Rihanna’s 14 #1 Singles: Revisited, Reviewed & Ranked

Idolator Staff | November 19, 2019 3:00 pm

1. “Umbrella” (featuring Jay Z) Year: 2007 Stay At #1: 7 weeks

“Umbrella” was more than a comeback single; it was the turning point in Rihanna’s career, arguably introducing us to the BadGalRiRi we now know and love. The song was a three-way love child of Tricky Stewart, Kuk Harrell and The-Dream, but Ri arguably owned every bar as if it were her own. Jay Z’s attempt to previously A&R Rihanna into a Caribbean-tinged pop star didn’t work out as effectively as planned, so he re-focused his efforts, taking the artist under his wing and reinventing her.

“Umbrella” marked a transformation in both sound and aesthetic. The new norm for Ms. Fenty was “edgy.” The asymmetrical jet black bobbed hair and black leather clothing set a more adult tone for Rihanna and her newly pegged “good girl gone bad” tagline. When Jay yells “Take 3!” at the beginning of the song, he’s foreshadowing that the third time’s the charm.

Equal parts anthemic and sexy, “Umbrella” lasted seven weeks at #1, but the impression this new Rihanna left on us will last a lifetime. — KATHY IANDOLI

Do you have a favorite among Rihanna’s chart-topping singles? Let us know below!