Music of the Sun
Common Sense says
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this music.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that young singing sensation Rihanna offers appealing songs with a gentle girl-power message. Some of the lyrics are a tiny bit suggestive but tame compared to most pop music.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
What's the story?
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\").
Is it any good?
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.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the ways in which the artist's West Indies upbringing flavors the sound of her music, both rhythmically and lyrically. They can also talk about how music doesn't have to be sensationalistic to be sensational.
Music details
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.