Rated R
by Rihanna
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 23, 2009
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 645 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 537 out of 645
  2. Mixed: 47 out of 645
  3. Negative: 61 out of 645

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. kowalski
    Dec 3, 2011
    6
    Normally, I would stray away from over-produced pop-stars, but this album has personality. Even if it's a very dark side that's interesting. Great record.
  2. Afterglow_0202
    Aug 29, 2020
    6
    She brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to doShe brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to do with the Brown affair. We have an album that opts to cater for the variety of fans that flock to support Rihanna in her time of trouble. It's a diverse work. But this so happens to be its biggest setback.… Expand
  3. NickG
    Nov 28, 2009
    5
    I have to admit this album was extremely overrated by critics.The only songs I can remember were G4L, Rockstar 101, wait your turn and russian roulette.Her attempts at ballads were extremely weak.Russian roulette was the only good ballad.79 was a score too high for this album in comparison to other artists with better work.The songs are generally immemorable, disturbing at times and not I have to admit this album was extremely overrated by critics.The only songs I can remember were G4L, Rockstar 101, wait your turn and russian roulette.Her attempts at ballads were extremely weak.Russian roulette was the only good ballad.79 was a score too high for this album in comparison to other artists with better work.The songs are generally immemorable, disturbing at times and not "dance-able".She tried something dark and thought that derogatory language would fully cover that.… Expand
  4. lalasmith
    Nov 23, 2009
    5
    This album was full of songs that's honestly had no content and was really repetitive. Russian roulette was the only song to me that had meaning the rest to me was just her way of crying out that she is a bad girl rebel which by the way im not buying.
  5. Spin
    Nov 27, 2009
    5
    Rated R, Rihanna's first album since her brutal confrontation with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, wants to recast her as a searing woman scorned. It doesn't quite take.
  6. GagaForGhibli
    May 31, 2012
    5
    I Feel Bad Giving Rihanna Anything Below A 8...
    I Only Listen And Like Only 3 Songs On This Album.. They Arent Bad Songs.. There Just Not Catchy And Popy Like Rihanna Is...
    Sadly This Is Not What I Am Looking For...
  7. evermore13
    Nov 15, 2021
    5
    She brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to doShe brings hints of techno, R&B, disco, hard rock, hip-hop, and pop-punk to this album, but rather than feeling like a masterpiece, it just feels undercooked. Much of its music is a dull wash, difficult to differentiate even across several plays, and not especially compelling outside of the real-life drama the singer examines and exploits. The exceptions are songs that have nothing to do with the Brown affair. We have an album that opts to cater for the variety of fans that flock to support Rihanna in her time of trouble. It's a diverse work. But this so happens to be its biggest setback.… Expand
  8. BWETMatangi
    Aug 14, 2013
    4
    I was a little disappointed, since "Good Girl Gone Bad" was so good, or because this was a bad Rihanna CD. This is where she ultimately goes from the girl who sings "Pon De Replay" to dropping the F bomb all over.
  9. vlad
    Nov 25, 2009
    3
    Very boring - you've heard it all before. Nothing catchy and undeniable. Strange, but the only good songs, "Fire Bomb" and "The Last Song", are both produced by Brian Kennedy and are both pop-sad. Probably because sadness is the same for sweet girl Rihanna and her Rated R version.
  10. DanD
    Nov 28, 2009
    2
    Few R&B artists are able to tackle an edgier sound with much success. Like most of them, Rihanna fails. Her emotional year is reflected in a set of disjointed songs that absent the physical abuse scandal would lack oomph. There's barely a likable track on the record and I don't expect any of these songs to top the charts.
  11. Spyro
    Nov 21, 2010
    1
    "Very boring - you've heard it all before. Nothing catchy and undeniable. Strange, but the only good songs, "Fire Bomb" and "The Last Song", are both produced by Brian Kennedy and are both pop-sad. Probably because sadness is the same for sweet girl Rihanna and her Rated R version." completely agree with you
  12. prayyoucatchme
    Aug 30, 2016
    1
    Wow, Im shocked at these reviews, Not too shocked because Critics Overrate & Underrate thing all the time. Poor Rihanna, She thought she could pull off another Bâ Collapse
  13. All_ButTrU4
    Aug 24, 2022
    1
    Russian roulette is agreat direction that would've been a better overall sound but unfortunately Rated R is a muddling hodgepodge of dated generic pop that equates being sexy with being rebellious. Sure to be a classic due to its commercial impact Rated R feels like a novelty in her discography
  14. ajdude
    Nov 23, 2009
    0
    Yawn....Wasn't expecting such degrading effort from RIhanna. After the gem she dropped in 2007, we get a sub-par effort. No bangers like umbrella to be found here! ordinary effort! poor!
  15. KateS
    Nov 23, 2009
    0
    Awful and overrated album.
  16. Parismells
    Nov 24, 2009
    0
    She gets beaten one time and now she talks about Russian roulette. She's really gonna play off of this, not to mention many critics are talking about this. It's absolutely ridiculous. We get it she's been through rough times(like the rest of the world), she's not a girl...WE GET IT! Anyway, I can respect she's trying to change and go different directions but the She gets beaten one time and now she talks about Russian roulette. She's really gonna play off of this, not to mention many critics are talking about this. It's absolutely ridiculous. We get it she's been through rough times(like the rest of the world), she's not a girl...WE GET IT! Anyway, I can respect she's trying to change and go different directions but the music still isn't good, it just isn't. I've heard all this before, not original.… Expand
  17. darryltrini
    Jul 7, 2011
    0
    Aside from a couple songs, this is pretty boring with songs like Stupid In Love, Rockstar 101, Wait Your Turn. Not her best. My favorite is Te Amo & Firebomb
  18. cbeanfan
    Aug 19, 2011
    0
    Not a good album at all. I only like 1 song, which is 'Rude Boy' I'm a Rih fan, but no there are no hits on this... I prefer LOUD though. Songs like Stupid In Love, Photographs and the other slow songs are a borefest.
  19. musiccritic
    Aug 20, 2011
    0
    After the 'Good Girl Gone Bad' era, I was expecting a huge record from Rihanna. Rated R was a letdown. The ballads are sappy and seemed to be pulled from Celine Dions reject pile. Not good at all.
  20. musikcritik
    Sep 14, 2011
    0
    'Rated R' is a letdown from GGGB. There is too much filler and it sounds like she's trying to hard to convey the "dark" pop star role. However, she's at her best in the Caribbean inspired 'Rude Boy'
  21. musicfanatic
    Sep 14, 2011
    0
    'Rated R' could of been good. It's just very boring and no excitement that I expected it would be... Her vocals have improved though, but more work is needed.
  22. proreviewer
    Nov 19, 2011
    0
    Boring album with sappy ballads. Rihanna is not able to evoke the emotions that is required for some of the songs, instead it comes off as sappy and bland.
  23. antonioo_m_s_
    Sep 10, 2020
    0
    Todos sus álbumes son magníficos, pero un tal 2009 llegó un álbum que para mi es el mejor de toda su carrera. Rated R es la perfección de álbum.
next
Page:

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2009
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Village Voice
    Jun 24, 2011
    60
    You are way, way better off not projecting any kind of emotional subtext onto this record.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    70
    What works as therapeutic psychodrama for the singer doesn't always work quite as well as pop music, which, from the shiny surfaces, it's clear everyone here is still striving for.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Tribune
    88
    Nothing else on the album can top 'Russian Roulette,' but they certainly complement it, and make its startling conclusion feel sadly inevitable.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »