A Girl Like Me Reviews

• S.O.S. - More dancehall please

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2006-04-25
  As can be seen from the album jackets, there are a couple of things that Rihanna has improved since her debut album "Music of the Sun". One of these things is that she has expanded her range from reggae/dancehall and lovers' rock to include pop and R&B.
  
  Hit single "S.O.S." is an extremely catchy track, deservedly getting lots of radio play, and the best track to set the tone for the rest of the album. Second single "Unfaithful" is the opposite - a slow pop ballad with a lot of piano in the background, similar to another track, "A Million Miles Away". "We Ride" is another slow song, but more on the R&B side, as is the sad "Final Goodbye", "P.S. (I'm still Not Over You)" and "A Girl Like Me", with its Spanish guitar backing.
  
  Reggae tracks include "Kisses Don't Lie" (a lover's rock beat); "Dem Haters" (again a slow beat); "Break It Off" (an energetic dancehall track with red hot Sean Paul - great track); "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (slow jam, not the Queen song); "Selfish Girl" (another slow one); and a remix of "If It's Lovin' That You Want" from the first album.
  
  A reasonably good follow up to "Music of the Sun", but too heavy on the ballads which I don't think are her strongest area. A few more of her trademark Dancehall tracks would have made this a much better album.
  
  
  Amanda Richards, April 25, 2006
  
  
  

• More shallow, infantile pop music

  
  By A3UYTW8GXC5EGO on 2006-05-18
  Hey kids! If you're looking for music that's as satisfying and refreshing as a frozen sugar cube, deeper than a pool that's a foot deep and more exciting than watching paint dry, look no further than Rihanna's album, A Girl Like Me! Listen to her wonderful studio-altered, digitally processed voice! Gasp at the thought-provoking lyrics about needing to be rescued, falling in love and wanting to make love all night long! Marvel at the synths, bleeps and squiggly sound effects that represent real reggae! Forget no-good corporate hacks like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Dennis Brown, Damian Marley, I Wayne and Sizzla, because Rihanna is the real deal and she wants you, boys! What an astounding, brilliant, masterfully crafted work of perfection! I like music, and I like Rihanna! She's just as brilliant as amazing artists like Britney Spears, Good Charlotte and Simple Plan! They should all tour together, how great would that be? ...
  
  ... Alright, enough already. I can't keep this facade up any longer. That was just me channeling one of those incredibly enthusiastic, overzealous Rihanna marks that think she's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I wholeheartedly beg to differ. While her work ethic is to be commended somewhat (second album in 8 or 9 months, but all she contributes is her weak vocals), A Girl Like Me is just another example of what's gone so horrible wrong with the music industry - the fact that labels still insist on pushing shallow disposable rubbish on everyone. Essentially what is wrong with this album is presented in the first paragraph as backhanded compliments.
  
  On top of this, the fact that Rihanna is just another Beyonce wannabe (who herself is a Diana Ross wannabe) just makes matters worse - the overuse of melismas on this album is enough to drive any sane person mad. But what makes this album a special type of awful is the fact that it is being marketed as reggae. Now, there's some people that feel that modern reggae artists (such as Elephant Man, Sean Paul, even Matisyahu) don't hold a candle to the originators (like Marley and Tosh), but I have grown to enjoy it and recognize it as the evolution of the genre. However, Rihanna is as close to reggae as a band like Fall Out Boy is to punk - in other words, the term reggae must be used VERY loosely. An occasional Caribbean drum flourish and use of the dialect does not a reggae song make. This is much closer to a hybrid of Beyonce and Britney Spears, right down to keeping the barely legal Rihanna's wardrobe budget low by having her prance around in only the skimpiest of outfits. I can just imagine these comments from the director at one of her video shoots: "Hey, Rihanna, what are you doing out here in your underwear? Didn't that outfit that we ordered arrive yet? What's that? The record label wouldn't front the money to cover the cost of the wardrobe? Oh well, I guess we'll shoot anyway. One thing is certain: The teenage boys will love this video.".
  
  In summary: A Girl Like Me is only worth checking out if you can't get enough of banal, vacuous pop garbage. This is not reggae, ska, soca, etc. It's bubblegum pop, and it's a style that has run its course and is becoming very irritating. It's easy to market, and that's why MTV is playing the video every 10 minutes. Speaking of the single, it's really just juvenile lyrics buttressed by the melody of Soft Cell's version of "Tainted Love" - nothing special at all. The rest of the album is equally shallow pop with only a slight Caribbean influence, bookended by remixes of songs from Rihanna's last album. I urge you to look past MTV and "hit music" stations to find better music, reggae or otherwise.
  
  

• eye candy with no real talent

  
  By A9Q28YTLYREO7 on 2006-05-01
  Album cover is good for the eye sockets,but the music is a dime dozen. not bad in terms of production,but Rihanna doesn't have any real vocal range. "S.O.S" is catchy but alot that has to do with the 80's sample from the Group Soft Cell. catchy enough to get alot of play&a small buzz,but Rihanna is a dime a dozen vocalist who is basically a 3rd tier Beyonce on a good day.
  
  

• looks like ciara....

  
  By A2V8KPOSUB4O7 on 2006-07-20
  the title doesnt lie, she looks exactly like ciara, maybe its just me. However, i must write what i thought about this cd after i read the song titles/ lied about buying it...
  
  
  1. SOS - whats this song about? a cry for help in your so called "horrible life"? you have it better than 99% of the world, so do everyone a favor and shut up.
  
  2. Kisses Don't Lie - wow, you're what, 18 years old? and you already know about what a kiss tells you? unbelivable.
  
  3. Unfaithful - great another song about HER relationships, anyone starting to see a pattern?
  
  4. We Ride - that wasn't explicit at all.
  
  5. Dem Haters - yup every "gangsta" or "homegirl" has one of these songs. The purpose of this song, is for all those people who try to hate nothing, will get pulled in to her with this song. Another LOAD of people who lie to themselves. By the way, i am one of "dem haters".
  
  6. Final Goodbye - If there is one thing the world doesn't need its more love songs. i don't mind most of them, but its ones like these, the one where the singer sings about there own life and relationship. Like you should care.
  
  7. Break It Off - i think i can safely assume this is a dance song. Great, its not like we haven't had about 2000 of those released so far this year.
  
  8. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - are all your songs about love....?
  
  9. Selfish Girl - Perfect, she comfirmed it. I was right, she is self absorbed.
  
  10. P.S. (I'm Still Not Over You) - SHUT UP ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS!!!!!
  11. A Girl Like Me - what, a selfish one?
  12. A Million Miles Away - people are starving, and you aren't doing anything about it but buying million dollar sports cars.
  
  13. If It's Lovin' That You Want (Part 2) - AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!! you're killing me with all these self absorbed love songs!!!
  
  Well, i hope u liked my review, or hate me. To all "dem haters" of me, go worship you're god (rihanna). Overall, i don't reccomend this.
  
  

• Never Trust a Girl Like Rihanna

  
  By AUWQPLHRRZYGB on 2006-05-02
  Before discussing the beastly new album by Rihanna, let's just reflect on her propitious debut album Music of the Sun. Though it did have a couple garish tracks, Rihanna defined "Music of the Sun" with reggae-inspired songs all full of vim and vigor. Even if you only heard her radio hits, it was incontestable that songs like "Pon de Replay," "If It's Lovin' That You Want," and "Let Me." Nonetheless, Rihanna's new anthem "SOS" exemplifies the type of under-produced music on A Girl Like Me.
  It was hysterical reading fans' reviews of this craptastic album, as they claimed many more genres were explored on this album than the last, or that her voice is reaching new heights, or other lies. The truth is there are probably 4 tracks that are even plausibly acceptable. The rest of the album reeks more and more with each awful second that passes. I haven't heard an album this bad since former American Idol William Hung's Inspiration, which was, at the very least, laughable. A Girl Like Me isn't a laughing matter at all.
  A Girl Like Me is like heaven for the cynically inclined - appalling production, horrendous lyrics, heinous vocals, and loathsome impersonations. Seal would be embarrassed after hearing "Final Goodbye," Rihanna's faux-imitation "Kiss From A Rose." The possible club joint "Break It Off" features an indifferent Sean Paul shouting random lyric over an overly digitalized beat. Why did Rihanna feel inclined to include to remix "If It's Lovin' That You Want"? For some reason, I think a Casio piano and midi samples were a major part of the production. The worst track on this album (though it is debatable) is coincidentally Rihanna's next single "Unfaithful." The lyrics "I feel it in the air/ as I'm doing my hair" should tell all without me having to point out the whiny vocals or the overdramatic piano and simulated violins. Or maybe the worst three minutes of my life were spent listening to "A Million Miles Away," which features a piano and guitar duet (as many other songs do). The difference here is that this song would have been a real power ballad if it hadn't been for the fact that Rihanna was singing it. Her vocals wreak havoc upon this poor defenseless song.
  Reggae was a major production tool with Rihanna's debut CD. However, every single attempt at reggae on this album fails. "Dem Haters" is just boring. Rihanna attempts a bit of slow ska on "Selfish Girl" and "Crazy Little Thing." Attempts. Both songs sound like futile versions of No Doubt's "Underneath It All," lacking an energetic horn line (as well as energy altogether), not to mention actual instruments, and pleasing vocal harmonies.
  After all of that harping, decent songs (though few) do exist on A Girl Like Me. "Kisses Don't Lie" is a relaxing flashback to Music of the Sun with its reggae influence and bright chorus. Formidable bass supports the amiable acoustic guitar and reminiscent Rihanna's nostalgic tone in "We Ride." A luscious flute fits compactly into the aforesaid musical formula during "P.S. (I'm Still Not Over You)."
  So, what did I learn from wasting my time on A Girl Like Me? Rihanna's can't sing, write lyrics, and doesn't know what a good song sounds like since she has turned the art of making music into an unimaginative color-by-number portrait. I have also learned that I would never want anything to do with a girl like Rihanna ever again.
  
  
• Irresistible and intoxicating? You bet! Rihanna's star is rising
  By A2R6RA8FRBS608 on 2006-12-27
  Rihanna's sophomore album clearly establishes her as one of the best young artists we have today. Her voice is strong, vibrant and full of electricity. She sings passionately and leaves you wanting more--way more, in fact, of her incredibly flawless style and sophistication.
  
  The CD starts off with the electrically charged "SOS." Rihanna grabs your attention with the way she attacks this song and infuses it with all the sex appeal and energy of a young lady falling in love. The musical arrangement is strong and very catchy. No wonder it was played all over the radio! The CD then takes a turn into a much more somber mindset with the pensive "Kisses Don't Lie." In this song Rihanna sings of a budding love that she knows could hurt her feelings.
  
  Other great songs on this CD include the painfully honest "Unfaithful" about a woman who strays from her man; "Dem Haters" about people who are your friends only because they want things from you; the incredible sadness of the ballad "Final Goodbye" in which a woman professes her love for a man even though the love affair is over; and the excitement of a new love in "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."
  
  Rihanna also performs four tracks with guest performers who are really nothing short of the best: Rihanna is joined by Sean Paul on "Break It Off" and Corey Gunz does a great job with Rihanna on the final track entitled "If It's Lovin' That You Want (Part 2)." J-Status is also featured on the track "Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Last but not least, "Dem Haters" features Dwane Husbands with Rihanna. Awesome!
  
  The liner notes feature wonderful color photos of Rihanna and all the credits, too. Moreover, the sound quality is excellent; you'll swear Rihanna is personally standing right next to you singing just for you when you hear these tracks.
  
  Rihanna scores a huge hit in my book with this CD. She sings with great sensitivity and the musical arrangements are very well planned and executed. These remarkable musical arrangements have an R&B/Soul/Caribbean/even a slight touch of reggae feel to them. Trust me: Destiny will call Rihanna to record more for our delight and we are lucky to have her amongst us. I highly recommend this for Rihanna's fans; and people who enjoy contemporary R&B/Soul will not be disappointed.
  
  
  
  
• Weak album, Weak voice- A step down from Music of the sun
  By A3KFOUVQBIIL6Z on 2006-04-26
  Ok..now she's from my country and I'll be honest. She's not a great singer and her vocal range is not there.
  
  
  Now to the album.
  
  This is an uneven album and Rihanna needs to cut her niche and find out what she's better at doing. These albums with 2 hiphop songs along with 2 R&B tunes and 2 reggae dancehall tracks accompanied by 2-3 remixes only make the listener confused as to what the artiste is trying to say-I certainly was.
  
  
  This is not a standout album, in fact it's average and just like any of the stuff any of these girls push out year in and year out.
  
  It's ok to have a well made-up face on the disc cover but it's all about the quality of the material on the disc that gets the buyer going.
  
  I'm glad that this young woman has made it unto the big market but it's time she pratices her craft,cultivate her voice and make some memorable music.
  
  
• Solid Sophomore Return
  By A2BEU7GPGNIG44 on 2006-05-11
  Less than a year ago Barbado's native Rihanna released her debut album Music of the Sun. The album was given momentum by the make you wanna dance single "Pon De Replay." When the album dropped new fans were surprised that there were very few "make you wanna dance" songs on the album. Music of the Sun quickly drifted off the charts.
  
  It's pretty much unheard of in this industry for R&B singers to follow up albums so quick. Less than six months later Rihanna is back with A Girl Like Me. The albums first single "S.O.S." was very pop, and top 40. It borrows from the Soft Cell classic "Tainted Love." "S.O.S." may not have made an impact on urban radio but Rihanna found a new home with the TRL set. Her second single "Unfaithful" is already making steady gains on radio and is already highly ranked on the iTunes top downloaded songs.
  
  Well first things first, A Girl Like Me is a much more consistent album. It's a really good and solid album. Rihanna didn't over do it with the features either. Guest artists on the album include Dwane Husbands, Sean Paul, J. Status, and Corey Gunz.
  
  Solid sophomore album from new R&B hot shot.
  
  
  
• Great POP Album!!!
  By A1XVCI7GMGO162 on 2006-06-14
  This album is way better than the previous one (Music of The Sun), it has the blend of pop, r&b, rock and hip-hop. I've always been a fan of Rihanna and its nice to see a artists (including Ciara) who don't have to curse or sing about sex in every song.
  
  1- SOS - The lead single that peaked at #1 in many many countries. It was originally supposed to be recorded by Christina Milian but she wouldn't (maybe to poppy for her?). It has the music from Tainted Love with it, it's a great pop song to dance too. 10/10
  2- Kisses Don't Lie - I hope that this is single #3. It's a blend of pop and rock and is very catchy. It's a nice fun loving summer track. It's about a girl who is "caught between yes and no" because kisses don't lie! 10/10
  3- Unfaithful - The 2nd single. It's a ballad and I believe the song should sell well. It's about a girl who is cheating on her fella and doesn't wanna do it anymore because it's killing him, and she doesn't wanna be a "murderer". The song shows another side of Rihanna. 9.5/10
  4- We Ride - Another potential single. Very much mainstream r&b. About a guy who doesn't fell the same way about a girl and she is trying to accept the fact that they both "ride" and nothing more will become of it. 9.5/10
  5- Dem Haters - This song is a good collaboration between Rihanna and Dwane Husbands (who?). A lot of artists these days sing about people who hate them and how they don't care, but this track is more sophisticated and fun. Very much pop. 7/10
  6- Final Goodbye - I didn't like this song at all at first, but it does grow on you. The song is about a girl finally telling a guy how she honestly feels for the first time before they part ways. 7/10
  7- Break It Off (With Sean Paul) - This is a great club track, I think it's going to be a single (or is has been released?). It's more of a Sean Paul track, oppose to Rihanna, she has more of a feature bit. Great to dance too...7/10
  8- Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Rihanna goes back to her island roots with this track. I'd call it more of a filler track as the song doesn't build up to anything, maybe a track that was left off the previous album? 3/10
  9- Selfish Girl - Another island track, sounds familiar to the previous song, a filler track. 3/10
  10- PS (I'm Still Not Over You) - A ballad, it's not the best song but it's not all that bad. I would say it is one of the weaker ones but still its bearable. Rihanna sings about a previous love that she still has strong feelings for. 5/10
  11- A Girl Like Me - I love this track! At first I thought it was very bland but its cool. Rihanna sounds a lil like Beyonce here, and I love the way she holds "Inside" during the last Bridge before the Chorus. Very classy, popish song. 8/10
  12- A Million Miles Away - It was very ironic because when I bought this album I could so relate to this track. Many of us have been in relationships were you drift away from each other and you cant understand what went wrong and how it happened. Well that's the feeling that Rihanna is singing in this track. Great way to close the album. 9/10
  13- If It's Lovin That You Want (Part II) - I never really liked this song to begin with hence not liking this remix version. 4/10
  14- Pon De Replay (Remix) - Very bass remix, its alright but its more about instruments than vocals here. 6/10
  
  Overall I'd recommend this album highly. Its one of the best pop albums Ive heard in a while.
  
  Best tracks:
  SOS
  Kisses Don't Lie
  Unfaithful
  We Ride
  
  
  
• another one bites the dussst !
  By A3QJUM8HM2JOR0 on 2006-07-15
  last night in bluesfest rihanna totaly sang off key.
  
  first ashley sympson demontrates she can't sing, now rihanna.
  
  the wonder of recording can make anyone sound like they can sing.......
  
  
• omg
  By A1ORYQXZI16J40 on 2006-07-25
  This woman has the most annoying voice in the world! it out annoys just about anyone...its like sumone stuck ear plugs up her nose...no effin whinny...she barely has any range and if u listen to her on the AOL sessions she cant even sustain notes for longer than 2 seconds... either that or she goes falsetto which is almost cheating...
  
  
  
• delan
  By A1KOVKY0K88KL3 on 2006-07-31
  What a bad singer, she only mumbles and more sounds comes out of her nose than her mouth. If someone like her can record on cd
  it means anybody can do it even if you don't have any voice.
  
  
• Good only to dance to, so Unfaithful is horrible.
  By A3RTLJJGFWK20H on 2006-08-06
  I don't understand why "Unfaithful" was chosen as the single. She's just a dance act. Pon De Replay and SOS were songs popular only because of the mixes and remixes. When it came ballad time in "Unfaithful", she had a voice that squeals like a dying animal. If this really happened, I feel sorry for the guy she was unfaithful to.
  
  
• Sorry - If U can't Recreate the Experience Live - U have much MUCH work to do!!
  By A3HW25CHWHTAI8 on 2006-08-23
  I have yet to buy a Rihanna cd... so sue me... However, I have seen her perform live at LEAST 5 times on different ocassions... (tv, etc.) and I'm sorry... Live, she is absolutely pathetic... Her voice cracks and she sounds like she is whining and I waited til the 5th time I saw her perform to write this review... After the first video "Pon De Replay" oh, she had me... I was S.O.L.D. SOLD... but then, saw her live... A little troubling... Saw her live again, still, troubling... Then yet again, more troubling... so finally after some thought I decided hey, SOMEONE needs to say it!!!! She's a studio success. Period. Point blank... maybe on a LUCKY DAY she is able to pull off a fine Live performance... but for the MOST part, all Studio... and Ok, the Studio albums may be HOT... May be all that, but in my opinion... Record Labels should be made to do their job and stop throwing scraps at us w/pretty faces... I give her props because the Tracks are Nice... on the Radio and in your Car via CD and at the Club... but face to face, live tv, concert... Um, No. Absolutely Not. And in my personal opinion... a fan of Mary J, Aaliyah (RIP), Janet, Toni Braxton, newcomer Keyshia Cole, Christina Aguilera, Mariah, all those who have paved and Earned their way... not to "compare" her but If u cannot recreate (at least your OWN) music w/an awesome LIVE EXPERIENCE... You're not a true artist and u don't have True talent... that's my honest opinion... And hey - giving the benefit of doubt, if u Suck on the CD AND Suck live and we still buy u... then hey, we must like you, and it's all good... suck away... but if u sound GREAT on the CD, awesome over loud speakers in the club - and then you just totally suck and can't move the audience to save your life LIVE, um... yeah that's a tad bit of a problem for me... There should be some form of Standard for these labels... It's all about a quick buck and a dream... Put some time into these people... Do some research... Dig DEEP to the people u put on stage and on these cd covers... Rihanna has hope, but at this point... that's all she's got... but hey I guess she's making money, the labels making money, and you're Spending Yours on half hearted deal - so what the hell, it's all good...................................... right?????
  
  
• Ahhhhh A Breath Of Fresh Air! Veryyyy Nice Album! Cute!
  By A1847UJSTGFJM9 on 2006-03-14
  Rihanna's Sophomore CD, A Girl Like Me, proves her as more of a talented Artist than we thought she was with her first CD, Music of the Sun. On this new set Rihanna showcases more mellow vocals, reminiscent of her Idol Beyonce Knowles, but miles away from her vocally, but still very impressive, Overal this album gets a 9/10 from me, so heres a review of all the songs.
  
  1. SOS (10/10)- First single from the abum, nice pop beat and flavor to it. This song is doing very god on the charts, one of the outstanding songs on the album.
  
  2. Kisses Don't Lie (7/10)- This song has great vocals, but the Rock type feel just doesnt grab my attention, like the other ones, so this is not a favorite of mine.
  
  3. Unfaithful (8.5/10)- Her 2nd single written by Ne-Yo, has a nice pop ballad feel to it. Not Outstanding, but it does have great lyrics and delivers a good vocal performance, not my favorite on the album though.
  
  4. We Ride (10/10)- THIS IS IT!!!!!1 ONE OF THE BEST SONGS ON THE ALBUM...COMPLETELY OUTSTANDING!!!!!! IT SOUNDS LIKE A BRIAN MICHAEL COX PRODUCTION, THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN HER NEXT SINGLE, IT HAS A STRAIGHT RADIO FRIENDLY R&B/POP MIXTURE. DEFINITELY ONE OF MY FAVORITES.
  
  5. Dem Haters (9/10)- I like this song alot! it has a great reggae beat to it, and she delivers good lyrics in it about her haters and people who said she wasnt gon make it.
  
  6. Final Goodbye (8/10)- Nice mellow ballad...very deep lyrics, didnt grab my attention at first, but as I begin to listen, it grew on me.
  
  7. Break It Off (9/10)- Nice reggae club song, could be a great dance track for those who like to reggae dance.....Rihanna's vocals on here are sooooooo good also. I love this girls voice for some reason
  
  8. Crazy Thing Called Love (6/10)- I dont really like this song. Its nice to listen to cause of the vocals, but it seem like it has the same beat as "Dem Haters", but slowed down a little bit.
  
  9. Selfish Girl (5/10)- I like Reggae and all, but this has another one of those same beats like "Dem Haters" and "Crazy thing called Love", she could have switched up the beats..this has to be my least favorite song..never the less still good vocals though, the reggae beat im just not feeling.
  
  10. P.S. (Im still not over you) (100/10)- THIS IS THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM!!!!!! MY FAVORITE OF THEM ALL! GREAT LYRICS! VERY CATCHY! THIS SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A SINGLE! IT IS GREAT PURE R&B! I LOVEEEEEEEE THIS SONG! VERY EMOTIONAL IF U LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE LYRICS.
  
  11. A Girl Like Me (9/10)- This is a cool nice laid back song, i can listen to this alot. nothin much to say about it, cause of the title, and im a guy, but never the less a cool mellow r&B song with great lyrics.
  
  12. Million Miles Away (6/10)- Another one of my least favorites from the album, it sounds too much like "Now I Know" from her last album, and thats what makes it not catch my attention, seems like it outta be a remix to that song or somethin.
  
  
  Overall This CD Gets a:
  
  95- For Vocals
  
  80- For Beats
  
  90- For Production and Arrangement
  
  
  This CD Provides Alot of Different Genre Flavor, Its a mixture between Pop/Rock/R&B, with mostly R&B, ill say give it a try....you wont be dissapointed at ALL!
  
  
  
• Fed Up is wrong, Rhianna deserves coconuts not praise!
  By AJ0LJLRM2HLB4 on 2006-05-03
  Blue Racer: Someone tell this *r*ng*t*n named Rhianna that she cannot sing. Japanese Beetle: She is just another pretty face who is all T*ts and *ss and no music talent. Blue Racer: Men buy this album because either they are G*y(like Fed Up) or want to, as Prince aptly put it, "get off" looking at the cover, Japanese Beetle: I don't think she is worth the price of tea in Japan, HAASAH(karate chops her head)!!! SAYONARA!
  
  
• A step above Music of the sun
  By A1B1OEZR3NS9OV on 2006-05-05
  Rihanna is still a fairly new artist, who's only been on the musci scene for about a year now, and this is her second album. When Pon De Replay came out last summer, I absolutely fell in love with rihanna. And when If It's lovin that you want came out, I was like wow! I am gooing to go and buy the album, these songs are amazing! As I listened to her first album, I was completely dissapointed. Alot of the material on there was fillers, but it did have its good moments. And now, that her second album is out I can't really say the same. When I first heard SOS, I thought they were going to re-release the music of the sun, which I though would have been a dumb idea. But then I noticed that she was making a second album, I was totally excited! and could not wait! Now that it's here I will rate each track!
  
  SOS- Lead single off of the album, An amazing song, that everyone loves! It's a great song to dance too, and just an overall fun song! This song recently went from #34 to #1 on the charts, which I was very impressed with. Great song! One of my favorites on the album 10/10
  
  Kisses Don't Lie- I absolutely love this song! It is my second favorite on the album! It would make a great single, its a very different rockish carribean sound for rihanna, and would definately change up her style. 10/10
  
  Unfaithful- The third best song on the album! I really had to let this song grow on me. When I first heard this song, I thought she was oversinging and she sounded horrible, but it really does grow on you. And now its the second single, and I wouldn't have chosen a better song! 10/10
  
  We ride- The best song on the album! This definately needs to be the third single! This song, has the coolest beat ever, and is extremely different for rihanna! This would definately be a hit among fans, and non fans! 10/10
  
  Dem haters- This is another carribean sounding song, which is suprisingly very good. The lyrics are very meaningful, and duwayne Husbands, who is featured in the song, has a very good voice, that makes the song even better, but it still doesnt come to parr with a few other songs on the album, but its very good nevertheless. 8/10
  
  Final Goodbye- This song is a very different sounding song for rihanna, and also for myself. I havn't really heard this type of song before. I guess it kind of sounds like a slow latino song, but its one of my favorites none of the less, the fourth best song on the album! 10/10
  
  Break it off- This is supposed to be the third single off the album that's supposed to be relased in July for the 1st single of sean pauls new album, and third off of rihannas. This is a good song, but I think that this song shouldn't be a single. But they are doing the two album single scenario, so I see how it works in both cases. But there are much better songs on the album than this. Good song nevertheless. 8/10
  
  Crazy little thing called love- Horrible! I am so mad, they put this filler track on the album, I skip it everytime! I can't stand it at all. The lyrics, the beat are all horrible! 0/10
  
  Selfish Girl- This is another carribean sounding song, that has the horns to go with it. Very good song, also one of my favorites on the album. 9/10
  
  P.S.(I'm still not over your)- Great song, great lyrics! I love this song alot, it is definately single material. 10/10
  
  A girl like me- Sounds very similar to final goodbye. It's a very good song, and has good lyrics, and its very catchy! 9/10
  
  Million Miles Away- This song ties with the best song! I abslutely love this song! Very meaningful! I think this song should have been chosen over unfaithful. This song is just pure vocal heaven, and its just awesome! Words can't explain how good this song is! 10/10
  
  If it's loving that you want(remix)- Not needed, at all. Doesn't even compare to the orginal. I'm going to start with a ten and take off a point for ythe change of beat, a point for not re-recording the song, and a a point for the cheesy rap parts. So 7/10
  
  111/130=85% which is a B rating. Like I said this is a step-up from rihannas last album, which would have gotten a (c- or D) Rating from me.
  
  Top 5(really 6):
  We ride/Million Miles away
  Kisses Don't lie
  Unfaithful
  Final Goodbye
  SOS
  
  
  
  
• Way Better Than I Thought
  By on 2006-05-10
  This album has a song for everyone. The slow ballads and the fast pace songs are relly good.
  These are all the songs and how I have ranked them:
  
  SOS 10/10
  Kisses Don't Lie 8/10
  Unfaithful 10/10
  We Ride 8/10
  Dem Haters 8/10
  Final Goodbye 8/10
  Break It Off 9/10
  Crazy Little Thing Called Love 6/10
  Selfish Girl 8/10
  P.S. (I'm Still Not Over You) 8/10
  A Girl Like Me 9/10
  A Million Miles Away 9/10
  If It's Lovin' That You Want-Part 2 10/10
  
  Overall I think it is an improvement from Music Of The Sun.
  
  
• Good Sophomore Comeback, Better Than "Music Of The Sun"
  By on 2006-05-22
  1. S.O.S. (Rescue Me) 10/10- great dance song. good choice for 1st single.
  2. Kisses Don't Lie 7/10- this song has a rock beat but the lyrics are really good. Good song.
  3. Unfaithful 10/10- GREAT SONG! My personal 2nd favorite on the album. Great choice for 2nd single.
  4. We Ride 10/10- my fav song on the album. if it was sung by a guy, it could be the answer song to "Unfaithful"
  5. Dem Haterz ft. Dwayne Husbands (who??) 9/10- slow song, but really good message.
  6. Final Goodbye 6/10- i dont really like this one, but i'll listen to it.
  7. Break It Off ft. Sean Paul 9.5/10 i like this song ALOT but its a lot more of Sean Paul than it is Rihanna. Rumored as the 3rd single.
  8. Crazy Lil' Thing Called Love ft. J-Status 7/10- pretty good song. i usually skip it though.
  9. Selfish Girl 1/10- worst song on the album. sounds too much like number 8.
  10. P.S. (I'm Still Not Over You) 10/10- my 3rd fav song on the album. a very beautiful song.
  11. A Girl Like Me 6/10- dont listen to it much but when i do i can get into it.
  12. A Million Miles Away 2/10- 2nd worst song on the album. hate it.
  13. If It's Lovin' That You Want Part 2 ft. Corey Gunz 9.5/10- really good song/remix i heard a different version of this with the old beat and his verses were in a different order. its a good song just the fact that it was her lowest-selling single & it was a single on "Music If The Sun"
  
  album out of all- 8/10, worth it. love it. great album.
  
  
• Horrible
  By A1XI05OWP3U35V on 2006-08-14
  Why does everyone keep saying that she sounds like Beyonce? Since when does Beyonce sing out of her nose? This girl sounds a hot mess.
  
  
• GREAT SECOND ALBUM. Something forever one.
  By A1Z6KAYDL89465 on 2006-04-26
  Rihanna's back, and shows that she's here to STAY. The entire album is great. I first heard it online, and i was like yeah Rihanna is doing her thing once again. The album is filled with great ballads and i love it's for its diversity. There is a song on it for everyone.
  
  Heres the song Break Down.
  
  1) SOS- Whats left to say, excellent song, brillant move Def
  Jam for making it the first singl--10/10
  2) Kisses Dont Lie- I didn't like this osng at first, i was
  like it sounds, just plain weird, but if
  you actuallyLISTEN, to the lyrics you'll
  fall in love with it.Nice mix of Reggea
  and Rock--9/10
  3) Unfaithful- thumbs up to my boy NE-YO superio lyrics,
  Rihanna's still developing voice flows PERFECTLY
  With the beat. The overall production was great.
  10/10
  4) We Ride- This was also another great song,lyrically,vocally,
  and production wise. I can actually hear this being
  turned up in peoples car this Summer. 10/10
  5) Dem Haters- STRAIGHT UP REGGAE,IF YOU DONT LIKE REGGAE,THEN
  THIS ONE AINT FOR YOU. But i loved it, this song
  should be played at a loud volume when people are
  hatin' on you. 9/10
  6) Final Goodbye- It's a really sad song, it has some nice
  lyrics nd the beat it's cool and slow. 9/10
  7) Break it Off- For Best dance collaboration, this song has
  the title both lyrically & vocally Rihanna
  brings IT and Sean just spices the song up,
  RECOMMENED 3rd single, for this SUMMER..
  8) Crazy little thing called love- Like "Kisses Dont Lie" i was
  like Uhh. But it's a passionate song, lyrically
  it was slamin' but production was it's downfall.
  8/10
  9) Selfisg Girl- Nice song,nice lyrics, bad production, but
  another overall "OK"-Reggae songs-7/10
  10) P.S.(I'm still not over you)- Amazingly nice song love
  song, production wasn't that
  bad. 9/10
  11) A Girl Like Me- The album titled track. I like this song,
  as much as i liked Music of the sun, form
  Music of the Sun,... I hope i didn't just
  confuse you, 9/10
  12) A Million Miles Away- Similar to UNfaithful, and NOW I KNOW
  from her past album, but the song
  remains as one of my favorite Ballads
  on this album.Rihanna's vocally
  maturing, and one day when she sings
  this it will sound even better.9/10
  
  13) If it's loving that you want.Part II- I love the orginally,
  and i love this one
  as well.9/10
  
  Overall Great second album, could have been better produced.
  
  5-STANDOUT TRACKS
  
  SOS-
  Unfaithful-
  Break it Off-
  We Ride-
  *Dem Haters- For the island people-
  
  
  
• This Time Please Someone Come and Rescue Me
  By A1LHAXBM5GBJS2 on 2006-04-28
  Rihanna burst onto the scene last summer with the ubiquitous club hit, Pon de Replay. After that, none of her singles caught fire and it looked as if you would to the one hit wonder wing of the Hall of Fame. Luckily she didn't give up because with a little help from Soft Cell she looks like she will pull off the rare feat of have the summer anthem in consecutive. But the question is, will the album, A Girl Like Me, fall into obscurity much like here debut did as everyone seemed to download the hit single as opposed to the whole album?
  
  To keep that from happening, her record company even withheld S.O.S. from the major downloading services in hopes that people would buy the album instead of the single when it came out. And surprisingly A Girl Like Me isn't absolutely horrible. The album eases you with the 80's influenced smash hit and I wonder if the Tainted Love sample isn't the only 80's thing about that song and the lyrics I'll be you "Take on me, take me on" are based on uber-80's anthems by A-Ha (she even says the band's name in the song). The next song, Kisses Don't Lie, even has an 80's touch with The Clash lyrics asking "Should I stay or should I go?" That is followed by the strong, piano and strings based Unfaithful a song about, you guessed it, being unfaithful. And even when the song goes over the top when she suggests, to keep him from hurting, to "take a gun and put it to his head" it just makes it that much more entertaining, although sadly she decides she "don't wanna be a murderer." Oh well.
  
  But the album quickly goes into some clich?s from there with We Ride. Personally I rather have my girls sugar and spice and the such and not hear her say "When we ride we ride, it's `til the day we die." I really don't want my girl (another 80's reference alert) going down in a blaze of glory. Have we leaned nothing from When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong? This get back on track with the slow reggae jam Dem Haters with help with some dude named Dwane Husbands. Sean Paul shows up later Break it Off, which is better than anything on his latest effort unfortunately the beat isn't that good.
  
  Everything else on the album is pretty much hit or miss, the acoustic guitar in Final Goodbye sounds like something Dan Fogelberg, which actually isn't a bad thing. P.S. (I'm Still Not Over You) is as cheesy as the title would suggest. The album caps off with a remix of the failed single off Rihanna's last album, If It's Lovin' That You want with a beat stolen from another rap song that I can't quite pinpoint no matter how long I play the song and and a rap from Cory Gunz who may or may not be related to Peter Gunz who was last scene being sued by Steely Dan for lifting there hook for the great Uptown Baby. So think twice before Download S.O.S. and maybe give the whole album a chance.
  
  
• New Iron Maiden album coming out soon
  By A9PC1NELXEUUQ on 2006-05-03
  Rihanna is atrocious,bad,horrible,crap,trash and Plain lousy and is as bad as Beyonce,Britney and Ciara.You will lose respect in society by buying this awful album.PLEASE AVOID THIS ALBUM.Please wait for the new IRON MAIDEN album which will be released shortly.
  
  
• Miss Thing is gonna be HUGE!
  By ABS3C0BMVW7RK on 2006-05-08
  Girl, you may not be as good as Beyonce or Ashanti, but you have promise and I like your album, okay? This CD has some good beats and great songs. You need to support Miss Girl, because she has MAD TALENT!
  
  
• TRASH
  By ATANWFOC9MLNH on 2006-05-19
  RIHANNA CANNOT SANG'....I DON'T KNOW WHAT JAY-Z TRYING TO DO BUT HER ABILITY TO PUT MUSICAL NOTES WITH HER VOICE NEEDS TO BE REVAMPED AND RE-WORKED. THIS IS SO DAMN LATE!!!!! SOS IS THE ONLY GOOD TRACK AND THAT IN ITSELF IS MEDICORE...I WON'T EVEN BASH THIS ALBUM ANYMORE IT IS HORRIBLE PLEASE LEAVE A GIRL LIKE HER ON THE SHELF.
  
  
• A solid album from Rihanna
  By A3S69PAS9HKZJC on 2006-05-20
  This album is incredibly solid, and it deserves alot more attention than her debut. Songs like "Break It Off" f/ Sean Paul and "SOS" have you dancing, while ballads like "Final Goodbye" and "A Million Miles Away" have you thinking. The production on this album is done very well, and I wish Rihanna success.
  
  "SOS" - 10/10
  "Kisses Don't Lie" - 8/10
  "Unfaithful - 10/10
  "We Ride" - 10/10
  "Dem Haters" - 7/10
  "Final Goodbye" - 9/10
  "Break It Off" - 8/10
  "Crazy Little Thing Called Love - 6/10
  "Selfish Girl" - 5/10
  "P.S (I'm Still Not Over You) - 9/10
  "A Girl Like Me" - 6/10
  "A Million Miles Away" - 9/10
  "If It's Lovin' That You Want pt. 2" - 5/10
  
  
  
• Pretty Good Album...
  By A3W0POMI33YQXQ on 2006-06-20
  Rihanna is back with her second album in less than a year which is pretty much unheard of in today's industry. Her first album Music of The Sun displayed a lot of potential with songs such as Pon de Replay, You Don't Love Me, The Last Time, and Willing To Wait. Contrary to popular belief, Rihanna really shined on the ballads and midtempos rather than the uptempo tracks. Recognizing this fact, the second album leans heavily on the ballads and midtempos and it really works. Some people don't like Rihanna's voice and compare her to Beyonce ( 0which it seems like everyone that comes out female is somehow a Beyonce clone in some way shape or form)...I don't believe any of that; she doesn't sound like Beyonce and she doesn't make songs like Beyonce. People need to get over it.
  
  Back to the album, A Girl Like Me is a good listen and manages to give a good mix of slow jams (Unfaithful, PS Im Still Not Over You, Million Miles Away, Title song), dance tunes (Break It Off, SOS, If it's Lovin), and grooves (We Ride, Dem Haters, Crazy Thing). I really like the songwriting on this album too especially Unfaithful. The album is just the right length at 13 tracks and enough gems throughout to keep you interested. I would say that this album is a bit of a mood album meaning I can't just sit and listen to it but it's still a good effort especially coming from Rihanna. This album is a step up from her debut album and if she keeps progressing she'll soon be a real force to reckon with. 3.5 stars.
  
  
• Rihanna Delivers Once More
  By A3SV72ZAHH2IDH on 2006-04-25
  I wasn't sure what to expect from this album. It was released just 8 months after Rihanna's debut "Music of the Sun" that came out in late August last year. My initial question was wether it was a genial move from the record company to extend Rihanna's 15 minutes of fame with releasing yet another album when the other one was descending on the charts, or was it the fact that they had working like lunatics in the studio and really coming up with a bunch of new songs that could be good enough for a new album?. I was also uncertain wether Rihanna would abandon the catchy gimmick of caribbean calypso sound she had on her debut and go full throttle contemporary R&B like many other young artists have done. But she proved me wrong on both points. "A Girl Like Me" is surprisingly good and neither does she abandon the concept that made her debut so good. The songs is a mix of catchy dance-pop with a flavour of the caribbean, but there is also some ballads and just pop like her hit "Sos". The lyrics seems to mostly deal with love, which is good. If the songs would have been dealing with sex and late night clubbing it would have seemed forced for a 17 year old to sing about. In the end it's a mostly happy mood album with catchy hooks and original sounds, Rihanna has found her gimmick and "A Girl Like Me" is a slightly better album then her debut.
  
  It starts with the hit single "SOS" that is first and foremost a good pop song with catchy melody and good hook. It samples Softcell's 1981 hit "Tainted Love" and in fact she even borrows the text "You Got Me Tossin and Turning, I can't Sleep at Night. However, It's one of the strongest songs of the album and is a pleasant floorfiller. "Kisses Don't Like" is yet another very good song, it's a midtempo pop-rock song but yet with a somewhat caribbean feel. She shows one of her best vocal performences here. "Unfaithful" is a power ballad accompanied by piano, it's the first of 2 songs written by the same songwriters that co-wrote Ne-Yo's "So Sick", infact Ne-Yo also co-wrote this particular song. It's also great to hear Rihanna singing a really good ballad. "We Ride" is the second of these two 2 songs, it's a semi-ballad that sound fammiliar but It's also one of the better songs. "Dem Haters" is a midtempo with caribbean sound, it feautures the interesting voice of Dwane Husbands and it's obviously about jealous people that are trying to bring you down. Once again a very good song.
  
  "Final Goodbye" is a slow ballad, almost accoustic. One of the weaker songs of the album but not bad either. Things heaten up on the Sean Paul duet "Break it Off" that is my favorite pick of this album. Forget the lyrics, It's a definite club song with both good hook and addictive sound. More of a Sean Paul song then Rihanna but considering that both comes from the caribbean it seems natural they do something together. "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" reminds me a little of the Dawn Penn cover "You Don't Love Me" from her last album. It got the same rhythm and pace. It defenitely is like glue for this album concept. A Caribbean rapper called J-Status appears and it's also one of the better songs. "Selfish Girl" is yet another caribbean sounding song, this one in midtempo. "P.S. (I'm Still Not Over You)" is another ballad and just like "Final Goodbye" it uses very few instruments. The title track is a midtempo with a "Spanish guitar" sound, grows on you but far from the best. The last song "A Million Miles Away" is a piano ballad, it proves she got a very nice voice once again but it sound completey diffrent then what made her famous. Perhaps she'll do more of this in the future?. It closes with a annoyning hip-hop remix of "If it's Lovin You Want". I could really live without it.
  
  Overall, Rihanna proves she is here to stay and that she got a gimmick that works apart from mant other young female vocalists. This album is even slightly better and more varied then her first. There is loads of hit warnings here and infact I think it was a surprisingly good album for the major part. At the end there are quite too many ballads, but Rihanna doesn't do a bad job on them either but her strongest part are those addictive dance-pop songs that she got famous for on "Music of the Sun". Needless to say, A good pop album that will give her plenty of hits and is slight improvement from her debut.
  
  
  
• This Album Is Average- Nothing New Here
  By A1X93ES4DITTWK on 2006-04-25
  This girl hasn't even been out for a year and she already has a second album out. Somebody's 15 minutes of fame are about to be up. Anyway, this album is average at its best and it's just all over the place like her last album- pop, R&B, reggae, club. I already wrote a review on "SOS" and, like I said, Rihanna brings nothing new. I thought "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" was a remake of Queen, but it's not. "Break It Off" with Sean Paul was kind of weak. Other than that, the best songs on the album were "We Ride" and the remix of"If It's Lovin' That You Want"- the rest is just forgettable filler material. Rihanna needs to work on her vocals because sometimes her voice sounds warbly and shaky, like she's crying or something. And Rihanna has beaten Sade and The Brain hands down.
  
  
• 4 singles and the rest are albumfillers..
  By AXZTWJQI9R97V on 2006-04-25
  After hearing Rihanna's 3 latest hits (recent hit: S.O.S.) I decided to purchase this album. I was expecting floorfillers with exotic rhythms, but ended up with a CD filled with slow songs that need to be remixed quite a bit if they're going to hit the dancefloor. Overall it is an OK - at times boring - mellow CD and Rihanna manages to show off her amazing vocals. Buy this CD if you liked Rihanna's previous CD or if you're into soft R'n'B tunes, but don't expect to find any tracks to even come close to S.O.S. Lyrically it is very good, but the melodies could have needed a quality control as they all sound the same. I understand she is only 17, but there are a lot of other subject than love to choose from, but she hasn't. The singles will stand out enough to not make her a has-been.
  
  01 - SOS: You've already heard this poppy up-tempo dance number. Definitely the best song on the album. 5/5
  
  02 - Kisses Don't Lie: An up-tempo dance number with a catchy beat to the chorus, but it doesn't deliver all the way. 3/5
  
  03 - Unfaithful: Excellent lyrical work with a good melody and a good choice as second single from this album. You hear her voice is not fully mature, but it blends in good. 5/5
  
  04 - We Ride: About being cheated to and ending a relationship because the other part ruined it. The "We ride" hook is catchy but the rest of the song is like every other song on this CD. 3/5
  
  05 - Dem Haters: Dealing with the people who didn't believe in her and jealousy concerning her career. Again; good lyric work,but the melody is constant and there is no hook, catchy edge or anything else for that matter. 1/5
  
  06 - Final Goodbye: The arrangements remind me of Seal's Kiss From a Rose. Slow ballad, some sort of love decleration and promise to be there till the end. 2/5
  
  07 - Break It Off: A cheeky floorfiller with raggae beats, but Rihanna only has one verse she repeats constantly (exept for the ending verses). IMO; the song would have been better off WITHOUT Sean Paul. He ruins the entire song for me, but it will be a winner on the dancefloor. 4/5
  
  08 - Crazy Thing Called Love: The lyrics are corny, but mainly she just sings "crazy thing called love" over and over again and how this one guy opened up her eyes for it. This is a serious albumfiller. 1/5
  
  09 - Selfish Girl: Melody-wise it sounds like it begins where the previous track ended, but a tad catchier with a carribbean tune in focus. And lyric-wise.. "feeling like I do.. need you night and day.." Still it has an independent woman flavour over it; saying she won't share her man. 2/5
  
  10 - P.S. I'm Still Not Over You: A tender ballad about a past lover she is not over yet. It touches all the thoughts we are left with when after a breakup with that special someone. Good lyric work, but the melody falls flat as there are no remarkable arrangements. 2/5
  
  11 - A Girl Like Me: Mid-tempo track about being different from the rest and the need to be accepted like she is from the boy who is going to be with her. 2/5
  
  12 - Million Miles Away is a passionate ballad about being together, but at the same time far apart. Its got a catchy chorus and safe lyrics. Buyers outside the U.S. should be relieved this is the last song on their CD. 3/5
  
  *BONUS TRACKS*
  13 - If It's Lovin' That You Want (remix): This remix is also slower than the original song. What's the point? Will the next album include a S.O.S. remix? 2/5
  
  14. Who You Gonna Run To: When you include bonus tracks you still need to make sure they go through the quality control. This is the worst song on the album. Asking her bf who he's gonna run to when everyone else turns on him. 1/5
  
  15 - Pon De Replay (remix): You've heard it and know it's a cool floorfiller. Surprisingly - and disappointingly -, this remix is slower than the original song! 3/5
  
  16. You Coulda Been The One: No surprises here. I'm getting tired of writing the same thing over and over again so I'm guessing she's as tired of singing the same song over and over again. 1/5
  
  
  

• Good Girl Gone Bad
• Music of the Sun
• Loose
• PCD
• The Dutchess