I <3 Rihanna

So does anybody remember when Rihanna first came on the scene? i do, because i was working in a music store, and we were trying to give her first cd away. We had posters everywhere and could not sell that sh*t period. I personally don't remember a single song from that first album. but i do remember how hard they tried to make her look like she was fresh off of the beach, hair sun-kissed, in all thoughs tropical blouses.... that was possibly the most boring choice of all... if you dont remember feel free to see my carefully picked reminders.

Exibit A

Exibit B


Finally after two albums someone decided that look was tired and boring. Interestingly enough, that someone was Rihanna herself. Rihanna insisted that she shed the image of the young fresh girl from Barbados. She cut her wavey honey locks into a razored bob, and dyed it black, a rather bold move, which i feel distinguishes her from many of the singers she is often compared to.


Rihanna also decided it was time for a visual upgrade, and a new stylist, The old stylist from the first album didn't understand they were ready to move off the island. she found Mariel Haenn, who was on the same page as Rihanna was. The singer is now wearing designers like Zac Posen, Roberto Cavalli and Christian Dior. With the release of her new album she wanted a revamped "glam rock" image. Rihanna has been inspired by the pretty fab "rock 'n' roll" esque designs of Dolce & Gabbana ( a personal fav). Rihanna has said she is trying to find a style that is age appropriate as well as being comfortable, and stylish. I think that judging from the photo's of her that have recently been popping up in magazines, and her appearences on the red carpet, she has found that style.







on the red carpet



Rihanna has also upped the ante on her performances. Umbrella has become a staple at awards shows, and it's always worth it. The video was also by far her best video yet. It took her three albums, but she's finally got a sound, and a style. She cited Madonna as her idol, and those are some pretty amazing and sparkly shoes to fill. But i think Rihanna is capable of it. The best choice she has made so far is pulling herself as far away from Beyonce' as she can. With her new style though it is easy to tell them apart, and i do actually love the differences

Stand under my umbrella

this video is why i love Mandy Moore. Mandy moore has been saying since 2000 that she apologizes for the utter trash that was her debut album, and will give any fan their money back. Mandy's signature song, no matter how much the young artist protests, will always be the song that made her a hit; Candy. At fifteen Mandy sang that first single, and she's been trying to block it out ever since. She helped to shed her image with some surprising indie film roles, like "Saved", and "A Walk to Remember" (in which she famously had dark hair). In the last year Mandy has tried to get even further from her bubblegum image, starring in adult comedies like Because I said So, Liscense to Wed, and Dedication, as well as releasing her first studio album since 2003. Mandy's new album "Wild Hope" is basically amazing. She has co-written every single folk-esque track on the album, songs like "nothing that you are" and "latest mistake" make me want to mend all broken hearts, and "can't you just adore her" makes me want to call certain individuals and tell them how much i love them. The album is about as different from candy as you could possibly get. But it seems that no matter what She does, poor Mandy can't get away from "Candy". When requested she declines saying she doesn't even know the song anymore. Finally Mandy gave her fans what they wanted, and did a slightly different orchestration of her old hit. Totally stripped of all fluff, she sings "Candy", and does in fact forget the words, but she finishes the song, in her way, and her style. It is actually a descent song. What i love about this is it is another instance of Mandy taking controll of something, instead of it taking controll of her. She now owns that song, instead of the other way around. In another odd turn of events, She has covered her own version of the summer hit "Umbrella". now i personally would never compare Rihanna and Mandy Moore, but for me, both versions are quite enjoyable. Mandy even goes so far as to include Rihanna's video of the hit in her own music video... honestly i see it as being pure genius.



if you haven't heard Wild Hope, go listen to it.