Lost Hit: Rihanna’s “Breakin’ Dishes” Should Have Been A Single

Mike Nied | August 1, 2019 11:37 am

In this franchise, we highlight album tracks that should have been released as singles.

Rihanna confirmed she had what it takes to be one of the biggest stars on the planet with Good Girl Gone Bad. Expectations were high leading up to the release of her third album in less than two years – the glory days when new material arrived like clockwork. After making a splash with “Pon De Replay,” the Barbadian goddess could not be stopped. She netted her first chart-topping single (“SOS”) and packed two more Top 10 hits onto her sophomore LP A Girl Like Me. And her steep upward trajectory continued without pause.

Lead single “Umbrella” added another chart-topper to her rapidly expanding discography. A reissue in 2008, Girl Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, earned two more: “Take A Bow” and “Disturbia.” The LP houses four additional singles that broke into the Top 20. One of those, the Michael Jackson-sampling “Don’t Stop The Music,” hit number three. Rihanna closed things out with “Rehab.” The Justin Timberlake co-write signaled the end of an incredibly successful era. But it easily could have kept going.

Several more gems remain on the LP. The most obvious is “Breakin’ Dishes.” Produced by Tricky Stewart and Kuk Harrell, the edgy track epitomizes the album’s title. On it, Rihanna plays the role of a faithful girlfriend turned serious bad gal. Why? Because she is sick of her man’s shit. “He been gone since 3:30. Been coming home lately at 3:30,” she seethes over danceable beats. “I’m super cool, I’ve been a fool. But now I’m hot, and baby, you gon’ get it.” Her fury grows as things progress. And it all peaks on the chorus.

“I’m breakin’ dishes up in here, all night. I ain’t gonna stop until I see police lights,” Rihanna warns. “I’mma fight a man tonight.” Insanely catchy, the bop remains a personal favorite. And it easily could have notched the diva another mega-hit. Revisit “Breakin’ Dishes” below and let us know if you agree.

Was this a missed opportunity? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!

Tags: ,