In a world where even those who claim to dislike Rihanna actually love Rihanna, it’s pretty clear just how much attraction she has.
Rihanna’s tracks have posted ridiculous numbers on every streaming service you can name and she’s collaborated with the best and biggest names in a business that’s changed around her.
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Top 10 Rihanna Songs RANKED
10. Replay Bridge
The OG track from Barbados Quarry, released in 2005. By virtue of that fact alone, it deserves its place in this esteemed top 10. Whether Replay Bridge put Rihanna on the map, so parts of the globe now belong to her. 17 years ago, this song started a billion-dollar revolution, and the wheels keep turning.
9. Umbrella
You know those viral Instagram posts that ask you to comment on the name of a popular song that really pisses you off? Mine is Happy from Pharrell, I hate it and have no explanation for it. Umbrella might fall into this territory for reasons people can’t explain, but how can you deny a track that combines Rihanna and Jay-Z? Under my umbrella, ella ella ella, eh eh.
8. Don’t stop the music
If nothing else, only the title of the song resonates with me. Imagine a life without music? I could never. don’t stop the music came out 15 years ago, but it’s just as catchy now as it was then. The late and great Michael Jackson was also one of its composers.
7. We found love
Another club banger to put on with all the others. Calvin Harris makes a sickening amount of money, probably more than anyone else in the business, and he has a keen eye for smart industry collaborations. We found Love is such an evocative track that could, and perhaps should, feature in movies when a new couple explores a new city. Or something. It’s carefree but still full of sensations. That’s what you came for would have cracked the nod but why indulge in Calvin Harris’ ego twice?
6. Man Down
A return to RiRi’s Barbadian roots. Rihanna is and always will be a Caribbean performer, and it’s cool to see that side of her come to the surface every once in a while. Not since Replay Bridge has a Rihanna chart trail so shamelessly indulged the reggae artist in it.
5. Only girl (in the world)
It’s not really my favorite song but I understand the global appeal, even though I was not born a woman and will never identify as such. Maybe I want to feel like the only person in the world?
4. Te Amo
Relatively downtempo compared to his usual club standards, I like you shows off Rihanna’s underrated vocal range. There’s also Spanish guitar and a nice assortment of keys thrown into the mix. A nice change of pace.
3. Rehabilitation
No pop music top 10 is complete without a cameo from Justin Timberlake. rehab is probably the tightest track on this list. From the lyrics, to the production, to the visuals, everything is done skillfully and professionally. It also contains this deeply relatable key ingredient – Who hasn’t dreamed of something or someone that was bad for them? Not me.
2. Disorders
A feast and flurry of bizarre images, characters and costumes form the start of a memorable music video in Disorders, but in essence, it’s just as eye-catching and mainstream as the rest of his firecracker fleet. An incredibly good pop song from start to finish.
1. Diamonds
There can only be one number one, and it just has to be Diamonds. A girl’s best friend, Rihanna’s best song and there’s no denying it.
What pieces did I leave out? Feel free to attack me in the comments. Also discover my Rihanna playlist on Spotify.
Honorable Mentions:
Yeah, I said it, Work, Need Me, Cheating, SOS, Hate That I Love You, S&M, Same Mistakes, Cheating, I needed me, stay, love brain, what’s my name?
Learn more about music, food and football lovers, James Freemantle.
FYI, Rihanna will also be the headliner of the Super Bowl Halftime Show in February 2023.