Rihanna was still a rising teen pop star. Her initial singles, “Pon de Replay” and “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want,” and her debut album Music of the Sun were promising but not breakthrough hits. “SOS,” sampling “Tainted Love,” became her first Number One hit, showcasing her ability to create shimmering, club-ready pop anthems.
Rihanna performs on stage at the MOBO Awards 2006
“Work” (feat. Drake) (2016)
In 2016, Caribbean music experienced a resurgence in the US, and Rihanna was at the forefront with “Work,” a dancehall-inspired collaboration with Drake that defined the year. Rihanna told Vogue that the song “definitely represents my culture,” explaining her unique vocal delivery: “Because I felt like if I enunciated the words too perfectly, it would just not be the same attitude or the same sass. Because that’s how we speak in the Caribbean.” Despite its hypnotic and sensual vibe, songwriter Partynextdoor revealed to RS that “Work” is actually a breakup song, stating, “People think that’s a party song. It’s a breakup song. It’s blues.”
Rihanna performs with Drake at the BRIT Awards 2016
“Stay” (feat. Mikky Ekko) (2012)
By the time Rihanna released Unapologetic, ballads were familiar territory. However, “Stay,” a piano-driven display of vulnerability, stands out as one of her most emotionally resonant performances. Mikky Ekko provides a perfect duet partner as they explore the complexities of a relationship on the brink. Co-written by Justin Parker, known for Lana Del Rey’s ballads, “Stay” succeeds in its simplicity, foreshadowing the stripped-down style of her next album, Anti.
Singers Rihanna and Mikky Ekko perform onstage at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards
“This Is What You Came For” (with Calvin Harris) (2016)
“This Is What You Came For” is the closest we’ve gotten to a Rihanna-Taylor Swift crossover. This collaboration with Calvin Harris, five years after “We Found Love,” is a more subtle track, featuring softer vocals and a blend of EDM, tropical, and Chicago house elements. Harris played the final version for Rihanna at Coachella 2016, noting, “I changed so many bits from when she first heard it. She was into it.” The song became entangled in Harris’s feud with ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift when it was revealed Swift co-wrote it under the pseudonym Nils Sjöberg.
Guest singer Rihanna performs onstage with Calvin Harris during day 3 of the 2016 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival Weekend 1
“All of the Lights” (with Kanye West, Kid Cudi) (2010)
Kanye West’s epic My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy track “All of the Lights” features an ensemble cast of artists, including Elton John and Drake, but Rihanna is credited as the featured vocalist, delivering the song’s anthemic chorus with smoldering intensity. Rihanna recalled being summoned to the studio late at night by Kanye: “[Kanye] actually played his album to me, like, three months ago, and ‘All of the Lights,’ that was one of my favorite songs. So when he asked me to come up to the studio at 2 o’clock in the morning, I had to, because I loved it. I knew it was that song.”
Rihanna and Kayne West perform in the half time show at the NBA All-Star Game February 20, 2011
“Needed Me” (2016)
“Needed Me” firmly established Rihanna’s unapologetic and assertive persona. It’s a cold, tough, and dismissive rejection of a past lover. Drawing comparisons to Mick Jagger’s ruthless persona, Rihanna mocks a former flame for falling in love with her, “trying to fix your inner issues with a bad bitch.” Set to a hard West Coast hip-hop beat by DJ Mustard, Rihanna delivers lines like, “Didn’t they tell you I was a savage?/Fuck your white horse and your carriage.” The controversial video, directed by Harmony Korine, depicts Rihanna confronting the man who wronged her in a strip club, ending with a violent act of retribution.
Rihanna performs at V Festival at Hylands Park
“Don’t Stop the Music” (2007)
“Don’t Stop the Music” is a global dance-pop hit produced by Stargate. It cleverly samples the iconic vocal hook from Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” which itself was inspired by Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa.” This song encapsulates Rihanna’s global appeal, blending diverse musical influences into a dancefloor anthem. With Michael Jackson’s permission to use the “Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa” hook, “Don’t Stop the Music” became a massive hit, accompanied by a music video where Rihanna escapes into a secret club to dance her worries away.
Rihanna during Zach Braff And Rihanna Visit MTV
“Pon de Replay” (2005)
Rihanna’s debut single, “Pon de Replay,” introduced her to the world in 2005, amidst a wave of Caribbean-influenced pop music. While initially comparable to artists like Lumidee and Nina Sky, “Pon de Replay” showcased Rihanna’s distinct potential. Originating as a demo produced by Evan Rogers, the track secured Rihanna’s deal with Def Jam. Her bright and confident voice, evident in the way she chants “everybody run” and then transitions to singing, and unique tone already set her apart. She told MTV News in 2005, “I can’t tell you where I’ll see myself in five years, but I can tell you I will work my best to be the most successful artist that I can be.”
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“Love the Way You Lie” (with Eminem) (2010)
Rihanna had addressed her tumultuous relationship with Chris Brown in her music, but her collaboration with Eminem, “Love the Way You Lie,” became her most powerful statement on the topic. Detailing the destructive cycle of abusive relationships, Rihanna and Eminem deliver raw performances as lovers trapped in a cycle of love and hate. Rihanna later released a solo version, “Love the Way You Lie (Part II),” offering an even more vulnerable perspective on the song’s message.
Singer Rihanna and rapper Eminem perform onstage during The 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards
“Only Girl (in the World)” (2010)
“Only Girl (in the World)” was one of four Number One hits for Rihanna in 2010. Produced by StarGate, Sandy Vee, and Kuk Harrell, with Europop synths and a progressive house beat, this track solidified Rihanna’s reign in the EDM era. She showcases her vocal range, matching the soaring production, and paints a picture of an exhilarating nightlife, where she desires to be your “only girl.” Her Barbadian accent adds a unique dimension, preventing her from becoming just another anonymous club vocalist.
Rihanna performs during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2010 live show at La Caja Magica
“Diamonds” (2012)
Rihanna’s adaptability has always been a key strength, effortlessly navigating EDM, R&B, and rap genres. After a series of club hits, she shifted gears with “Diamonds,” a lush, Sia-penned power ballad. This track, her 12th Number One, highlighted Rihanna’s often-underestimated vocal abilities, which had sometimes been overshadowed by elaborate EDM production. “Diamonds” remains one of her most inspiring and uplifting songs.
Singer Rihanna performs live on stage as part of her 777 tour at The Forum
“FourFiveSeconds” (with Paul McCartney, Kanye West) (2015)
Paul McCartney’s collaboration with Michael Jackson in the 80s introduced him to a new generation. He achieved similar cross-generational success in 2015 with “FourFiveSeconds,” alongside Rihanna and Kanye West. Spearheaded by Kanye, who was working with Rihanna on Anti and had befriended McCartney, “FourFiveSeconds” is built around McCartney’s acoustic guitar riff. It is a unique track in all three artists’ catalogs, giving McCartney his first Top Five hit in 31 years and becoming a staple in his solo performances.
Paul McCartney, Kanye West and Rihanna attend The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards
“Love on the Brain” (2016)
“I think a lot of people have a misperception of me,” Rihanna told Kanye West in a 2010 Interview chat. “Anti showcased her vulnerability, particularly in “Love on the Brain,” a neo-classic soul track. Alternating between falsetto and a powerful torch-singer range over a slow-dance rhythm, Rihanna delivers a captivating performance. Co-writer Fred Ball told Genius that they aimed for “a mix between Prince and Al Green” with “an old-school soul feel with modern lyrics,” resulting in a perfect fit for Anti’s tender side.
Recording artist Rihanna performs onstage during the 2016 Billboard Music Awards
“Umbrella” (feat. Jay-Z) (2007)
Thank Britney Spears for “Umbrella,” the song that propelled Rihanna to global superstardom. Britney’s label rejected what would become a megahit for Rihanna, transforming her into a pop icon. Co-written by Tricky Stewart, Kuk Harrell, and The-Dream, “Umbrella” is a unique blend of heavy rock undertones, vibrant rhythm guitar, and a catchy R&B-pop hook. It earned Rihanna her first Grammy and topped charts worldwide. However, a “Rihanna curse” emerged as storms coincided with the song reaching Number One in several countries.
Rapper Jay-Z and singer Rihanna accept the Best Rap/Sung Collaberation award onstage during the 50th annual Grammy awards
“We Found Love” (feat. Calvin Harris) (2010)
Calvin Harris’s original demo for “We Found Love” circulated for a while. Leona Lewis recorded a version but didn’t release it, and Nicole Scherzinger also passed on it before Rihanna turned it into a global phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 10 weeks. Scherzinger admitted to Notion magazine in 2013, “I slept on it.” However, Rihanna’s energetic joie de vivre brought this big room anthem to life, with her near-falsetto vocals evoking peak dance floor moments. The chorus, “We found love in a hopeless place,” was visually interpreted in Melina Matsouka’s controversial video, depicting a tumultuous and toxic relationship.
