the 101 Most Popular
countdown of
Rihanna songs
of the Moment
Published February 20, 2024
Harpsichord’s official song chart that attempts to guestimate which songs released by Rihanna are her most popular globally. Factors in: Reported charting data and/or progression from Spotify, Apple Music, and iTunes live chart updates; online social media discussion — far as Twitter, Tik Tok; relevancy in the news; chatter amongst fans, as far as social media and in person exchanges; reported digital sales; radio airplay; usage in visual media, as far as TV and movies; and artist’s own attention to the song.
For those who frequent social gatherings, these ten songs are a staple at such events. Each tune has the power to evoke memories of the time it debuted, adding a nostalgic touch to the atmosphere. These classic tracks exemplify the joy and entertainment found in Rihanna's music catalog.
With this interactive countdown, you can click on the picture frames to watch the music videos, because we miss MTV and BET as much as you do… But if it’s an album cover? Sorry… no video was released at the time of this countdown’s publishing…
harpsichord’s greatest
Hot 101 Rihanna Songs
Published February 2024
20
Birthday Cake
By Rihanna (2011)
Through a humming and buzzing V8 instrumental, Rihanna tempts and commands with “come and put your name on it,” before repeatedly referring to “cake cake cake cake.” A constant favorite at nightclubs for those celebrating the occasion, the controversial remix highlighted a rekindled romance with Chris Brown.
19
What’s My Name?
By Rihanna ft Drake (2010)
“Oh na na, what’s my name?” has to be one of the greatest hooks of all time. Everyone knows her name, but through this dancehall, ska, and electro-R&B fused smash, it undeniably becomes ingrained without “Rihanna” even being said. Adding a component of ragga vocals, Rihanna takes command of the bop with “Hey boy, I really wanna see if you can go downtown with a girl like me.” Hitting No. 1 across the globe– it even skyrocketed to the top spot before the lead single of ‘LOUD’ had the opportunity to do so.
18
Where Have You been
By Rihanna (2011)
Interpolating Geoff Mack's 1959 song "I've Been Everywhere," the hook is flipped by the energy of techno and trance. The music video itself features Rihanna in one of her most intense choreographed moments. Through the high energy tribal-like production, Rihanna is found belting her lyrics– once again proving that she can have lighthearted pop fun while also mastering the deeper emotions of the song.
17
S&M
By Rihanna (2010)
When ‘LOUD’ first dropped, the singles in the lead up to its release were already making a statement. But how would the rest of the album fair? As the opener, “S&M” immediately hinted at the entire concept of the album. It would stay in line with the EDM dance music that was quickly separating Rihanna from her peers. Due to its controversial music video, the clip was in fact banned from multiple countries and caused a parental advisory on YouTube. What elevated it to No. 1 across the globe was a remix from Britney Spears.
16
Bitch Better Have My Money
By Rihanna (2015)
The accountant who caused Rihanna to go into bankruptcy be damned. Through layers of trap, Rihanna raps about her power while also making threats that aren’t so blind. Audiences seem to eat up when Rihanna has to access her inner bad girl, and on this track she does not shy from it at all. “Y’all should know me well enough,” she informs the people as she arrives on the scene. It’s the iconic music video that showcased her mastery of telling stories visually, and treating her artistry with cinematic brilliance. And it made for quite the opener at the Super Bowl halftime show.
15
Pour It Up
By Rihanna (2012)
As an answer song to Juicy J’s “Bandz A Make Her Dance,” Rihanna borrowed the same producer, Mike Will Made-It to provide a feminist-empowered stripper anthem to the male patrons. “Strip clubs and dollar bills,” sang Rihanna with madam energy. She’s able to flex about her riches, as well as her ability to make heads swoon. Fortified by trap music, “Pour It Up” became the go-to anthem for the Bad Gal.
14
Don’t Stop The Music
By Rihanna (2007)
This song is so ironic in theory. On the count that Rihanna has not released a new album in eight years. Once the artist to release a new album– or at least some new features– every single year since her 2005 debut, this song is often joked about. That being said, “Don’t Stop The Music” is a successful moment from the hitmaker. It represented her power to make dancefloors go crazy. The sample and interpolation of Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” also made it an international smash, backed by newly worked electro-dance production.
13
Stay
By Rihanna ft Mikky Echo (2012)
Balladry from Rihanna is often the other aspect of her discography that makes her one of the brightest pop stars of her generation. “Not really sure how to feel about it, something in the way you move” cries out Rihanna. She doesn’t want to be abandoned even though she knows the relationship is over. The song is often covered by the likes of individuals who want to flex their skills of vocal prowess.
12
Loveeeeeee Song
By Rihanna ft Future (2012)
Trap&B forever changed once Future and Rihanna linked up on this syruprey slow jam that begs for “love and affection.” In recent years, the deep cut has become popular for being a sensual outlier on urban radio.
11
This Is What You Came For
By Calvin Harris ft Rihanna (2016)
Produced by Calvin Harris, “This Is What You Came For” became another international smash from both hitmakers. Relying on traditional dance pop, it’s the “you oo oo oo oo” part of the chorus that does most of the work, as Rihanna has the ability to sell Taylor Swift’s songwriting with her vocal performance.