3 Eternal Rihanna Songs that Have Stood the Test of Time

If you look closely, it would seem that the pop star and fashion icon Rihanna doesn’t walk the Earth. Rather, she floats or glides through the world. Both effortless and impactful, Rihanna has shaken up the entertainment world with her glamour, fierce attitude, and her recent acclaimed Super Bowl halftime show appearance.

But over the years, the 36-year-old Saint Michael, Barbados-born songwriter and performer has released some songs that have stood the test of time. Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of those tracks that have and will continue to last throughout the years. Indeed, these are three eternal songs from Rihanna.

[RELATED: The Journey of Rihanna: 6 Key Moments in Her Music Career]

“Diamonds” from Unapologetic (2012)

Diamonds and Rihanna just go together. Like peas and carrots. Peanut butter and jelly. They are, after all, a girl’s best friend, as the saying goes. But Rihanna is the sort who makes the jewels her own. Her voice showcases brilliant like a glimmering stone. On this thumping, heart-pounding track, the pop star gets our hearts swelling and eyes glimmering. She becomes exactly what she’s singing about, which is the mark of a top-notch performer. On the song, she sings,

Shine bright like a diamond

Shine bright like a diamond

Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy

You and I, you and I, we’re like diamonds in the sky

You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy

When you hold me, I’m alive, we’re like diamonds in the sky

“Love on the Brain” from Anti (2016)

Just a classic love song. On it, Rihanna belts and soars. This track could have been released in 1964 or 2024. The song calls for the object of Rihanna’s affection to keep up their amorous behavior. On the tune, Rihanna sings both full-throated and in falsetto. She’s driven to call out love’s benefits and how it has a hold on her. Oh, to be the one this pop star obsesses about. On the track, she sings,

Oh, and baby I’m fist fighting with fire

Just to get close to you

Can we burn something, babe?

And I run for miles just to get a taste

Must be love on the brain

That’s got me feeling this way (feeling this way)

It beats me black and blue but it f–ks me so good

And I can’t get enough

Must be love on the brain yeah

And it keeps cursing my name (cursing my name)

No matter what I do, I’m no good without you

And I can’t get enough

Must be love on the brain

“Work” ft. Drake from Anti (2016)

What’s the key to success? Find the simple, one word answer in this dancehall song. Here, Rihanna talks about the idea that despite whatever life throws at you, the idea is to keep your eye on the prize and nose to the grindstone. For someone so successful, it is heartening to hear this. Success is not given, it’s earned. From the matters of the heart to that which gives a paycheck. On the song, the artist sings,

Work, work, work, work, work, work

He said me haffi work, work, work, work, work, work

He see me do mi dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt, dirt

So me put in work, work, work, work, work, work

When you ah gon’ learn, learn, learn, learn, learn?

Me nuh care if him hurt, hurt, hurt, hurt, hurting

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Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic