I remember when this was 55 at one point at the beginning. The fact that most of the earliest reviews were mixed says a lot. They probably didn't take their time listening to the album and probably based it on the fact that it's Rihanna & "doesn't sound like there's any hits on it".
Yeah this would've been in the upper 70's had initial reviews given it more time. A few critics literally admitted they didn't like the album upon first listen because there wasn't any clear radio hits.
& Although this was written by a different editor than the one who gave her a low score, its funny to read how the same publication is now "praising" the album. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/08/ma...ords.html?_r=0
Quote:
But as a longtime Rihanna fan — a fan of her music, her rawness and the ambition that lies behind her outsize presence in the world — I’ve found “Anti” my favorite of her releases to date, if for no other reason than that it’s the singer’s most daring. After more than a decade of efficient machine-tooled pop, it feels like the first time we’re seeing Rihanna stretch herself as an artist. There’s a palpable feeling of liberation to the album: The distinct luxury of a musician who is free in all ways, artistically, thematically and financially. This is a rare strain of freedom, and it seems to come from an unexpected place: Rihanna has made a record that does not need to make much money, neither for herself nor for a label.
The album might be the declaration of an anti-pop star, a statement from an artist whose fame is no longer tied to her music. Rihanna’s long been bigger than her albums, bigger than her music, bigger than any distinct sound.
She’s testing what it means to be a platinum-selling artist who is bold enough to only make music that she wants to hear.
Yeah this would've been in the upper 70's had initial reviews given it more time. A few critics literally admitted they didn't like the album upon first listen because there wasn't any clear radio hits.
& Although this was written by a different editor than the one who gave her a low score, its funny to read how the same publication is now "praising" the album. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/08/ma...ords.html?_r=0
I love this review, it was tastefully done. I do love how a lot of critics point out that Rih is making music that she wants to hear. It takes a lot of balls to make music only for you an not for your fans per say
You need to redirect your anger sis. You're lashing out on me but I know you're really angry at your fave. Angry at your fave for keeping you on the line for almost 4 years, having you invest in her pointless minigames and scavenger hunts hours on end, only to have a critically panned demo disk flippantly dashed to your feet, at the last minute.
Thoughtless, care free. No regard for her fans.
If you have anything to say, take it to her Twitter, boo boo.
It's funny that critics said the album has no hits... it has plenty
Like, Rihanna is a HITS artist. She can make nearly anything moderately catchy a hit.
Love On The Brain is a surefire hit. Kiss It Better is also. And, obviously, Work.
