A Girl Like Me

Rihanna returns with a surprising – and refreshing – diverse set A Girl Like Me

Already a bona fide diva, this Barbados born beauty has been labeled the new Beyonce (whose boyfriend Jay-Z discovered her) but in truth her output is probably even more outstanding than the Destiny's Child star's solo work. If nothing else, it has been an eventful and eye opening year for songstress Rihanna. In addition to recording one of the most popular singles of 2005, the hypnotic Pon De Replay (which bass bumped out of more car windows while igniting a slew of barbeques last summer), she won over the masses with her charming Bajan persona. But Robyn Rihanna Fenty is ready to do it all again with her sophomore release A Girl Like Me. The 18-year-old returns with a surprising – and refreshing – diverse set that dabbles in pop, dance, R&B, reggae and acoustic numbers. While the effort features a number of island-flavored cuts, a full third of A Girl Like Me is unexpectedly devoted to sparse, wrenching ballads that are piano-, string- or guitar-driven. There are also a couple of stomping club cuts, too. Rihanna has stated she has tried to incorporate more rock music into her album. She said on an interview that much of the music she sang on this album is music she would never have sung before.

SOS utilizes the electro-funk of Soft Cell’s ’80s classic Tainted Love

The follow-up to Rihanna’s million selling debut gets off to a goosepimple-inducing start with the Jason Rotem produced SOS, a joyous summer jam. With its hypnotic beat and enticing melody, SOS utilizes the electro-funk of Soft Cell’s ’80s classic Tainted Love to create a soulful anthem of young love. Then comes the obligatory big ballad but one with a twist. Unfaithful, a collaboration with label-mate Ne-Yo (who wrote Mario's Let Me Love You) and Stargate follows the downfall of a relationship when another person starts cheating, the fact that the cheater happens to be the singer makes a refreshing change. Perhaps the most surprising track is the rock meets island vibe of Kisses Don’t Lie. Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken, the principles of Rihanna’s production company, SRP, used a mixture of Caribbean elements, electric guitar and a mesmerizing bassline. Elsewhere there's a plenty more straightforward R&B headnodders like Dem Haters to party with. And Rihanna’s collaboration with Sean Paul on the New Wave-ish reggae track Break It Off is a match made in chart heaven.

The beautiful singer proves that her breakthrough was no fluke

The lead single SOS has achieved considerable airplay throughout the United States and Canada and has reached high peak positions on both airplay charts. With her amazing success last year and her new infectious track SOS, the beautiful talent has captured the eyes of NIKE and JC Penny. NIKE has selected to use SOS for the launch of their new clothing line inspired by dance. Like NIKE, clothing line JC Penny was also captivated by Rihanna. Rihanna became the new face of Miss Bisou in their stores, nationwide and in their advertising campaigns. SOS may have already barged onto your local dancefloor, and we doubt it’s going away anytime soon. Which is good, because Rihanna’s full-length promises more infectious tracks from where Pon De Replay came from. Pulling inspiration from dancehall and reggae, Rihanna mixes her roots with a fresh upbeat sound that’s taking the world by storm. A Girl Like Me is sure to solidify her as one of pop music’s raising stars. The lack of a plentiful guestlist means this is an album that retains a strong and remarkably fluid identity. With A Girl Like Me, the beautiful singer proves that her breakthrough was no fluke. After selling 1 million copies worldwide of her debut Music Of The Sun, once again, the summer belongs to Rihanna.