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Diamonds (Rihanna song)

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"Diamonds"
Song

"Diamonds" is a song recorded by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna for her upcoming seventh studio album (2012). The song was co-written by Sia Furler together with Benjamin "Benny Blanco" Levin and StarGate (Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen), while the production was helmed by the latter two. The single made its premiere on September 26, 2012 during the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. Def Jam Recordings will solicit "Diamonds" to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 2, 2012.

"Diamonds" is a mid-tempo pop ballad that also utilizes electronic music and soul. The song features drums, heavy synthesizers, '80s backbeat, "slight orchestral touches and deliberate electronic rhythms". Lyrically, the song is more positive and represents a departure from the themes of "unhealthy relationship" that was notably present on some of Rihanna's previous singles. The song has received generally positive reviews, with music critics complimenting Rihanna's new musical direction.

Background and artwork

Australian singer-songwritter Sia Furler co-wrote the song alongside Stargate and Benny Blanco.

Following the commercial and critical success of her sixth studio album Talk That Talk (2011) and its six singles—including "We Found Love", a number one hit that topped the charts in more than 20 countries worldwide including the US— Rihanna began "working on the new sound" for her seventh studio album in March 2012, even though she had not yet begun recording.[1] On September 12, 2012, Def Jam France announced via Twitter that Rihanna would release a new single the upcoming week while her seventh studio album is scheduled to be released in November, 2012. However, the tweet was shortly deleted and replaced with another clarifying that "more information will be made available tomorrow, Thursday, September 13". On September 12, 2012, Def Jam France announced via Twitter that Rihanna would release a new single the upcoming week while her seventh studio album is scheduled to be released in November, 2012. However, the tweet was shortly deleted and replaced with another clarifying that "more information will be made available tomorrow, Thursday, September 13".[2]

Right after her performance at the iHeartRadio music festival in September 2012, Rihanna revealed that her single "Diamonds" would be released in September 2012.[3] She described the track as "happy and hippy rather than dancey", elaborating: "It's laid-back but it's hopeful. It's a record that... gives me such a great feeling when I listen to it. The lyrics are very hopeful and positive, but it's about love."[3] On September 26, 2012, Rihanna posted the full lyrics of the song in PDF format on her official website Rihanna7.com.[4] "Diamonds" premiered the same day on the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and was made available for digital download one hour later on iTunes worldwide.[5][6] Def Jam Recordings will solicit the single to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 2, 2012.[7] The song was co-written by Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler, in collaboration with Benjamin "Benny Blanco" Levin and StarGate (Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen); the production was completed by the latter two.[8][9] StarGate has produced Rihanna's previous singles such as "Don't Stop the Music" (Good Girl Gone Bad, 2007) and "Only Girl (In the World)" (Loud, 2010).[10] The cover artwork for the song was revealed on September 24, 2012 and features Rihanna rolling diamonds on a piece of paper.[11] Chris Witherspoon of The Grio noted that the artwork features the same paper used for rolling marijuana.[12]

Composition

"Diamonds is a mid-tempo pop, electronic, and soul ballad,[13][14] with a length of three minutes and 45 seconds.[9][10][15] It features drums, heavy synthesizers, a 1980s backbeat, orchestral sounds and electronic rhythms accompanied with Rihanna's vocal performance.[9][16][17][18] Rolling Stone's reviewer wrote that "the track's production mainly stays out of Rihanna's way, letting the pop star build hooks with layers of her voice."[18] The song makes a lyrical departure from Rihanna's recurring theme of an unhealthy relationship,[19] and contains a prominent concept of love.[20]

The first verse introduces the concept of the song: "Find light in the beautiful sea / I choose to be happy / You and I, you and I / We're like diamonds in the sky." The title is a simile which is also present during the music: "So shine bright, tonight, you and I / We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky / Eye to eye, so alive."[21] According to Glenn Yoder of The Boston Globe, with lyrics like "I choose to be happy" and "We're like diamonds in the sky," the single shows a new side of the singer that we usually don't see.[19] James Montgomery of MTV News commented that she embraces the positivity and fulfillment of a realized relationship which can be seen during the lines, "When you hold me, I'm alive" and admits "I knew that we'd become one right away".[8] Lindsay DiMattina of Hollywood.com concluded that it's as Rihanna is crying out for her lover when she sings lines like, "When you hold me, I'm alive," or "At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays / I saw the life inside your-eyes."[22]

Critical reception

The song has received generally positive reviews, with music critics complimenting Rihanna's new musical direction. Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave "Diamonds" a four out of five star rating, praising Rihanna's direction towards a "softer and more prolific edge".[23] Carl Williot of Idolator applauded the song's production as "a pleasing lightness", in addition to Rihanna's vocals as "slightly different timbre".[24] Brittany Lewis of GlobalGrind wrote that "Diamonds" is a catchy song, and, according to her, Rihanna has another hit in her hands.[25] Glenn Gamboa of Newsday commented that although it did not sound like a "hit-you-over-the-head smash," it did not mean that the song wouldn't be a worldwide hit - mainly because of the song's lyrics, which, according to him, "seem to declare a personal shift".[26] A reviewer of the Herald Sun called "Diamonds" a "real sparkler" that could be inspired from Rihanna's private life.[27] Lindsey DiMattina of Hollywood.com praised Rihanna's vocals on the ballad labeling them "strong as ever" and according to her "you can clearly hear the passion that Rihanna pours into this song".[22] Contactmusic's reviewer called the single a "laid-back track" that will make people wonder if it is or not about her former boyfriend Chris Brown.[28]

Jim Farber of Daily News was divided on the single and concluded that although it contains "dark quality" present on Rihanna's previous singles like "We Found Love" it lacks of "mistery" and "tantalizing beat".[10] Kevin Blair of Irish Independent was also critical and wrote that on first listen "Diamonds" does not sound like a "world beater". He further stated that it's neither a "muscular dance workout" like her previous singles "We Found Love" and "Only Girl (In the World) or a "smooth" R&B song like "Take a Bow".[29] Chris Richards of The Washington Post gave "Diamonds" an unfavourable review, calling it a "power ballad without much power".[30]

Chart performance

"Diamonds" made its first chart appearance on the Irish Singles Chart on September 27, 2012, where it debuted at number 17.[31]

Track listing

  • Digital download[6]
  1. "Diamonds" – 3:45

Charts

Chart (2012) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA)[31] 17
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[32] 20

Release and radio history

Country Date Format Label
Canada[33] September 27, 2012 Digital download The Island Def Jam Music Group
Mexico[34]
United States[6]
Argentina[35] September 28, 2012
Australia[36]
Austria[37]
Brazil[38]
Czech Republic[39]
Denmark[40]
Finland[41]
France[42]
Germany[43]
Hungary[44]
Italy[45]
Japan[46]
Netherlands[47]
New Zealand[48]
Norway[49]
Portugal[50]
Spain[51]
Sweden[52]
Switzerland[53]
United Kingdom[54]
United States[7] October 2, 2012 Contemporary hit radio

References

  1. ^ "Rihanna on Katy Perry Collaboration: 'It's Gonna Happen'". Rap-Up. Devine Lazerine. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  2. ^ Lansky, Sam (September 12, 2012). "Rihanna's New Album Due Out In November, Sources Say". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Rowley, Alison (September 22, 2012). "Rihanna confirms new single 'Diamonds'". Digital Spy. Nat Mags. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  4. ^ "Rihanna – 'Diamonds' Lyrics". Capital FM. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  5. ^ "Rihanna teases her seventh album on Twitter". NME. IPC Media. September 23, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  6. ^ a b c "Music - Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes (US). Apple. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  7. ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases (October 2, 2012)". All Access Music Group. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  8. ^ a b Montgomery, James (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna's 'Diamonds:' The Bad Girl Grows Up". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  9. ^ a b c Lipshutz, Jason (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna Shines Bright Like 'Diamonds' on New Single: Listen". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c Farber, Jim (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna debuts new single 'Diamonds': Ballad is grand and obvious but not as haunting as it longs to be". New York Daily News. Mortimer Zuckerman. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  11. ^ "Rihanna Unveils Artwork For New Song 'Diamonds'". Capital FM. September 24, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  12. ^ Witherspoon, Chris (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna releases new single 'Diamonds' with controversial cover art". The Grio. NBC News. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  13. ^ Gentles, Gary (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna- Diamonds". Singers Room. MLE Publications. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  14. ^ Baggs, Michael (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna premieres new single: Diamonds". Gigwise. Digital Giant. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  15. ^ "Rihanna's new song: is Diamonds another no1?". The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  16. ^ Collins, Leah (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna is all about the Diamonds (with video)". The Vancouver Sun. Kevin D. Bent. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  17. ^ Scarletto, Amy (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna, 'Diamonds' – Song Review". PopCrush. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  18. ^ a b "Rihanna Returns With New 'Diamonds' Single". The Rolling Stone. Jann Wenner. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  19. ^ a b Yoder, Glenn (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna releases new song, 'Diamonds'". Boston.com. Boston Globe Electronic Publishing Inc. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  20. ^ "Rihanna drops 'Diamonds': What do you think?". The Marquee Blog. BBC. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  21. ^ Makarechi, Kia (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna, 'Diamonds': New Single Centers On Brightly Shining Lovers (Audio)". The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  22. ^ a b DiMattina, Lindsay (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna's Lyrics and Voice 'Shine Bright' in Her New 'Diamonds' Single — Listen". Hollywood.com. Hollywood.com LLC. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  23. ^ Copsey, Robert (September 27, 2012). "Rihanna: 'Diamonds' - Single review". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved September 27, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  24. ^ Williott, Carl (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna's "Diamonds": Review Revue". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved September 27, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  25. ^ Lewis, Brittany (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna 'Diamonds' (New Music)". GlobalGrind. ooVoo. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  26. ^ Gamboa, Glenn (September 26, 2012). "Hear Rihanna's new "Diamonds" single". Newsday. Cablevision. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  27. ^ "Rihanna's new single, Diamonds, a real sparkler". Herald Sun. The Herald and Weekly Times. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  28. ^ "Rihanna - Is 'Diamonds' About Chris Brown? New Rihanna Song Released Online". Contactmusic.com. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  29. ^ Blair, Keith (September 27, 2012). "Rihanna's new song: Will Diamonds be another no1?". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  30. ^ Richards, Chris. "Rihanna and choosing happiness: singer breaks free from her past". The Washington Post. The Washington Post Company. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  31. ^ a b "Chart Track: Week 39, 2012". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  32. ^ "Rihanna – Diamonds" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  33. ^ "Music - Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes (CA). Apple. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  34. ^ "Music - Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes (MX). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  35. ^ "Musica – Diamonds - Single de Rihanna" (in Spanish). iTunes Store (AR). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  36. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (AU). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  37. ^ "Musik – Diamonds - Single von Rihanna". iTunes Store (AT). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  38. ^ "Musica – Diamonds - Single de Rihanna" (in Portuguese). iTunes Store (BR). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  39. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (CZ). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  40. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (DK). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  41. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (FI). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  42. ^ "Musique – Diamonds - Single par Rihanna" (in French). iTunes Store (FR). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  43. ^ "Musik – Diamonds - Single von Rihanna" (in German). iTunes Store (DE). Apple. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  44. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (HU). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  45. ^ "Musica – Diamonds - Single di Rihanna" (in Italian). iTunes Store (IT). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  46. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna" (in Japanese). iTunes Store (JP). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  47. ^ "Muziek – Diamonds - Single van Rihanna" (in Dutch). iTunes Store (NL). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  48. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (NZ). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  49. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (NO). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  50. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (PT). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  51. ^ "Musica – Diamonds - Single de Rihanna" (in Spanish). iTunes Store (ES). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  52. ^ "Musik – Diamonds - Single av Rihanna" (in Swedish). iTunes Store (SE). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  53. ^ "Musik – Diamonds - Single von Rihanna" (in German). iTunes Store (CH). Apple. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  54. ^ "Music – Diamonds - Single by Rihanna". iTunes Store (UK). Apple. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
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