Loud is the fifth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was first released on November 12, 2010. Recording sessions began in February 2010 and continued over a period of six months, concluding in August 2010. The album’s lead single “Only Girl (In the World)” was released on September 10, 2010. “What’s My Name?” was released as the second single on October 29, 2010 and Rihanna has stated that current plans will see “S&M” released as the third single.
The album will be released in four separate editions: the standard edition, the deluxe edition, which also features a 30 minute DVD presenting “The Making of Loud”, and a jewel case/digipack package. There is also the couture edition featuring the deluxe edition of Loud, as well as a deluxe cover art lithograph, a box set with enhanced clear couture cover and a full-size photo book. The same edition was available as the Ultra Couture Edition featuring a copy of the Deluxe Edition of Loud signed by Rihanna herself, and the MP3 download of Loud on street date, as well as all the features of the couture edition. The edition is not available anymore. The album bears a Parental Advisory label.