When "Only Girl In The World" dropped as the first single, I was anticipating a dance album much like "A Girl Like Me" and not continuing in the more melodic darker pop sound she found on "Rated R." Much to my surprise, even though there is a strong underlying beat/rhythm to her songs--this album is so much more than just pop. Rihanna incorporates R&B, Rap, Caribbean, Rock and Enya (listen to "Fading"--it's there) to create an album that isn't really one specific genre. This is in my opinion both it's greatest strength as well as it's biggest weakness. This album most certainly won't bore you, but say if you only like Rihanna when she's singing more R&B/Rap songs style songs than you'll probably be disappointed with about half of the album. Also, on "Rated R" there was a specific sound that brought the whole album together, where this album just doesn't sound as cohesive and put together. Basically, it's not as consistently good as "Rated R."

However, that being said--this album rocks. I love that Rihanna is branching out into even more genres, and there is one constant--Rihanna's voice sounds phenomenal and is really showcased on tracks like "Complicated." I was excited to see producers like Timbaland, David Guetta and Ne-Yo all on-board. Also--she sampled Avril Lavigne on "Cheers"-how could you not love that. Also, the Part II of "Love the Way You Lie" with Eminem is just sic. My favorite songs are actually the more rock influenced or more stripped down songs because I find these ones really suit Rihanna's voice quality best. "California King Bed", "Man Down" and "Complicated" are stand outs.

I think this album was a necessary progression in Rihanna's musical evolution, and for the most part-she's spot on. I would definitely recommend this album. Listen to the sample tracks first though to see if you like variety of genres because if you expect them all to sound like "Only Girl In the World" or even the second single with Drake "What's My Name", then you'll be really dissapointed. If you keep an open mind though-I think you'll find you will love the majority at least of this album.

Last year, Rihanna released the depressing album "Rated R" with a more dramatic element to it. Just one year later, she comes out with the exact opposite with an album called "Loud". So I'm going to give you my "Track By Track" Review followed by my overall review.

1.)S&M *****- A catchy fun song about sex and being a dominatrix. She boast "I may be bad but I'm perfectly good at it". This is one of three songs with the typical POP beat that you'd heare Lady GaGa or Katy Perry sing over.

2.)What's My Name (Feat. Drake)***** - The song reminds me of "Rude Boy" but still works for me. I personally don't think Drake should be featured on the song because it doesn't really work that well. The solo version that leaked is the better version in my opinion, but its still a solid track.

3.)Cheers (Drink To That) *** - The song didn't immediately draw my attention, but after a few listens its enjoyable. Its just not a song I'd search for on my iPod, but also not a song I'd skip if it came on next.

4.)Fading **** - An emotional song about a relationship that's falling apart. The song came too soon in the track listing. It would've fit perfectly in the last section of the album along with "Love the Way You Lie Part II"

5.)Only Girl (In the World) **** - The first single and by far the "Loudest" track on the album. I personally think the albums title should have been changed to Only Girl or something better, because this song pretty much wraps up the theme of the over all album.

6.) California King Bed *** - Slow rock ballad about a couple who's growing apart. Basically "Fading" part II.

7.) Man Down * - I really don't like this song. It sounds really Reggae and her accent is a little too forced for my taste.

8.) Raining Man (Feat. Nicki Minaj) ***** - One of my favorites on the album. And even though I'm not really a Nicki Minaj fan, I appreciate her vocals on this track. My favorite part is the chorus. Especially the "Oh yeah yeah, Oh Oh Oh" part. You have to hear it!

9.) Complicated ***** - This song is amazing. It kinda of reminds me of a more pop version of Beyonce's song "Scared of Lonely". It features a dance beat, yet its a ballad. Another Must Listen!

10.) Skin **** - Sexy song. I'd actually rearrange the track list and put this somewhere in the early part of the album instead of the breakup songs. Slow start but afterwards, its a decent listen.

11.) Love The Way You Lie Part II (Feat. Eminem) *** - Its a decent song. The original is better to me, but its still decent. Eminem changes the vibe by yelling over it, but I can't hate on the best rapper of all time!

Overall the album is a pretty decent album. Its just All over the place. I don't believe it lives up to the title. Its basically the MTV of albums. Four out of eleven tracks are "LOUD". I'd Rearrange the Track listing also.

1.) S&M

2.) Only Girl (In The World)

3.) What's My Name (Feat. Drake)

4.) Cheers (Drink To That)

5.) Skin

6.) Man Down

7.) Complicated

8.) Fading

9.) California King Bed

10.) Raining Men (Feat. Nicki Minaj)

11.) Love the Way You Lie Part II

My opinion. ;)

I like Rihanna and I like her singles but that's all this album really is in the end, singles. It might as well be a singles collection. She didn't write any of the songs on her album and that's always been a pet peeve of mine. It's not as if pop music is great art or anything, but this album is nevertheless disappointing. Rihanna is a talented singer and I honestly believe she is capable of much more than Loud. With the exception of a few songs, this album is fairly shallow.

The singles are all very good. Great hooks, fun music and strong vocals. Basically perfect pop songs. But what's the point in buying an album unless the rest of the tracks measure up? The album tracks are generic and forgettable. The album itself feels very careless, a bunch of random songs thrown together. The best songs that aren't singles are Complicated and Love the Way You Lie Part II. And the second one is simply another version of a single! It's disappointing to say the least. From the impressive singles, I thought the album would measure up.

So it's decent enough for a pop album, but even among pop albums there have been better. Still it's fun enough and Rihanna sounds amazing. I don't regret my purchase.

Rihanna and her songwriters and producers are at the top of their game with 'Loud', my favorite pop CD released this year. After emerging from the dark urban goth of 'Rated R' she is definitely in a different space now.

*Sing These Songs With a Bunch of Drunken Friends: "Cheers" and "Raining Men"

*Dance Like You've Lost Your Mind To These Songs: "S&M", "What's My Name", & "Only Girl"

*Try To Get Through To Him/Her: "California King Bed" & "Complicated"

*Dump Him/Her With These Songs: "Fading" & "Man Down"

*Body Him/Her With This Song: "Skin"

*Seek Professional Help If These Are Your Words: "Love The Way You Lie"

My Favorites: "Raining Men" is what I consider an upgraded version of Beyonce's "Diva". I lose my mind as soon as it starts along with "What's My Name"! Through "California King Bed" and "Complicated", Rihanna projects a longing that's refreshingly palpaple (and relatable, on a personal note). 'Loud' is Rihana at her best.

I got this album as a gift.. and I ocassionally will get off of my hard-rock roots and enjoy some R and B (even the modern stuff)..

Rihanna is edgy, and different; this is why I like her. She's not afraid to take non-typical chances with her style and music.

Ok, this album was a let-down for me. A few of the songs are great, but the rest are noisy and lack much of a melody.

Also, I can do with-out the occasional rapper interlude in a random song (on any album). E.G. - Eminem, Akon, Nelly etc. etc..

Too many synthesizers on this record.. She should let her guitar player (Nuno Bettencourt) do plenty of writing on her next set of tracks. My boy can lay it down.. This record just barley gets 2.5 stars.. So, I wouldn't buy it; I would only download the radio hits (the rest is sucky).

I look for more of this edgy direction which Rihanna is going, she should get away from Reggae, and the traditional worn-out R and B stuff which is so Miley Cirus these days.. And, stop with all the Zoom a doom doom synthesizers.. Rihanna: see Gwen Steffani for a well built, creative, melodic, and edgy R and B record.