. It marked a radical departure from her radio-friendly dance-pop hits, instead favoring a "hazy, reflective" sound with raw vocal performances. Rihanna has since called it her favorite album
The image of a child is an homage to her roots, and the blinding crown represents success—although Nachum added that he's not sure... Vanity Fair Close to You Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album-
ANTI is a distinct departure from Rihanna’s earlier pop-dance hits. It is a gritty, soulful, and experimental R&B album. The title is a statement against the expectations of the music industry. Rihanna described it as an album for the "misfits," focusing on her personal artistic freedom rather than chasing radio singles. It is moody, atmospheric, and deeply confident. Vanity Fair Close to You ANTI is a
The most aggressive track on the album. Distorted bass and a cold, detached vocal delivery. Rihanna sounds menacing. In the flow, "Woo" is the hangover after "Desperado"—the moment you stop running and start fighting. Rihanna described it as an album for the
This imagery is perfect for the Deluxe edition. By adding three extra tracks, Rihanna isn't giving you leftovers; she's giving you more keys to the kingdom. "Sex With Me" and "Goodnight Gotham" are the songs you show to friends to prove you understand Rihanna on a deeper level.
From the haunting sirens of "Goodnight Gotham" to the sticky confidence of "Sex With Me," the Deluxe tracks are not afterthoughts; they are the closing arguments. They prove that Rihanna wasn't just making an album; she was building a universe. A decade later, no one has come close to touching it.
Ten years later, the sounds timeless. It doesn't sound like 2016. It sounds like a classic record from 1973 that was beamed into the future. In an era of 10-second TikTok songs and generic pop lyrics, ANTI is a full meal. The Deluxe tracks, specifically, capture the "no f*cks given" attitude that modern pop stars try to mimic but fail to achieve.
