Diamonds (Rihanna-Lied)
Vorlage:Pp-protectedVorlage:Infobox single
"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 sent "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 pop. 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

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".[2]
Right after her performance at the iHeartRadio music festival in September 2012, Rihanna revealed that her single "Diamonds" would be released the same month.[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 in a manner suggestive of making a joint.[11][12] Vorlage:Clear
Composition
"Diamonds is a mid-tempo pop ballad which also uses electronic music and soul pop,[13][14] and has 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]
Reception
Critical response
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 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] The same day it debuted at number 20 on the Dutch Mega Single Top 100 chart.[32]
Format and track listing
- Digital download[6]
- "Diamonds" – 3:45
Charts
Chart (2012) | Peak position |
---|---|
scope="row" Vorlage:Singlechart | |
scope="row" Vorlage:Singlechart | |
scope="row" Vorlage:Singlechart | |
Portugal (AFP)[33] | 9 |
scope="row" Vorlage:Singlechart | |
US Billboard Hot 100[34] | 16 |
US Pop Songs (Billboard)[35] | 29 |
Release history
Country | Date | Format | Label |
---|---|---|---|
Canada[36] | September 27, 2012 | Digital download | The Island Def Jam Music Group |
Mexico[37] | |||
United States[6] | |||
Argentina[38] | September 28, 2012 | ||
Australia[39] | |||
Austria[40] | |||
Brazil[41] | |||
Czech Republic[42] | |||
Denmark[43] | |||
Finland[44] | |||
France[45] | |||
Germany[46] | |||
Hungary[47] | |||
Italy[48] | |||
Japan[49] | |||
Netherlands[50] | |||
New Zealand[51] | |||
Norway[52] | |||
Portugal[53] | |||
Spain[54] | |||
Sweden[55] | |||
Switzerland[56] | |||
United Kingdom[57] | |||
United States[7] | October 2, 2012 | Contemporary hit radio |
References
External links
- ↑ Rihanna on Katy Perry Collaboration: ‘It’s Gonna Happen’. In: Rap-Up. Devine Lazerine, abgerufen am 29. September 2012.
- ↑ Sam Lansky: Rihanna’s New Album Due Out In November, Sources Say. Idolator. Buzz Media, 12. September 2012, abgerufen am 28. September 2012.
- ↑ a b Alison Rowley: Rihanna confirms new single 'Diamonds'. Digital Spy. Nat Mags, 22. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Rihanna – 'Diamonds' Lyrics. Capital FM, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 28. September 2012.
- ↑ Rihanna teases her seventh album on Twitter. In: NME. IPC Media, 23. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ a b c Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (US). Apple, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ a b Top 40/M Future Releases (October 2, 2012). All Access Music Group, archiviert vom am 25. September 2012; abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ a b James Montgomery: Rihanna's 'Diamonds:' The Bad Girl Grows Up. MTV News. Viacom, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ a b c Jason Lipshutz: Rihanna Shines Bright Like 'Diamonds' on New Single: Listen. In: Billboard. Prometheus Global Media, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ a b c Jim Farber: Rihanna debuts new single 'Diamonds': Ballad is grand and obvious but not as haunting as it longs to be In: New York Daily News, Mortimer Zuckerman, September 26, 2012
- ↑ Rihanna Unveils Artwork For New Song 'Diamonds'. Capital FM, 24. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Chris Witherspoon: Rihanna releases new single ‘Diamonds’ with controversial cover art. The Grio. NBC News, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Gary Gentles: Rihanna- Diamonds. In: Singers Room. MLE Publications, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Michael Baggs: Rihanna premieres new single: Diamonds. In: Gigwise. Digital Giant, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Rihanna's new song: is Diamonds another no1? In: The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Leah Collins: Rihanna is all about the Diamonds (with video) In: The Vancouver Sun, Kevin D. Bent, September 26, 2012
- ↑ Amy Scarletto: Rihanna, ‘Diamonds’ – Song Review. PopCrush, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ a b Rihanna Returns With New 'Diamonds' Single In: The Rolling Stone, Jann Wenner, September 26, 2012
- ↑ a b Glenn Yoder: Rihanna releases new song, 'Diamonds'. Boston.com. Boston Globe Electronic Publishing Inc, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Rihanna drops 'Diamonds': What do you think? The Marquee Blog. BBC, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 28. September 2012.
- ↑ Kia Makarechi: Rihanna, 'Diamonds': New Single Centers On Brightly Shining Lovers (Audio). In: The Huffington Post. 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ a b Lindsay DiMattina: Rihanna's Lyrics and Voice 'Shine Bright' in Her New 'Diamonds' Single — Listen. Hollywood.com. Hollywood.com LLC, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Robert Copsey: Rihanna: 'Diamonds' – Single review. In: Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK, 27. September 2012, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Carl Williott: Rihanna’s “Diamonds”: Review Revue. In: Idolator. Buzz Media, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Brittany Lewis: Rihanna 'Diamonds' (New Music). GlobalGrind. ooVoo, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 28. September 2012.
- ↑ Glenn Gamboa: Hear Rihanna's new "Diamonds" single In: Newsday, Cablevision, September 26, 2012. Abgerufen im September 28, 2012
- ↑ Rihanna's new single, Diamonds, a real sparkler In: Herald Sun, The Herald and Weekly Times. Abgerufen im September 28, 2012
- ↑ Rihanna – Is ‘Diamonds’ About Chris Brown? New Rihanna Song Released Online. Contactmusic.com, 26. September 2012, abgerufen am 28. September 2012.
- ↑ Keith Blair: Rihanna's new song: Will Diamonds be another no1? In: Irish Independent, Independent News & Media, September 27, 2012. Abgerufen im September 28, 2012
- ↑ Chris Richards: Rihanna and choosing happiness: singer breaks free from her past. In: The Washington Post. The Washington Post Company, abgerufen am 28. September 2012.
- ↑ Referenzfehler: Ungültiges
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-Tag; kein Text angegeben für Einzelnachweis mit dem Namen Ireland. - ↑ Referenzfehler: Ungültiges
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-Tag; kein Text angegeben für Einzelnachweis mit dem Namen NET. - ↑ TOP DIGITAL - FULL TRACK. RTP 1. AC Nielsen Portugal, archiviert vom am 3. Oktober 2012; abgerufen am 3. Oktober 2012 (portugiesisch).
- ↑ PSY Can't Beat Maroon 5 In Close Race For Hot 100's Top Spot. In: Billboard. Prometheus Global Media, 3. Oktober 2012, abgerufen am 3. Oktober 2012.
- ↑ Chart Highlights: Ke$ha, Rihanna Blast Back Onto Pop Songs. In: Billboard. Prometheus Global Media, 1. Oktober 2012, abgerufen am 1. Oktober 2012.
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (CA). Apple, abgerufen am 26. September 2012.
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (MX). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Musica – Diamonds – Single de Rihanna. iTunes Store (AR). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (spanisch).
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (AU). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Musik – Diamonds – Single von Rihanna. iTunes Store (AT). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Musica – Diamonds – Single de Rihanna. iTunes Store (BR). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (portugiesisch).
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (CZ). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (DK). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (FI). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Musique – Diamonds – Single par Rihanna. iTunes Store (FR). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (französisch).
- ↑ Musik – Diamonds – Single von Rihanna. iTunes Store (DE). Apple, abgerufen am 28. September 2012 (deutsch).
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (HU). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Musica – Diamonds – Single di Rihanna. iTunes Store (IT). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (italienisch).
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (JP). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (japanisch).
- ↑ Muziek – Diamonds – Single van Rihanna. iTunes Store (NL). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (niederländisch).
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (NZ). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (NO). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Music – Diamonds – Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (PT). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012.
- ↑ Musica – Diamonds – Single de Rihanna. iTunes Store (ES). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (spanisch).
- ↑ Musik – Diamonds – Single av Rihanna. iTunes Store (SE). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (schwedisch).
- ↑ Musik – Diamonds – Single von Rihanna. iTunes Store (CH). Apple, abgerufen am 27. September 2012 (deutsch).
- ↑ Music - Diamonds - Single by Rihanna. iTunes Store (GB). Apple, abgerufen am 30. September 2012.