A superstar emerges from under her umbrella
With one hi-hat, Rihanna soars from rising star to global icon. The star of Rihanna’s 2007 album is clearly “Umbrella”—a weapons-grade pop hit with an unmistakable drumbeat and casual JAY-Z assist—but the entire project is a staggering work of power, poise and metamorphosis. “Don’t Stop the Music” flirts confidently with its Michael Jackson sample; “Shut Up and Drive” unleashes her new, exhilarating sense of confidence; and “Lemme Get That” playfully returns the singer to her dancehall roots.