What makes Kiss It Better by Rihanna notable?

'Kiss It Better' received critical acclaim for its mature sound and was noted for its role in solidifying Rihanna's status as a versatile artist. The song reached the top 10 on various charts worldwide, contributing to the overall success of 'Anti,' which became one of the best-selling albums of the year and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Released on March 1, 2016, 'Kiss It Better' was a standout single from Rihanna's eighth studio album, 'Anti,' which marked her artistic reinvention following a string of commercial hits. At this point in her career, Rihanna was transitioning from mainstream pop dominance to a more experimental sound, showcasing her growth as an artist willing to explore complex themes and diverse production styles.

How many songs are on Kiss It Better?

Kiss It Better has 4 tracks, running approximately 17 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Kiss It Better

Rihanna · 2016

17 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

A pulsating blend of danceable beats and sultry vocals that invites listeners to surrender to the rhythm.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kiss It Better (R3hab remix) — This remix amplifies the original's dance elements, transforming it into an electrifying club anthem that highlights Rihanna's vocal prowess while maintaining an infectious beat.
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Kiss It Better (Four Tet remix) — Four Tet's version adds an ethereal layer to the track with intricate electronic textures, showcasing how the song can be reinterpreted across genres while retaining its emotional depth.
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Kiss It Better (Kaytranada edition) — This edition features Kaytranada's signature groove-infused style, enhancing the sensuality of the original with rhythmic complexities that invite repeated listening.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The remixes showcase varied interpretations of a strong original, but lack a cohesive narrative across tracks.

What we noticed

Each remix maintains the core elements of the original track while introducing distinct rhythmic and melodic variations.
The first remix features a faster tempo and more pronounced electronic beats, while subsequent remixes explore different sonic textures.
The remixes vary in length, with some extending the original song's structure to create a dance-friendly experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Kiss It Better' helped solidify Rihanna's versatility, marking a significant artistic shift.
Themes: club scene intimacy· electronic dancefloor longing
Career context: Released on March 1, 2016, 'Kiss It Better' was a standout single from Rihanna's eighth studio album, 'Anti,' which marked her artistic reinvention following a string of commercial hits. At this point in her career, Rihanna was transitioning from mainstream pop dominance to a more experimental sound, showcasing her growth as an artist willing to explore complex themes and diverse production styles.
Stylistic neighbors: Beyoncé· Dua Lipa· SZA