Was “Anti” Worth the Wait? (Review)

Rihannas+8th+studio+album%2C+Anti+was+released+digitally+on+Jan.+29th.++

Courtesy of Rihanna's offical website

Rihanna’s 8th studio album, “Anti” was released digitally on Jan. 29th.

After the highly impatient wait for Anti, Rhianna finally released her 8th studio album through Jay-Z’s music streaming site, Tidal, for free. After three years of waiting, is this album really worth it?

Before releasing Anti , Rihanna dropped the lead single “Work” featuring Drake. After listening to the song for the first time anyone with common sense would think that the song was incomplete by the lack of lyrics and the nonsense onomatopoeia- like sounds Rihanna makes throughout the song. Even with the ridiculousness, the reggae-pop/dancehall single was still able to score no. 9 on Billboard Hot 100.

“Kiss It Better” is a Prince-inspired ballad with a slight 80’s tune. The song tells a lustrous story between her and an ex lover of hers as the push each other buttons: “Do what you’re gonna do/keep me up all night.”

Most her album after that turns sexual like such songs as “Needed Me” where she scolds her lovers for catching feelings for her. The album hits a major low point with the overly used autotuned 70’s rock inspired track, “Woo” which sounds like she’s on a bad tripping experience.

One of the most obnoxious songs on the album, “Pose,” is one of the most annoying songs Rihanna has ever made. It basically just another generic song about “haters gonna hate” mentality.

After waiting three years for new material, Anti is a huge disappointment but for some reason that did not stop it from receiving a RIAA platinum certification. Although over 1.4 million copies were downloaded from Tidal, only 460 physical copies were actually sold since the album has been released. With the consent delays, scrapped collaborations, and random single releases, Anti is one of the most disappointing albums of this decade.