Rihanna’s much-hyped eighth studio album, Anti, was widely released online this past week, with hard copies being shipped to retailers February 5th. The album has been anticipated for over a year, however previous singles like “FourFiveSeconds” and “American Oxygen” were not included on the final tracklist. Anti sees a departure from Rihanna’s typical pop-R&B formula for more mature, nuanced R&B and soul influences.

This shift in musical climate is readily apparent on 90s guitar slow-burner “Kiss It Better”, which leaves contemporary pop techniques and over-produced hooks by the wayside, opting instead for a more sultry, timeless sound still has mainstream appeal.

Also notable is “Higher”, a lush, unrestrained track that is effortless in both charisma and delivery. One of the shorter cuts on the record, “Higher” clocks in at just over 2 minutes. However, what the song lacks in run-time, it makes up in forward lyrics and fierce vocals.

By far the most pleasantly unexpected track on the album is “Love on the Brain”, a 60s inspired, doo-wop tune that blends better than expected with Rihanna’s vocal performance. The lyrics are freshly mature and gracefully confident, with laid back production allowing her voice to stand out more noticeably.

All in all, the remainder of Anti proved to be just as new and innovative as the three songs mentioned above. The record is quite good, and the departure from Rihanna’s typical pop influences has absolutely suited her for the best.