Music of the Sun (by Rihanna, Hip-hop)

Rihanna's summer club hit, "Pon de Replay," is the first track on MUSIC OF THE SUN. The young singer follows up with 11 nicely produced tunes, ending with a remix of "Pon de Replay," so the CD begins and ends on an irresistibly danceable high note. In between there's an assortment of love ballads, including "The Last Time" ("It's the last time I'm ever gonna cry these tears/I'm never gonna hear your lies/so listen while I make it clear...there's only time to say goodbye"). Perky uptempo songs bring a Caribbean flavor and a gently empowering message for girls. "There's a Thug in My Life," explores the attraction of bad boys for nice girls ("Mama don't worry/I'm not in a hurry/I won't disappoint you/I won't make you sorry...There's a thug in my life/how'ma gonna tell my mama").

The music is infectious, the lyrics are clever, the performances and production sparkle. Barbados-born Rihanna, still a teenager herself, delivers music as warm and bright as a Caribbean sunrise.

Released on: August 30, 2005
Label: Def Jam
Genre: Hip-hop