Music of the Sun is the debut album by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna, released by Def Jam Recordings on August 12, 2005. After Rihanna was signed by Jay-Z, the former Chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Def Jam, she continued to work with Rogers and his production partner Carl Sturken, as well as working with other producers for her debut album. Music of the Sun was recorded between 2004 and 2005. The album features vocals from artists including Kardinal Offishall, J-Status, and Vybz Kartel. An R&B album, Music of the Sun incorporates musical elements of dance-pop and caribbean music genres such as dancehall and reggae.
The album received generally mixed reviews from music critics, who complimented its dancehall and Caribbean-inspired songs, while others criticized some of the production. Music of the Sun debuted at number 10 on the United States Billboard 200 and number six on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The album peaked in the top-40 of album charts in Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It produced two singles: “Pon de Replay” and “If It’s Lovin’ that You Want”, the former of which peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Music of the Sun was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting shipments of over 500,000 copies.
Tracklist
1. Pon de Replay
2. Here I Go Again
3. If It’s Lovin’ That You Want
4. You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No)
5. La That la, La
6. The Last Time
7. Willing to Wait
8. Music of the Sun
9. Let Me
10. Rush
11. There’s a Thug in My Life
12. Now I Know
13. Pon De Replay [Remix]