Rihanna
Dec 2, 2012
"Diamonds" is the lead single from Rihanna's seventh studio album Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Sia Furler, Benjamin "Benny Blanco" Levin, Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen. The song was produced by Blanco, as well as Eriksen and Hermansen, under their production name StarGate. "Diamonds" premiered on September 26th, during the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and was released as a digital download the following day. Def Jam Recordings serviced the single to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 2nd. Musically, "Diamonds" is a mid-tempo pop ballad with influences of electronic and soul music. The single is a departure from the theme of "unhealthy relationships" that are evident in several of Rihanna's previous singles.
Music critics were divided on "Diamonds"; some reviewers complimented Rihanna's different musical direction, while others criticized its production. "Diamonds" has reached number one in twelve countries including Austria, Canada, France, Finland, Germany, Norway, and the United Kingdom and attained top ten positions in over thirty countries. It also topped the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Rihanna's twelfth number one single on the chart and tied her with Madonna and The Supremes for the fifth-most number ones in the chart's history. In addition, "Diamonds" has reached number two on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart and number six on the US Pop Songs chart.
Rihanna recently performed the song at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and on Saturday Night Live in the United States, and on The X Factor in the United Kingdom. An official remix of "Diamonds", featuring rap verses by Kanye West was released on November 16th.