Since I started college, Rihanna has never failed to release an album before we all go on Thanksgiving break.

During my freshman year, it was “Rated R,” her darkest and most critically appreciated. Then we saw her do a complete 180 and release “Loud,” which gave us a glimpse of Rihanna’s more “adult” side (see “S&M”).  In 2011 she brought us “Talk That Talk,” which further explored her x-rated escapades, but lacked quality and solidarity. She’s currently working on album number seven as you read this.

Most people would congratulate Rihanna for being such a diligent worker and keeping her fans happy with new music every year. Not me. I think she needs to park it and take a breather. The combination of her wild antics and some of her stage performances – which ended with her in the hospital – makes me think she’s going to pull a Britney and have a mental breakdown. Why do artists think it is a good idea to constantly pop out albums like they are popping out babies? One reason is relevance. Some are afraid if they are away for too long, they will be forgotten and people will move on to the next big thing.

This is true in some cases, but not always.

Then you have record labels. Def Jam, Rihanna’s current label, may think that it is a good idea to keep releasing albums for her to complete her contract. Another reason is the public’s constant craving for new music. I know when I heard that she was going to be releasing “We Found Love” last September, I was right along with everyone else waiting for it to drop. Unless an album has that special something, I get tired of it fast and I expect the next thing to come sooner than later.  On one hand, I’m never going to say no to new Rihanna music. On the other, I do hope that for album number seven she makes sure that this album is quality, not quantity.