A Retrospective New Look At Rihanna’s Iconic Loud Era Fourteen Years Later
Fourteen years ago, Rihanna, pop music’s beloved “bad girl,” released her fifth studio album, Loud. This high-energy, dance-pop record quickly overtook the charts, cementing itself as one of her most unforgettable eras.
Loud, released on November 12, 2010, was a follow-up to the singer’s intense and edgy Rated R album. Known for its darker pop sound and bold aesthetic, Rated R stood in sharp contrast to Loud. The pop star re-emerged with her iconic bright red hair, embracing a lighter, more playful sound. This inevitably kicked off a fun and vibrant era in her career.
The pop star launched the Loud era with the infectious lead single “Only Girl (In the World),” one of three Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers from the album, paired with a visually stunning music video that perfectly matched the song’s lively energy.
“Only Girl (In the World)” perfectly encapsulates 2010s pop with its shout-along chorus and fist-pumping beat—a track that’s aged well, still energizing clubs and bars and standing out as one of Rihanna’s signature hits. This single marked a pivotal moment in her career, veering into EDM territory and positioning her as a leader in the genre for years to follow. Ultimately, “Only Girl” earned her a Grammy for Best Dance Recording in 2011, solidifying its impact on pop music.
Though this new era began with her playfully frolicking through daisies and embracing a carefree vibe, the superstar didn’t stay within safe bounds for long. She pushed the envelope with the provocative hit “S&M,” a track having listeners worldwide singing along—even those unaware of its bold, explicit themes.
“S&M” solidified the star’s reputation as pop music’s daring bad girl, with lyrics celebrating chains and whips and a music video so controversial at the time that it earned an age restriction on YouTube for years and was even banned in some countries. The track proved she was unafraid to take risks during her Loud era, ultimately becoming another number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song even featured a remix with the iconic Britney Spears, further cementing its place in pop history.
What made the Loud era truly iconic was its relentless promo run. Rihanna left no stone unturned, appearing on every major platform—from Saturday Night Live to the Today Show to The X Factor. She and her team ensured the album was inescapable, making it one of the biggest pop eras of the 2010s. This level of visibility, with artists on talk shows and award shows to celebrate their album eras, has become a rare practice in today’s music industry.
Fans looked back on Loud in the wake of its anniversary.
The fact that Rihanna’s “Loud” album is 14 years old is crazy. I was literally 13 going to 8th grade w/ all the feels. It’s so nostalgic
— (@X_Luuccyy) November 13, 2024
Rihanna set the bar way too high during the “Loud” era. Hit after Hits, one of the best selling albums of all time & the girls think she can be replaced? No thank you, there will never be another her. pic.twitter.com/qL6HDOKeSR— (@therihprint) November 8, 2024
You can revisit Loud here.
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