GenQ - For the not so straight individual

 Even though my musical tastes tend to gravitate toward classical, classy sounding jazz styles, upbeat pop, or alternative rock, I sometimes come across an R&B or rap flavored artist that I really like, and Rihanna was definitely one of them. Her singles "Pon De Replay," "SOS," and "Unfaithful" seemed to catch my ear and sing along every time I heard them, still holding a well-listened-to spot in my iTunes library. So, of course, when I recieved an advance of her new album "Good Girl Gone Bad" (slated to be released on June 5th, 2007 on Island / Def-Jam Records) I was ready to take a listen.

As usual, I like to get an inital feeling of the album based on it's cover art. The black and white picture or Rihanna in a slim white dress looks quite classy, and is visually very crisp. Definitely a different cover theme from her previous albums.

The single circulating the airwaves at the moment is her song "Umbrella," which she performs with Jay-Z. Overall it is a pretty good listen, even though the grammar snob in me cringes when she pronounces umbrella as "um-ba-rella."

When the sun shines
We’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
That I'll always be your friend
Took an oath Imma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my Umbrella

If asked to choose my favorite song from this album, I'd be hardpressed to choose just one. A rare quality in a lot of mainstream music, most of thetracks have something unique to each of them that makes me like a lot of them. Based on the music alone, I would have to choose "Lemme Get That" becauseof it's reggaeton beat and sexy feel. But "Don't Stop the Music" has a distinctly electronica/pop feel to it, with a club style backbeat that will probably become a hit in dance clubs around the nation. You might find that the backup singers in the far background are singing something many might think is familiar too...

All in all, Rihanna's new release "Good Girl Gone Bad" is actually an impressive third album. Most of the tracks have a great beat that you can rock out to, and it is an album I would love to take to the gym with me with it's energy. Rihanna hasn't disappointed me with her performances yet, and this album definitely won't be the one to do that.