A new album from Rihanna might be the most anticipated pop record of the last nine years, as fans have been desperate for new music since the success of her 2016 album, ANTI. However it seemed that Rihanna had other plans, instead choosing to focus on entrepreneurial pursuits. 

As the years go on, rumours seem to be swirling more and more that a new Rihanna album is just on the horizon, along with a tour. In preparation for an announcement that would surely break the internet, we’ve compiled our list of Rihanna’s top ten songs. 

If you’re interested in going to Rihanna’s concert if she tours the UK, register your interest with Seat Unique now to be kept up to date with official tour announcements and VIP ticket sales.

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Rihanna’s Best Songs in Order

No. 10: ‘Work’ feat. Drake

‘Work’ is an interesting song for many reasons, not least because of the lyrics. While the Caribbean-inspired sound might make it sound like a party song, Rihanna has said that the lyrics are actually about breakups and yearning for love. Rihanna also uses the Bajan Creole and Jamaican Patois languages in the song, bringing influences from her home country of Barbados.

The track is dancehall and reggae-pop, a throwback to a lot of the music from earlier in her career much to fans’ delight. While some say the lyrics are too repetitive, we think that makes for a great, catchy song.

No. 9: ‘Diamonds’

Like many of Rihanna’s songs, when ‘Diamonds’ came out it seemed like it was inescapable. Number one on the charts, all over the radio, the electronic pop song features Rihanna’s soaring vocals over a beat made by producers Benny Blanco and Stargate.  

The lyrics are a lot more hopeful in love than some of Rihanna’s other songs, which focus more on unhealthy relationships. Rihanna describes her love as “like diamonds in the sky,” over an electronic beat that had everyone singing and dancing along.

No. 8: ‘Love on the Brain’

The fourth single from ANTI, ‘Love On The Brain’ is truly unique to Rihanna’s discography. The song is inspired by 1950s and 60s doo-wop, a genre the singer had not explored yet in her music and inspirations came from Prince, Al Green, and even Amy Winehouse. The song really shows off Rihanna’s range, allowing her to belt and snarl to her heart’s content.

Like many of her songs, the lyrics are about the ups and down of a toxic relationship, destructive yet addictive. Many fans theorise it to be about her relationship with Chris Brown, which ended in domestic abuse.

No. 7: ‘Only Girl (in the World)’

From her 2010 album, Loud, with the iconic red hair that everyone wanted, ‘Only Girl (in the World)’ is a lively and upbeat dance-pop song that was stuck in everyone's heads when it was released. The album and song moves away from the decidedly darker themes on her 2009 Rated R album, instead opting for dance-pop and EDM tracks. 

Just like the title of the album, everything about it is bold and confident. Rihanna demands her lover to make her feel special, like “the only girl in the world,” and with such relatable lyrics it’s no wonder the song is such a crowd-pleaser on the dancefloor.

No. 6: ‘We Found Love’ feat. Calvin Harris

‘We Found Love’ is the epitome of Rihanna’s dance-pop, techno tracks that dominated the charts in the early 2010s. Featuring Calvin Harris, what more could we expect, with an incredibly catchy and uptempo beat and the iconic lyric “we found love in a hopeless place.” 

Rihanna first performed ‘We Found Love’ on her Loud tour in London. If you’re hoping to see Rihanna if she announces another London tour, you can register your interest with Seat Unique to be first in line for VIP tickets.

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No. 5: ‘Rude Boy’

‘Rude Boy’ is one of Rihanna’s early hits, retrospectively considered one of the strongest of her discography. It has some amazing reggae and dancehall influences that were everywhere in her early albums, taken from her Barbadian heritage. 

It has been so iconic over the years that it has been included on the setlist of all of her tours, and she even performed it during her 2023 Super Bowl half-time show. We can definitely expect to hear the song performed again, and it remains one of her most authentic and provocative songs of her career.

No. 4: 'Umbrella’ feat. Jay-Z

Everyone knows ‘Umbrella,’ one of Rihanna’s most immediately recognisable songs due to the prominent hi-hat in the opening bars. Plenty of other singers were considered to take the song, such as Britney Spears and Mary J. Blige, but ultimately it was Rihanna who did the track justice. 

That catchy refrain of “ella, ella, ella” has been stuck in our heads ever since, and it was definitely a breakout song for Rihanna’s career, proving her to be one of the main pop girlies way back in 2007. 

No. 3: ‘Shut Up And Drive’

‘Shut Up And Drive’ is unique for its new wave and rock inspiration, with heavy electric guitar riffs giving it an edgy vibe. It interpolates ‘Blue Monday’ by New Order, and with the chord progression and loud drums you can feel the 70s and 80s influence.

The song is best when turned all the way up and blasted in the car with the windows down, which seems to be the way the song was intended to be heard!

No. 2: ‘S&M’

‘S&M’ is a bold and provocative song that explores themes of power dynamics within a relationship. With its catchy, upbeat melody, the song emphasises Rihanna’s confidence and embraces an empowering take on pleasure and personal freedom.

The song and accompanying music video caused controversy with its taboo themes, but it remains one of Rihanna’s signature hits, showcasing her ability to push boundaries in both music and visual storytelling, while embracing her own narrative of empowerment and self-expression.

No. 1: ‘Kiss It Better’

‘Kiss It Better’ has an amazing guitar riff that captivates the listener right from the beginning. It’s synth-heavy with smooth, R&B vocals that prove Rihanna’s talent. It even received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Song, and remains a fan favourite due to its viral popularity on TikTok in 2021.

The lyrics of the song are about wanting to get back together after an argument, a potentially toxic relationship that you know is bad for you but you can’t stay away from. This is a running theme in Rihanna’s music, and ‘Kiss It Better’ is a great example that will stay in your head all day.

Get Rihanna Tickets

If the rumours are true and Rihanna is going on tour sooner rather than later, you definitely won’t want to miss this momentous occasion. It’s been almost a decade since Rihanna’s last album and tour and this could be your chance to see her live and in ultimate style.

With Rihanna hospitality packages you could get early entry into the venue, exclusive access to VIP lounges, complimentary food and drinks, and of course premium seats with the best views. 

Register your interest with Seat Unique to get notified of VIP ticket sales for Rihanna’s next UK tour to secure your place at an unforgettable show.

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