Rihanna is a phenomenally successful pop star. Her statuesque good looks and personal charm translate well in music videos. This is a guide to her 10 best.
"SOS" (2006)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Chris Applebaum
The music video for Rihanna's first #1 single focuses on her dancing and choice of clothing. Plenty of mirrors and color here.
"Umbrella" (2007) with Jay-Z
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Chris Applebaum
Rihanna's video for the #1 smash hit "Umbrella" is possibly most notable for the portions shot with Rihanna covered in silver body paint. However, the en pointe dancing with an umbrella is memorable as well. Jay-Z guest stars as well.
"Shut Up and Drive" (2007)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Anthony Mandler
Rihanna connects here with director Anthony Mandler who has directed more of her videos than anyone else. Cars are the theme, and the clip was shot in a makeshift junkyard in Prague.
"Don't Stop the Music" (2007)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Taj and Rihanna
Rihanna's clip to accompany http://top40.about.com/od/singles/gr/rihannadontstop.htm">"Don't Stop the Music" is another video that features a lot of dancing. This time it is Rihanna and her friends in the club. The choreography here is by Tina Landon. She is possibly best known for her work with Janet Jackson and Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca" choreography.
"Disturbia" (2008)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Anthony Mandler and Rihanna
Creepiness abounds in this Rihanna video. A significant portion of the clip involves highly sexual bondage content. The jerky zombie dancer movements put together with choreographer Tina Landon are particularly distinctive.
"Russian Roulette" (2009)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Anthony Mandler
This is perhaps the darkest of Rihanna's music videos including interrogation scenes and gun violence.
"Run This Town" (2009) with Jay-Z and Kanye West
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Anthony Mandler
Anthony Mandler directed this video at Fort Totten Park in New York City. He wanted to bring a sense of chaos with the use of mobs in the clip. Matching the music, there is a sense of tension throughout "Run This Town." The clothing adds to a post-apocalyptic feel for the video.
"Rude Boy" (2010)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Melina Matsoukas
A shift in directors brought about a very different feel for a Rihanna music video. "Rude Boy" is bathed in color and includes images that allude to artists Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
"Only Girl (In the World)" (2010)
Courtesy Def Jam
Directed by Anthony Mandler
This Rihanna video could be said to have ushered in her "red" period. Anthony Mandler bathes the entire clip in red filtering to match the raspberry color of Rihanna's hair.
