I agree with the music critics who have widely panned Rihanna’s latest studio effort. It pains me to have to say this but, Rihanna’s new CD, Rated R, sucks. For some reason, Rihanna decided to go in an entirely different direction with this project. Bad idea. “I’m nothing without you”? Is she serious?

She comes off as someone desperate to be taken seriously as a rock musician or something. If you’re looking for confirmation of her walk on the dark side (Illuminati) it’s all there in the lyrics. The backing tracks are some of the most horrible I’ve ever heard. Does anyone know what good music sounds like anymore?

You can listen to 30 second snippets of the entire album here. Rated R drops on November 20.

Is there still time for Rihanna’s handlers to shelve this mess and go back to the drawing board? I blame Jay Z’s massive, over sized ego for giving the green light to this garbage.

Sorry Ri Ri, but you are not a rock star, hon.