Rihanna has finally decided to release her new album.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Rihanna opened up about R9, her highly anticipated ninth album, and confirmed that she’s ready for its release: “This project needs to come out, I’m ready.” She spent years searching for the right direction, fully aware that every moment in the studio meant taking time away from her children for something that had been on hold for eight years.
R9: Rihanna’s New Album
It seems like the album is finally ready, having gone through various changes and fresh ideas. In the end, Rihanna realized she wouldn’t follow audience expectations: “It won’t be made for the radio or to be commercial. It will simply be where my art deserves to be right now.” Since 2018, rumors have circulated about a dancehall-inspired sound, but she has denied them.
Following Anti, Rihanna wanted to make sense of the long hiatus: “I can’t release something mediocre. After eight years of waiting, I might as well wait a little longer.” In recent years, she has only released a few songs, including Lift Me Up, the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and she’s reportedly working on music for the upcoming Smurfs movie. Meanwhile, there’s talk of a possible live performance at Glastonbury and concerts in London, clear signs that her return is imminent.
Reflecting on her last album, Rihanna admitted: “Now I can listen to it from start to finish without feeling ashamed. I always felt a little embarrassed before. I don’t like listening to my own music, but Anti is different. It’s the only album that gives me an out-of-body experience, like it’s not even my voice.” After years of waiting, Rihanna’s comeback seems closer than ever.
While you wait for Rihanna's new album, revisit her discography here: