Watch n' Learn

Last updated

"Watch n' Learn"
Song by Rihanna
from the album Talk That Talk
Recorded2011
Studio Roc the Mic Studios (New York City); Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg, Room 508 (Paris)
Genre
Length3:31
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Watch n' Learn" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna, for her sixth studio album Talk That Talk (2011). It was written by Priscilla Renea, Chauncey Hollis, Rihanna and Alja Jackson. The production was done by Hollis under his stage-name Hit-Boy. When Renea came with an idea and concept for the song, Hollis had already started working on the composition, without having in mind any particular artist. With the work on the track being finished, it was forwarded to Rihanna and her label, which eagerly accepted it.

Contents

"Watch n' Learn" is a dancehall song with prominent reggae characteristics. The song's instrumentation uses finger-snapping, percussions, background clicks, synths and "island-flavored" drum beat. [1] [2] [3] Lyrically, it is about a woman who teaches her partner how to love her in the right way, throughout which she uses sexual references. "Watch n' Learn" received predominantly positive reviews from music critics, with many of them praising its composition and sound. Upon the release of Talk That Talk, the song debuted at number 80 on the singles chart in South Korea.

Background and development

One of the recording locations of the song were Roc the Mic Studios in New York City (pictured). Vista aerea de Times Square desde el Empire State Building.jpg
One of the recording locations of the song were Roc the Mic Studios in New York City (pictured).

"Watch n' Learn" was written by Priscilla Renea, Chauncey Hollis, Rihanna and Alja Jackson. The production of the song was helmed by Hollis under his stage-name Hit-Boy. [4] Hollis had previously worked with music artists like Lil Wayne, The Throne, Eminem and Jennifer Lopez. [5] "Watch n' Learn" wasn't originally meant for any particular artist when Hit-Boy started to work on it. In an interview with Jocelyn Vena from MTV News he explained: "I was at the studio with this amazing [songwriter] Priscilla Renea, and I was going to tell her to go home, but I was like, 'Stay here and see if you could come up with an idea for this [the song]'". [5] Renea previously penned Rihanna's 2011 single "California King Bed" ( Loud , 2010). [6] Hollis further explained that by the time he left the studio and came home, Renea already sent him the idea and concept for the song through IChat. He was eventually satisfied with it and sent the song to Rihanna, in which her team "went crazy" when they heard it. [5] Rihanna then recorded the song for inclusion on her sixth studio album Talk That Talk (2011). [4]

In the same interview for the publication, Hollis explained the title of the song: "It's called 'Watch n' Learn,' and people will understand what it's about once it comes out. It's a very sexy record, but it's fun. It's [got] great melodies; it's catchy; the beat knocks. It's so many different elements to it." [5] When asked how is he satisfied with Rihanna's vocals and his prediction on the song he further stated: "She definitely murdered it vocally. I was just at the studio last week listening to a mix of it, and man, she killed it. I really feel like, this song, it's going to be big. I'm really excited about it." [5] "Watch n' Learn" was recorded at Roc the Mic Studios in New York City and at Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg in Paris. The song was mixed by Marcos Tovar. Its vocal production was completed by Kuk Harrell and assisted by TT. and Jennifer Rosales. [4]

Composition

"Watch n' Learn" is a dancehall song with prominent reggae characteristics that runs for 3 minutes and 31 seconds. [1] [7] [8] It begins with a reggae drum fill that according to Melissa Maerz of Entertainment Weekly originates from Bob Marley's 1983 single "Buffalo Soldier" ( Confrontation , 1983). [9] "Watch n' Learn" uses finger-snapping, percussions, background clicks, "swirling/swelling" synths and "island-flavored" drum beat. [1] [2] [3]

Jason Lipshutz of Billboard complimented the balance between the synths and percussion while calling it "taut and engaging". [10] Flavour Magazine's Maz Halima thought that the beat sounds futuristic and reminds her of a new version of an old beat that was predominantly used in the songs performed by rapper Kanye West. [11] Edward Keeble from Gigwise wrote that "Watch n' Learn" cares influence from the works by American hip hop and R&B band TLC, as well as sounds like a "call back to the" synthpop group Art of Noise. [12]

Lyrically, the song is about a woman who teaches her partner how to love her in the right way, throughout which she uses sexual references. [10] [13] MTV News' Jocelyn Vena concluded that song has "sassy" lyrics, but its melody is soft enough and makes you forget that "the track is actually kind of dirty". [13] Chris Coplan of Consequence of Sound stated that during the interpretation of the lyrics, Rihanna is proud and sexual and her confidence comes from elsewhere. [14] Rihanna reveals her sex fantasies through singing the lyrics: "I'mma do it do it do it/On the bed on the floor on the couch/Only cause your lips say make it to my mouth/Just because I can't kiss back/Doesn't mean you can't kiss that", which were described as the "nastiest" on the song by Brad Wete of Complex . [15] [16] As the song continues further, Rihanna is "not-so-subtly" instructing her lover within the lines "It’s your turn now / Watch and learn now / Watch and learn how / If you learn how / I'll stay". [17] [18]

Critical reception

Jon Caramanica from The New York Times linked "Watch n' Learn" to Beyonce's 2011 single "Party" BEYONCE CONCERT IN CENTRAL PARK 2011 Good Morning America's Summer Concert Series - Central Park, Manhattan NYC - 070111 cropped.jpg
Jon Caramanica from The New York Times linked "Watch n' Learn" to Beyoncé's 2011 single "Party"

Chris Coplan of Consequence of Sound called "Watch n' Learn" a "reggae jam" and further concluded that "low-key Rihanna, without heaps of easily identifiable help or loads of over-saturated gimmicks, is still a knockout". [14] Matthew Horton of Virgin Media called the song a "wonderfully sunny tribal disco" track with a thematics regarding oral sex. [19] In a review of Talk That Talk, Mesfin Fekadu of The Boston Globe stated that Rihanna is "raunchy" on the new album and it works. Regarding the song he further commented that she's [Rihanna] schooling her man in the bedroom on the fun "Watch N' Learn.". [20] Giovanny Caquais of CultureBlues concluded that the track "strips away" from the techno and David Guetta influences which according to him the album is "drowning in". He further thought that "sassy women will absolutely love to sing [the song] in their cars." [21] Maz Hallima of Flavour Magazine positively reviewed "Watch n' Learn", considering her favorite song from the album together with "Cockiness (Love It)" and "You da One". Hallima thought that the song has Rihanna's signature sound and wrote she "really enjoyed the contrast between the light beat and her husky voice – pure catchiness." [11]

Glenn Gamboa of Newsweek considered "Watch n' Learn" an "answer to Janet Jackson's "Doesn't Really Matter" for its similar production and "playful" nature. [22] Los Angeles Times ’ Randal Roberts while reviewing the song stated: Rihanna "reels off her carnal intentions with an impressive though not entirely believable candor." [15] Julianne Shepherd of Spin called the track Rihanna's game in which there is a very little chance for winning — "but she'd love it if you tried". [18] Andy Kellman of Allmusic commended the melody of the song and noted that "Watch n' Learn" is more unique than Hit-Boy's work on Kanye West and Jay-Z's 2011 single "Niggas in Paris" ( Watch the Throne , 2011). [3] Chelsea Lewis from The Celebrity Cafe concluded that Rihanna "is expressing her independence as a woman in the music industry, as she is making a statement with 'Watch n’ Learn' and Talk That Talk as a whole." [23] Herald Sun's Cameron Adams while comparing the song with the other sexual themes on the album, stated that "Watch n' Learn" is "at least instructional". [24] Jon Caramanica from The New York Times linked "Watch N' Learn" to Beyoncé Knowles' "Party", however he concluded that even though it has "good mouth feel but no taste". [25]

Credits and personnel

Recording
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Talk That Talk, Def Jam Recordings, SRP Records. [4]

Charts

Upon the release of Talk That Talk, due to digital downloads "Watch n' Learn" charted in lower regions on the singles chart in South Korea. It debuted on the South Korea Gaon International Chart at number 80 on November 26, 2011, with sales of 6,049 digital copies. [26]

Chart (2011)Peak
position
South Korea (Gaon Chart) [26] 80

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What's My Name? (Rihanna song)</span> 2010 song by Rihanna

"What's My Name?" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna, for her fifth studio album Loud (2010). Featuring guest vocals from Canadian rapper Drake, the song was released as the second single from Loud on October 25, 2010, through Def Jam Recordings and in Germany on January 21, 2011, as a single through Universal Music Group. The dancehall-infused electro-R&B song was produced by the Norwegian production duo Stargate, and was written by the duo along with Ester Dean, Traci Hale, and Drake. Lyrically, it incorporates themes of romance and sex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rihanna videography</span>

Rihanna has released four video albums and appeared in 62 music videos, 12 films, 13 television programs, and several television commercials. In 2005, Rihanna signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings and released her debut single "Pon de Replay", taken from her first studio album Music of the Sun (2005). Like its lyrical theme, the music video for the song was inspired by disco and dance; it was directed by Little X. Three separate videos were released for "SOS", the lead single from her second studio album A Girl like Me (2006), all of which contained various dance sequences. The same year, American director Anthony Mandler directed the accompanying music video for the second single "Unfaithful", which featured Rihanna in a dangerous love triangle with her lover and her husband. "Unfaithful" was Rihanna's first collaboration with Mandler; they later worked together regularly. Also in 2006, Rihanna played herself in the third installment of the Bring It On film series, entitled Bring It On: All or Nothing.

<i>Rated R</i> (Rihanna album) 2009 studio album by Rihanna

Rated R is the fourth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 20, 2009, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Recording sessions for the album began in March 2009 and took place at recording studios throughout United States and Europe. Rihanna was the executive producer of the album alongside Antonio "L.A." Reid and The Carter Administration. It features additional production by various record producers, including Chase & Status, Stargate, The-Dream, Ne-Yo, and Brian Kennedy. The record features several vocalists and instrumentalists, including Young Jeezy, will.i.am, Justin Timberlake and Slash, who played the guitars in "Rockstar 101".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russian Roulette (Rihanna song)</span> 2009 single by Rihanna

"Russian Roulette" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her fourth studio album, Rated R (2009). It premiered on radio stations worldwide on October 20, 2009, and was released as the album's lead single on October 26 by Def Jam Recordings. Written and produced by Ne-Yo and Chuck Harmony, "Russian Roulette" is a pop and R&B ballad that contains dark, morbid, and tense atmospheric elements in its composition. Lyrically, the single is about an abusive romantic relationship that ended abruptly. Music critics noted the lyrical theme to be a response to the domestic violence case between Rihanna and her former boyfriend, singer Chris Brown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Muni Long</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1988)

Priscilla Renea Hamilton, known professionally as Muni Long, is an American singer and songwriter from Gifford, Florida. Under her birth name, she signed with Capitol Records to release her debut studio album Jukebox (2009), which was met with positive critical reception despite failing to chart. She then spent the following decade co-writing songs for other artists, including the hit singles "Promise This" for Cheryl, "California King Bed" for Rihanna, "Worth It" for Fifth Harmony, "Love So Soft" for Kelly Clarkson, "Imagine" for Ariana Grande, "Who Says" for Selena Gomez & the Scene, and the global hit "Timber" for Pitbull.

<i>Cannibal</i> (EP) 2010 EP by Kesha

Cannibal is the first extended play (EP) by American recording artist Kesha, released on November 19, 2010. The EP is a follow-up companion to her debut album, Animal (2010). Originally, the record was thought to be released as a deluxe edition of Animal, but was instead sold and released as both an EP and a deluxe edition of Animal. Kesha worked with a variety of producers and writers such as executive producer Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco, Ammo, Max Martin, Bangladesh and others. Musically, the songs on Cannibal are of the dance-pop genre, with some songs incorporating elements of electro and electropop in their production and beats. Throughout the album, the use of Auto-Tune and vocoders is prominent. Lyrically, the songs on Cannibal speak of ignoring judgement or hate and experiences based on love and heartbreak.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We R Who We R</span> 2010 single by Kesha

"We R Who We R" is a song by American singer Kesha from her first extended play (EP), Cannibal (2010). The song was released as the EP's lead single on October 22, 2010. It was written by Kesha, with Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and Ammo. Production of the song was completed by Dr. Luke, Blanco, and Ammo. In the wake of news that bullying and harassment had led to multiple suicides of gay youth, Kesha wrote the song in hopes that it would become a pride anthem. The song is intended to inspire people to be themselves, and as a celebration of anyone deemed quirky or eccentric.

<i>My Worlds Acoustic</i> 2010 remix album by Justin Bieber

My Worlds Acoustic is the debut remix album by Canadian singer Justin Bieber. It was released on November 26, 2010 and was initially sold exclusively at Walmart retail stores and Sam's Club. The album features nine acoustic versions of songs from his debut extended play, My World (2009), and first album My World 2.0 (2010), as well as a new song "Pray". The new versions of the songs were produced by Bieber's music director, Dan Kanter, his vocal producer Kuk Harrell, and also producer Rob Wells. Internationally, the set is included as a part of the compilation album, My Worlds: The Collection (2010), which included songs from the previous two releases. My Worlds Acoustic was released to iTunes, on February 8, 2011.

"Fading" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was written by Darnell Dalton, Jamal Jones, Lamar Taylor, Quinton Amey and William Hodge, with production by Kuk Harrell, Willy Will, Veronika Bozeman and Jones under his production moniker Polow da Don. Originally, the song sampled Irish instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Enya's "One by One", though this was later removed post-album release. Lyrically, the song is about leaving a man in a relationship. After Loud had strong digital download sales in the United Kingdom, "Fading" charted at number 187 on that country's singles chart in November 2010. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised da Don's production, but one critic criticized Rihanna for copying herself and failing to create something different. Some critics also compared it to one of Rihanna's previous singles, "Take a Bow". The song has also been performed on select dates of the Loud Tour (2011).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California King Bed</span> 2011 single by Rihanna

"California King Bed" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her fifth studio album, Loud (2010). The song was written and produced by Andrew Harr and Jermaine Jackson, of the American production duo the Runners, with Priscilla Renea, Alex Delicata and Rihanna. The song was chosen to be a single from the album through Twitter, and it was released as the album's sixth single on May 13, 2011, by Def Jam. "California King Bed" is a rock and R&B power ballad.

"Big Fat Bass" is a song recorded by American singer Britney Spears for her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale (2011). It features the vocal collaboration of American rapper will.i.am. The house song was written and produced by will.i.am as a celebration to the bass and its influence on club music. The song contains a double entendre gender metaphor sung by Spears. "Big Fat Bass" received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, who deemed it an instant radio and club hit, and also considered it the most old-school work on the album. However, a few reviews considered it as an unfortunate collaboration with will.i.am, and dismissed Spears' heavily processed vocals.

<i>Loud</i> (Rihanna album) 2010 studio album by Rihanna

Loud is the fifth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 12, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. The album was recorded between February and August 2010, during the singer's Last Girl on Earth tour (2010-2011) and the filming of her first feature film Battleship (2012). Rihanna and L.A. Reid were the executive producers of Loud and worked with various record producers, including Stargate, Sandy Vee, The Runners, Tricky Stewart and Alex da Kid. The album features several guest vocalists, including rappers Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Eminem, who is featured on the sequel to "Love the Way You Lie", titled "Love the Way You Lie ".

<i>Unbroken</i> (Demi Lovato album) 2011 studio album by Demi Lovato

Unbroken is the third studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 20, 2011, by Hollywood Records. Primarily a pop record, Lovato described the album as "more mature" and with more R&B elements than her previous material, citing Rihanna as the major influence. While some of the album's lyrical content was heavily influenced by Lovato's personal struggles, it also deals with lighter subjects, such as love, self-empowerment, and having fun. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including Toby Gad, Ryan Tedder, Timbaland, Jim Beanz and Rock Mafia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">We Found Love</span> 2011 song by Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris

"We Found Love" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk (2011). The song features Scottish DJ Calvin Harris, whose 2012 album 18 Months also includes the track. "We Found Love" premiered on September 22, 2011, on the Capital FM radio station in the United Kingdom, and was made available to download on the same day as the lead single from Talk That Talk. "We Found Love" is an uptempo electro house song, with elements of dance-pop, techno and Europop. The song's lyrics speak of a couple who "found love in a hopeless place".

<i>Talk That Talk</i> 2011 studio album by Rihanna

Talk That Talk is the sixth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on November 18, 2011 by Def Jam Recordings and SRP Records. Talk That Talk was recorded during the Loud Tour between February and November 2011. It was originally planned to be a reissue of her previous studio album Loud (2010). As executive producer, Rihanna enlisted a wide range of producers including Alex da Kid, Calvin Harris, Chase & Status, No I.D., and Stargate to achieve her desired sound. Following in the same vein as Loud, Talk That Talk is a dance-oriented pop/R&B crossover album that incorporates elements of hip hop, dubstep, electronic and house music. The album also contains subtle dancehall influences while its lyrical content and themes revolve around a nihilistic, romantic, and lascivious lover.

"Cockiness (Love It)" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, from her sixth studio album Talk That Talk (2011). The song was written by Rihanna, Candice Pillay, D. Abernathy and Shondrae Crawford, with production helmed by Mr. Bangladesh. Conceptualized by Mr. Bangladesh, the producer revealed in an interview with MTV that the song had undergone many different versions before the final cut was included on the album. He stated that while he was writing and developing the song, Rihanna was the principal artist whom he wanted to record it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Talk That Talk (Rihanna song)</span> 2012 single by Rihanna

"Talk That Talk" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her 2011 studio album of the same name. It features a rap verse by American rapper Jay-Z, who had previously collaborated with Rihanna on her song "Umbrella" in 2007 and "Run This Town" in 2009. The song was written by Jay-Z, Ester Dean, together with the Norwegian production duo Stargate. Def Jam Recordings serviced the track to urban contemporary radio in the United States on January 17, 2012, as the third single from Talk That Talk. It was released in France as a CD single on March 26. "Talk That Talk" is a hip hop song with R&B beats, rough drums and unrefined synths, and has a similar style to Rihanna's 2010 single "Rude Boy". It contains a brief sample of "I Got a Story to Tell" by the Notorious B.I.G. Therefore, the Buckwild, Sean Combs, Chucky Thompson, and the Notorious B.I.G. are credited as songwriters despite the Notorious B.I.G's death in 1997.

"Birthday Cake" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, from her sixth studio album, Talk That Talk (2011). After it leaked onto the Internet, fans expressed interest in the track being included on Talk That Talk, but it was later revealed that the 1:18 length that leaked was in fact the final cut and was not being considered for inclusion on the album. Due to a high level of fan interest, the song was included on the album as an interlude. The full length version, also known as the official remix of the track, featuring Rihanna's ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, premiered online on February 20, 2012, to coincide with Rihanna's 24th birthday. The song peaked in the top thirty on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics to "Birthday Cake" express the desire to have spontaneous sex. Music critics were divided on "Birthday Cake", with the majority both praising and criticising the song's sexual lyrical content. Several critics compared the song to the previous track on the album "Cockiness ", which also consists of sexually explicit lyrics. Upon the release of Talk That Talk, the song debuted on the lower regions of the singles charts in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">What Now (song)</span> 2013 single by Rihanna

"What Now" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Olivia Waithe, Parker Ighile, Maestro The Baker and Nathan Cassells alongside Rihanna, with production handled by Maestro The Baker, Ighile and Cassells. A remix collection was released exclusively to Beatport on August 29, 2013 and later via iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play on September 17, 2013. The single was serviced to US rhythmic radio on September 24, 2013, before impacting mainstream radio on October 1, 2013 as the fifth single from Unapologetic. Another remix collection was released to Beatport on October 29, 2013. The song is a mid-tempo piano ballad which incorporates sounds which resemble "sonic bombs" during the chorus and "crashing" drums.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Suddath, Claire (November 21, 2011). "Music Monday: Rihanna's Talk That Talk". Time . Time Inc. (Time Warner). Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 Unterberger, Andrew (November 14, 2011). "Rihanna's Talk That Talk – Reviewed: Watch n' Learn". Popdust. Popdust Inc. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Kellman, Andy. "Talk That Talk - Rihanna". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Talk That Talk (inlay cover). Rihanna. The Island Def Jam Music Group. 2011. p. 9.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Vena, Jocelyn (November 11, 2011). "Rihanna 'Killed It' On Talk That Talk's 'Watch N' Learn'". MTV News. Viacom . Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  6. Lansky, Sam (November 21, 2011). "Rihanna's 'Talk That Talk': A Track-By-Track Guide To Her New Album". MTV. Viacom. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  7. Caquias, Giovanny (November 30, 2011). "Album Review: 'Talk That Talk' – Rihanna". Culture Blues. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  8. "Rihanna - Talk That Talk (Deluxe Edition)". ITunes. Apple Inc . Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  9. Maerz, Melissa (November 23, 2011). "Talk That Talk (2011) - Rihanna". Entertainment Weekly . Time Inc. (Time Warner). Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  10. 1 2 Lipshutz, Jason (November 17, 2011). "Rihanna, 'Talk That Talk': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  11. 1 2 Halima, Maz (November 23, 2011). "Flavour Review: Rihanna – 'Talk That Talk'". Flavour Magazine . Retrieved March 27, 2012.
  12. Keeble, Edward (November 10, 2011). "Rihanna - Talk That Talk - First Review". Gigwise . Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  13. 1 2 Vena, Jocelyn (November 21, 2011). "Rihanna's Talk That Talk: Five Key Tracks". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  14. 1 2 Coplan, Chris (November 22, 2011). "Album Review: Rihanna – Talk That Talk". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  15. 1 2 Roberts, Randall (November 20, 2011). "Album review: Rihanna's 'Talk That Talk'". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  16. Wete, Brad (February 20, 2012). "Rihanna's 10 Nastiest Lyrics". Complex . Complex Media. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  17. Graham, Mark (November 20, 2011). "Album Preview: Rihanna's Talk That Talk Is The Dirtiest Pop Record Since Madonna's Erotica". VH1. Viacom. Archived from the original on November 12, 2011. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  18. 1 2 Shepherd, Julianne (November 21, 2011). "Rihanna, 'Talk That Talk'". Spin . Spin Media LLC. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  19. Horton, Matthew (November 21, 2011). "Talk That Talk — Rihanna". Virgin Media . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  20. Fekadu, Mesfin (November 21, 2011). "Review: Rihanna successfully borrows from herself". The Boston Globe . The New York Times Company . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  21. Caquais, Giovanny (November 30, 2011). "Album Review: 'Talk That Talk' – Rihanna". CultureBlues. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  22. "Rihanna's 'Talk' is another winner - Newsday". Newsday. Gamoba, Glenn. November 18, 2011. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  23. Lewis, Chelsea (November 22, 2011). "Rihanna's 'Talk That Talk'". The Celebrity Cafe. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  24. Adams, Cameron (November 24, 2011). "Album review: Talk That Talk by Rihanna". Herald Sun . The Herald and Weekly Times . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  25. Caramanica, Jon (November 21, 2011). "Rihanna's 'Talk That Talk' Synth-Perfect for an Earlier Time". The New York Times . Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  26. 1 2 "South Korea Gaon International Chart" (in Korean). Gaon Chart. November 20–26, 2011. Retrieved August 18, 2013.