#4- Rihanna "Unfaithful"
Rihanna’s “Unfaithful” was a nice breath of fresh air from a summer of dance-oriented pop songs on the radio. With lyrics that have actual substance and attempt to tell a story (what a novelty!) and a smooth, slick style unheard since Aaliyah’s death, “Unfaithful” is a rarity on the pop stations. I only wish other artists of Rihanna’s stature and place in pop music would take more of a chance and release songs like this.
For me, the most striking thing about “Unfaithful” is the visually imagery of death, murdering and guns that the song brings up. With lyrics such as “I don’t want to be a murderer” and, my personal favorite, “I might as well take this gun and put it to his head/Get it over with”, “Unfaithful” is one of the darkest Top 40 hits in a long time. It’s not exactly profound or groundbreaking, but it’s great to see people using metaphors (what’s that?) in music and making what could be trite songs that much better. I mean, how much better can you equate the guilt of having an affair and jeopardizing a meaningful relationship than by using such heavy thoughts as murder and death?
Then again, maybe the metaphors are a little too much for today’s audience. My friend Melinda is convinced to this day that the woman in the song ends up shooting her boyfriend at the end- and no amount of persuasion could change her mind.
For me, the most striking thing about “Unfaithful” is the visually imagery of death, murdering and guns that the song brings up. With lyrics such as “I don’t want to be a murderer” and, my personal favorite, “I might as well take this gun and put it to his head/Get it over with”, “Unfaithful” is one of the darkest Top 40 hits in a long time. It’s not exactly profound or groundbreaking, but it’s great to see people using metaphors (what’s that?) in music and making what could be trite songs that much better. I mean, how much better can you equate the guilt of having an affair and jeopardizing a meaningful relationship than by using such heavy thoughts as murder and death?
Then again, maybe the metaphors are a little too much for today’s audience. My friend Melinda is convinced to this day that the woman in the song ends up shooting her boyfriend at the end- and no amount of persuasion could change her mind.
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