Rihanna’s 10 best (and ‘worst’) songs of all time, on our queen’s birthday

8. Diamonds, Unapologetic

The range Ri, the range. This was one of those times we really heard a solid confident riff from Rihanna. Every man and his dog did their own cover version of this mid-tempo ballad: the acoustic version, the country version, the acapella version, even the X Factor finalist version. If everyone is covering a song, best believe it’s a good one. The Superbowl half-time rendition topped it though. Just wow.

7. Rude Boy, Rated R

Let’s play finish the sentence: “Come here rude, boy boy can you… come here rude, boy boy is you…” See, everyone that lived outside of a rock knows the chorus and the hook of this song off by heart. We understand that having something catchy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good, but this song was phenomenal. Okay, so lyrically, we may not have poetry on our hands, but the beat? Dare you to put the song on and not pull a body-roll-with-gun-fingers dance move. Dare you. 

6. Take A Bow, Good Girl Gone Bad

Karaoke stans will agree with us on this one. This was one of Rihanna’s greatest ballads ever. Many said it was written about her tumultuous relationship with ex and fellow artist Chris Brown. Either way, many women could relate to and it always sits well in the heartbreak playlist.  

5. Needed Me, Anti

This song has recently made the rounds again on TikTok six years post-release. Longevity is a true testament to how good this tune was. The syncopated riff on the ‘Needed needed me’ part is perfection, not to mentioned the ‘didn’t I tell you that I was a savage, f*ck your white horse and a carriage’ bar… whew! It’s a boss tune, not quite a heartbreak song, but it’s empowering, sexy, and dark, and we love it.

4. Bitch Better Have My Money, Anti

The song that needs no introduction. Produced by one of the best producers of all time — Kanye West — this song will have you living your best imaginary Pablo Escobar life. The single was gritty and fun, the music video was provocative and captivating. This tune always was and always will be our national anthem. 

3. Pour It Up, Unapologetic

This raw and shameless ode to bling and strippers had to make it to the top three. It’s edgy, fun, and liberating, throwing a middle finger to patriarchy all while getting us all on our feet. The release of this song really created a cultural reset. Big tune! Need we say more?

2. What’s My Name, Loud

“Oh na na, what’s my name” Ahh this song defined the decade. The collaboration of dreams, at a time when we all suspected that the Pop Princess and Rap King i.e. Drake were doing couple goals for us. A time when Rihanna gave us fiery red curls, so we all went ahead and got ourselves some red curls. From the 808 kick-drum style which defines ’80s hip-hop, to the harmonies. This is music at its finest!