Is Anti a good place to start with Rihanna?

Yes, Anti is recommended as a starting point for new Rihanna listeners. Rihanna's Anti immerses listeners in a sultry blend of R&B, pop, and experimental sounds with bold vulnerability. By the time Anti was released in January 2016, Rihanna had already established herself as a global pop icon through her previous eight studio albums. This album marked her first release after departing from Def Jam Records, showcasing a shift towards artistic independence and experimentation in sound and lyrical content.

Anti works well if you're into wave-like pacing with intensity, bold emotional expressions throughout and dynamic journey of sounds.

How many songs are on Anti?

Anti has 16 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Anti

Rihanna · 2016

51 min · 16 tracks · contemporary R&B

Rihanna's Anti immerses listeners in a sultry blend of R&B, pop, and experimental sounds with bold vulnerability.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Work — As the lead single, Work perfectly encapsulates the album's blend of Caribbean rhythms and contemporary R&B, highlighting Rihanna's vocal versatility and her collaboration with Drake.
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Kiss It Better Start here — This track stands out for its lush production and emotive delivery, showcasing Rihanna's ability to convey deep longing through powerful vocals and poignant lyrics.
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Love on the Brain — With its doo-wop influences and raw emotionality, Love on the Brain reveals a more vulnerable side of Rihanna, marking a departure from her typical themes of confidence and empowerment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Anti blends R&B and experimental sounds with varied vocal styles, creating a distinctive yet cohesive experience.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong, rhythmic track that features layered vocals and a prominent bass line, setting a confident tone.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Same Ol’ Mistakes,' which features an extended instrumental section.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

wave-like pacing with intensity
bold emotional expressions throughout
dynamic journey of sounds
for late-night vibes

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, upbeat tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Anti represents a departure from Rihanna's established pop sound, exploring new musical territory.
Themes: dancehall desire· tumultuous love· experimental R&B
Career context: By the time Anti was released in January 2016, Rihanna had already established herself as a global pop icon through her previous eight studio albums. This album marked her first release after departing from Def Jam Records, showcasing a shift towards artistic independence and experimentation in sound and lyrical content.
Stylistic neighbors: Beyoncé· Dua Lipa· SZA

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Kiss It Better

The chorus repeatedly emphasizes an urgent plea for reconciliation amidst heartbreak.

The repetition in this moment conveys desperation while also establishing a rhythmic hook that captures listeners’ attention.