As President of Def Jam, it is Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter’s job to spot new talent, nurture the artist and turn them into a big star. Back in 2005, Jay signed two young, female R&B artists to his burgeoning roster at Def Jam: Teairra Mari and Rihanna. One went on to achieve worldwide success with top 10 hit after top 10 hit in countries across the globe; the other experienced mediocre success before leaving the rapper’s wing and moving to Interscope Records. Of course, we all know which artist is which.

Robyn Rhianna Fenty is the 19-year-old who conquered all. A week prior to the release of ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’, her debut single ‘Umbrella’ from her third solo album is flying high in the pop charts on both sides of the Atlantic – breaking records as one of only two artists to reach number one in the UK on digital sales alone. ‘Umbrella’ is as addictive as ever and the collaboration between Jigga and the Bajan beauty is one of great standards.

Having landed on the R&B/pop scene with the reggae-tinged ‘Pon de Replay’, Rihanna’s new album is a batch of songs specially created with her childhood influences in mind. And from working with top producers like Timbaland, StarGate and Jonathan ‘J.R.’ Rotem, the resulting mix of R&B/pop with subtle hints of rock and electro is truly refreshing.

The thumping bassline on the infectious ‘Lemme Get That’ is indeed the workings of Timothy ‘Timbaland’ Mosely – and the track is already getting steady airplay as one of the album’s hottest tracks. The super producer delivers two more beats to ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ – but it’s the melodic sounds of ‘Rehab’, penned by frequent Timbaland collaborator Justin Timberlake, which stands out towards the end of the LP.

Ne-Yo, the singer/songwriter who seems to be popping up everywhere nowadays, makes an appearance on the slow jam ‘Hate That I Love You’, where the two young stars bring their sultry vocals together for a decent, if predictable, duet.

Rihanna shows a sassier side to her sweet angelic looks throughout this third outing, particularly on ‘Push Up On Me’ with suggestive lyrics like, “Come up to my room, you sexy little thing/ And let’s play a game, I won’t be a tease”.

She takes on Michael Jackson’s ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’’ on ‘Don’t Stop The Music’, which has a distinct Europop feel – but don’t let that deter you; this is definitely a track that grows on you with time. Likewise, the attitude Rihanna exudes on ‘Breakin’ Dishes’ is simply irresistible, and soon enough your foot will be tapping along to the beat whether you like it or not.

The rumoured second single is ‘Shut Up and Drive’, which sees Rihanna ride a guitar-laden rock/pop beat. The simple, playful lyrics work well with the guitar riffs, although it will have its work cut out trying to match the massive success of ‘Umbrella’.

‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ is the album Rihanna should have made last year – every track on the LP is album-worthy, including all four ballads – a feat few artists manage to accomplish these days.

With Jay-Z at the helm, it seems Little Miss Sunshine is back – and just in time for the summer.

Rating: 5 out of 5
 

Top three tracks:

9) Lemme Get That

1) Umbrella featuring Jay-Z

4) Rehab