Single Review: Rihanna ft. Drake – “What’s My Name?”

Well, if you are really asking for it – Robyn Rihanna Fenty. There you go.

Rihanna’s musical output can be said to have been greatly influenced by her personal life. Before the whole Chris Brown debacle she was an upbeat, Island-born songstress with a vitality for life and chucking out worldwide smash after worldwide smash. Then, along came that era where things seem to dwell in a much darker image and sound, far more risky lyrics and song topics (ie ‘Russian Roulette’), and the slightly unwelcoming feeling that this was going to be Rihanna for the rest of her musical career.

Thankfully, with the début single from new album “LOUD”, we see the beauty erupt out of the dark and back into a world of hazy colours and generally more playful demeanour with the addictive “Only Girl (In The World)”. And now, with the second release from “LOUD”, a duet with US rapper Drake, Rihanna’s even ditched the whole dance-pop vibe and left just her island-infused R&B, reminding us why we loved her in the first place. The new song with David Guetta is expected to be a hit too.

“What’s My Name?” is a brilliant return and sounds much more mature whilst still retaining an element of Rihanna’s more playful nature; the music doesn’t sound dated, the whole thing is hotter than a steam-filled sauna.

Rihanna’s vocals are top notch, back to the clear. Drake however, doesn’t please as much.

Having said the above, I still love “Only Girl (In The World)”, but “What’s My Name?” is just as good and succeeds at re-introducing Rihanna, the R&B princess.

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