In recent years, no woman in the music industry has scored as many hit singles as Rihanna. Released 14 years ago, her song ‘S.O.S.’ marked the true beginning of that infamous reign – which has never let up. This very track is this week’s From The Vault pick.
Issued as the first single from the artist’s sophomore album ‘A Girl Like Me,’ ‘S.O.S.’ saw Rih leave her island sound behind in favor of poppier Pop. Dripping 80’s sauce, the song was produced by JR Rotem and sampled Soft Cell’s new wave version of ‘Tainted Love.’
It was the first of many US chart toppers for the Bajan belle, remaining at #1 for three consecutive weeks. It also spent eight weeks at the top of the Australian charts and peaked at #2 in the UK.
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Chris Applebaum directed the accompanying music video, which featured choreography curated by Frank Gatson. The clip showcased the entertainer in various glamourous settings, alone, and with her dancers. A second video was shot for a Nike campaign; it presents Rihanna and her dancers jamming at the rehearsal studio and later on at club.
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Both sonically and visually, ‘S.O.S.’ ushered in a new Rihanna – one who had the sound as well as the style to conquer the world. Needless to say, things went on from strength to strength for her with the release of this song and its successor ‘Unfaithful.’ Even if not as successful as a whole than anything that came after it, the ‘A Girl Like Me’ era was a strategic homerun as it planted the seed for a global superstar and established her as a dependable and versatile Pop star.
We’d love nothing more than for a return of Pop-Rih on her upcoming LP, even if for a song or two. Any which way, we know she’ll bring in the bops regardless.
Cheers to the bad gal RiRi.
Many people think Umbrella was when it all started but those in the know know that SOS is what really truly started Rihanna’s career. The success of this song is what actually led to Christina Milan being dropped from her label mid way thru promo of her album. This song was suppose to be Christina Milan’s first single but she hated it. Instead she opt for her boyfriends produced Say I (which I loved by the way). The label was furious when SOS went number #1 and Say I tanked.
P.S if it wasn’t for SOS, Rihanna would have never been given Umbrella…as that song was meant for Mary or Britney.
SAY I PEAKED #21 N WAS WRITTEN BY A THEN UNKNOWN JAZMINE SULLIVAN ????
This, ✅ ? And Rihanna is so pretty and snatched to the heavenly GAWDS here ??
Because of this h.o.e def Jam dropped teairra mari
No one needed that elephanteairra anyway.
The best decision they made
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Nobody wastes money and resources on a flop artiste who isnt making hits or generating profits
That’s what’s gonna happen to normani real soon.
Watch and see
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Love the flashback video!