The production leans into soul, R&B, rock, and even psychedelic elements. Tracks range from the gospel-tinged “James Joint” to the haunting, Tame Impala-sampling “Same Ol’ Mistakes.” It’s less about radio smashes and more about atmosphere, texture, and vulnerability.
ANTI appeared on many 2010s decade-end lists by top publications, including Billboard , NME , and Pitchfork .
Perhaps the most shocking moment on the album is Instead of just sampling Tame Impala’s psychedelic rock track "New Person, Same Old Mistakes," Rihanna chose to cover the entire song, retaining Kevin Parker’s hypnotic instrumentation but layering her own soulful, weary vocals over the top. It was a bridge between the worlds of indie rock and mainstream R&B that few saw coming. The Vocal Masterclasses Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album-
Critics originally were divided on its "unfocused" tracklist, but fans and long-term analysis have praised its meticulous curation
The visual campaign for ANTI was as revolutionary as its music. Rihanna collaborated with Israeli contemporary artist Roy Nachum. The production leans into soul, R&B, rock, and
Now, a decade after its release, ANTI —particularly the edition—stands as the definitive magnum opus of her career and a turning point in 2010s popular music. Shaking Off the Pop Machine
Thematically, the album is centered on the complexities of relationships—ranging from the euphoria of new love to the bitter sting of betrayal, and finally, to artistic and personal liberation. Echoing the intimate narrative style of Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope , ANTI presents a Rihanna who is alone, yearning, and often disappointed by the people she trusts. She moves from the demanding independence of "Consideration" to the desperate vulnerability of "Higher," showcasing a complete emotional arc. Perhaps the most shocking moment on the album
By 2014, Rihanna had earned 13 number-one singles. She was a dominant force on the Billboard charts. Yet, she felt trapped by her own success.
ANTi is her most cohesive, artistically and sonically best album but if you look at her discography as a whole, esp in the pop sca... Reddit·Diary of A Music Freak ANTI Album Review - Rihanna - Pitchfork
