Wasn't "Take A Bow" the lead single of the re-release of GGGB which by the way went #1? The reach is real.

She released a ballad as the lead single (during the fall) and it underperformed just like the rest of the era if Rude Boy hadn't happened. There's nothing risky or groundbreaking about that.

Not people saying she capitalized over the incident
If she was to capitalize off the incident she could have easily sang a song like roar.

We Can't Stop.
Starships was risky image wise. Chart wise not at all obviously.

Ok

From all the main pop girls, yes.

Oop

But to answer the question yes it's definitely one of. Such a powerful song

Born This Way.

No. Just for the fact that everything Rihanna does turns into a smash.

I cant deal at the people saying born this way, i fail to see how a self empowerment anthem is considered more risky than RR.. (And for the record BTW is not purely about LGBT)

The only other decent answers ive seen in this thread is Slave 4 u

Um, Erotica and Dirrty? What is this mess of a thread?

Yes definitely. People saying Bad Romance when it is just another generic RedOne production with a huge chorus

Was erotica released in the 21st century?

Im seriously SCREAMING at some of the songs people post

Bad Romance? REALLY?
We Found Love? REAAAAAALLYY???

Russian Roulette is DEFINITELY one of the riskiest lead singles. It sounded much different from the songs that were hits at the time. It was a BOLD more from Rihanna and it worked in her favor.

A generic ballad similar to songs she already had success with (TAB, Unfaithful) is a risk?