ANTI

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

ANTI · In 2014 Rihanna left Def Jam, which had released all her albums since 2005, and signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation. She began recording around 2013 and was executive producer herself, with, among others, Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy and Timbaland. She wanted an album that was soulful and timeless, not a pile of songs that would quickly wear out. The release was a long time coming and came out on 28 January 2016.

ANTI is more subdued than her earlier dance numbers, with lo-fi beats, distorted vocals and a slow tempo. The first half is bass-driven, the second minimalist and layered. It contains pop, dancehall, psychedelic soul and R&B. Work with Drake became a number 1 on the American Hot 100. Critics appreciated the emotional honesty and found the production divided, but many saw an artistic coming of age. The album received six Grammy nominations.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Consideration (feat. SZA)2:41Apple Music ↗
2. 2James Joint1:12Apple Music ↗
3. 3Kiss It Better4:13Apple Music ↗
4. 4Work (feat. Drake)3:39Apple Music ↗
5. 5Desperado3:06Apple Music ↗
6. 6Woo3:56Apple Music ↗
7. 7Needed Me3:12Apple Music ↗
8. 8Yeah, I Said It2:13Apple Music ↗
9. 9Same Ol’ Mistakes6:37Apple Music ↗
10. 10Never Ending3:23Apple Music ↗
11. 11Love on the Brain3:44Apple Music ↗
12. 12Higher2:01Apple Music ↗
13. 13Close to You3:58Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗