Rihanna - Diamonds

"Diamonds" is a song recorded by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna for her seventh studio album Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Sia Furler and its producers, Benny Blanco and StarGate. The song premiered on September 26, 2012, during the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show and was digitally released the following day, as the lead single of Unapologetic. Def Jam Recordings serviced the single to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 2. "Diamonds" is a mid-tempo electronic and pop ballad with an instrumentation consisting of drums, heavy synthesizers, a 1980s backbeat, orchestral sounds and electronic rhythms. Lyrically, it represents a departure from themes of unhealthy relationships that are evident on Rihanna's previous singles.

Critics were divided on "Diamonds"; some complimented Rihanna's different musical direction, while others criticized the song's production. The single reached number one in more than twenty countries and attained top ten positions in over thirty countries. The song peaked at number one the US Billboard Hot 100 and became Rihanna's twelfth number one single on the chart, thus tying her with Madonna and The Supremes for the fifth-most number ones in the chart's history. It has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has sold over three million digital copies in the country. As of May 2013, it has sold over 7.5 million copies worldwide, and is one of the best-selling singles of all-time.[1]

The song's music video, shot by the singer's regular collaborator Anthony Mandler, depicts Rihanna in four environments that represent the elements of earth, air, water and fire. The video received positive reviews from critics, who praised its imagery. Reviewers also noted that throughout the video, the scene in which Rihanna's arm is intertwined with a heavily tattooed man resembles that of Chris Brown. "Diamonds" was promoted with live performances across both sides of the Atlantic, including on Saturday Night Live and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in the US and the ninth series of The X Factor in the UK. A remix of "Diamonds", featuring rap verses by Kanye West, was released on November 16, 2012.