2005–2006: Music of the Sun and A Girl like Me
Rihanna released her debut album, Music of the Sun, on August 30, 2005 in the United States. The album reached number 10 on the Billboard 200. As of 2009, the album is certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, denoting shipments to US retailers of over 500,000 units. The album received mixed reviews by music critics. Rolling Stone magazine rated it 2.5 out of 5 stars and described as lacking the replay value, ingenuity and rhythm of the single with "generic vocal hiccups and frills" of US R&B inflecting upon her "caribbean charm". Music of the Sun yielded two singles, the first being "Pon de Replay", which was peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It also became a global hit where it peaked within the top 10 across 15 countries. The second single, "If It's Lovin' That You Want" was less successful than "Pon de Replay", having managed a peak position of number 36 in the United States. In Australia, Ireland and New Zealand the single proved to be well-received reaching the top 10 in those countries. Less than eight months after the release of Music of the Sun, Rihanna released her second album, A Girl Like Me, in April 2006. The album reached number five on the Billboard 200 and has been certified platinum by the RIAA, having shipped over one million units. The lead single, "SOS," peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first number-one in the United States. The second single, "Unfaithful," was a worldwide hit. In 2006, before the release, Rihanna served as an opening act for Gwen Stefani to promote the album. Rihanna then started touring with Pussycat Dolls from November to February 2007 in the United Kingdom. When Rihanna received an endorsement deal from Clinique, she recorded a song written by Ne-Yo entitled "Just Be Happy" as part of the deal to promote their Happy fragrance. Rihanna also recorded a song called "Winning Women" with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger for P&G's female deodorant Secret. During this time Rihanna made her acting debut in a cameo role to the film Bring It On: All or Nothing, released on August 8, 2006.
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