Okay, I'm giving in, it's been near a week...
Consideration, 8/10
This is the perfect album opener and sets the tone phenomenally. The way the lyricism reflects her current situation flawlessly, like... and the instrumental is near perfect. She rides it so well and throws on her usual Bajan vocal tics that make Rihanna, Rihanna. "I came a'fluttering from neverland" - what a beautiful lyric, sheesh. SZA really did wonders on this one. Her on the hook is so cool and unconventional, too, because Rihanna is supposed to be "hook girl". "When I look outside my window, I can't get no peace of mind" - also amazing. This is one of the most recite-ready lyrics on the album.
James Joint, 6/10
I've always liked this song and was kind of surprised to see it make it to the final tracklisting after all that's gone on. Instrumentally, it's great and timeless. Lyrically, it's 100% Rih. I do find this to be one of the album's weaker moments, however.
Kiss It Better, 10/10
This is a universal pop anthem. The caliber of pure bliss and satisfaction this song exudes is next-level. I can't believe I once wanted it axed because of Glass John and his antics, this is one of the best songs she has ever recorded.
Work, 8/10
Definitely not one of my favorites, but somehow this song has an undying amount of replay value and it's so left field for a song that features Drake and is meant to open up an album campaign. It's good to see the song clicking with the public, too; the stylistic nature of the song is so unique and yet she manages to sneak in actually deep lyrics. Magical.
Desperado, 7/10
The opening completely mocking Banks' "Waiting Game" is a bit of a mess, but this song is really deluxe. "There ain't nothing here for me anymore, but I don't wanna be alone" - another grandiose lyrical moment for Anti.
Woo, 7/10
This seemed like the weakest song for me at first, but it really grew on me so quickly. It's a standout because no other songs are really like it on the album.
Needed Me, 6/10
Although I really enjoy this song, I don't see in it what a lot of people seem to see in it. It still manages to become one of the best songs DJ Mustard has ever produced and a beautiful song that fits perfectly on the album. I do see some single potential, I suppose, but it would need a remix or something.
Yeah, I Said It, 7/10
This song totally channels Tinashe, but I totally love it. Slow-moving sex jams like this are where it's at and, obviously, Rihanna is going to kill it with this type of vibe and track. Personally, I like how short it is.
Same 'Ol Mistakes, 9/10
It still feels like a dream to me that Rihanna covered a song by one of my favorite bands - and, well, did it complete justice. The way in which you'd think Rihanna wrote the lyrics to this song is just incredible, I'm still stunned and in amazement at the way she managed to pull off a psychedelic rock song with such ease. It's so captivating and worthy of being the longest song on Anti.
Never Ending, 9/10
The emotion in this song is so pure - this is one of my favorite ballads of hers. Some people discard this song as one of the less interesting filler, but I feel the opposite. The theme of self-reflection and sadness continues in this song, too, keeping the consistency great.
Love On The Brain, 10/10
This is another one of the best songs Rihanna has ever recorded. She has never sounded better and has never had a more forward, relatable subject matter. I cannot wait for the general public to hear it. I'm concerned at her ability to tackle this live, but I would absolutely love for her to prove me wrong. Either way, this is a classic waiting to happen and I can't wait.
Higher, 9/10
What an anthem. Total bliss from start to finish. Her screeches give me life and I don't know why people think it should be longer; that would ruin it, frankly.
Close To You, 7/10
This is a great ballad and album closer. Feels a tad on the generic side at moments; probably the weakest ballad on the album, but no other ballad could have done this good of a job as the album's final moment.
Goodnight Gotham, 2/10
Uh...
This could've definitely been scrapped. What a weird mess. I get that it was a part of her Dior campaign (... so?) and that she feels bad tearing that Mitus guy off the tracklist after all this time... but like, this is a stupid song.
Pose, 9/10
ALL MY HATERS SO SO BROKE
This legend. What a f***ing bop. This pops off.
Sex With Me, 8/10
Such a adorable bop. This is classic Rihanna, too. Woo, the way her random bonus tracks still butcher like this. Strangely, I could see this song totally gaining traction on Urban radio. Does anyone see that? I feel like it has been overlooked.
I really hope she does.