Rihanna

Amidst a reunion with a notorious ex-boyfriend, Rihanna’s seventh studio album is as emotionally mixed up as you might expect the songstress’ life to be.

“Unapologetic” is RiRi with a better sense of storytelling, while upholding her ability to be so fun, and sound like [she’s] sellin’ rocks, as she said on The-Dream produced “Phresh Off The Runway.”

All hail the new queen of pop, R&B, hip-hop, EDM and whatever other genre she decides to dabble in.

With the help of monster contributors like Eminem, The-Dream, Kanye West and David Guetta, this album is set for success. Thankfully, Rihanna’s talent doesn’t let the spotlight get stolen from her.

“Get It Over With,” is as close to a capella as you’ll encounter on a studio album of this scale, and it gives her some leeway to being an actual musician, rather than a lowbrow superstar.

This little ditty also hints at enjoying Colorado’s Amendment 64 before leading into the reggae-inspired “No Love Allowed.”

Brilliant.

This project takes Rihanna down a new path for the first time in a while. How does it sound? Unreformed and undeterred, and truly unapologetic.

By Patrick Guilfoyle