Rihanna Love Songs & Party Songs for Your Wedding

Rihanna’s influence on modern music is undeniable. Born in Barbados and skyrocketing to fame at just 15, she has become one of the best-selling artists of all time with 14 #1 Billboard hits and over 60 million albums sold. For weddings, Rihanna offers a unique versatility: she can provide the emotional depth for a walk down the aisle and the explosive energy needed to keep a dance floor packed until the early morning hours.

Essential Rihanna Wedding Moments

The High-Energy First Dance: “We Found Love” (feat. Calvin Harris). This 2011 smash isn’t your traditional slow dance, but for many modern couples, it’s the perfect anthem. It celebrates finding love “in a hopeless place” and resilience against the odds, making it a powerful choice for couples who have triumphed through challenges together.
The Atmospheric Processional: “Diamonds.” Written by Sia, this mid-tempo ballad is a beautiful ode to the strength of a bond. Its lyrics about being “beautiful like diamonds in the sky” create a shimmering, romantic atmosphere as a bride makes her entrance.
The Vintage-Soul Spotlight: “Love On The Brain.” This 2016 track is a masterclass in modern doo-wop. Inspired by 50s and 60s legends like Al Green and Prince, its soulful, “old-school” feel makes it a sophisticated choice for a slow dance or a spotlight moment during the reception.
The Essential Party Starter: “Don’t Stop the Music.” If you want to signal that the party has officially moved into high gear, this 2007 hit is a DJ’s best friend. Its driving beat and infectious “Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa” hook (sampled from Michael Jackson) is a guaranteed floor-filler.

Expert DJ Tips for a Rihanna Set

The “Club-Ready” Transition: Use Rihanna’s collaborations with Calvin Harris, like “This Is What You Came For,” to transition your dance floor from radio pop into a more intense club-style vibe late in the evening.
The Reggae Influence: As I noted in my 1980s book regarding the “Pop-Reggae” crossover, Rihanna’s early hits like “Pon de Replay” (2005) or “You Da One” utilize dancehall and reggae rhythms. These are fantastic for summer weddings or outdoor receptions where you want a relaxed, rhythmic energy.
The “Special Dedication” Moment: For a bride who wants to feel like the center of the universe, a dedication of “Only Girl (In the World)” is a high-energy way for the groom to spotlight his new wife during the reception.

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Rihanna Highest-Ranking Billboard Hits

U.S.

#1 “SOS”, 2006
#1 “Umbrella” (featuring Jay-Z), 2007
#1 “Take a Bow”, 2008
#1 “Disturbia”, 2008
#1 “Live Your Life” (T.I. featuring Rihanna),2008
#1 “Rude Boy”, 2010
#1 “Only Girl (In the World)”, 2010
#1 “What’s My Name?” (featuring Drake), 2010
#1 “Love the Way You Lie” (Eminem featuring Rihanna), 2010
#1 “S&M” (solo or featuring Britney Spears), 2011
#1 “We Found Love” (featuring Calvin Harris), 2011
#1 “Diamonds”, 2012
#1 “The Monster” (Eminem featuring Rihanna),2013
#1 “Work” (featuring Drake), 2016
#2 “Pon de Replay”, 2005
#2 “Run This Town” (Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanye West), 2009
#2 “Wild Thoughts” (DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller), 2017
#2 Lift Me Up”, 2022
#3 “Don’t Stop the Music”, 2007
#3 “Stay” (featuring Mikky Ekko), 2013
#3 “This Is What You Came For” (Calvin Harris featuring Rihanna), 2016
#4 “FourFiveSeconds” (with Kanye West and Paul McCartney), 2015
#5 “Where Have You Been”, 2012
#5 “Love on the Brain”, 2016

Love Songs

There’s no doubt that Rihanna has a knack for creating catchy hooks and melodies. And while her party anthems dominate the radio waves, she’s also released quite a few love songs over the years.

Rihanna has so many great love songs to choose from, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. However, these selected songs are some of her best and would make any couple’s wedding day playlist complete. Whether you’re looking for a classic ballad, a fun, and flirty song, or something unique, Rihanna has a love song for you. So turn up the volume and enjoy!

We Found Love

Released in 2011 on the album Talk That Talk

It’s the way I’m feeling I just can’t deny
But I’ve gotta let it go
We found love in a hopeless place

We Found Love is a song co-written and performed by Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. With its catchy beat and soulful lyrics, the song became an instant hit and the longest-running number-one single of 2011. It topped the charts in multiple countries and was nominated for multiple awards, especially recognized for its music video.

To borrow from Rihanna, it speaks about finding love in a hopeless place. The story takes us through a journey of falling in love despite the odds. While it’s not your typical “love song”, the catchy beat and message of resilience and hope make it a perfect addition to any wedding playlist.

If your love story is one that’s faced challenges and triumphed in the end, We Found Love is the perfect song to represent your journey. It’s a perfect wedding day anthem for couples who have overcome obstacles together and are ready to start their life together

Diamonds

Released in 2012 on the album Unapologetic

We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye, so alive
We’re beautiful like diamonds in the sky

Yet another gem of a song, Diamonds was written by Sia and produced by Benny Blanco and StarGate. It’s a mid-tempo pop ballad with elements of R&B that is sure to please any crowd. When it was released, the song topped the charts in over 20 countries and was nominated for several awards.

This song is a beautiful ode to the strength of love. It talks about the everlasting nature of love and the ways it can shine even in the darkest of times. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the melody is catchy and unforgettable.

It’s passionate and hopelessly romantic – everything you could want in a love song. If you’re looking for a song that will stay with your guests long after your wedding day, Diamonds is a perfect choice. The tempo can be a bit of a challenge as it’s on the slower side, but you can always ask your DJ to mix it up a bit.

Love On The Brain

Released in 2016 on the album Anti

No matter what I do, I’m no good without you
And I can’t get enough
Must be love on the brain

This song is a doo-wop and soul ballad inspired by the songs of the 50s and the 60s. Co-written by Joseph Angel and Fred Ball, the song takes its cues from artists such as Prince and Al Green. The reception to the song was overwhelmingly positive, with the success breaking Rihanna’s tie with Elvis Presley for the artist with the 5th most top-five singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Although it was released more recently, Love On The Brain has a vintage feel that is reminiscent of classic love songs. The song has a bit of a slower tempo, but the melody is so beautiful that it’s worth the listen. Lyrically, the song is about being head-over-heels in love and the ways it can take over your life. However, critics have noted that the lyrics can also be interpreted as a tale of an abusive relationship, possibly inspired by Rihanna’s own experience with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.

Whatever the lyrics may mean to you, Love On The Brain is a gorgeous love song that can be enjoyed by all. It’s the perfect choice for couples who are looking for a unique song that still captures the feeling of being madly in love.

You Da One

Released in 2011 on the album Talk That Talk

You know how to love me hard
I won’t lie, I’m falling hard
Yep, I’m falling for ya but there’s nothin wrong with that

This song has a fun and flirty feel, making it a great choice for couples who want to inject some fun into their wedding playlist. The song was co-written by Ester Dean, Henry Walter, John Hill, and Lukasz Gottwald – a full team of hitmakers!

Considered a mid-tempo pop with reggae, dancehall, and dubstep influences, the song was a moderate commercial success. It peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on US Dance Club Songs.

The lyrics are playful and positive, making it a perfect choice for couples who want a fun and upbeat song to represent their relationship. It also touches on the relief and gratitude of finally finding “da one” after searching for so long. You Da One is a perfect choice for couples who want a unique and memorable song for their wedding day. If you’re looking for a song that will get your guests dancing, this is the one.

Only Girl (In the World)

Released in 2010 on the album Loud

Want you to make me feel like I’m the only girl in the world
Like I’m the only one that you’ll ever love
Like I’m the only one who knows your heart
Only girl in the world

Make your bride feel special with this special dedication!

Rihanna Party Songs

This Is What You Came For

Released in 2016 on the album This Is What You Came For

Baby, this is what you came for
Lightning strikes every time she moves
And everybody’s watchin’ her

Pon de Replay

Released in 2005 on the album Music Of The Sun

It goes one by one, even two by two
Everybody on the floor, let me show you how we do
Let’s go, dip it low, then you bring it up slow
Wind it up one time, wind it back once more