Rihanna’s ‘R8’ Album Not Dropping Anytime Soon, ‘Diamonds’ Singer Admits Record Isn’t Finished

Rihanna may be keeping mum regarding news of her highly anticipated eighth studio album, tentatively titled R8, but it appears Rihanna is still working on the project as she promises “something great” is in store for her eager fans.

In an interview with NME, Rihanna opens up about the status of her new album, revealing to the mag that she hasn’t completed R8 despite rumors of an impending surprise release.

“It’s not done! To me it’s never done until it’s done. Until the final moment.”

Rihanna continues, “I have so many songs that I love, and they’re so different, that it’s hard to actually put them all on the same album.”

Rihanna also acknowledges the backlash surrounding the delayed project, noting that she’s aware that fans are becoming frustrated with the lack of news regarding R8.

“No matter what I post online, within three comments there’s somebody saying, ‘Where is ‘R8′?’ I could post anything. Nothing else matters. They don’t care about anything but that,” Rihanna explains. “But it makes me excited, because I can’t wait to give them something great.”

The news comes just weeks after sources close to Rihanna explained to Mirror UK that the Barbadian songstress is in a “desperate” search for an edgier sound that will appeal to the European market.

The source explains, “Rihanna is desperate for an edgy sound that will appeal to a European market as well as America. She’s keen to emulate the same smash-hit success she had with Calvin Harris’ ‘We Found Love’ in 2011. So far she doesn’t feel the songs she has are delivering the full package.”

The insider continues, “Her people have put in calls with the best songwriters on their books as requested they drop everything to help.”

The source concludes, “Rihanna wants another vintage album like ‘Rated R’ and won’t put anything out until she’s happy.”

In addition to speculation regarding the album’s release date and title, Rihanna admits that she’s been working diligently alongside Kanye West to wrap up R8.

Rihanna explains in her interview that she won’t finish R8 without West’s help, noting, “We just have to wait to get back in the studio together. His schedule and mine are totally opposite right now, but I think this month we’ll be back in the studio.”

Rihanna concludes, “It’s easy to make an album full of great songs. But I want people to go for the ride. The songs have to make sense together.”

What do you think of Rihanna’s comments regarding the release of R8?

[Image Credit: Getty Images / Mike Coppola]