This sonic pivot continues throughout the record. ANTI is a moody, atmospheric journey that prioritizes texture over melody. Tracks like "Desperado" and "Woo" embrace a gritty, psychedelic rock aesthetic, while "Same Ol’ Mistakes" (a cover of Tame Impala’s "New Person, Same Old Mistakes") immerses the listener in a hypnotic, hazy dreamscape. This was a risky move for an artist whose brand was built on explosive choruses and club bangers. Instead, ANTI offered a "vibe"—something to be listened to late at night, in the car, alone with one's thoughts.
The album’s fourth single, released in September 2016, showcases Rihanna at her most vocally powerful. A stunning doo-wop ballad, "Love on the Brain" reached No. 8 on the Hot 100, becoming her 30th top-ten hit on the chart. In 2026, it was certified Diamond by the RIAA (10x Platinum), joining "Needed Me" and "Work" as historic hits from the same album. Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album-
: The iconic red and white cover by artist Roy Nachum features a young Rihanna with a gold crown and Braille poetry by Chloe Mitchell, emphasizing that her message "won't be heard" if she simply follows others. Critical and Commercial Impact This sonic pivot continues throughout the record
It's officially been a DECADE since Rihanna released her last ... This was a risky move for an artist