Racy: The artwork for Rihanna's new album Loud, released today, includes some very risqué pictures including this one of the singer topless
Her daring clothing and explicit song lyrics have raised eyebrows in the past.
But Rihanna's sexually charged image may be going a little too far for what is appropriate for her young fans.
The singer appears in a series of seductive shots for the cover artwork of new album, Loud, including posing topless and even without pants.
Bed of roses: The flame-haired popstar has been heavily promoting the new album, with two singles currently at the top of US and UK charts
The first shot sees the 21-year-old crawling on her hands and knees in a desert setting completely topless with a strategically placed arm, and a breeze blowing up her flouncy skirt to give a glimpse of her behind.
In another, Rihanna gazes seductively at the camera with her taloned fingers grazing her lips.
The most shocking image is undoubtedly one that does not show the singer's face, but is a close-up of her bare legs and crotch.
Only her hands and a perhaps symbolic pink flower cover her modesty.
Sultry: The 21-year-old has been upping her sexy image of late
Seductive: Rihanna pouts lustfully for the album artwork
The album, released this week worldwide, is already enjoying enormous chart success.
Lead single off the album, Only Girl In The World, is currently sitting at number one in the UK after three weeks at the top.
The uptempo track has fought off fierce competition to maintain the top spot, even preventing Take That's single The Flood from making number one.
Meanwhile her latest offering, What's My Name has reached number one in the US, while Only Girl In The World remains in the top five.
Rihanna has said that she plans to release S&M as the next single from Loud.
The track's name gives a very clear indication of the racy content.
Rihanna says of the eyebrow-raising song: 'It’s the loudest track on the album. It’s bad-a**.
'And the S&M video is going to be totally unexpected. I’m sure people will be surprised,' she told the Daily Star.
Parents of her tween- and teenage fans may indeed get a shock when they listen to the single's explicit lyrics, which include the lines: 'Feels so good being bad, there's no way I'm turning back.
'Now the pain is my pleasure 'cos nothing could measure, 'cos I may be bad, but I'm perfectly good at it.
'Sex in the air, I don't care, I love the smell of it.
'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but chains and whips excite me.'
Rihanna has said of the album: 'I'm forever changing, growing, so it'll never be the same thing.
Chart topper: Singles Only Girl In The World and What's My Name have reached number one in the UK and US respectively
'This album for me was really my way of expressing myself to the fans in an unapologetic way.'
While some will applaud her irreverent stance, others will be incensed by her apparent lack of care in her position as an influential figure.
Rihanna invited the wrath of some parents when she posed for pictures with a group of young admirers this week in New York, wearing a necklace with the words 'F*** You' on it.
Sheepish: The singer looked a little bashful appearing on BET's 106 & Park in New York yesterday
Inappropriate: Rihanna wore an offensive necklace this week when posing for pictures with young fans
source:dailymail