Loud (Rihanna album)

Following a domestic violence case between Rihanna and her boyfriend, the American entertainer Chris Brown, media speculated as to whether any song on her fourth studio album would be about him.{{cite web|title=Ne-Yo Won't Write A 'Chris Brown Bash Song' For Rihanna|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1616737/20090722/ne_yo.jhtml|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson|date=July 22, 2009|access-date=October 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100105054435/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1616737/20090722/ne_yo.jhtml|archive-date=January 5, 2010|url-status=dead}} The album was released in November 2009, under the title Rated R. Primarily a pop and R&B album,{{cite news|url=http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Music/93764-Rihanna-Rated-R-2009/ |title=Rihanna: Rated R – CD Reviews |work=The Phoenix |location=Boston |last=Wood |first=Mikael |access-date=March 24, 2013 |date=December 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014103943/http://thephoenix.com/Boston/Music/93764-Rihanna-Rated-R-2009/ |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6597485/Rihanna-Rated-R-pop-CD-of-the-week.html |title=Rihanna: Rated R, pop CD of the week |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |last=McCormick |first=Neil |date=November 20, 2009 |access-date=March 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113075116/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/6597485/Rihanna-Rated-R-pop-CD-of-the-week.html |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |url-status=live }} it also incorporates elements of hip hop, rock, and dancehall.{{cite magazine |last=Greenblatt |first=Leah |title=Rated R (2009) |url=https://ew.com/article/2009/11/18/rated-r/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |location=New York |access-date=November 21, 2009 |date=November 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016204630/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20320917,00.html |archive-date=October 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|last=Powers|first=Ann|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-rihannas-rated-r.html|title=Album review: Rihanna's 'Rated R'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 23, 2009|access-date=April 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021134048/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2009/11/album-review-rihannas-rated-r.html|archive-date=October 21, 2012|url-status=live}} Rated R was commercially successful and spawned six singles, including the international hit, "Rude Boy". Six months after releasing the record, Rihanna began planning a fifth studio album, promising that her new material would be "more energetic" than her previous works.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/rihanna/236523-rihanna-new-album-loud|title=Rihanna Reveals New LP Will Be Entitled 'Loud'|publisher=MTV UK. Viacom|date=September 10, 2010|access-date=July 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024054200/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/rihanna/236523-rihanna-new-album-loud|archive-date=October 24, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Stargate's Tor Erik Hermansen, said "Rihanna came to us before we started recording 'Only Girl (In the World)' and said 'I feel great about myself. I want to go back to having fun, I want to make happy and up-tempo records'."{{cite web|last=Fresh|first=Mikey|url=http://www.vibe.com/posts/grammy-recap-stargate-talks-rihannas-only-girl-world-winning-best-dance-recording|title=Grammy Recap: Stargate Talks Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In The World)' Winning 'Best Dance Recording'|work=Vibe|publisher=InterMedia Partners|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=July 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217161448/http://www.vibe.com/posts/grammy-recap-stargate-talks-rihannas-only-girl-world-winning-best-dance-recording|archive-date=February 17, 2011|url-status=live}} Sean Garrett compared the sound of the new tracks with her previous hit singles "Umbrella" and "Rude Boy".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/rihanna/news/226530-rihanna-s-next-album-to-rival-thriller|title=Rihanna's Next Album To Rival 'Thriller'?|publisher=MTV UK. Viacom|date=September 16, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623004142/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/rihanna/news/226530-rihanna-s-next-album-to-rival-thriller|archive-date=June 23, 2010|url-status=dead}} In an interview for MTV UK, the vice president of Def Jam Recordings compared the upcoming Rihanna album with Michael Jackson's Thriller saying, "Rihanna is coming along incredibly. I'm trying to push her to where every song will be a hit from one to 12. I'm talking about NO album fillers. Our bar for this album is Michael Jackson's Thriller."

{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|quote="I'm done recording the whole album. I made sure not to let you down with my music! You guys are always defending me, so now you've got some great songs to justify it. I didn't want to go backward and remake [2007's] Good Girl Gone Bad. I wanted the next step in the evolution of Rihanna, and it's perfect for us."|source=—Rihanna talking about the concept of Loud for Rihannadaily.com{{cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647244/20100907/rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna Reveals Title of New Album|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=September 16, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229135802/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1647244/20100907/rihanna.jhtml|archive-date=December 29, 2010|url-status=dead}}}}

Rihanna and Antonio "L.A." Reid assembled a group of songwriters and record producers at several recording studios in Los Angeles for two weeks to write songs for Rihanna; they wrote approximately 200 songs, eleven of which were included on the album.{{cite magazine|last=Eells|first=Josh|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rihanna-queen-of-pain-rolling-stones-2011-cover-story-20110606?page=4|title=Rihanna, Queen of Pain: Rolling Stone's 2011 Cover Story|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|date=June 6, 2011|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924205749/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rihanna-queen-of-pain-rolling-stones-2011-cover-story-20110606?page=4|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=dead}} Def Jam rented out nearly every recording studio in Los Angeles in order to create as many songs as possible.{{cite web|title=Sak Pase Reveals Queen's Influence On "Watch The Throne" Tracks, Rihanna's "Man Down" Controversy|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.18167/title.sak-pase-reveals-queens-influence-on-watch-the-throne-tracks-rihannas-man-down-controversy|website=HipHopDX|access-date=29 October 2016|date=January 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170512130353/http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.18167/title.sak-pase-reveals-queens-influence-on-watch-the-throne-tracks-rihannas-man-down-controversy|archive-date=May 12, 2017|url-status=live}} Ray Daniels, the manager of musical duo Rock City (brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas), was present during the sessions, and stated that a writing camp typically involves the label hiring ten recording studios for two weeks at the cost of $25,000 per day.{{cite web|last=Chace|first=Zoe|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2011/07/05/137530847/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-a-hit-song|title=How Much Does It Cost To Make A Hit Song?|work=NPR|date=June 30, 2011|access-date=August 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824005507/http://www.npr.org/sections/money/2011/07/05/137530847/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-a-hit-song|archive-date=August 24, 2015|url-status=live}} Daniels revealed that it is where songwriters have lyrics but no music, and where producers have music but no lyrics.

Singer-songwriters and producers Taio Cruz,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/rihanna/news/219751-rihanna-taio-cruz|title=Rihanna Working With Taio Cruz On New Album|publisher=MTV UK. Viacom|date=April 30, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503114347/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/rihanna/news/219751-rihanna-taio-cruz|archive-date=May 3, 2010|url-status=dead}} Alex da Kid,{{cite web|last=Cline|first=Georgette|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/18/rihanna-taps-alex-da-kid-for-new-album/|title=Rihanna Working with Producer Alex Da Kid on New Album|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=June 18, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231003830/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/18/rihanna-taps-alex-da-kid-for-new-album/|archive-date=December 31, 2015|url-status=live}} Sean Garrett,{{cite web|url=http://www.mtvbase.com/news/sean-garret-pens-rihannas-next-album/|title=Sean Garret Pens Rihanna's Next Album|publisher=MTV Base. Viacom|date=March 2, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714131110/http://www.mtvbase.com/news/sean-garret-pens-rihannas-next-album/|archive-date=July 14, 2011|df=mdy-all}} Ne-Yo,{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/10/rap-up-tv-ne-yo-reveals-album-details-alter-ego-writing-for-rihanna/|title=Rap-Up TV: Ne-Yo Reveals Album Details, Alter-Ego, & Writing for Rihanna|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=June 10, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070013/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/10/rap-up-tv-ne-yo-reveals-album-details-alter-ego-writing-for-rihanna/|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=live}} Rico Love,{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/04/26/timbaland-and-rico-love-working-on-new-rihanna-album/|title=Timberland and Rico Love Working On New Rihanna Album|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=April 26, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222070011/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/04/26/timbaland-and-rico-love-working-on-new-rihanna-album/|archive-date=February 22, 2014|url-status=live}} Timbaland, Shontelle,{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Rebecca |title=Rihanna's Loud Will Be 'Brighter,' Shontelle Says |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1650392/rihannas-loud-will-be-brighter-shontelle-says/ |website=MTV |access-date=February 10, 2021 |date=October 19, 2010}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} David Guetta,{{cite web|last=Montgomery|first=James|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1648757/20100927/rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna Shoots Video For Loud Track 'What's My Name?'|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=September 27, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114184057/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1648757/20100927/rihanna.jhtml|archive-date=November 14, 2010|url-status=dead}} and Drake{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956083/billboard-bits-lady-gaga-turning-meat-dress-into-jerky-drake-working-with|title=Drake working with Rihanna|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=September 24, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001045348/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/956083/billboard-bits-lady-gaga-turning-meat-dress-into-jerky-drake-working-with|archive-date=October 1, 2014|url-status=live}} contributed to the album. "DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love" was written for Rihanna, but the song was rejected and was subsequently sent to Usher. With regard to "What's My Name?", Rihanna thought Drake could understand the melody of the song and invited him to work on the track when she played him the finished recording.{{cite web|last=Mawuse|first=Ziegbe|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649646/20101008/rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna Calls Drake The 'Only Person' For 'What's My Name' Remix|date=October 8, 2010|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|access-date=July 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101213062130/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649646/20101008/rihanna.jhtml|archive-date=December 13, 2010|url-status=dead}} The collaboration was originally planned to be a remix, but later it was decided that the version featuring Drake would be used as the original.{{cite web|last=Vena|first=Jocelyn|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651131/rihanna-gets-really-flirty-with-drake-on-whats-my-name.jhtml|title=Rihanna Gets 'Really Flirty' With Drake On 'What's My Name?'|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=November 1, 2010|access-date=July 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030150123/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1651131/rihanna-gets-really-flirty-with-drake-on-whats-my-name.jhtml|archive-date=October 30, 2013|url-status=dead}}

Loud was recorded in various recording studios worldwide including the Larrabee Sound Studios, The Village and Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Platinum Sound Recording Studios, and Roc the Mic Studios in New York City and The Bunker Studios in Paris.{{cite web|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8315691|title=Rihanna – Loud CD Album|publisher=Muze. CD Universe|access-date=July 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111143511/http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=8315691|archive-date=November 11, 2011|url-status=live}} In September 2010, during a webchat with her fansite Rihannadaily.com, Rihanna announced that the album would be called Loud, saying "get Loud everybody, get crazy, get excited, because I'm pumped. I'm just gonna be me because that's what you guys love the most, and that's what makes me feel best. Just being normal, normal for me is Loud! Sassy, fun, flirty, energetic." While Rihanna was filming Battleship, she explained in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, "Loud is, the word, the name of the album definitely reflects the attitude of it, it's really sassy and flirty and it grabs your attention and that's why I enjoy it. It takes you through a really really interesting ride. So colorful the album."{{cite web|url=http://top40.about.com/b/2010/09/29/rihanna-unveils-loud-album-cover.htm|title=Rihanna Unveils Loud Album Cover|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|date=September 29, 2010|access-date=June 25, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629203348/http://top40.about.com/b/2010/09/29/rihanna-unveils-loud-album-cover.htm|archive-date=June 29, 2011|df=mdy-all}}

Loud is a departure from the personal, melodramatic themes of Rated R. Stylistically, it is a return to the Caribbean-inspired dance-pop of Rihanna's earlier work. Ryan Burleson of Consequence of Sound described the album as "a dynamic R&B and dance-pop record".{{cite magazine|last=Burleson|first=Ryan|url=https://consequence.net/2010/11/album-review-rihanna-loud/|title=Album Review: Rihanna — Loud|magazine=Consequence of Sound|date=2010-11-22|access-date=2011-10-04|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140608185917/https://consequence.net/2010/11/album-review-rihanna-loud/|archive-date=June 8, 2014|url-status=live}} In an interview with MTV, Rihanna said "I wanted songs that were all Rihanna songs, that nobody else could do. I didn't want the generic pop record that Ke$ha or Lady Gaga or Katy Perry could just do and it'll work. I wanted a song, or songs, that were Rihanna songs, that only I could do, had that little West Indian vibe to it, had that certain tone, a certain sass and a certain energy."{{cite web|last=Dinh|first=James|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649173/20101001/rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna Dishes On New Album Loud, Acting In 'Battleship'|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=August 1, 2010|access-date=July 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120232610/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1649173/20101001/rihanna.jhtml|archive-date=November 20, 2010|url-status=dead}} During the promotion of Loud, Rihanna said that much of the music was born out of frustration. She explained: "When you go to a club and have to listen to bad music you revert to the liquor, because you want to have a good time. I hate having to skip a track. I wanted to make an album you can just play."{{cite web |last1=Copsey |first1=Robert |title=Rihanna: 'Album will cure alcoholics' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a280823/rihanna-album-will-cure-alcoholics/ |website=Digital Spy |access-date=February 10, 2021 |date=October 7, 2010 |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107062837/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a280823/rihanna-album-will-cure-alcoholics/ |url-status=live }}

The opening track "S&M" is an up-tempo Eurodance song{{cite news|last=Mackay |first=Emily |url=https://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=140&p=9345&more=1&c=1 |title=Rihanna, 'Loud' – Album First Listen |work=NME |publisher=IPC Media |date=November 3, 2010 |access-date=January 29, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120052409/http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=140&p=9345&more=1&c=1 |archive-date=November 20, 2010 }} produced by Norwegian producers Stargate and Sandy Vee. The song is reminiscent of Depeche Mode's 1984 song "Master and Servant"{{cite news|last=Wolk|first=Douglas|url=http://www.thedaily.com/page/2010/12/08/020911-arts-song-rihanna-s-and-m/|title=Rihanna, 'S&M'|work=The Daily|publisher=News Corporation|date=February 9, 2011|access-date=April 11, 2011|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630170703/http://www.thedaily.com/page/2010/12/08/020911-arts-song-rihanna-s-and-m/|archive-date=June 30, 2012|url-status=live}} and contains lyrical thoughts of sadomasochism. Andy Kellman of AllMusic regarded "S&M" as a dance-pop song which efficiently balanced "Rihanna's playful and sinister sides".{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/loud-mw0002049029|title=Review: Loud|publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation|date=November 14, 2010|access-date=July 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602054800/http://www.allmusic.com/album/loud-mw0002049029|archive-date=June 2, 2012|url-status=live}} "What's My Name?" was also produced by Stargate and features guest vocals from Canadian rapper Drake. It is a mid-tempo, electro-R&B song with a back track consisting of heavy reggae. The song also sees Rihanna's return to the "Island-pop" style of her early career".{{cite web|last=Lamb|first=Bill|url=http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/Rihanna-Featuring-Drake-Whats-My-Name.htm|title=Rihanna Joins Drake for "What's My Name" Her Next Single|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|date=October 17, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208054932/http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/Rihanna-Featuring-Drake-Whats-My-Name.htm|archive-date=December 8, 2015|url-status=dead}}
- {{cite web|last=Levine|first=Nick|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a291681/rihanna-ft-drake-whats-my-name.html|title=Music – Singles Review – Rihanna ft. Drake: 'What's My Name?'|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hachette Filipacchi Médias|date=December 20, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703174504/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a291681/rihanna-ft-drake-whats-my-name.html|archive-date=July 3, 2013|url-status=live}}
- {{cite magazine|last=Vick|first=Megan|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1068420/rihanna-feat-drake-whats-my-name|title=Rihanna feat. Drake, 'What's My Name'|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713143356/http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1068420/rihanna-feat-drake-whats-my-name|archive-date=July 13, 2014|url-status=live}} "Cheers (Drink to That)" is a pop rock song produced by the Runners which interpolates Avril Lavigne's 2002 single "I'm with You".{{cite web|url=http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/rihanna-samples-avril-lavigne-on-loud/7709017|title=Rihanna Samples Avril Lavigne on 'Loud'|date=October 21, 2010|first=Amy|last=Sciarretto|work=ARTISTdirect |publisher=Artistdirect|access-date=January 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022123420/http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/rihanna-samples-avril-lavigne-on-loud/7709017|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} Mark Savage from BBC News described the song as a funky, loping guitar groove for a night out on the town.{{cite web|last=Savage|first=Mark|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11483033|title=Rihanna premieres fifth album, Loud, in London|publisher=BBC News. BBC|date=October 6, 2010|access-date=July 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110911124554/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-11483033|archive-date=September 11, 2011|url-status=live}} "Only Girl (In the World)" was the third song from the album produced by Stargate. It is an up-tempo dance-pop song that incorporates elements of Eurodance in its production.{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Sarah, D|url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/09/07/rihanna-only-girl-in-the-world/|title=Loud – Rihanna|publisher=AOL|date=September 7, 2010|access-date=September 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518231216/http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/09/07/rihanna-only-girl-in-the-world/|archive-date=May 18, 2012|url-status=usurped}}{{cite magazine|last=Wete|first=Brad|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/09/07/rihanna-only-girl-in-the-world/|title=Rihanna released new single 'Only Girl (In The World)', gets us excited about upcoming album|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Warner|date=September 7, 2010|access-date=September 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001231601/http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/09/07/rihanna-only-girl-in-the-world/|archive-date=October 1, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Digital Sheet Music, Rihanna 'Only Girl (In the World)'|year=2010|publisher=Musicnotes.com. Peer International Music Publishing}} Brad Wete, a reviewer of Entertainment Weekly, described Rihanna's vocals as "seductive" and reminiscent of a "stronger, sexier version" of her 2007 single, "Don't Stop the Music".

"California King Bed" is a rock power ballad; Ryan Dombell of Pitchfork compared it to the Aerosmith song, "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing".{{cite news|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2011/04/rihanna-brings-her-california-king-bed-to-idol/1|title=Rihanna brings her 'California King Bed' to 'Idol'|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company|date=April 14, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419225610/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/idolchatter/post/2011/04/rihanna-brings-her-california-king-bed-to-idol/1|archive-date=April 19, 2011|url-status=live}}
- {{cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/rihanna-california-king-bed-american-idol/|title=Rihanna Hops Into 'California King Bed' on Tonight's 'American Idol'|work=Pop Crush|date=April 15, 2011 |access-date=April 28, 2011|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/69Y1GGzJt?url=http://popcrush.com/rihanna-california-king-bed-american-idol/|archive-date=July 30, 2012|url-status=live}}
- {{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14897-loud/|title=Album Reviews: Rihanna: Loud|website=Pitchfork |date=November 24, 2010|access-date=April 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110415223019/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14897-loud/|archive-date=April 15, 2011|url-status=live}} The Shama "SAK PASE" Joseph produced "Man Down" is a reggae song with an electro rhythm, in which Rihanna sings in a West Indian accent.{{cite web|last=Cheung |first=Nadine |url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/new-song/rihanna-man-down/ |title=Rihanna, 'Man Down' – New Song |publisher=AOL |date=April 25, 2011 |access-date=April 26, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429054219/http://www.aolradioblog.com/new-song/rihanna-man-down |archive-date=April 29, 2011 }}{{cite news|url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/arts/music/16choice.html|title= Review: Loud|last= Pareles|first= Jon|date= November 15, 2010|work= The New York Times|access-date= July 20, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111122051344/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/16/arts/music/16choice.html|archive-date= November 22, 2011|url-status= live}} "Raining Men" is a hip-hop song, which features rap vocals from rapper Nicki Minaj. Rihanna described the song as a fun song that differs from the original, referring to the 1979 single by the Weather Girls with similar title "It's Raining Men". "Complicated" was produced by Tricky Stewart and Ester Dean. Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly said "Even while telling a recalcitrant man how hard he is to love, she [Rihanna] sounds almost buoyant, her newly expanded vocals eager to scale the song's high-altitude house beat". The final track is the sequel to Rihanna's duet with Eminem, "Love the Way You Lie". "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)", which was produced by Alex da Kid, features Rihanna as the protagonist and lead vocalist, viewing aspects of a relationship from a female perspective, unlike the original, which featured Eminem as lead vocalist and was from a male perspective.{{cite web|last=Muhammad|first=Latifah|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2010/10/19/rihanna-eminem-love-the-way-you-lie-sequel|title=Rihanna and Eminem to make a Love the Way You Lie sequel|work=The Boombox|publisher=AOL|date=October 19, 2010|access-date=June 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602161225/http://www.theboombox.com/2010/10/19/rihanna-eminem-love-the-way-you-lie-sequel|archive-date=June 2, 2013|url-status=live}}

"Only Girl (In the World)" was released as the album's lead single on September 10, 2010.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/only-girl-in-the-world/id392152314?i=392152317&v0=WWW-APAU-ITUHOME-TOPMUSIC&ign-mpt=uo=2|title=Only Girl (In the World) by Rihanna|publisher=iTunes Store (AU). Apple Inc|access-date=September 10, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109234529/https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/only-girl-in-the-world/id392152314?i=392152317&v0=WWW-APAU-ITUHOME-TOPMUSIC&ign-mpt=uo=2|archive-date=November 9, 2012|url-status=dead}} The song was sent to US mainstream and rhythmic radio on September 21, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=09/21/2010&Format=1 |title='Only Girl (In the World)' Mainstream date |publisher=GFA Radio and Records |date=September 10, 2010 |access-date=February 24, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715144510/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=09%2F21%2F2010&Format=1 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=09/21/2010&Format=9|title='Only Girl (In the World)' Rhythmic Date|publisher=GFA Radio and Records|date=September 10, 2010|access-date=February 24, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331020852/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=09/21/2010&Format=9|archive-date=March 31, 2012|df=mdy-all}} It received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its chorus and thunderous dance beats.{{cite web|last=Lamb|first=Bill|url=http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/Rihanna-Only-Girl-In-The-World.htm|title=Rihanna – 'Only Girl (In the World)'|publisher=About.com. The New York Times Company|access-date=September 15, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506071648/http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/Rihanna-Only-Girl-In-The-World.htm|archive-date=May 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}} The song reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, in the UK, Canada, Australia, Austria, Belgium (Wallonia), Ireland, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Norway and Slovakia, becoming one of her best charting songs to date.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=all}}|title=Only Girl (In The World) chart peaks|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=October 15, 2010}} At the 53rd Grammy Awards, held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13, 2011, "Only Girl (In the World)" won the award for Best Dance Recording.{{cite news|url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/news/breaking/newsletter/la-et-env-grammys-nominees-2010-list,0,4822287.htmlstory|title=53rd Annual Grammy Awards nominees list|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=December 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713191629/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/grammys/la-et-env-grammys-nominees-2010-list,0,2463095.htmlstory|archive-date=July 13, 2011|url-status=live}}

File:Drake at Bun-B Concert 2011.jpg provided vocals on "What's My Name?"]]

"What's My Name?", which features guest vocals by Canadian recording artist Drake, was released as the album's second single; it was sent to US rhythmic radios on October 25, 2010.{{Cite magazine|date=October 25, 2010|title=FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!|url=https://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16687|magazine=FMQB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028210337/https://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16687|archive-date=October 28, 2010|access-date=July 27, 2022}} Music critics praised the song as some of Rihanna's best vocal work to date, noting the romantic nature of the song and its sexual tones. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, giving Rihanna her eighth number-one on the chart,{{cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/951307/rihannas-whats-my-name-rockets-to-no-1-on-hot-100|title=Rihanna's 'What's My Name?' Rockets to No. 1 on Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=November 10, 2010|access-date=November 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730034143/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/951307/rihannas-whats-my-name-rockets-to-no-1-on-hot-100|archive-date=July 30, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/951162/weekly-chart-notes-rihanna-mariah-carey-michael-jackson|title=Weekly Chart Notes: Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson – Chart Beat|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=November 11, 2010|access-date=November 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620112652/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/951162/weekly-chart-notes-rihanna-mariah-carey-michael-jackson|archive-date=June 20, 2014|url-status=live}} while "Only Girl (In the World)" became her ninth number-one song two weeks after "What's My Name?".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/950345/rihannas-only-girl-rebounds-to-no-1-on-hot-100|title=Rihanna's 'Only Girl' Rebounds to No. 1 on Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=May 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510080643/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/950345/rihannas-only-girl-rebounds-to-no-1-on-hot-100|archive-date=May 10, 2013|url-status=live}}
- {{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=all}}|title=Only Girl (In the World) – Rihanna|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=May 7, 2011}} It reached number one in the United Kingdom and became Rihanna's fifth UK number one single and Drake's first.{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/take-that-marks-a-year-at-number-one/ |title=Take That Marks A Year At Number One |publisher=UK Singles Chart. The Official Charts Company |access-date=December 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012074402/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/take-that-marks-a-year-at-number-one/ |archive-date=October 12, 2011 }}

"Raining Men", was sent to urban radio on December 7, 2010, as an urban radio single and third track from Loud as a single in the US. The song featured rapper Nicki Minaj.{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=12/07/2010&Format=5|title=R&R :: Going For Adds :: Urban|publisher=Going for Adds. Radio and Records|date=December 7, 2010|access-date=January 3, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316091618/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=12/07/2010&Format=5|archive-date=March 16, 2012|df=mdy-all}} It peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}}|title=Rihanna Album & Song Chart History|magazine= Billboard|publisher= Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 9, 2011}} "Raining Men" received mixed reviews from critics who praised the chemistry between Rihanna and Minaj but criticized the song for failing to create anything new or original.

"S&M", the album's fourth US single and third international single, was solicited to US mainstream radio on January 23, 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/23/2011&Format=1|title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: CHR/Top 40|date=January 23, 2011|access-date=July 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104153146/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=01/23/2011&Format=1|archive-date=November 4, 2013}} Reception of "S&M" was mixed; some reviewers criticized the overt use of sexual lyrics while others noted it as a stand-out track from Loud.{{cite news|last=Conner|first=Thomas|author-link=:de:Thomas Conner|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/2896510,conner-rhianna-loud-review-111610.article|title='Loud' a well-deserved party for Rihanna|work=Chicago Sun-Times|publisher=Sun-Times Media Group|date=November 19, 2010|access-date=January 29, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127070714/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/2896510%2Cconner-rhianna-loud-review-111610.article|archive-date=November 27, 2010|df=mdy-all}} A remix of the song which features guest vocals by Britney Spears, was digitally released on April 11, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/album/s-m-remix-single/431637506|title=S&M (Remix) – Single|date=January 2011|publisher=iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc|access-date=April 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212072537/https://itunes.apple.com/album/s-m-remix-single/id431637506|archive-date=December 12, 2015|url-status=live}} "S&M" reached the top ten in twenty-four countries and peaked at number one in Australia, Canada and the United States.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=all}} |title=S&M – Rihanna|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Media Group|access-date=November 29, 2010}}

"Man Down" was released as the fifth international single in some European countries in July 2011.{{cite web|last=Corner|first=Lewis|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a316646/rihanna-switches-new-single-release-dates.html|title=Rihanna switches new single release dates?|publisher=Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi Médias|date=April 27, 2011|access-date=April 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024175005/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a316646/rihanna-switches-new-single-release-dates.html|archive-date=October 24, 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/man-down/id448927545?i=448927651&ign-mpt=uo%3D2|title=Man Down Single Version France iTunes|publisher=iTunes Store (FR). Apple Inc|access-date=July 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212060007/https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/man-down/id448927545?i=448927651&ign-mpt=uo%3D2|archive-date=December 12, 2015|url-status=dead}} It received positive reviews from critics, who called it a return to Rihanna's Caribbean-tinged rhythm. "Man Down" reached a peak of 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. In France, it peaked at number one for five consecutive weeks.{{cite web|url=http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna&titel=Man%20Down&cat=s|title=lescharts.com – Rihanna – Man Down|publisher=French Singles Chart. Hung Medien|access-date=September 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209040620/http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna&titel=Man%20Down&cat=s|archive-date=December 9, 2015|url-status=live}}

"California King Bed" was released as the fourth international single on May 13, 2011,{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/california-king-bed/id437261352?i=437261353&ign-mpt=uo=2|title=California King Bed – Single by Rihanna|publisher=iTunes Store (DK). Apple Inc|date=May 13, 2011|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112230321/https://itunes.apple.com/dk/album/california-king-bed/id437261352?i=437261353&ign-mpt=uo=2|archive-date=November 12, 2012|url-status=dead}} and as the sixth US single. It was sent to US Hot/Modern adult contemporary radio on May 16, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |title=Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases |publisher=All Access Music Group |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508235147/http://www.allaccess.com/hot-modern-ac/future-releases |archive-date=May 8, 2011 |access-date=May 14, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The song peaked at number four in Australia and New Zealand{{cite web|url=http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |title=Australia's Official Music Charts |publisher=ARIA Charts. Australian Recording Industry Association |date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=May 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/60oaaEttu?url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |archive-date=August 9, 2011 }}
- {{cite web|url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |title=Top 40 singles – Chart#1776 – Monday, June 6, 2011 |website=New Zealand Singles Chart|publisher=Hung Medien |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216021138/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |archive-date=December 16, 2008 }} and number eight on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20110605/7501/|title=Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive – 11th June 2011|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=June 11, 2011|access-date=August 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201075251/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20110605/7501/|archive-date=February 1, 2016|url-status=live}}

"Cheers (Drink to That)" was announced by Rihanna as the seventh single from the album on July 24, 2011.{{cite web|last=Corner|first=Lewis|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a331476/rihanna-announces-new-single-cheers.html|title=Rihanna announces new single 'Cheers'|website=Digital Spy|publisher=Hachette Filipacchi Médias|date=July 25, 2011|access-date=July 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921121234/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a331476/rihanna-announces-new-single-cheers.html|url-status=live|archive-date=September 21, 2012}} The single was released to US mainstream and rhythmic radio on August 2, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|title=Future Releases|publisher=All Access Music Group|date=July 25, 2011|access-date=July 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107043603/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases|archive-date=January 7, 2012|url-status=live}} The song peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number twelve on the US Pop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=all}}|title='Cheers (Drink to That)' – Rihanna|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=August 25, 2011}}

Loud was released on November 12, 2010, in four separate editions: a standard edition; a deluxe edition, packaged in a digipak exclusively for the US and Australia, that features a 30-minute documentary Making of Loud DVD (Directed by Brian and Brad Palmer); a Couture Edition containing the deluxe edition of Loud with a deluxe cover art lithograph, a box set with enhanced clear couture cover and a full-size photo book.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047X4926|title=Amazon.com: Loud (Couture Edition) (CD/DVD Combo)|publisher=Amazon|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217035727/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047X4926|archive-date=December 17, 2019|url-status=live}} An Ultra Couture Edition was also produced, containing a copy of the Deluxe Edition of Loud signed by Rihanna, the MP3 download of Loud on street date and all the features of the Couture Edition. The Ultra Couture Edition sold out and is no longer available neither on Amazon or her online store.{{cite web|url=http://www.islanddefjam.com/loud/|title=Loud Autographed Couture Edition|publisher=Island Def Jam Music Group|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609212151/http://www.islanddefjam.com/loud/|archive-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=live}} An explicit version of Loud was also released and features a Parental Advisory label due to some of the lyrical content.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/pt/preorder/loud/id402441182|title='Loud' by Rihanna – Preorder|publisher=iTunes Store (PT). Apple Inc|access-date=July 24, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212064711/https://itunes.apple.com/pt/preorder/loud/id402441182|archive-date=December 12, 2015|url-status=live}} The Japanese edition of the album was released with two additional remixes of "Only Girl (In the World)".{{cite web|title=Rihanna CD – Loud|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/3941606|work=HMV Online Japan|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=December 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202182034/http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/3941606|archive-date=February 2, 2014|url-status=live}} The piano version of "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)" was only available with the iTunes edition of the album. However, the version which features Eminem was available for purchase.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/loud/id402920935|title='Loud' US iTunes|publisher=iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=August 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222073256/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/loud/id402920935|archive-date=December 22, 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:Rihanna, LOUD Tour, Oakland 4.jpg

Rihanna embarked on a promotional tour across Europe and North America to promote the album's release. The singer performed "Only Girl (In the World)", the lead single, live for the first time in North America on Saturday Night Live on October 30, 2010, and debuted the second single, "What's My Name?", later on in the show.{{cite magazine|last=Vick|first=Megan|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/952116/rihanna-rocks-snl-with-shy-ronnie-video-performances|title=Rihanna Rocks 'SNL' with 'Shy Ronnie' Video, Performances|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=November 1, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323190953/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/viral-videos/952116/rihanna-rocks-snl-with-shy-ronnie-video-performances|archive-date=March 23, 2014|url-status=live}}
- {{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/30/video-rihanna-performs-on-snl/|title=Video: Rihanna Performs on 'SNL'|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=October 30, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/694GybouF?url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/30/video-rihanna-performs-on-snl/|archive-date=July 11, 2012|url-status=live}} The following day in the United Kingdom, Rihanna sang "Only Girl (In the World)" on series seven of The X Factor.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/31/video-rihanna-performs-on-the-x-factor/|title=Video: Rihanna Performs on 'X Factor'|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=October 31, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018094305/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/10/31/video-rihanna-performs-on-the-x-factor/|archive-date=October 18, 2012|url-status=live}} Rihanna performed "Only Girl (In the World)" at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards in Madrid, Spain, on November 7, 2010,{{cite video |people=Eva Longoria (host) |date=November 7, 2010 |title=2010 MTV Europe Music Awards |medium=Television production |publisher=MTV Networks Europe |location=Madrid, Spain}} on the X Factor in Italy on November 9, 2010,{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/09/video-rihanna-heats-up-italys-x-factor/|title=Rihanna Heats Up Italy's 'X Factor'|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=June 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113023333/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/09/video-rihanna-heats-up-italys-x-factor/|archive-date=November 13, 2010|url-status=live}} and on Le Grand Journal in France on November 10, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/10/video-rihanna-performs-only-girl-on-le-grand-journal/|title=Rihanna Heats Performs 'Only Girl' on 'Le Grand Journal'|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=November 10, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115123737/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/10/video-rihanna-performs-only-girl-on-le-grand-journal/|archive-date=November 15, 2010|url-status=live}} On November 11, 2010, Rihanna appeared on a pre-recorded edition of The Graham Norton Show in the United Kingdom, where she gave an interview and sang "Only Girl (In the World)".{{cite video |people=Graham Norton (host) |date=November 11, 2010 |title=The Graham Norton Show |medium=Television production |publisher=ITV Studios |location=London, United Kingdom}} On November 15, before the album's US release, Rihanna reprised her performance of "What's My Name?" for MTV's The Seven, live from Times Square, New York City.{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2010/11/15/rihanna-whats-my-name-mtv-the-seven-performance-video/|title=Rihanna Performs 'What's My Name?' On MTV's 'The Seven,' Live In Times Square – MTV Buzzworthy Blog|publisher=MTV Buzzworthy. Viacom|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117111923/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2010/11/15/rihanna-whats-my-name-mtv-the-seven-performance-video/|archive-date=November 17, 2010|df=mdy-all}} The next day, Rihanna performed "What's My Name?" on the Late Show with David Letterman.{{cite magazine|last=Wete|first=Brad|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/11/17/rihanna-whats-my-name-david-letterman/|title=Rihanna performs 'What's My Name' on the Late Show with David Letterman|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Warner|date=November 17, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120021442/http://music-mix.ew.com/2010/11/17/rihanna-whats-my-name-david-letterman/|archive-date=November 20, 2010|url-status=live}} On November 17, 2010, Rihanna was interviewed and performed "Only Girl (In the World)" and "What's My Name?" on Good Morning America.{{cite news|url=http://idolator.com/5692262/rihanna-good-morning-america|title=Rihanna Has 'Good Morning America' Seeing Red (In A Good Way) | Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on|publisher=Idolator. Buzz Media|date=November 17, 2010|access-date=December 21, 2010|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107062908/https://www.idolator.com/5692262/rihanna-good-morning-america|url-status=dead}} Rihanna performed a medley of "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)", "What's My Name?" and "Only Girl (In the World)" at the American Music Awards of 2010 on November 21, 2010, where she won the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist.{{cite web|last=Ziegbe|first=Mawuse|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652754/20101121/rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna Opens American Music Awards With Island Flavor|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=November 21, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106015101/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1652754/rihanna-opens-american-music-awards-with-island-flavor.jhtml|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=dead}}

On December 11, 2010, Rihanna returned to series seven of the UK's The X Factor, to perform "Unfaithful" with finalist Matt Cardle, as well as a solo of "What's My Name?".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/949367/rihanna-performs-on-x-factor-flashes-the-papparazzi|title=Rihanna Performs On 'X-Factor,' Flashes The Papparazzi – The Juice|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=December 21, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615221752/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/949367/rihanna-performs-on-x-factor-flashes-the-papparazzi|archive-date=June 15, 2013|url-status=live}} The finale was watched by fifteen million viewers. Rihanna performed the song with Drake for the first time at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards on February 13, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/14/rihanna-drakes-grammys-performance-2011_n_822764.html|title=Rihanna & Drake's Grammys Performance 2011 (VIDEO, PHOTOS)|work=The Huffington Post|publisher=AOL Inc|date=February 14, 2011|access-date=August 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811113158/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/14/rihanna-drakes-grammys-performance-2011_n_822764.html|archive-date=August 11, 2011|url-status=live}} Rihanna also appeared at the Brit Awards 2011 on February 15, 2011, where she performed "S&M" for the first time, as a medley with "Only Girl (In the World)" and "What's My Name?".{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/rihanna/54993|title=Rihanna and Cee Lo Green triumph at the Brit Awards|work=NME|publisher=IPC Media|date=February 16, 2011|access-date=February 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218181655/http://www.nme.com/news/rihanna/54993|archive-date=February 18, 2011|url-status=live}} Rihanna was requested to "tone down" her performance of "S&M" by the show's producers,{{cite news|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/music/855352-rihanna-fuming-about-s-m-request-from-brits-organisers|title=Rihanna 'fuming' about S&M request from Brits organisers|work=Metro|date=2011-02-13|access-date=2012-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625092320/http://www.metro.co.uk/music/855352-rihanna-fuming-about-s-m-request-from-brits-organisers|archive-date=June 25, 2012|url-status=live}} and she performed only one verse and chorus in-between "Only Girl (In The World)" and "What's My Name?". Rihanna was a special guest at the NBA All-Star Game on February 20, 2011, where she performed a medley of "Umbrella", "Only Girl (In the World)", "Rude Boy", "What's My Name?" (with Drake) and "All of the Lights" (with Kanye West).{{cite news|url=http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/2011/02/music_exec_slams_grammys_rihan.html |title=Click Track – Music exec slams Grammys; Rihanna, Drake and Kanye do NBA All-Star halftime; "Glee" coming to Verizon Center |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=February 22, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011220619/http://blog.washingtonpost.com/clicktrack/2011/02/music_exec_slams_grammys_rihan.html |archive-date=October 11, 2011 }}

Rihanna performed "California King Bed" in the style of a country music song for the first time with Sugarland front woman Jennifer Nettles, during the ACM Awards held by the Academy of Country Music on April 3, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660582/rihanna-perform-acm-awards.jhtml|title=Rihanna To Perform 'California King Bed' At ACM Awards|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=March 24, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107141444/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1660582/rihanna-perform-acm-awards.jhtml|archive-date=November 7, 2012|url-status=dead}} She was a guest on the tenth season of the US series American Idol on April 14, 2011, where she performed "California King Bed".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662026/american-idol-rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna Brings Her 'California King Bed' To 'American Idol' – Music, Celebrity, Artist News|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=April 14, 2011|access-date=May 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518152623/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1662026/american-idol-rihanna.jhtml|archive-date=May 18, 2011|url-status=dead}} Rihanna promoted "California King Bed" with performances in Milan, Paris and Hamburg, because she was appointed ambassador for Nivea skincare.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/05/rihanna-migrates-to-milan-for-niveas-100th-anniversary/|title=Rihanna migrates to Milan for Nivea's 100th Anniversary|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=May 6, 2011|access-date=July 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728055427/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/05/rihanna-migrates-to-milan-for-niveas-100th-anniversary/|archive-date=July 28, 2011|url-status=live}}
- {{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/06/rihanna-is-white-hot-in-paris/|title=Rihanna is white-hot in Paris|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=May 5, 2011|access-date=July 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714211440/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/05/06/rihanna-is-white-hot-in-paris/|archive-date=July 14, 2011|url-status=live}} Rihanna opened the Billboard Music Awards on May 22, 2011, performing the remix of "S&M" with Britney Spears at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.{{cite magazine|last=Herrera|first=Monica|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471534/britney-spears-joins-rihanna-nicki-minaj-performances-at-2011-billboard-music|title=Britney Spears, Rihanna Kick Off Billboard Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=May 22, 2011|access-date=May 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329115425/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/471534/britney-spears-joins-rihanna-nicki-minaj-performances-at-2011-billboard-music|archive-date=March 29, 2013|url-status=live}} The performance attracted complaints about the overt sexual nature of the broadcast on a publicly owned television channel.{{cite web|last=Cina|first=Mark|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-parents-idUSTRE74N8F620110524|title=Parents council slams sexy Rihanna-Britney Billboard antics|publisher=Reuters. The Thomson Corporation|date=May 24, 2011|access-date=May 30, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528020753/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/05/24/us-parents-idUSTRE74N8F620110524|archive-date=May 28, 2011|url-status=live}} Rihanna performed on NBC's Today show on May 27, 2011, as part of a Summer Concert Series. She performed "S&M", "Only Girl (In the World)", "What's My Name?" and "California King Bed".{{cite video |people=Various (host) |date=May 27, 2011 |title=Today Summer Concert Series |medium=Television production |publisher=NBC |location=New York City, United States}}

{{main|Loud Tour}}

File:Rihanna, LOUD Tour, Florida 8.jpg

To further promote Loud, Rihanna embarked on her fourth concert tour, the Loud Tour, in June 2011, having announced it on February 9, 2011.{{cite magazine|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/473127/rihanna-to-kick-off-north-american-loud-tour-in-june|title=Rihanna To Kick Off North American 'Loud' Tour in June|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|access-date=February 10, 2011|date=February 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510062627/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/473127/rihanna-to-kick-off-north-american-loud-tour-in-june|archive-date=May 10, 2013|url-status=live}} The tour comprised 101 show dates, 32 in North America, 1 in Central America, 4 in South America and 64 in Europe.{{cite magazine|url=http://pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=20373&SortBy=Date&SearchBy=Rihanna |title=Rihanna – Concert Schedule |magazine=Pollstar |access-date=June 15, 2011 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715103412/http://pollstar.com/resultsArtist.aspx?ID=20373&SortBy=Date&SearchBy=rihanna |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://musica.terra.com.br/noticias/0,,OI5180779-EI1267,00-Alem+do+Rock+in+Rio+Rihanna+fara+shows+em+Sao+Paulo+e+Brasilia.html|title=Além do Rock in Rio, Rihanna fará shows em São Paulo e Brasília|trans-title=Besides the Rock in Rio, Rihanna will be playing shows in Sao Paulo and Brasilia|publisher=Terra Networks|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=June 15, 2011|language=pt|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327181528/http://musica.terra.com.br/noticias/0,,OI5180779-EI1267,00-Alem+do+Rock+in+Rio+Rihanna+fara+shows+em+Sao+Paulo+e+Brasilia.html|archive-date=March 27, 2012|url-status=live}} Tickets sold well in the United Kingdom and some additional shows were added. She performed ten shows at London's O₂ Arena.{{cite web|last=Gregory|first=Jason|title=Rihanna Adds New Gigs To UK Arena Tour|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/60875/Rihanna-Adds-New-Gigs-To-UK-Arena-Tour---Tickets|publisher=Music News. Gigwise|date=January 25, 2011|access-date=January 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110128082801/http://www.gigwise.com/news/60875/Rihanna-Adds-New-Gigs-To-UK-Arena-Tour---Tickets|archive-date=January 28, 2011|url-status=live}} Rihanna was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest on American Idol, and talked about the design of the stage, stating: "We've just designed the stage and we have a section that we are building ... where the fans can actually be in the show and in the stage and be closer than they've ever been. It's real VIP."{{cite magazine|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/rihanna-plans-to-make-fans-part-of-her-loud-show_1212856|title=Rihanna – Rihanna Plans To Make Fans Part Of Her Loud Show|magazine=Contactmusic|date=April 17, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420150825/http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/rihanna-plans-to-make-fans-part-of-her-loud-show_1212856|archive-date=April 20, 2011|url-status=live}} The North American leg of the tour began on June 4, 2011, in Baltimore, United States.{{cite news|last=Shah|first=Kavi|title=Rihanna kicks off her Loud tour by giving female fan a lap dance – video|work=Metro|publisher=Associated Newspapers Ltd|date=June 5, 2011}} Originally, J. Cole and CeeLo Green were planned as supporting acts for the North American leg. However, Green left the tour, citing schedule conflicts.{{cite magazine|last=Wete|first=Brad|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/06/24/cee-lo-leaves-rihanna-loud-tour/|title=Cee Lo leaves Rihanna's LOUD tour|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Warner|date=June 24, 2011|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627002331/http://music-mix.ew.com/2011/06/24/cee-lo-leaves-rihanna-loud-tour/|archive-date=June 27, 2011|url-status=dead}} Rappers Drake, Kanye West and Jay-Z made guest appearances on some dates to perform their collaborations "What's My Name?", "Run This Town", "All of the Lights" and "Umbrella", respectively.{{cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/470798/drake-joins-rihanna-onstage-watch|title=Drake Joins Rihanna Onstage: Watch|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=March 25, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831190208/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/470798/drake-joins-rihanna-onstage-watch|archive-date=August 31, 2014|url-status=live}}
- {{cite web|last=Cline|first=Georgette|url=http://www.theboombox.com/2011/07/20/rihanna-takes-shots-brings-out-kanye-west-at-nyc-show/|title=Rihanna takes shots, brings out Kanye West at N.Y show|publisher=BoomBox|date=July 20, 2011|access-date=July 22, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012175138/http://www.theboombox.com/2011/07/20/rihanna-takes-shots-brings-out-kanye-west-at-nyc-show/|archive-date=October 12, 2011|url-status=live}} The tour was received positively by critics, with some calling it "Rihanna's best tour yet". Jane Stevenson of the Toronto Sun commented that "the two-hour, larger-than-life show lived up to the billing."{{cite news|last=Stevenson|first=Jan|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2011/06/07/rihanna-is-loud-sexy-and-larger-than-life|title=Rihanna is loud, sexy and larger than life|newspaper=Toronto Sun|publisher=Sun Media|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003094716/http://www.torontosun.com/2011/06/07/rihanna-is-loud-sexy-and-larger-than-life|archive-date=October 3, 2012|url-status=live}} Jon Brean of the Minneapolis "Star Tribune" remarked, "The Barbadian singer is more visually and vocally dynamic than she has ever been before."{{cite news|last=Brean|first=Jon|url=http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/124044434.html|title=Rihanna redefines Loud|work=Star Tribune|publisher=The Star Tribune Company|date=June 17, 2011|access-date=June 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110620190258/http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/124044434.html|archive-date=June 20, 2011|url-status=live}}

{{Clear}}

{{Music ratings

| ADM = 6.2/10{{cite web|url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/2294/Rihanna-Loud.aspx|title=Rihanna Loud |website=AnyDecentMusic? |access-date=March 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401212810/http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/2294/Rihanna-Loud.aspx|archive-date=April 1, 2018|url-status=live}}

| MC = 67/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/loud/rihanna|title=Loud by Rihanna|website=Metacritic |date=November 16, 2010|access-date=March 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425111441/http://www.metacritic.com/music/loud/rihanna|archive-date=April 25, 2018|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev2 = The A.V. Club

| rev2Score = B−

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = A−

| rev4 = The Independent

| rev4Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite news|last=Gill|first=Andy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-rihanna-loud-mercury-2131509.html|title=Album: Rihanna, Loud (Mercury)|work=The Independent|publisher=Independent Print Limited|date=November 10, 2010|access-date=November 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115061925/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-rihanna-loud-mercury-2131509.html|archive-date=November 15, 2010|url-status=live}}

| rev5 = Los Angeles Times

| rev5Score = {{Rating|3|4}}{{cite news|last=Brown|first=August|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/11/album-review-rihannas-loud.html|title=Review: Loud|work=Los Angeles Times|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120202307/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/11/album-review-rihannas-loud.html|archive-date=November 20, 2011|url-status=live}}

| rev6 = NME

| rev6Score = 7/10

| rev7 = Pitchfork

| rev7Score = 7.6/10

| rev8 = Rolling Stone

| rev8Score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|last=Maerz|first=Melissa|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/69206/238462|title=Review: Loud|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101208210711/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/reviews/album/69206/238462|archive-date=December 8, 2010|url-status=dead}}

| rev9 = Slant Magazine

| rev9Score = {{rating|3|5}}

| rev10 = Spin

| rev10Score = 8/10

}}

Loud received positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 given to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 67, based on 22 reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/loud|title=Loud (2010): Reviews|work=Metacritic|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830133503/http://www.metacritic.com/music/loud|archive-date=August 30, 2011|url-status=live}} Jon Pareles of The New York Times perceived a "hermetic, cool calculation" on the album, writing that it "works the pop gizmos as neatly as any album this year, maintaining the Rihanna brand". Entertainment Weekly{{'}}s Leah Greenblatt commented that Loud shows Rihanna "undefeated by her worst circumstances — and finding redemption in exactly the kind of pop nirvana that made her famous in the first place".{{cite magazine|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/11/10/loud/|title=Review: Loud|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Time Warner|date=November 10, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826070310/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20440920,00.html|archive-date=August 26, 2011|url-status=live}} James Reed of The Boston Globe called the album "an unabashed return to where Rihanna belongs: the dance floor" and stated: "As if liberating herself from the depths, she's a force on these 11 songs".{{cite news|last=Reed|first=James|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2010/11/15/on_loud_rihanna_explores_kink_and_drink_then_returns_to_the_dance_floor/|title=Review: Loud|work=The Boston Globe|publisher=The New York Times Company|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119165000/http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2010/11/15/on_loud_rihanna_explores_kink_and_drink_then_returns_to_the_dance_floor/|archive-date=November 19, 2010|url-status=live}} Stacey Anderson of Spin commended Rihanna's "full, healthy claim to her sexuality" and wrote that the album "offers a confident female ethos on par with the best of Shakira or Beyoncé".{{cite web|last=Anderson|first=Stacey|url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/rihanna-loud-def-jam|title=Review: Loud|work=Spin|publisher=Spin Media LLC|date=November 15, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018154400/http://www.spin.com/reviews/rihanna-loud-def-jam|archive-date=October 18, 2012|url-status=live}}

Genevieve Koski of The A.V. Club commended Rihanna for elevating the album's generic sound, writing that she "does sound invigorated, delivering charismatic vocal performances of material that doesn’t always warrant them".{{cite news|last=Koski|first=Genevieve|url=https://www.avclub.com/rihanna-loud-1798166565|title=Review: Loud|work=The A.V. Club|publisher=The Onion, Inc|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011142341/http://www.avclub.com/articles/rihanna-loud,48120/|archive-date=October 11, 2011|url-status=live}} Emily Mackay of NME felt that its "experiments feel more organic, its tone better paced" than Rated R.{{cite web|last=Mackay|first=Emily|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/rihanna/11718|title=Review: Loud|work=NME|publisher=IPC Media|date=November 12, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011210455/http://www.nme.com/reviews/rihanna/11718|archive-date=October 11, 2011|url-status=live}} {{interlanguage link|Thomas Conner (journalist)|lt=Thomas Conner|de|Thomas Conner}} of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote that "the celebratory atmosphere of Rihanna's sassy new jams are seasoned with some of the darker flavors from {{'}}Rated R{{'}}".{{cite news|last=Conner|first=Thomas|author-link=:de:Thomas Conner|url=http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/2896510,conner-rhianna-loud-review-111610.article|title=Review: Loud|work=Chicago Sun-Times|publisher=Sun-Times Media Group|date=November 12, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127070714/http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/2896510%2Cconner-rhianna-loud-review-111610.article|archive-date=November 27, 2010|df=mdy-all}} Pitchfork's Ryan Dombal complimented the album's "effervescent pop" and stated: "Her laissez-faire attitude toward hit-making on Loud can result in too-safe moves or semi-experiments that come off surprisingly great".{{cite web|url= https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14897-loud/|title= Review: Loud|last1= Dombal|first1= Ryan|date= November 24, 2010|publisher= Pitchfork Media|access-date= August 4, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110730020957/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14897-loud/|archive-date= July 30, 2011|url-status= live}} Ed Power of Hot Press complimented its "unabashedly subtext-free" songs and found its hooks "way beyond addictive."{{cite journal|last=Power|first=Ed|date=November 19, 2010|url=http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/7312541.html|title=Loud|journal=Hot Press|location=Dublin|access-date=March 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121220033141/http://www.hotpress.com/music/reviews/albums/7312541.html|archive-date=December 20, 2012|url-status=live}}

In a mixed review, Andy Kellman of AllMusic found the album's material "slapdash" and "uneven", and called it "more an unfocused assortment of poor-to-solid songs than a unified set". Andy Gill of The Independent felt that "the more interesting tracks are those with less salacious demands on her vulnerability". Slant Magazine{{'}}s Sal Cinquemani commended that "the subtle West Indian flavor with which Rihanna and company have smartly imbued" most of the album, although he noted some flaws in its production and wrote that "Rihanna has always had trouble fitting into one genre ... and for better or worse, Rihanna continues to stylistically branch out on Loud".{{cite magazine|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/rihanna-loud/2312|title=Review: Loud|magazine=Slant Magazine|date=November 12, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809070910/http://slantmagazine.com/music/review/rihanna-loud/2312|archive-date=August 9, 2011|url-status=live}} Hugh Montgomery of The Observer commented that "sonically, it's fairly unremarkable ... but its strident buoyancy is difficult to resist".{{cite news|last=Montgomery|first=Hugh|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/14/rhianna-pop-loud-cd-review|title=Review: Loud|work=The Observer|publisher=Guardian Media Group|date=November 14, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228160746/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/nov/14/rhianna-pop-loud-cd-review|archive-date=February 28, 2014|url-status=live}}

"Only Girl (in the World)" won the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards and the album was nominated for three awards at the 54th Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "What's My Name?".{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Kelley L.|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675194/grammy-nominations-2012-kanye-west-adele-bruno-mars.jhtml|title=2012 Grammy Nominations: Kanye West Tops The List|work=MTV News|publisher=Viacom|date=December 1, 2011|access-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314075716/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1675194/grammy-nominations-2012-kanye-west-adele-bruno-mars.jhtml|archive-date=March 14, 2014|url-status=dead}}

Loud debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 207,000 copies in the United States, giving Rihanna her highest first-week sales in the US at that time.{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/24/rihanna-makes-noise-on-charts-with-no-1-single-first-week-album-sales/|title=Rihanna makes noise on charts with first No.1 single, first week album sales|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|access-date=July 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915102205/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/11/24/rihanna-makes-noise-on-charts-with-no-1-single-first-week-album-sales/|archive-date=September 15, 2015|url-status=live}} It also debuted at number one on Billboard{{'}}s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=all}}|title=Rihanna – Currently on the Charts|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|date=December 4, 2010|access-date=July 23, 2011}} In its second week, the album dropped to number six on the Billboard 200 and sold 141,000 copies.{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Allen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13190/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-11-28-2010|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 11/28/2010|date=December 1, 2010|publisher=HipHop DX. Cheri Media Group|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204113824/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13190/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-11-28-2010|archive-date=December 4, 2010|url-status=dead}} By its thirteenth week, the album returned to its peak at number three and sold 62,000 copies.{{cite web|last=Jacobs|first=Alen|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14090/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-2-13-2011|title=Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 2/13/2011|publisher=HipHop DX. Cheri Media Group|date=February 13, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218210243/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14090/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-2-13-2011|archive-date=February 18, 2011|url-status=dead}} However, in its fourteenth week, the album dipped to number ten on the Billboard 200 with 45,000 copies sold.{{cite web|last=Grein |first=Paul |url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-20-2011-albums-an-early-birthday-present.html |title=Week Ending Feb. 20, 2011: Albums: An Early Birthday Present |publisher=Chart Watch. Yahoo! |date=February 23, 2011 |access-date=January 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004055234/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-20-2011-albums-an-early-birthday-present.html |archive-date=October 4, 2012 }} In its fifteenth week, Loud rose to number eight, selling an additional 33,000 copies in the US.{{cite web|last=Grein|first=Paul|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-27-2011-albums-all-about-adele.html|title=Week Ending Feb. 27, 2011: Albums: All About Adele|publisher=Chart Watch. Yahoo!|date=March 2, 2011|access-date=January 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004144427/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/chart-watch/week-ending-feb-27-2011-albums-all-about-adele.html|archive-date=October 4, 2012|url-status=live}} By July 3, 2011, Loud was the eleventh-best selling album of 2011 in the United States, selling 598,000 copies between January 1, 2011, and July 3, 2011.{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469344/adele-katy-perry-rule-mid-year-soundscan-charts|title=Adele, Katy Perry Rule Mid-Year SoundScan Charts|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global|date=July 6, 2011|access-date=July 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508083059/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/469344/adele-katy-perry-rule-mid-year-soundscan-charts|archive-date=May 8, 2013|url-status=live}} Loud ranked as Billboard magazine's ninth-most successful album of 2011 on their year-end charts.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/the-billboard-200|title=Billboard 200 Albums|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global Media|year=2011|access-date=December 20, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401211252/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2011/the-billboard-200|archive-date=April 1, 2013|url-status=live}} As of May 2024, Loud was certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of five million album-equivalent units in the United States, including pure album sales of 1.8 million copies in the US as of June 2015.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6605708/ask-billboard-rihannas-best-selling-songs-albums |title=Ask Billboard: Rihanna's Best-Selling Songs & Albums |last=Trust |first=Gary |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728003601/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6605708/ask-billboard-rihannas-best-selling-songs-albums |archive-date=July 28, 2015 |url-status=live }}

Loud was also a commercial success outside of the United States.{{cite web|url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna&titel=Loud&cat=a|title=Rihanna – Loud|publisher=Hung Medien / hitparade.ch|access-date=November 25, 2010|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024020025/http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna&titel=Loud&cat=a|archive-date=October 24, 2012|url-status=live}} In Canada, it debuted at number one on the Canadian Albums Chart,{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=rihanna|chart=all}}|title=Loud – Rihanna|magazine=Billboard|publisher=Prometheus Global|access-date=November 29, 2010}} selling 27,000 copies in its first week.{{cite web |last=Williams |first=John |url=http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/R/Rihanna/2010/11/24/16296586.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120524155350/http://jam.canoe.ca/Music/Artists/R/Rihanna/2010/11/24/16296586.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 24, 2012 |title=Rihanna gets 'Loud' at No. 1 |date=November 24, 2010 |work=Jam! Music |publisher=Canoe |access-date=July 20, 2011 }} Loud sold more than 80,000 units in Canada, achieving platinum status by the first week of December 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.cria.ca/goldplat.php#album |title=Gold & Platinum Certification |publisher=Music Canada |access-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511120126/http://www.cria.ca/goldplat.php |archive-date=May 11, 2011 }} By September 8, 2011, Loud had sold more than 240,000 copies in Canada.{{cite web|url=http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=&ica=False&sa=rihanna&sl=&smt=0&sat=-1&ssb=Artist/5wCzQgARD|title=Canadian album certifications – Rihanna – Good Girl Gone Bad|publisher=Music Canada|access-date=September 7, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120612190939/http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=&ica=False&sa=rihanna&sl=&smt=0&sat=-1&ssb=Artist/5wCzQgARD|archive-date=June 12, 2012|df=mdy-all}} In France, the album debuted at number three with first-week sales of 17,304 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Gregoire/news-71525.html|title=Top Albums : Grégoire danse en tête grâce à 23 559 fans|date=November 24, 2010 |publisher=Charts in France|access-date=November 25, 2010|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023160502/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Gregoire/news-71525.html|archive-date=October 23, 2012|url-status=live}} By its sixth week on the French charts, Loud achieved platinum status, reaching the 100,000 copies mark.{{cite web|last=Decant|first=Charles|url=http://www.ozap.com/actu/ventes-disques-mylene-farmer-pretres-nolwenn-leroy/387886|title=Disques : Mylène Farmer toujours en tete, les pretes et Nolwenn en Hausse (Records: Mylène Farmer still leads, Priests and Nolwenn up)|publisher=Les Agences TV|date=December 29, 2010|access-date=July 20, 2011|language=fr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020074729/http://www.ozap.com/actu/ventes-disques-mylene-farmer-pretres-nolwenn-leroy/387886|archive-date=October 20, 2013|url-status=live}} In France, the album has sold 355,000 copies as of April 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Rihanna/news-85594.html|title=Rihanna choisit "Right Now" (feat. David Guetta), nouvel extrait de l'album "Unapologetic"|publisher=Charts in France|date=April 30, 2013|access-date=April 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926102315/http://www.chartsinfrance.net/Rihanna/news-85594.html|archive-date=September 26, 2015|url-status=dead}} In its second week on the Australian Albums Chart, Loud was certified platinum for shipments of over 70,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1G50 |title=Australian Record Industry Association |publisher=ARIA Charts. Australian Recording Industry Association |date=November 28, 2010 |access-date=November 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522140509/http://www.ariacharts.com.au/pages/charts_display.asp?chart=1G50 |archive-date=May 22, 2011 }} In Italy, the album reached number eleven.{{cite web|url=http://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna&titel=Loud&cat=a|title=Rihanna – Loud|work=italiancharts.com|publisher=Hung Medien|access-date=November 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624134213/http://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna&titel=Loud&cat=a|archive-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=live}} It became Rihanna's highest-charting album there until her sixth studio album Talk That Talk (2011) surpassed the record, peaking at number ten. Unapologetic (2012) did even better, peaking at number seven. Loud was her third consecutive number-one album in Switzerland.{{cite web |url=http://swisscharts.com/artist/Rihanna |title=Rihanna (select "Charts", then "Alben" for albums or "Songs") |publisher=Swiss Music Charts. Hung Medien |access-date=January 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403035326/http://swisscharts.com/artist/Rihanna |archive-date=April 3, 2016 |url-status=live }} Loud debuted at number two on the German Albums Chart.{{cite magazine |last=Sexton |first=Paul |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/950271/rihanna-scores-euro-albums-singles-chart-double |title=Rihanna Scores Euro Albums, Singles Chart Double |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=September 26, 2010 |access-date=November 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527105627/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/950271/rihanna-scores-euro-albums-singles-chart-double |archive-date=May 27, 2014 |url-status=live }}

The album debuted at number two in the United Kingdom, with first week sales of 91,000 units.{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/albums-chart/ |title=Album Top 40 from the Official UK Charts Company |publisher=The Official Charts Company |access-date=November 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709112217/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/albums-chart/ |archive-date=July 9, 2011 }} In its fifth week, the album sold 306,107 copies in the United Kingdom, giving the singer her first platinum-selling week in her career.{{cite web |url=http://rihanna-fenty.com/2010/12/26/rihanna-sold-over-306k-copies-of-loud-this-week-in-the-uk/ |title=RIHANNA SOLD OVER 306K COPIES OF 'LOUD' THIS WEEK IN THE UK |publisher=Rihanna-Fenty |access-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150508012354/http://rihanna-fenty.com/2010/12/26/rihanna-sold-over-306k-copies-of-loud-this-week-in-the-uk/ |archive-date=May 8, 2015 |url-status=dead }} In its seventh week on the chart, Loud reached number one, giving Rihanna her second UK number-one album. After seven weeks of sales, the album became the fourth best-selling album of 2010 in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/cardle-at-no-1-again-eminemrihanna-take-that-scoop-2010-crowns/ |title=Cardle at No 1 again – Eminem/Rihanna & Take That scoop 2010 crowns |publisher=UK Music Charts. The Official Charts Company |date=January 2, 2011 |access-date=July 20, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107094350/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/cardle-at-no-1-again-eminemrihanna-take-that-scoop-2010-crowns/ |archive-date=January 7, 2011 }} Loud was certified seven-times platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), marking shipments of 2.1 million copies to retailers. It was the biggest selling R&B and hip hop album of 2011 in the UK.{{cite web|last=Lane|first=Dan|title=The biggest selling R&B and hip hop albums and singles of 2011 revealed|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/the-biggest-selling-rb-and-hip-hop-albums-and-singles-of-2011-revealed/|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=January 21, 2012|date=January 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125234320/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/the-biggest-selling-rb-and-hip-hop-albums-and-singles-of-2011-revealed/|archive-date=January 25, 2012|url-status=live}} As of August 2012, Loud is the fifth biggest selling digital album of all time.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/adele-and-ed-sheeran-push-digital-albums-sales-over-the-100-million-milestone-1517/|title=Adele and Ed Sheeran push digital albums sales over the 100 million milestone|publisher=The Official Charts Company|date=August 3, 2012|access-date=August 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022172341/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/digital-album-sales-smash-2010s-total/|archive-date=October 22, 2012|url-status=live}} As of March 2015, Loud is the 45th best-selling album of the millennium in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-biggest-selling-albums-of-the-millennium-so-far-revealed-__8698/|title=Official Biggest Selling Albums of the Millennium so far revealed!|publisher=Official Charts Company|last=Moss|first=Liv|date=March 19, 2015|access-date=March 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319111630/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/official-biggest-selling-albums-of-the-millennium-so-far-revealed-__8698/|archive-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live}} As of November 2011, the album has sold over 8 million copies worldwide.{{cite web|url=http://www.craveonline.com/music/articles/177767-rihanna-reveals-new-album-tracklist-jay-z-collab|title=Rihanna Drops 'Talk That Talk' Tracklist, Jay-Z Collab|work=CraveOnline|access-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610181606/http://www.craveonline.com/music/articles/177767-rihanna-reveals-new-album-tracklist-jay-z-collab|archive-date=June 10, 2015|url-status=dead}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Loud track listing

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| total_length = 46:39

| title_width = 30%

| writing_width = 50%

| extra_width = 20%

| title1 = S&M

| writer1 = {{flat list|

• Mikkel S. Eriksen
• Tor Erik Hermansen
• Sandy Wilhelm
• Ester Dean

}}

| extra1 = {{flat list|

• Stargate
• Sandy Vee
• Kuk Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Veronika Bozeman{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length1 = 4:03

| title2 = What's My Name?

| note2 = featuring Drake

| writer2 = {{flat list|

• Eriksen
• Hermansen
• Dean
• Traci Hale
• Aubrey Graham

}}

| extra2 = {{flat list|

• Stargate
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length2 = 4:23

| title3 = Cheers (Drink to That)

| writer3 = {{flat list|

• Andrew Harr
• Jermaine Jackson
• Stacy Barthe
• Laura Pergolizzi
• Corey Gibson
• Chris Ivery
• Lauren Christy
• Graham Edwards
• Avril Lavigne
• Scott Spock

}}

| extra3 = {{flat list|

• The Runners
• Makeba Riddick{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length3 = 4:21

| title4 = Fading

| writer4 = {{flat list|

• Darnell Dalton
• Jamal Jones
• Lamar Taylor
• Quinton Amey
• William Hodge

}}

| extra4 = {{flat list|

• Polow da Don
• Willy Will
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Bozeman{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length4 = 3:19

| title5 = Only Girl (In the World)

| writer5 = {{flat list|

• Crystal Johnson
• Eriksen
• Hermansen
• Wilhelm

}}

| extra5 = {{flat list|

• Stargate
• Vee
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length5 = 3:55

| title6 = California King Bed

| writer6 = {{flat list|

• Harr
• Jackson
• Priscilla Renea
• Alex Delicata

}}

| extra6 = {{flat list|

• The Runners
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length6 = 4:11

| title7 = Man Down

| writer7 = {{flat list|

• Shama Joseph
• Timothy Thomas
• Theron Thomas
• Shontelle Layne

}}

| extra7 = {{flat list|

• Sham
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length7 = 4:27

| title8 = Raining Men

| note8 = featuring Nicki Minaj

| writer8 = {{flat list|

• Melvin Hough II
• Rivelino Wouter
• Timothy Thomas
• Theron Thomas
• Onika Maraj

}}

| extra8 = {{flat list|

• Mel & Mus
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length8 = 3:44

| title9 = Complicated

| writer9 = {{flat list|

• C. "Tricky" Stewart
• Dean

}}

| extra9 = {{flat list|

• Stewart
• Dean
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length9 = 4:17

| title10 = Skin

| writer10 = {{flat list|

• Kenneth Coby
• Ursula Yancy

}}

| extra10 = {{flat list|

• Soundz
• Riddick{{ref|a|[a]}}
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length10 = 5:03

| title11 = Love the Way You Lie (Part II)

| note11 = featuring Eminem

| writer11 = {{flat list|

• Alexander Grant
• Holly Hafermann
• Marshall Mathers

}}

| extra11 = {{flat list|

• Alex da Kid
• Harrell{{ref|a|[a]}}

}}

| length11 = 4:56

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Deluxe edition bonus DVD{{cite news|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/loud-deluxe-edition-r2053571|title=Loud – Deluxe Edition|publisher=Allmusic. Rovi Corporation|date=November 16, 2010|access-date=August 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906085532/http://www.allmusic.com/album/loud-deluxe-edition-r2053571|archive-date=September 6, 2011|url-status=live}}

| title1 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 1

| length1 = 0:48

| title2 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 2 – Raining Men Recording Session

| length2 = 1:32

| title3 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 3 – Man Down Recording Session

| length3 = 1:40

| title4 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 4

| length4 = 0:30

| title5 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 5 – Live in NYC – Madison Square Garden

| length5 = 7:00

| title6 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 6 – Reb'l Fleur Photo Shoot

| length6 = 3:30

| title7 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 7 – Loud Album Art Photo Shoot

| length7 = 1:52

| title8 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 8 – Day One

| length8 = 3:39

| title9 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 9 – Day Two

| length9 = 2:48

| title10 = The Making of Loud: Chapter 10 – Credits

| note10 = includes making of "Only Girl (In the World)" video

| length10 = 3:05

| total_length = 26:24

}}

Notes

• ^{{note|a|a}} signifies a vocal producer
• "Cheers (Drink to That)" contains samples from "I'm with You" (2002), as performed by Avril Lavigne and written by Lavigne, Scott Spock, Graham Edwards, and Lauren Christy.

• The iTunes Store deluxe edition features the bonus track "Love the Way You Lie (Part II)" (Piano version), the music video of "Only Girl (in the World)", and the pre-order only track "Only Girl (in the World)" (Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda Mix Show Edit)
• The Japanese edition includes two bonus tracks: "Only Girl (in the World)" (The Bimbo Jones Radio), and "Only Girl (in the World)" (CCW Radio Mix)

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

Loud (Ultra Couture edition) [CD+DVD]{{cite web|url=http://www.islanddefjam.com/loud/|title=Rihanna – Loud Edition(s)|publisher=Def Jam Recordings. The Island Def Jam Music Group|access-date=June 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609212151/http://www.islanddefjam.com/loud/|archive-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=live}}

• Deluxe cover art signed by Rihanna herself (lithograph)
• Enhanced clear couture cover
• Deluxe edition of Loud [CD+DVD]
• "Making of Loud" video DVD
• 20 page full size photobook

{{col-2}}

Loud (Couture edition) [CD+DVD]{{cite web|url=http://www.islanddefjam.com/loud/|title=Rihanna – Loud Edition(s)|publisher=Def Jam Recordings. The Island Def Jam Music Group|access-date=June 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609212151/http://www.islanddefjam.com/loud/|archive-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=live}}

• Deluxe cover art lithograph
• Enhanced clear couture cover
• Deluxe edition of Loud [CD+DVD]
• "Making of Loud" video DVD
• 20 page full size photobook

{{col-end}}

Credits for Loud adapted from AllMusic and album's liner notes.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/loud-clean-r2021129/credits|title=Loud [Clean] – Credits|work=Allmusic|publisher=Rovi Corporation|date=October 16, 2010|access-date=August 5, 2011|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107062916/https://www.allmusic.com/album/loud-mw0002049029|url-status=live}}
- {{cite AV media notes|title= Loud |year= 2010 |type= booklet |publisher= Def Jam}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Rihanna – vocals, art direction, creative director, design, executive producer
• Stacy Barthe – backing vocals (track 3)
• Nuno Bettencourt – guitar (track 10)
• Ester Dean – backing vocals (tracks 1, 2, 4)
• Alex Delicata – electric and acoustic guitars (track 6)
• Drake – vocals (track 2)
• Eminem – vocals (track 11)
• Eric England – bass guitar (track 6)

{{col-2}}

• Mikkel S. Eriksen –instrumentation (track 1, 2, 5)
• Tor Erik Hermansen – instrumentation (track 1, 2, 5)
• Cristyle Johnson – backing vocals (track 5)
• Nicki Minaj – vocals (track 8)
• Priscilla Renea – backing vocals (track 6)
• Theron Thomas – backing vocals (track 8)
• Sandy Vee – instrumentation (tracks 1, 5)

{{col-end}}

{{Div col}}

• Camilla Akrans – photography
• Veronika Bozeman – additional vocal production (tracks 1, 4)
• Noel Cadastre – assistant vocal engineer for Drake (track 2)
• Bobby Campbell – assistant vocal engineer (tracks 1, 2, 7, 9–11), mixing assistant (track 3)
• Ariel Chobaz – vocal engineer (track 8)
• Cary Clark – music engineer (track 7)
• Corey Shoemaker – music engineer (track 4)
• Carol Corless – package production
• Karin Darnell – make-up
• Mikkel S. Eriksen – music engineer (tracks 1, 2, 5)
• Jesus Garnica – mixing assistant (tracks 8–10)
• Chris Gehringer – mastering
• Brad Palmer – design, video director
• Brian Palmer – video director, video producer
• Josh Gudwin – vocal engineer (tracks 1, 2, 4–11)
• Mariel Haenn – stylist
• Alex Haldi – art direction, design
• Inaam Haq – assistant vocal engineer (tracks 3, 5)
• Kuk Harrell – vocal engineer (tracks 1, 2, 4–11)
• Koby Hass – assistant vocal engineer (track 8)
• Jaycen Joshua – mixing (tracks 8–10)
• Brandon Joner – assistant vocal engineer for Drake (track 2)
• JP Robinson – art direction, design
• Rob Katz – assistant vocal engineer (track 10)
• Alex da Kid – music engineer (track 11)
• Damien Lewis – additional and assistant engineer (tracks 1, 2, 4–6)
• Dane Liska – assistant vocal engineer (tracks 3, 5)
• Erik Madrid – mixing assistant (tracks 7, 11)
• Deborah Mannis-Gardner – sample clearance
• Scott Marcus – A&R
• Manny Marroquin – mixing (tracks 7, 11)
• Dana Nielsen – music engineer (track 8)
• Ben O'Neill – assistant music engineer (track 3)
• Ciarra Pardo – art direction, creative director, design
• Christian Plata – mixing assistant (tracks 7, 11)
• Antonio "L.A." Reid – executive producer
• Antonio Resendiz – assistant vocal engineer (track 3)
• Evan Rogers – executive producer
• Chad "C Note" Roper – music engineer (track 10)
• Brad Shea – assistant vocal engineer (tracks 3, 5)
• Noah "40" Shebib – vocal engineer for Drake (track 2)
• Ursula Stephen – hair stylist
• Jay Stevenson – music engineer (track 4)
• Mike Strange – vocal engineer for Emimem (track 11)
• Carl Sturken – executive producer
• Phil Tan – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 4–6)
• Brian "B-Luv" Thomas – music engineer (track 9)
• Marcos Tovar – vocal engineer (all tracks), mixing (track 3)
• Sandy Vee – mixing (tracks 1, 5), engineer (tracks 1, 4, 5)
• Jeff "Supa Jeff" Villanueva – music engineer (tracks 3, 6)
• Miles Walker – music engineer (tracks 1, 2, 5)
• Kyle White – assistant vocal engineer (track 6)
• Andrew Wuepper – music engineer (track 9)
• Robert Zangardi – stylist

{{Div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Loud}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2010|certyear=2015|access-date=November 6, 2015}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Austria|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Gold|relyear=2010|relmonth=11|relday=12|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|relyear=2011|relmonth=11|relday=12|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|relyear=2011|certyear=2013|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2011|certyear=2011|access-date=October 11, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|id=14702|access-date=December 4, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2010|certyear=2023|access-date=November 13, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Hungary|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Gold|relyear=2010|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Ireland|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=2010|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|relyear=2010|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Japan|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Gold|certmonth=6|relyear=2010|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Rihanna|title=Loud|award=Platinum|number=5|type=album|relyear=2010|certyear=2023|access-date=January 23, 2025|source=radioscope}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2010|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|award=Gold|type=album|relyear=2010|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|id=201121|certyear=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204032206/http://www.artistas-espectaculos.com/topafp/pt/201121.htm|archive-date=February 4, 2012|access-date=December 28, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Russia|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Gold|relyear=2010|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Singapore|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|relyear=2010|certyear=2021|access-date=February 18, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Gold|certyear=2008|certmonth=25|relyear=2010|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2013|certweek=37|relyear=2010|access-date=October 18, 2020}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2010|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=7|relyear=2010|certyear=2020|id=8695-1629-2|refname="BPI"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=2010|certyear=2024|access-date=May 31, 2024|refname="RIAA"}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|type=album|title=Loud|artist=Rihanna|relyear=2010|region=Europe|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2011|access-date=September 4, 2013}}

{{Certification Table Entry|nocert=true|region=Worldwide|salesamount=8,000,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | streaming=true}}

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

• List of UK Albums Chart number ones of the 2010s
• List of UK R&B Chart number-one albums of 2010
• List of UK R&B Chart number-one albums of 2011
• List of number-one albums of 2010 (Canada)
• List of number-one albums of 2010 (Ireland)
• List of number-one albums of 2011 (Ireland)
• List of number-one albums in Norway
• Scottish Singles and Albums Charts
• List of number-one hits of 2010 (Switzerland)
• List of albums which have spent the most weeks on the UK Albums Chart

{{div col end}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [https://www.metacritic.com/music/loud/critic-reviews Loud] at Metacritic
• [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/954669/rihanna-the-billboard-cover-story Rihanna: The Billboard Cover Story] at Billboard
• [http://www.playthishiphop.com/listen-rihanna-loud-album Loud Stream]

{{Rihanna}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2010 albums

Category:Rihanna albums

Category:Def Jam Recordings albums

Category:Albums produced by Alex da Kid

Category:Albums produced by Polow da Don

Category:Albums produced by Carl Sturken and Evan Rogers

Category:Albums produced by Kuk Harrell

Category:Albums produced by the Runners

Category:Albums produced by Stargate

Category:Albums produced by Tricky Stewart

Category:Albums recorded at Westlake Recording Studios