Stop the In-Stan-ity!! (An Intervention)

Stans of the World (and other interested parties),

We gather here today and everyday to rejoice in the word of the Church of Pop. It is my honor to have been chosen by The Pop Gods to spread the righteous word and while much of my experience has been positive since I began preaching the Pop Gospel last November, I have to say that the amount of bullshit (for lack of a better term) that is thrown between fanbases is completely ridiculous and quite frankly off-putting. For branding purposes and as an excuse to spend countless hours making some digital art, I will call this phenomenon:

(Full-Size Image Link, if you’re interested)

Judgement Day: Pop Heaven or Hell? (Rihanna – “Talk That Talk”)

Rihanna – “Talk That Talk”

Released on 11/21/2011 – Buy on iTunes: Standard Edition | Deluxe Edition

“Talk That Talk” Deluxe Edition (Cover)

This week, Judgement Day has finally come for Rihanna’s latest album: “Talk That Talk“.

Before my first listen I must admit that I was feeling some skepticism. Drawing early compaisons to the likes of Madonna’s controversial 1992 album: “Erotica”, it seems that “Talk That Talk” (at least in my mind) had some big, media-hyped shoes to fill. (“Erotica” is probably my favorite offering from Her Madgesty).

I’ll also confess that while I’ve always grown to love her infectious singles, and the occasional other album track, I have never truly found myself obsessed with any of her previous albums from start to finish. I say with absolutely no disdain or dislike that for me, Rihanna has always been a singles artist.

Based on the hype I’ve been reading about this album, I felt I needed to give it a spin and a fair chance to impress me. Let’s find out if RiRi really can put her money where her mouth is.. track by track: