Rihanna is fabulous! In the post-Janet Jackson generation, there are thousands of glamorous wannabe R&B chicks basically offering very similar routines.

Like Amerie, some may score a hit or two, but few compare with Rihanna. Along with Beyoncé Knowles, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna is in the premier league and keeps coming up with great songs such as Russian Roulette and Rockstar 101.

Rated R effortlessly fuses traditional dance music with pop and rock influences. No wonder the likes of Justin Timberlake, Slash and Neyo want a piece of the action.

This album is Rihanna’s fourth international set and her long-awaited successor to Good Girl Gone Bad; more importantly, it showcases her first material since the notorious Chris Brown domestic incident. “I may be dumb, but I’m not stupid,” coos Ms Fenty followed by repeated claims that, “I’m not a victim”.

Sadly, these words are hardly convincing but because musically everything on Rated R is absolutely spot-on, the entire Rihanna package becomes mawkishly even more intriguing.

Both Rated R and Amerie’s In Love & War are masterminded and produced by the wonderful Antonio “LA” Reid. Although a way above average soul set, featuring the hit singles Why R U and Heard ’Em All, Amerie’s album is a mere also-ran in comparison with Rihanna’s compelling return.

• Rihanna plays Sheffield Arena on May 13.