Rihanna Scores 12th Chart Topper, What’s Your Favorite Rihanna No. 1 Song?
Filed under: Donovan, Music
Author: Donovan
Date: Nov 21, 2012
Rihanna hasn’t scored a No. 1 album yet on Billboard, but she just chalked up her 12th chart topper on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100. With “Diamonds” she now ties Madonna and the Supremes for the fourth-most No. 1s in the chart’s 54-year history. Holding the record for most No. 1′s are The Beatles with 20 chart leaders. Mariah Carey (18), Michael Jackson (13), Madonna (12) and The Supremes (12) all trail John, Paul, George and Ringo. Rihanna previously tied with Whitney Houston with 11 before surpassing the “I Will Always Love You” singer with “Diamonds”.
While Rihanna doesn’t sell as many albums as a few of her compatriots, there is no denying she’s a hit-making machine. Rihanna is definitely the poster child of today’s music landscape. With digital downloads making singles both affordable and easy to purchase, it’s all about singles these days and not so much about the album. All you need is a couple of hit singles and fill up the rest of the album with filler.
Very few artists these days carefully put out well-thought albums with great concepts and attention to the fluidity from track to track. Enough of me sounding like an old man reminiscing about the good old days, let’s check out all of Rihanna’s chart toppers. Be sure to scroll all the way to the end of the post to see my ranking of all her hits.
Rihanna’s Billboard No. 1 Songs
Diamonds
Album: Unapologetic
Year: 2012
Truth be told, I haven’t completely warmed up to this single yet. The “shine bright like a diamond” during the chorus really annoys me. That said, I really enjoy the verses which can be attributed to Sia since she penned the track. Who knows how I’ll feel about this song given a few more months.
We Found Love
Album: Talk That Talk
Year: 2011
Love that she collaborated with Calvin Harris on this track. It’s gives her fans a different sound than anything we’ve heard from her before. Pure genius to cast an on-screen boyfriend to resemble her ex, Chris Brown. Nothing drums up sales like a bit of controversy.
S&M
Album: Loud
Year: 2011
When her album first leaked, “S&M” was one of my instant favorites. Too bad, the video didn’t measure up. It was a bit cliché and blatantly ripped of David LaChapelle’s signature style. Plus it featured Perez Hilton in the video. Can we please send him on a one-way flight to the Bermuda Triangle along with Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton?
What’s My Name
Album: Loud
Year: 2010
OOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMGGGGGGG. Word’s cannot express how much I love this song. Definitely one of my favorites from her discography. The “oh, na, na, na” part is so catchy. I also like the fact she incorporates a reggae vibe to represent her homeland. Keepin’ it real. Anytime she collaborates with Drake is pure magic. “Take Care” is fantastic.
Only Girl (In The World)
Album: Loud
Year: 2010
At first, I wasn’t a fan of this song, then I saw a drag queen perform it and instantly I became hooked. How hilarious is that? A lot of people don’t like this video, but I do. I appreciate that fact the clip is all about her looking sexy and happy once again. At long last, her depressing Rated R days were behind her.
Love the Way You Lie
Album: Recovery (Eminem album)
Year: 2010
This is one of two tracks that predominantly feature another artist with Rihanna just singing the chorus. Some say it’s not fair she gets credit for these No. 1s. Admit it though, without her vocals on both these tracks, they wouldn’t be as powerful. Megan Fox and Dominic Monaghan fighting in the video wouldn’t resonate the same emotional impact.
Rude Boy
Album: Rated R
Year: 2010
The only gem during her dark and somber Rated R era. Like “What’s My Name“, I love the dancehall vibe of this track. When RiRi shakes those hips, she can give Shakira’s non-lying hips a run for their money.
Disturbia
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Year: 2009
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think this was the first time we saw Rihanna go edgy for her video. That risk paid in dividends. She no longer was that R&B chick and became a bonafide pop star. It was her best selling single with over 4.3 million units sold, until “We Found Love” came along with 4.6+ million. Fun fact, I rock the “Disturbia” dance routine on XBox Kinect’s “Dance Central”. No flash cards needed. How you like me now? LOL.
Live Your Life
Album: Paper Trail (T.I. album)
Year:2008
Here’s the second chart topper with Rihanna, in essence, being just a guest star on. Once again, Rihanna’s vocals on the chorus make the song, IMHO. No offense T.I.
Take A Bow
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Year: 2009
Her sole ballad to top Billboard’s Hot 100. Such a beautiful song. That being said, the Seamus Haji dance remix of “Take A Bow” kills. That version had me party rockin’ that entire summer.
Umbrella
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Year: 2008
This song was such huge hit that summer, multiple covers from famous and not-so-famous people kept popping up on YouTube. Mandy Moore’s stripped down version was a favorite, along with Chris Brown’s , “You Can Be My Cinderella” version. Obviously his version didn’t end up happily ever after. The song was a global hit and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Did you know there was a Rihanna Curse? Several countries blamed the song for their nation’s unusual weather. LOL.
S.O.S.
Album: A Girl Like Me
Year: 2006
It was Rihanna’s first ever No. 1. Instead of signaling for help, it signaled the beginning of Rihanna’s domination of the Hot 100. I completely forgot about this song until doing this post. Man, this track brings me back to that summer. I must’ve heard it 1,000 times at the clubs and in my car that year. Good times.
My Ranking
Not going to lie. I absolutely love “What’s My Name“, but feared if I ranked it at the top of my list, I’d start a riot. There’s just something about that track that I just can’t get out of my head. Check out my list and see if you agree with my order. If you disagree, I’d like to know how you’d rank them.
- 1. Umbrella
- 2. What’s My Name
- 3. Disturbia
- 4. Rude Boy
- 5. We Found Love
- 6. Take A Bow
- 7. Only Girl (In The World)
- 8. Live Your Life
- 9. S.O.S.
- 10. S&M
- 11. Diamonds
- 12. Love The Way You Lie
Loading ...Honorable Mention
Obviously, Rihanna’s singles can’t always reign supreme on the chart. There are several gems that just fell short and deserve recognition. It was a tough choice to chose just one to highlight since I have a few favorites. “Pon de Replay” was a contender since it’s the single that launched her career and it gave me an opportunity to interview her back in the day. Then, there’s her underrated duet with Ne-Yo on “Hate That I Love”. Still love that song. In the, end I chose the following because who doesn’t love a good cross-promotion with a chip company. Plus it features David Guetta. Double win.
Who’s That Chick
Now that you’ve seen my ranking of Rihanna’s No. 1s, how would you rate them? Post your rankings below.
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3isacharm
November 21st, 2012 at 4:27 am
S&M had been out for a quite a while and was being cock blocked from getting the top spot and it wouldn’t have hit #1 if it wasn’t for the Rihmix featuring Britney Spears
JMC
November 21st, 2012 at 4:27 am
•1. Rude Boy
•2. Umbrella
•3. S.O.S
•4. Only Girl
•5. We Found Love
She really has chalked up some great tracks in her short time in music and going over the list there’s ragamuffin (yes that’s what it’s called), pop, RnB, hip hop, dance, it’s an eclectic bunch. Alternatively put a list together of Gaga’s top hits and they’re all very similar. As much as Unapologetic isn’t my favourite record she’s clever to do a record that caters to a different one of her many genre demographics.
BritneyLover
November 21st, 2012 at 8:54 am
No shame “What’s My Name” is my fav too! You should put it on top of your list. “We Found Love” cannot be separated from its video, I say the vid actually made the hit. Oh and “Diamonds” is major grower, you’ll love it sooner or later!
Rebel
November 21st, 2012 at 10:15 am
Regarding “Only Girl” – is the Drag Queen, Raja? Cuz I saw her perform it on youtube and loved it lol.
jiloca
November 21st, 2012 at 10:49 am
Lot of good ones here, but I’m surprised no mention of Run This Town with Jay Z and Kanye West. One of my faves, although it only hit number 2 on the charts.
Out of the number ones, I am in the minority for hating What’s My Name and Rude Boy, but I’m a huge fan of almost everything else, go figure.
doug
November 21st, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Well if everyone in the industry released a new album every single year since the start of their career then they’d probably have that many #1′s too. Take a break Rihanna.
Peter
November 21st, 2012 at 2:11 pm
i agree with doug. have someone else write your songs and put a new one out every other month and you, too, can have a billion #1s. maybe i’m showing my age (30) but, donovan, no shame in reminiscing about the good old days of full albums with a concept and a message.
all of that being said, rihanna’s had some good, catchy songs to enjoy in the clubs. a lot of her stuff just isn’t very enduring.
Raph
November 21st, 2012 at 2:35 pm
^ Doug and Peter said it all
Alex
November 21st, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Instead of concentrating on negative energy, let’s celebrate the accomplishment! Congrats to Rihanna! Love “Diamonds,” especially the “shine bright like a diamond” part. Everyone who complaints about the constant releases: Welcome to the future, exit to twothousandandlate is to the left. Thank you :)
Jeremy
November 21st, 2012 at 4:31 pm
I really don’t like Unapologetic and I don’t feel like Diamonds is strong enough to be a single (especially the first one) compared to the rest of her work. I was really happy with the Talk that Talk phase, We Found Love is probably my favourite. Although I always had a soft spot for Disturbia.
Homegirl No5
November 21st, 2012 at 5:04 pm
Honorable mention: Unfaithful.
Can’t wait to see what Rihanna’s next album will be next year! :)
justin
November 21st, 2012 at 8:33 pm
i like rihanna but i still feel she doesnt has the credibility as an artist. she has a unique voice when harassed right makes a track amazing. i actually love when she collaborates some of my favorite songs from her are the collaborations like take care, umbrella, princess of china, run this town, and one of my all time favorite songs love the way you lie. i dont know how many of her hits she wrote or co wrote unlike the other artists on the list.
i think rihanna has taken advantage of the changing music landscape but its unfortunate for madonna to be in the situation where radio does not play her music at all no matter how good it is.
the billboard 100 isnt the greatest chart because of how easy it is to manipulate the rankings. radio chooses which songs to play and that impacts the billboard 100 more than streaming or even digital sales. consumers dont tell radio what songs to play its up to the djs. the billboard 100 isnt a consumer oriented chart like it used to be when digital sales were a bigger factor.
that being all said good job rihanna promote this album then release your greatest hits album and take like a 2 year break have fun relax maybe do a concept album of stuff for the fans and then come back with your signature dancehall music and beats.
stefano
November 22nd, 2012 at 2:34 am
i’m not saying she’s a horrible singer, but she’s one of the most overrated recording artist within the music industry today…..
Donny
November 22nd, 2012 at 4:06 am
Umbrella is basically a perfectly produced, written and performed pop song. It cannot be denied its rightful place at #1.
Rob
November 30th, 2012 at 8:29 pm
Please don’t stop the music didn’t get to one?