The opening track, "Consideration" featuring SZA, serves as the mission statement for the entire record. Over a jutting, off-kilter beat, Rihanna sings of a "new order" and a refusal to be what others want her to be. The production is sparse, raw, and hip-hop infused, signaling a departure from the polished EDM-pop of her previous eras.
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.
A slow, sexual grind set to a trap beat. The title says it all. This track showcases the album’s sonic diversity—moving from rock to dancehall to minimalist porn-chill.
Despite the unconventional rollout (it went platinum within 24 hours of release due to a Samsung sponsorship that gave away 1 million copies for free), the Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album- eventually charted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. It has since been certified 3x Platinum.
More importantly, the Deluxe tracks had a second life. "Sex With Me" went viral on TikTok years later, and "Love on the Brain" (standard track) became a wedding staple. The album is consistently ranked by Rolling Stone and Pitchfork as one of the best albums of the 2010s.
1. "Consideration" (feat. SZA) Before SZA became a global superstar with Ctrl, she was the secret weapon on this opening track. The song sets the tone: "I got to do things my own way, darling." It’s a mission statement about artistic freedom. The distorted bass and Rihanna’s snarled vocals tell us immediately: this is not the "Umbrella" girl anymore.
2. "James Joint" An interlude that lasts only 1:12. Named after a marijuana strain (or a play on "Jane's Joint"), it’s a fuzzy, R&B daydream. It bridges the gap between the defiance of "Consideration" and the sadness to come.
3. "Kiss It Better" A fan-favorite that should have been a massive hit. This track channels 80s rock ballads (think Prince or The Cure). Rihanna’s vocals are drenched in reverb as she begs a lover to fix their relationship. The guitar solo is gritty; the lyrics are desperate. It’s the heart of the album.
4. "Work" (feat. Drake) The undeniable smash. Love it or hate it, "Work" is genius in its repetition. The phrase "Work, work, work, work, work" mimics the monotony of a failing relationship. Drake’s verse is smooth, but Rihanna’s patois steals the show. It is the album's only concession to radio, but it fits perfectly.
If you want, I can: provide full deluxe tracklist by region, write a 200–300 word review for posting, or create Instagram caption options.
The Rebirth of Robyn: A Decade of Released on January 28, 2016 , Rihanna’s eighth studio album,
, was more than just a musical pivot—it was a declaration of independence. Shifting away from the high-octane "hit factory" formula of her previous work, Rihanna delivered a project that prioritized artistic depth, emotional honesty, and raw vocal texture over radio-readiness. Ten years later,
stands as a definitive 21st-century classic, marking the moment the Barbados-born singer transitioned from a pop sensation to a global mogul. A Bold Departure from the Pop Paradigm
, Rihanna was known for delivering clockwork-precision singles like "Umbrella" and "Diamonds". famously rejected that pace. It arrived as a hazy, moody, and experimental body of work
, fusing neo-soul, dancehall, and alternative rock into a cohesive atmosphere.
Critics originally were divided on its "unfocused" tracklist, but fans and long-term analysis have praised its meticulous curation
. Rihanna served as executive producer, working with a wide-ranging roster of collaborators, including Jeff Bhasker, No I.D., and Timbaland
, to ensure every line felt intentional and "masterpiece" quality. The Deluxe Experience: Expanding the Soundscape Deluxe Edition
added three bonus tracks that further showcased Rihanna's versatility and confidence:
Released in early 2016, marked a radical departure for Rihanna, shifting from her established role as a "singles machine" to a respected album artist
. While her previous records often felt like collections of radio-ready hits,
is a cohesive, experimental body of work that prioritizes artistic expression over commercial safety. The Sound of Rebellion
The album rejects the high-gloss EDM and pop-dance sounds of her earlier eras in favor of a gritty, psychedelic, and soulful landscape. Genre-Blurring:
From the lo-fi R&B of "Consideration" (featuring SZA) to the psychedelic rock of "Same Ol’ Mistakes"—a six-minute cover of Tame Impala—the album is a sonic collage. Vocal Showcases: Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album-
Rihanna delivers some of her most raw and technically impressive vocals to date. "Higher" is a standout for its strained, "drunk" vulnerability, while "Love on the Brain" is a powerhouse doo-wop soul ballad. The Lead Single:
"Work" served as the album’s biggest commercial anchor, leaning into Rihanna’s Caribbean roots with a repetitive, "post-language" hook that became a global phenomenon. Deluxe Tracks
The Deluxe edition adds three tracks that further round out the album's moody atmosphere: "Goodnight Gotham": A brief, cinematic interpolation of Florence + The Machine.
An aggressive, trap-heavy club track that returns to the "Bad Gal" persona. "Sex with Me":
A fan-favorite mid-tempo track that reinforces the album's themes of female sexual agency. Visual and Cultural Impact
Rihanna Album Review: Anti Is Anti-Pop—And That's ... - Vogue
Anti (album) - Wikipedia The exhibition included a piece of art which defined the album's title, stating that anti is "a person opposed to a particular pol... Close to You
But it's the piano ballad of the album, called "Close To You," that has listeners stopping in their tracks. Close to You Love on the Brain
We're going to explore what makes this track so captivating and why its ( Love on the Brain ) presence on YouTube is a gift for mu... Love on the Brain
Released on January 28, 2016, by Roc Nation and Westbury Road, ANTI is the eighth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. The Deluxe Edition followed shortly after, adding three bonus tracks to the standard version. This album represented a significant departure from Rihanna's previous pop-driven hits, moving toward a cohesive, alternative R&B and soul sound that prioritized artistic maturity over radio-friendly formulas. Artistic Direction and Symbols
The album's name, ANTI, refers to "a person opposed to a particular policy, activity, or idea," signaling Rihanna's rejection of standard pop paradigms.
Cover Art: Created by artist Roy Nachum, the cover features a childhood photo of Rihanna with a gold crown covering her eyes, symbolizing success that can sometimes be "blinding".
Braille: It was the first major album to feature Braille on its physical cover, further emphasizing the theme of unseen vision. Deluxe Edition Tracklist
The Deluxe Edition contains 16 tracks, including collaborations with artists like SZA and Drake. Track Title Notable Details Consideration Opening track with heavy bass James Joint Neo-soul interlude Kiss It Better Electric guitar-driven ballad Dancehall-infused lead single Mid-tempo track with a "savage" snarl Features vocal distortion and Travis Scott production Slow-burning R&B hit Yeah, I Said It Sultry, gauzy electronic track Same Ol' Mistakes A cover of Tame Impala's "New Person, Same Old Mistakes" Never Ending Folk-pop inspired track Love on the Brain 1950s/60s-inspired soul ballad Raw vocal performance recorded while under the influence Close to You Emotional piano ballad 14 Goodnight Gotham Deluxe Bonus: Reworking of Florence + The Machine 15 Pose Deluxe Bonus: High-energy trap-influenced track 16 Sex with Me Deluxe Bonus: R&B anthem about self-confidence Production and Recording
Rihanna served as the executive producer, collaborating with a wide range of producers including Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, and No I.D.. Recording sessions took place globally across cities like New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and Paris.
Vocal Production: Kuk Harrell was responsible for most of the vocal production.
Creative Freedom: The process was described as messy but eventually allowed Rihanna to "step away from pop" and build an album based on feeling rather than commercial formulas. Commercial Performance and Legacy
Despite a chaotic launch featuring a Tidal leak, ANTI became a massive commercial success.
Certifications: As of 2026, the album is certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA.
Longevity: It is the longest-charting album by a Black female artist in Billboard 200 history, surpassing 508 weeks.
Critical Standing: Critics eventually lauded it as Rihanna's "magnum opus" and one of the best pop albums of the decade. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Anti (album) - Wikipedia
The promotional campaign for Anti from summer 2014 comprised prolonged release delays and a $25 million deal with Samsung. Rihanna... Anti (album) - Wikipedia
The album's recording sessions took place at various studios including the Jungle City Studios in New York City, Westlake Recordin... Anti (album) - Wikipedia The opening track, "Consideration" featuring SZA, serves as
Upon its release, critics commended the album's emotional honesty but were divided on the production; praise mainly centered on Ri... Anti (album) - Wikipedia
The exhibition included a piece of art which defined the album's title, stating that anti is "a person opposed to a particular pol...
10 years of ANTI. Rihanna's last album, and one of her most ...
Rihanna's last album, and one of her most influential. From being the first major album to feature Braille on its physical cover t...
The Artist Behind Rihanna's Anti Cover Explains What It Means
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
But it's the piano ballad of the album, called "Close To You," that has listeners stopping in their tracks. Close to You Love on the Brain
We're going to explore what makes this track so captivating and why its ( Love on the Brain ) presence on YouTube is a gift for mu... Love on the Brain Goodnight Gotham
The deluxe set will carry the same three bonus tracks currently available on the deluxe digital edition: “Goodnight Gotham,” “Pose... Goodnight Gotham Kiss It Better
It ( Kiss It Better (Kaytranada Edition ) 's now a track more ready to be shared—perhaps over a friendly beer, perhaps in the summ... Kiss It Better Sex with Me
The deluxe set will carry the same three bonus tracks currently available on the deluxe digital edition: “Goodnight Gotham,” “Pose... Sex with Me James Joint
James Joint is a “throwaway” track, with not too much to really write home about that hasn't already been spoken on prior. James Joint
The deluxe set will carry the same three bonus tracks currently available on the deluxe digital edition: “Goodnight Gotham,” “Pose... Same Ol’ Mistakes
There's also a cover of Tame Impala's 'New Person, Same Old Mistakes' on the track 'Same Ol' Mistakes'. Both 'James Joint' and 'Hi... Same Ol’ Mistakes Rihanna-ANTI [Deluxe Edition]CD - uDiscover Music
Description * Consideration. * James Joint. * Kiss It Better. * Work. * Desperado. * Woo. * Needed Me. * Yeah, I Said It. * Same O... uDiscover Music ANTI (Deluxe) - Album by Rihanna | Spotify
ANTI (Deluxe) * Consideration. Rihanna, SZA. * James Joint. Rihanna. * Kiss It Better. Rihanna. * Work. Rihanna, Drake. * Desperad... Do you think Rihanna's Anti was her magnum opus? : r/rnb
ANTi is her most cohesive, artistically and sonically best album but if you look at her discography as a whole, esp in the pop sca... Reddit·Diary of A Music Freak ANTI Album Review - Rihanna - Pitchfork
This is, without a doubt, not only Rihanna's best work, but one of the best pop albums of the decade. This album is a start to fin... Rihanna – Anti Deluxe - Discogs
Table_title: Tracklist Table_content: header: | | Anti | | row: | : 1-1 | Anti: Consideration Featuring – SZA (2) | : 2:43 | row: ... ANTI Credits - Rihanna
Recorded at Westlake Beverly Recording Studios in Los Angeles, CA. Drake Vocals Recorded by Noel Cadastre & Noah “40” Shebib at Sa... Rihanna - Official Site ANTI (Deluxe Edition) - Rihanna
VOCAL PRODUCTION BY: Kuk Harrell for Suga Wuga Music, Inc. ... ASSISTED BY: Ray C. Brown Jr. VOCAL PRODUCTION BY: Kuk Harrell for ... Rihanna - Official Site
Happy 10th Anniversary To Rihanna's 8th Studio Album Anti - Facebook
As Executive Producer, Rihanna Recorded Anti With Producers Including Jeff Bhasker, Boi-1da, DJ Mustard, Hit-Boy, Brian Kennedy, T... Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
It's officially been a DECADE since Rihanna released her last ...
They still sound current because the album was built on feeling, not formulas. ANTI marked the moment Rihanna fully stepped away f... Instagram·Alex Mars Rihanna: Anti review – brave, bold … and confused
There are others here, not least the Southern soul homage Love on the Brain and Work, which features Drake, gallant and enchanting... The Guardian Eras Analyzed: Rihanna's ANTI
i must say, the release of Anti was very messy! the album leaked and people ridiculed Rihanna for selling only 460 copies, people ... YouTube·naomi cannibal
ANNIVERSARY: 10 Years of ANTI - Rihanna’s Era That Refuses to ...
On Jan. 28, marking 10 years of ANTI, the RIAA unveiled fresh certifications that prove the album never left the chat. Leading the... Facebook·Star Throne TV - Music
Anti (album) - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Background. On October 8, 2015, Rihanna uploaded the title and artwork to the album, which is a childhood photo of Rihanna on her ...
Rihanna Earns Eighth RIAA Diamond Certification on 'ANTI ...
Currently certified sextuple Platinum, ANTI also remains the longest-charting album by a Black female artist on the Billboard 200, Anti (album) - Wikiwand
Anti is the eighth studio album by the Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on January 28, 2016, by Roc Nation and Westbury R... 'Anti': When Rihanna Rejected The Pop Paradigm | uDiscover
Just as Anti was an experiment with genre and production, Rihanna also used the album to explore new vocal techniques. From her Is... uDiscoverMusic
In 2016, Rihanna's eighth studio album 'ANTI' had a chaotic debut ...
27 with just 460 pure sales in its first day. Due to an exclusive Tidal release—and a major technical leak—'ANTI' got off to a slo...
Released on January 28, 2016, "ANTI" (stylized as "AN TI") is the eighth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. The deluxe edition, which you're mentioning, includes additional tracks.
Here are some details about the album:
Standard Tracklist:
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks:
The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, and it was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart.
Do you have a favorite track from the album?
Here is where the Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album- separates itself from the standard pressing.
14. "Sex With Me" If "Needed Me" was the breakup, "Sex With Me" is the morning after. It is a masterclass in double-entendre. The song is not just about physical acts; it’s about her legacy. "Sex with me is so amazing." On the surface, it’s cocky. Beneath it, she’s comparing the addictiveness of her personality to the act itself. The beat is a deconstructed version of the "Work" instrumental—slower, weirder, and stickier. It turned into a platinum hit despite never being a formal single.
15. "Pose" This track feels like a runway. It’s brash, club-ready, and lyrically simple: "Pose, and let me see you get low." It sounds like a leftover from the Unapologetic sessions, but placed here, it acts as a jolt of caffeine after the slower "Close to You." The Rihanna - ANTI -Deluxe- -2016-Album- uses "Pose" to remind you that despite all the art rock and ballads, Rihanna can still make you move your hips.
16. "Goodnight Gotham" This is the strangest and most beautiful Deluxe exclusive. It is a 1-minute, 28-second reinterpretation of Florence + The Machine’s "Only If For a Night." Rihanna pitched the vocals down, added heavy 808 bass, and an air raid siren. It sounds like the end of the world at a gothic disco. Why is it called "Goodnight Gotham"? A nod to Batman? To the dark city she feels trapped in? It closes the Deluxe edition not with a resolution, but with a haunting, ambiguous echo.