Rihanna - Where Have You Been

I just can't go long without posting about Rihanna it seems.  Since I started my blog with "Only Girl" she's released eight mainstream songs.  Like I've said before by releasing so many songs she gets boring really fast and the fact that all of her songs sound the same isn't helping.  "Where Have You Been" isn't great, but it's not too bad and it's her best shot right now.

Off of her latest album we've had her signature sound in "We Found Love," something unique in "You Da One," and a reunion with Jay-Z for "Talk That Talk."  All of them were repetitive.  "Where Have You Been" really isn't that different, however the main thing about it is that it is the right mix of familiar sound and creativity.  One of the reasons that "You Da One" and "Talk That Talk" didn't do as good was because they weren't the dance sound that people listen to Rihanna for.  On the other hand when she keeps up the same cheery, bouncy sound it gets annoying.  "Where Have You Been" sounds a little darker, but not nearly as much as has been. 

The song mixes quick paced, haunting verses with the signature blaring sound of Rihanna that we're all used to in the chorus.  Rihanna gets a little more electronic with this one which is a good move and this time it isn't as redundant as it is in "We Found Love"  The song is definitely dance and is sure to make you do just that, but it also offers a slightly different sound. 

This album has been a bit of a low point for Rihanna with two songs to considerably poor for her standards.  I give her thumbs up for trying different things, but that doesn't work if the songs are no good, and she can't rely on the dance factor if they're not dance songs.  That's why "Where Have You Been" is a good way for her to end this run.  It's going to remind people that she can still make us dance, while still being a little creative.  It's being released just in time for summer so I'm guessing that's why she was holding it back for now.  It's pretty much guaranteed for success since it's the familiar sound that does so well.  I say it's good enough for me considering how annoying Rihanna can get, but I hope she actually puts some serious work into her next album.