New Album Art Released for Rihanna's Latest Effort, 'Rated R'

Photo: PopEater and Getty Images.

Rihanna recently released the cover art for her new album, 'Rated R', to the celebrity news website PopEater.com.  The album, which is set to be released on Monday, Nov. 23, is Rihanna's first release since 2007's 'Good Girl Gone Bad.'

Rihanna released the cover art for her new album, Rated R.  The album is scheduled to hit stores in late November (Getty Images).
The 'Rated R' album cover was shot by photographer Ellen von Unwerth, who says that "Rihanna was looking to create something a bit new for the look of the album."  The final photo depicts Rihanna in black and white with her signature 'pompadour' hairstyle and lots of jewelry and patent leather.  For more on the album art, visit PopEater.com. 

Rihanna released her first single, "Russian Roulette",  from the album earlier this month.  The song was produced by Ne-Yo, who also helped her out on her hit "Unfaithful." This is Rihanna's first major release since the Chris Brown abuse thing, and the lyrics seem to reflect a darker, but stronger, Rihanna, appropriately.  She sings: "Said I'm terrified, but I'm not leaving/I know that I must pass this test/so just pull the trigger."  The song ends with the artist taking a deep breath in, then there's a single, jarring gunshot -- then silence. You can take a listen at her official website, RihannaNow.