Classic Gen 1 Rihanna Music Videos (2005-2009)

[dremolus - solarpunk]

This was a bit difficult to divide since unlike Taylor Swift, Rihanna's never had a drastic change of sound and unlike Beyonce, she's never really reached high with her concepts on songs or albums. Not to say she's ambitious though. Even early on, as a pop artist, she had an energy and flavor that made her stand out amongst her peers in R&B and pop. If there's any pop artist right now that I think is comparable, it's Dua Lipa. Both don't aim as high as their contemporaries but are solid editions to pop canon and have enough character and charisma that we enjoy their presence.

Like with previous polls, I'm excluding all videos where she's just a guest artist so no spots for Live Your Life, If I Never See Your Face Again, or Run This Town. Also yes, I purposefully left out Hard because it came out towards the end of 2009 so I'm counting it for 2010 (and also because I think it's more similar to her 2010s work than her 2000s style). Deal with it.

For the previous polls:
Classic Janet Music Videos
Classic Katy Music Videos
Classic Gaga Music Videos
Classic Gen 1 Taylor Swift Music Videos
Classic Gen 1 Beyonce Music Videos (2003-2010)

[.indulgecountry]

"Disturbia" is hands down the best video in the bunch.

[Choco]

Disturbia
Umbrella
Russian Roulette
Don't Stop The Music

[🇯🇲 lucy88 🇯🇲]

Umbrella
Dont Stop The Music
Shut Up and Drive
SOS
Disturbia

[Au$tin]

Pon de Replay and If It's Lovin' That You Want are both your typical mid-2000s r&b/pop fodder type of music videos. "SOS" has its moments. "Unfaithful" is pretty, but it goes nowhere. "We Ride"... I barely remember. Didn't it use mostly a white backdrop? "Umbrella" has a bunch of iconic looks and scenes. "Shut Up and Drive" is a fun video. "Don't Stop the Music" is just "Pon de Replay" but darker toned. I don't remember the video for "Hate That I Love You" at all. "Take a Bow" is just "We Ride" but black, right? "Disturbia" is iconic and totally deserving of recognition. All I remember from "Rehab" is it takes place outside and has Justin Timberlake in it. Literally have no recollection of "Wait Your Turn"'s video. "Russian Roulette" was basically "what if we removed the horror aspects of 'Disturbia.'"

So really "Umbrella" and "Disturbia" are the only two worth much here, but I'll throw "Russian Roulette" and "Shut Up and Drive" a vote as well.