Fridae

When Madonna released "Erotica" and a coffee table book with nude photography to go along with it back in the early nineties, it was the first time a female superstar addressed a topic that had been a closely guarded taboo until then. Yes, it was shocking to many at the time, but Madonna managed to push the envelop and paved the way for many women in music to express themselves with confidence. 

The use of thinly veiled sexual language and bold imagery in pop has never really stirred any major controversy since "Erotica." In fact, it has become a powerful way for artists to spice up their music stylistically and assert control. Take for example Rihanna's brand-new album "Talk That Talk" on which the pop singer grabs the reigns, and delivers some straight talk about love and the making of it that is risque at best, but never raunchy. 

Following the gritty "Rated R" and the exuberant "Loud," Rihanna continues her winning pop streak with "Talk That Talk" supported by a slew of savvy writers and producers like Calvin Harris, Dr Luke, Bangladesh, Esther Dean and Chase & Status. If there's something that Rihanna and her team have down to a science it's finding just the right group of people to work her vision into an irresistible pop sound that is contemporary yet includes the right amount of soundboard innovation.

Most notably, Rihanna makes major creative strides on tracks like "We Found Love" and "Where Have You Been" on which she fully embraces a larger than life dancefloor aesthetic that equally spotlights the talent of Calvin Harris, Orkut and Dr Luke who help the singer to new levels of pop brilliance while introducing a massive new audience to Euro-styled dance pop. 

Teasing and taunting, the singer get down and dirty on tracks like "Roc Me Out" and "Watch 'N Learn" that tells in not so subtle terms what she's craving. "Imma do it till my lipstick ain’t up on my face no more," she purrs. 

But don't let all that sex talk fool you. What makes Rihanna's "Talk That Talk" such a well-balanced pop record is that she combines her explicit physical urges with a vulnerability that makes her music ultimately so appealing. 

Rihanna's softer side is clearly outlined on tracks like "We All Want Love" and The xx-sampling "Drunk On Love" on which the Caribbean beauty emphasizes, "I'm a hopeless romantic, always let love take the lead." Also, she let's her true colors shine on "Farewell" when she sings "Wherever you're going I wanna go (. . .) Just can't take the thought of you miles away." 

Even though it is riddled with insinuation and innuendo, "Talk That Talk" is hardly shocking. Sure, Rihanna is bad-ass and has whoopie on her mind, but ultimately she rides a well-orchestrated balance between tender and tough, serving up a sizzling fusion of dance, pop and R&B that producers will salivate over and which will surely be another fan favorite.