Not a secret that I'm not a big Rihanna fan (that's an understatement, lol) but I just listened to the whole album (first time I heard most of these songs) and here are my thoughts.
S&M - good way to start the album, reminds me of Britney. Would be so hot to hear in a club.
What's My Name - "Oh na na what's my name" part is enchanting and magical but the rest of the song is blah, and I HATED Drake's part.
Cheers (I'll Drink to That) - I like the beats and the melody, it's really fun. But the lyrics in the verses KILL me, did they actually pay someone to write it?
Fading - one of the absolute worst songs on the album. The 'melody' (if you can even call it that) is so irritating and she just kinds of shouts out words.
Only Girl (In the World) - very good song. I love the energy here and the big sound.
California King Bed - country? Where did this come from? It sounds like a bad Taylor Swift reject.
Man Down - best track on the album. I love the jamaican flavor and the song is hella catchy. Also reminds me of Russian Roulette, one of my fave Rihanna songs.
Raining Man - I was so bored 1.5 minutes into it. It's not terrible, just very bleh. Kind of a waste of space on the album, tbh.
Complicated - the chorus is pretty but I can't believe how many times she sings "sometimes... other times" makes me want to scream.
Skin - this is the supposedly 'hot' track? She should REALLY stick with the up-tempo songs.
To sum it up.
BANAL lyrics without any mystery or poetry. I know it's a pop album and she's not trying for poetry here but geez, hire some better writers maybe?
Voice is really grating. I've never really hated her voice, but it doesn't work for me here at all. Screech here, shout there, monotone again, lots of moaning, etc.
Beats are pretty hot for the most part. They remain best part of the album.
Couple of outstanding tracks S&M, Only Girl and Man Down but the rest is pretty terrible.