Top Rihanna Albums: ANTI, Talk That Talk and More

The Barbadian R&B singer Rihanna, has captivated the cultural zeitgeist of the last two decades due to her ability to blend unmatched musical ability, business acumen and pioneering spirit. Throughout her career Rihanna has released eight studio albums and two remix albums. 

From her debut album, ‘Music of the Sun,’ to her last release ‘ANTI’ in 2016 Rihanna has continually evolved as a leading voice of our generation. In this blog we will be ranking Rihanna’s best albums in all their glory. 

Plus register your interest for VIP Rihanna tickets if she announces a UK 2025 tour so you can make sure you are there in style with Seat Unique.

No.7 ‘Music of the Sun’ (2005)

'Music of the Sun' is Rihanna’s debut solo album, released in 2005 when she was just 17 years old. Bright and fun, it’s an ode to her Caribbean upbringing. The album came to life after Rihanna was discovered by Evan Rogers and later signed with Jay-Z’s Def Jam. While it hints at the superstar she would become, it doesn’t stand as tall as the albums that followed. That said, shoutout to the masterful 'Pon de Replay'.

No. 6 ‘Rated R’ (2009)

'Rated R' was released in 2009 and produced by Chase & Status, StarGate, and C. The album marks the arrival of Rihanna’s new 'bad girl' sound, featuring singles like 'Russian Roulette', 'Wait Your Turn', 'Hard', and 'Rockstar 101'. Released in the aftermath of her highly publicized assault by then-boyfriend Chris Brown, the album reflects a darker, more defiant tone. While it showcases her artistic evolution, given the calibre of her discography, 'Rated R' lands at number 6 on our ranking of the best Rihanna albums.

No. 5 ‘Talk that Talk’ (2011)

'Talk That Talk' is Rihanna’s sixth studio album, built around an extended metaphor of a nihilistic, romantic lover. The album spawned six singles, including 'We Found Love', which became Rihanna’s eleventh number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped the charts in 26 other countries.

No.4 Unapologetic (2012)

'Unapologetic', Rihanna’s seventh studio album, is a force to be reckoned with. Featuring the iconic 'Diamonds', it delivers all the highs and lows expected from a Rihanna rollercoaster. Her collaboration with Eminem on 'Numb' remains one of music’s most talked-about collabs. The album debuted at number one in the U.S., selling over 238,000 copies in its first week, marking her first chart-topping album.

No.3 ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ (2007) 

The album, which includes 'Umbrella' and 'Shut Up and Drive', rightfully earns its place among Rihanna’s best. 'Good Girl Gone Bad' captures her rise to mainstream fame, reaching number one in the UK, Canada, and Switzerland. It was also nominated for seven Grammy Awards, winning Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for 'Umbrella' in 2008.

No. 2 ‘Loud’ (2010)

'Loud' set the tone for the 2010s, cementing Rihanna as a powerhouse on music’s biggest stage. With hits like 'What’s My Name' featuring Drake, 'Only Girl (In The World)', and heartfelt classics like 'California King Bed', the album has it all. It’s one we keep coming back to—perfect for reliving the good times.

No.1 ‘ANTI’ (2016)

Rihanna’s last album—and undoubtedly her best—is her 2016 release, 'ANTI'. Featuring classics like 'Love on the Brain', a stunning cover of Tame Impala’s 'Same Ol’ Mistakes', and the bold first single 'Consideration', the album takes listeners on an emotional journey, seamlessly blending moments of heartbreak and euphoria.

Get Rihanna tickets

Rihanna has not released new music or toured since her 2016 release, 'ANTI', which remains our top album pick. Hopefully, we’ll get more music and live performances from the global sensation soon. If a 2025 Rihanna tour is announced, be the first to know how you can book VIP Rihanna tickets for her UK shows with Seat Unique. Register via the button below!