In 2005, the world was introduced to the Barbados pop sensation Rihanna.  Only 16 years old and new to the United States, she released her famous single “Pon de Replay” from her debut album “Music of the Sun.”

Rihanna’s sophomore album “A Girl Like Me” had chart topping songs, including “SOS,” “Unfaithful,” “We Ride,” and “Break It Off.” Rihanna’s third album “Good Girl Gone Bad,” which had more hit songs than any of her other albums, including “Umbrella,” “Don’t Stop the Music,” “Shut Up and Drive,” “Hate That I Love You,” “Rehab,” “Take a Bow,” and “If I Never See Your Face Again.”

Five years and four albums later, Rihanna is releasing her fifth album titled Loud at the young age of 22. In an interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” she explained that she wants to show her sassy, fun, flirty, and energetic side on this album.

She definitely stuck to her promise and kept it sassy.  Her song “Only Girl (In the World)” is already beginning to take over the charts, along with her collaboration with Young Money artist Drake in “What’s My Name?”

“Raining Men,” featuring Nicki Minaj, is another one of her collaborations with someone from the Young Money group. With this song, Rihanna brought back the hip-hop in her.  While it’s not a bad song, I expected more from two women who are so dominant in the music business.

“Loud” is not Rihanna’s strongest album. Her previous albums were definitely more upbeat, and  it seems that the tempo of her music changed since the incident with R&B sensation Chris Brown.  Rihanna’s latest music is straight from her heart. It’s like her therapy from that tragedy, even though she claims she has gotten over it.

But with a little help from Avril Lavigne, Lil Wayne’s Young Money crew, and “Drop It Low” performer Ester Dean, Rihanna’s album should have quite a few hits. If you’re ready to experience a new side of her, open up iTunes and listen to Rihanna get “Loud.”

Imani Love can be reached for comment at [email protected]