We list some of the best Rihanna songs and what they are about. The singer is a global music icon, known for her unique sound, powerful vocals, and captivating performances. Her career has spanned over a decade and during this time, she has released numerous chart-topping hits that have become anthems for generations.
Rihanna is a Barbadian singer, actress, and businesswoman who was born on February 20, 1988. She was discovered by American record producer Evan Rogers in Barbados in 2003 and signed a recording contract with his production company. She released her debut single “Pon de Replay” in 2005, which became a hit and launched her music career.
Over the years, Rihanna has become one of the most successful recording artists of all time, selling over 250 million records worldwide. She has released eight studio albums, won numerous awards including nine Grammy Awards, and has had several number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In addition to her music career, Rihanna has also ventured into acting, appearing in several films including “Battleship“ and “Ocean’s 8“. She is also a successful entrepreneur, having launched several businesses including her own cosmetics line, Fenty Beauty, and her lingerie line, Savage X Fenty.
Rihanna is known for her distinctive voice, unique fashion sense, and bold personality. She is widely regarded as a pop culture icon and has been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine.
Forbes ranked her among the top ten highest-paid celebrities in 2012 and 2014. She is one of the wealthiest female musicians, with an estimated net worth of over $1.4 billion. Also, in May 2021, ASAP Rocky confirmed that he and Rihanna were in a romantic relationship. On May 19, 2022, Rihanna gave birth to a son. During the Super Bowl LVII halftime show in February 2023, Rihanna announced that she is pregnant with her second child, becoming the first person to headline a Super Bowl halftime show while pregnant. This news was confirmed in a British Vogue cover story featuring her family, which was released a few days after the Super Bowl appearance.
From her early dance-pop tracks to her more recent R&B and hip-hop infused singles, Rihanna has consistently pushed the boundaries of music and reinvented herself as an artist.
Best Rihanna Songs
1. We Found Love
“We Found Love” is an energetic dance-pop song about the exhilaration and chaos of a passionate but turbulent relationship. The lyrics describe the intense attraction between two people, as well as the difficulties that arise when their love becomes all-consuming and addictive. The song’s pounding beat and soaring vocals perfectly capture the ecstatic highs and painful lows of a love that can’t be tamed.
2. Umbrella
“Umbrella” is a catchy, upbeat R&B-pop anthem about the strength and support that a loyal partner can provide. The song’s central metaphor compares a committed relationship to an umbrella that shields its participants from life’s storms and challenges. Rihanna’s confident vocals and the song’s infectious hook have made it a classic of the mid-2000s pop era.
3. Work ft. Drake
“Work” is a steamy, dancehall-infused track about the physical and emotional connection between two lovers. The song’s sparse, percussive beat and Rihanna’s sultry vocals create a hypnotic, sensual atmosphere. Drake’s guest verse adds a touch of vulnerability and longing to the mix, as he raps about wanting to make the relationship work despite its challenges. Overall, “Work” is a seductive and addictive ode to the power of sexual chemistry.
4. Pon De Replay
“Pon De Replay” is a dancehall-infused track that was Rihanna’s debut single. The song’s title is a shortened version of “Pound the replay,” and the lyrics encourage listeners to dance and enjoy themselves. The upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it a popular party song.
5. Love On The Brain
“Love On The Brain” is a soulful ballad about a toxic love that Rihanna just can’t seem to let go of. The lyrics describe the emotional and physical pain of being in a tumultuous relationship, with lines like “It beats me black and blue, but it f**ks me so good.” Rihanna’s powerful vocals showcase her range and ability to convey raw emotion.
6. Rude Boy
“Rude Boy” is a reggae-inspired track with a catchy hook that’s hard not to dance along to. The lyrics are flirty and playful, with Rihanna singing about wanting a man who is confident and assertive. The song’s sexually charged lyrics and upbeat tempo make it a fan favorite.
7. American Oxygen
“American Oxygen” is a powerful song that reflects on the American dream and the struggles of achieving it. Rihanna uses this song to explore the many contradictions that exist within American culture and history. The song is a call for change and a reminder that the American dream is not accessible to all. The lyrics reference moments in American history such as the civil rights movement, the September 11 attacks, and the election of Barack Obama. Rihanna’s voice is haunting as she sings about the complexities of the American dream, and the music video is equally as striking, featuring images of protests and American symbols. “American Oxygen” is a timely and thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to reflect on the state of their country and the need for progress.
8. Diamonds
“Diamonds” is a beautiful and emotional song that reflects on the strength of love and the power of perseverance. Rihanna’s voice is tender and vulnerable as she sings about the ups and downs of a relationship. The song is a reminder that even when things get tough, love can shine through like a diamond. The lyrics are poetic and uplifting, and the chorus is especially memorable, with Rihanna’s voice soaring over the melody. The music video for “Diamonds” is equally stunning, featuring Rihanna in a variety of dreamlike settings, from a desert landscape to a stormy ocean. The song is a testament to Rihanna’s talent as a vocalist and her ability to create music that resonates with audiences on a deep emotional level.
9. Rehab
“Rehab” is a soulful and introspective song that explores the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. Rihanna’s voice is raw and emotive as she sings about a relationship that has left her feeling lost and alone. The lyrics are poignant and relatable, describing the feeling of being addicted to someone who is no longer in your life. The music video for “Rehab” is moody and atmospheric, featuring Rihanna in a dark room surrounded by mirrors. The song is a departure from Rihanna’s usual upbeat pop sound, and instead showcases her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. “Rehab” is a powerful reminder of the pain of heartbreak and the need to heal and move on.
10. Only Girl (In The World)
“Only Girl (In The World)” is a high-energy dance-pop track that sees Rihanna declaring that she wants to be the only girl in her lover’s life. The song features a thumping beat, catchy hooks, and an anthemic chorus that encourages listeners to let loose and embrace their individuality. “Only Girl (In The World)” was released as the lead single from Rihanna’s fifth studio album, “Loud,” and quickly became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
11. Take A Bow
“Take A Bow” is a mid-tempo R&B ballad that finds Rihanna addressing a lover who has betrayed her trust. The song features a haunting piano melody and emotive vocals from Rihanna, as she tells her ex that he should “take a bow” for his performance in their relationship. “Take A Bow” was released as the second single from Rihanna’s third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad,” and became one of her most successful singles, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
12. We Ride
“We Ride” is a mid-tempo R&B track that sees Rihanna reflecting on a past relationship that has ended. The song features a mellow groove and introspective lyrics, as Rihanna sings about the good times she shared with her ex and the pain she feels now that they’re no longer together. “We Ride” was released as the fourth and final single from Rihanna’s second studio album, “A Girl Like Me,” and received a positive reception from critics, who praised Rihanna’s vocal performance and the song’s relatable subject matter.
13. Te Amo
In “Te Amo,” Rihanna sings about a woman who falls in love with another woman. The song is a sensual ballad with a Latin flavor, and the lyrics describe the intense emotions and desires that the protagonist feels for her lover. Rihanna’s voice is tender and seductive as she sings lines like “I feel love inside me, I feel it rising,” and “I’m captivated by you, baby.” The chorus repeats the phrase “Te amo, te amo,” which means “I love you” in Spanish, emphasizing the intensity of the emotions being expressed.
14. Stay
“Stay” is a haunting ballad about the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. The song features guest vocals from Mikky Ekko, whose voice blends seamlessly with Rihanna’s to create a beautiful duet. The lyrics describe the protagonist’s attempts to let go of a past relationship, but she finds herself unable to do so. Rihanna sings lines like “Funny you’re the broken one, but I’m the only one who needed saving,” and “Not really sure how to feel about it, something in the way you move makes me feel like I can’t live without you.” The chorus is simple but powerful, with Rihanna repeating the phrase “Stay” as she pleads with her ex-lover to stay with her and not leave her alone in her pain.
15. Lift Me Up
“Lift Me Up” by Rihanna is an R&B ballad that serves as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the 2022 superhero film “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The song was written and produced by Ludwig Göransson, with additional writing from Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Nigerian singer Tems.
While the song received mixed reviews from music critics, it was nominated for various film awards, including Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards and Best Original Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. The song has also won several awards, including Best Original Song in a Feature Film at the 13th Hollywood Music in Media Awards and Best Song at the 2023 African-American Film Critics Association.
The lyrics of “Lift Me Up” suggest that the song is about overcoming obstacles, rising above challenges, or finding inner strength to face adversity. The repetition of “lift me up, hold me down, keep me close, safe and sound” throughout the song reinforces the idea of wanting to feel protected and held by a partner. The lyrics also suggest a sense of insecurity or vulnerability, with lines like “burning in a hopeless dream” and “drowning in an endless sea.” The repeated plea to “keep me safe” further emphasizes this need for reassurance and protection.
The music video directed by Autumn Durald Arkapaw features Rihanna on an empty beach interspersed with short scenes from the film. Rihanna performed “Lift Me Up” for the first time at the 95th Academy Awards.
16. What’s My Name ft. Drake
“What’s My Name” is a catchy R&B and pop song by Rihanna featuring Drake. The song is about the excitement and mystery of a new romantic relationship, where both partners are trying to get to know each other better. The lyrics describe the thrill of meeting someone new and the anticipation of exploring their shared chemistry. The chorus repeats the question, “Oh na na, what’s my name?” which signifies the desire to be known and recognized by the other person. The music video features Rihanna and Drake flirting and dancing on the streets of New York City, adding to the playful and fun nature of the song.
17. Cheers (Drink To That)
“Cheers (Drink To That)” is an upbeat pop and reggae-infused track that celebrates life’s simple pleasures. The song is about having a good time with friends and making the most of every moment. The lyrics talk about living in the present and forgetting about life’s worries, and raise a glass to good times and good memories. The chorus repeats the phrase, “Cheers to the freaking weekend, I drink to that” which encapsulates the feeling of letting loose and enjoying the moment. The music video features footage of Rihanna performing in various locations and highlights her energetic and fun-loving personality.
18. S&M
“S&M” is an electro-pop and dance-pop song that features Rihanna expressing her desire for a sexual relationship that includes elements of bondage and sadomasochism. The lyrics describe her pleasure in being submissive to her partner’s dominant behavior and her enjoyment of being tied up and whipped. The song also addresses the media’s obsession with her personal life and her tendency to push boundaries and break taboos. The chorus repeats the phrase, “Cause I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it, sex in the air, I don’t care, I love the smell of it” which reinforces the idea of Rihanna’s uninhibited and unapologetic nature. The music video features provocative imagery and controversial scenes, making a statement about the nature of media scrutiny and the need for individual expression.
19. FourFiveSeconds
“FourFiveSeconds” is a collaboration between Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney. The song is about the struggles of dealing with fame and the difficulties of being in the public eye. Rihanna sings about feeling like she’s “four, five seconds from wildin'” and wanting to “hold back the tears” in front of the cameras. The song’s acoustic guitar-driven sound is a departure from Rihanna’s typical pop and R&B sound, and the addition of McCartney’s background vocals adds to the track’s folksy feel.
20. This Is What You Came For
“This Is What You Came For” is the most famous song by Rihanna on Spotify with over 1 billion streams and also on YouTube with over 2 billion views. It’s an upbeat dance-pop song that features Calvin Harris on production and Rihanna on vocals. The song is about being in a relationship that is purely physical, with both partners aware that it won’t last forever. The lyrics describe the feeling of being caught up in the moment and enjoying the present, without worrying about the future. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top ten in multiple countries, and the music video has amassed over 2 billion views on YouTube.
21. Talk That Talk ft Jay-Z
“Talk That Talk” is the title track from Rihanna’s 2011 album of the same name. The song features Jay-Z and is a mid-tempo hip-hop track that explores themes of confidence, seduction, and sexual empowerment. The lyrics describe a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask for it, with Jay-Z’s verse providing a complementary perspective from a male point of view. The song received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its catchy chorus and infectious beat, while others criticized its lack of substance. Despite the mixed reception, “Talk That Talk” was a commercial success, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
22. Hate That I Love You
“Hate That I Love You” is a ballad featuring Ne-Yo that appears on Rihanna’s third studio album, “Good Girl Gone Bad.” The song is about being in a complicated and emotional relationship where the feelings of love and hate are intertwined. Rihanna and Ne-Yo’s vocals blend together beautifully on the track, with lyrics like “I can’t stand how much I need ya” and “I hate that I love you” conveying the internal struggle of being in love with someone who might not be good for you. The song’s slow tempo and lush production make it a standout track on the album and a fan favorite.
23. Needed Me
“Needed Me” is a song by Rihanna that was released in 2016. The song features an alluring and moody beat, coupled with Rihanna’s sultry vocals. The song’s lyrics address a former lover who hurt Rihanna, and how she no longer needs him in her life. In the chorus, she sings “But baby, don’t get it twisted, you was just another nigga on the hit list, trying to fix your inner issues with a bad bitch”. She emphasizes her independence and self-reliance by stating that she doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. The song’s music video features Rihanna holding a gun, indicating that she is not to be messed with.
24. Bitch Better Have My Money
“Bitch Better Have My Money” is a song by Rihanna that was released in 2015. The song is an anthem for anyone who has been wronged or cheated out of their money. The song’s lyrics describe Rihanna’s anger towards someone who owes her money and hasn’t paid her back. The chorus is repetitive and straightforward, with Rihanna singing “Bitch better have my money”. The music video for the song is a cinematic masterpiece, featuring Rihanna kidnapping the woman who owes her money and seeking revenge. The video is a visual representation of the song’s message, which is about getting what you deserve and not letting anyone take advantage of you.
25. Kiss It Better
“Kiss It Better” is a soulful ballad from Rihanna’s eighth studio album “Anti”. The song revolves around the theme of a tumultuous relationship that has hit a rough patch. In the lyrics, Rihanna expresses her desire to reconcile and make things work with her partner. She sings about the pain and longing that come with a troubled relationship, with lines like “Tell me what you’re willing to do, kiss it, kiss it better, baby” and “What are you willing to do? Oh, tell me what you’re willing to do?”. The song is characterized by a slow, sensual beat that builds up to a powerful chorus, showcasing Rihanna’s impressive vocal range.
26. California King Bed
“California King Bed” is a heartfelt ballad from Rihanna’s fifth studio album “Loud”. The song explores the pain of a relationship that is falling apart, with Rihanna singing about the feeling of being alone in a big bed. The song is a departure from Rihanna’s usual pop and dance sound, opting instead for a stripped-down acoustic guitar accompaniment that allows her vocals to shine. The lyrics are evocative and emotive, with lines like “In this California king bed, we’re ten thousand miles apart, I’ll be California wishing on these stars for your heart for me, my California king”. The song’s simple yet powerful melody and Rihanna’s raw vocals make it a standout track on the album.
27. Man Down
“Man Down” is a reggae-inspired track from Rihanna’s fifth studio album “Loud”. The song tells the story of a woman who has been wronged by a man and decides to take matters into her own hands. In the lyrics, Rihanna sings about the emotional turmoil that comes with seeking revenge, with lines like “I didn’t mean to end his life, I know it wasn’t right, I can’t even sleep at night”. The song’s catchy beat and reggae-influenced instrumentation create a sense of urgency and defiance, with Rihanna’s vocals driving home the message of empowerment and taking control of one’s own destiny. The song’s controversial subject matter and powerful message helped it to stand out on the album and become a hit single.
28. Shut Up And Drive
“Shut Up and Drive” is an upbeat, high-energy track that encourages listeners to let go of their inhibitions and enjoy the ride. The song features a catchy guitar riff and driving beat that create a sense of urgency and excitement. Lyrically, the song is about taking risks and living in the moment, with Rihanna urging her audience to “shift it into gear” and “put the pedal down.” The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Rihanna repeating the title phrase over and over again, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
29. Pour It Up
“Pour It Up” is a raunchy, high-energy club banger that celebrates living life to the fullest. The song’s lyrics are unapologetically explicit, with Rihanna boasting about her wealth, her sexual prowess, and her love for the finer things in life. The track’s beat is heavy and pounding, with an almost hypnotic quality that draws the listener in and keeps them moving. Overall, “Pour It Up” is a party anthem that encourages listeners to let loose and have fun.
30. Hard ft. Jeezy
“Hard” is a fierce, aggressive track that showcases Rihanna’s trademark attitude and swagger. The song features a hard-hitting beat and distorted guitars that create a sense of urgency and intensity. Lyrically, the song is about perseverance and determination, with Rihanna asserting her strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The track features a guest verse from rapper Jeezy, who adds to the song’s aggressive tone. Overall, “Hard” is a powerful anthem that encourages listeners to never give up and always fight for what they want.
31. Disturbia
“Disturbia” is a song about feeling trapped in a world of fear and paranoia. Rihanna sings about being unable to escape the darkness that surrounds her, as she is haunted by unsettling visions and fears for her sanity. The song is driven by a pulsing beat and a menacing melody, which perfectly captures the eerie tone of the lyrics. Rihanna’s vocals are full of urgency and desperation, as she cries out for help in the face of her own inner demons. “Disturbia” is a powerful and haunting track that showcases Rihanna’s ability to tackle complex and challenging themes.
32. Where Have You Been
“Where Have You Been” is a dance-pop track that sees Rihanna questioning the whereabouts of a lover who has been absent from her life. The song features a catchy chorus and a pulsing beat that are sure to get listeners moving. Rihanna’s vocals are confident and seductive, as she sings about her desire for a passionate and intense relationship. The lyrics are filled with references to exotic locations and travel, adding to the song’s sense of adventure and excitement. “Where Have You Been” is a fun and upbeat track that shows off Rihanna’s ability to craft infectious pop hooks.
33. Unfaithful
“Unfaithful” is a heartbreaking ballad about a woman who has cheated on her partner and now struggles with the guilt and shame of her actions. Rihanna’s vocals are vulnerable and emotive, as she sings about the pain of betrayal and the fear of losing the person she loves. The song is accompanied by a mournful piano melody and sweeping strings, adding to the sense of melancholy and regret. The lyrics are poignant and powerful, exploring the complex emotions of infidelity and the difficult choices that people make in relationships. “Unfaithful” is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Rihanna’s range as a singer and her ability to tackle difficult subject matter with sensitivity and grace.
34. Don’t Stop The Music
“Don’t Stop The Music” is an upbeat dance-pop track by Rihanna that was released in 2007. The song is about a night out on the town, where the music is so good that the singer doesn’t want it to end. The lyrics describe the feeling of losing oneself in the music and forgetting all the worries of everyday life. The song is characterized by its infectious melody and danceable beat, making it a popular choice for parties and clubs.
35. What Now
“What Now” is a melancholic ballad by Rihanna that was released in 2013. The song is about the aftermath of a breakup, where the singer is left wondering what went wrong and what to do next. The lyrics express feelings of confusion, pain, and heartbreak, as the singer tries to come to terms with the end of the relationship. The song is characterized by its emotional intensity, with Rihanna’s powerful vocals conveying the raw emotions of the lyrics. The accompanying music video features Rihanna performing the song in an abandoned warehouse, surrounded by haunting imagery that adds to the song’s dark atmosphere.
