Take a Bow (Rihanna-Lied)

"Take a Bow" is a song written by R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo for the re-release of Rihanna's third studio album Good Girl Gone Bad. It is the first single from the re-release edition of the album. The single was produced by Stargate.

Background and composition

"Take a Bow" is a pop and R&B song written by Rihanna's label mate Ne-Yo, with whom she previously worked on "Unfaithful" and "Hate That I Love You". Stargate, who are behind a number of Rihanna's singles, including "Unfaithful", "Don't Stop the Music" and "Hate That I Love You", produced the song. The premise of the song is based around a female's point of view as her boyfriend is attempting to apologize after being unfaithful. She sarcastically informs him that his performance is "very entertaining", and instructs him to "take a bow". Although there is a gentle tone to the lyrics, at the heart of it they convey a tone of bitterness and even disgust ("trying to apologize, you're so ugly when you cry"). The song is similar in style and lyrical content to that of Beyonce's 2007 smash hit, Irreplaceable.

Single release

The song was premiered on KZZP and KRQQ's JohnJay and Rich in the Morning on March 14, 2008, and was made available to media outlets later that same day. It was officially released to U.S. top 40 radio on April 15, 2008 and to iTunes on May 6, 2008 where it has proven to be immensely popular both in the United States and internationally. To date the song has soared to the number 1 position on iTunes in the United States,Canada, and New Zealand, and number 6 in Switzerland.

Critical reception

Bill Lamb from About.com stated that "Rihanna has the unique ability to deliver them [Ne-Yo's lyrics] without batting an eyelash, and this is another success, if a little lifeless, for the duo. Look for it to be Rihanna's 9th, yes 9th, top 10 pop single" and "The production [of the song] utilizes brief spoken asides by Rihanna to great effect. It's her "please!" and dismissive giggle that are likely to be the most memorable elements from this effort" he also adds "The keyboard-based backing of "Take a Bow" is, by now, standard Stargate and does not challenge their best. However, you are likely to find yourself singing along after the first few times through, and that should be enough right now to keep Rihanna in good graces with pop radio programmers".

Chuck Taylor from Billboard magazine reviewed the song and said: "With superstars Stargate and Ne-Yo at the helm, the velvety ballad ticks along with well-applied piano and strings, as the instantly recognizable singer delivers a convincingly bemused vocal, complete with haughty laugh".

Music video

Datei:TakeaBowVideo(G3).PNG

The video was released on the Island Records site and YouTube on April 25, 2008.

Tracklist

2-track CD

1. "Take a Bow" (Album Version)
2. "Don't Stop the Music" (Solitaire's More Drama Remix)

Maxi CD

1. "Take a Bow" (Album Version)
2. "Don't Stop the Music" (Solitaire's More Drama Remix)
3. "Take a Bow" (Instrumental)
4. "Take a Bow" (Video)

Chart positions

Chart (2008)	Peak position
Philippines Hot 100	12
Australian ARIA Singles Chart	30
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	53
U.S. Billboard Pop 100	23
UK Singles Chart	TBR
UK iTunes Chart	15
Canadian Hot 100	70
Euro 200	214
New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart	4
Swedish Singles Chart	15
Lithuanian Airplay Chart	46
Bulgarian Top 40	21