Reviewers and fans often highlight the track's playful energy and its place within Rihanna's more overtly sexual "erotica era."
: The song is noted for its R&B beats and a fuzzy synth melody that complements Rihanna's seductive "come-ons". Some critics, such as those at Digital Spy , compared its riff to her earlier single "Rude Boy". Rihanna - Talk That Talk (Audio) ft. JAY Z
“Talk That Talk is a pretty damn good record... I love the combination of vulnerability and raunchiness in the record.” Reddit · r/popheads Reviewers and fans often highlight the track's playful
: It was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, though it ultimately lost to "No Church in the Wild". I love the combination of vulnerability and raunchiness
: His performance received mixed feedback. Time Magazine described his lyrics as laced with "double entendres and funny quips," including a bizarre sexual reference to a bladder that signaled he was having fun. Conversely, Consequence of Sound found his rap "unenthusiastic" compared to Rihanna's more invested performance.
The song was commercially successful and earned critical recognition shortly after its release: