Rihanna's new album is ''soulful and aggressive''.

The 'Diamonds' hitmaker has been working hard on her eighth studio LP - the follow-up to 2012's 'Unapologetic' - and is incredibly proud of her efforts so far, in particular the musical interludes.

She said: ''Dude, I'm in love with my interludes. This one called 'James,' joint is on constant repeat.

''[The album is] soulful and aggressive, whether it's lyrically, musically, or just the tone of my voice.''

Despite it being some time since she released new music, Rihanna insists she has been busier than ever.

Speaking to the new issue of V magazine, she explained: ''I didn't actually take time off. The past two years are the hardest I've ever worked. I've been working on two albums, an animated film, shooting for multiple magazines, designing for Puma and Stance [socks], a new line of fragrances, a summer tour, I launched my first annual Diamond Ball at the end of last year, and I've also been developing several projects to be revealed in the near future.''

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old singer has been praised by her former collaborator Calvin Harris.

Responding to a tweet which read ''Did you know that Calvin Harris wrote and produced the #1 hit ''We Found Love'' [sung by Rihanna] on his own?(sic)'', Calvin replied: ''Wouldn't have been a hit if anyone else had sung it tho.(sic)''