Rihanna - Diamonds

This is the new single of off her new album due this November. The song is produced by Stargate and written by Sia Furler ("Breathe Me", "The Girl You Lost To Cocaine", "Titanium", "Wild Ones"). This is not the Dance/Pop clubbanger many may have expected. It is a mature, atmospheric midtempo. The vocal delivery shows obvious signs of Sia's influence. Lyrically, the song is really simple, and somewhat repetitive, but it really comes together with Rihanna's stellar vocal. The production is very 80s, and almost calls to mind M83's "Midnight City."  The melody and phrasing of the chorus call to mind Lana Del Rey's "Born To Die." Overall, this is a very strong single.

-Listen to the song here (Soundcloud)
-Buy the song here (iTunes)

Grade: A