Wednesday 26 September 2012

[Review/New Music] Rihanna "Diamonds"

new music rihanna diamonds


Anyone thinking Rihanna was going to play it safe with the lead single from her next album- yes, another one is coming already- will be shocked by her new song Diamonds.

Rihanna called the Sia penned track "hippy" and "happy" and though that might be the case lyrically (it's a love song after all); musically, it has a surprisingly sombre mood. The production, provided by Benny Blanco, sounds simple and understated but it's a multi layered affair, with elements weaving in and out as the song progresses- my favourite being the Arabesque strings. Ultimately it offers a soft contrast to Rihanna's direct tone.



After you get over how different this sounds to any of Rihanna's other lead singles, the next thing you'll probably notice is the improvement in the vocal department (bar that annoying, repeated line "shine bright like a diamond" spoken over the chorus). There are strong midrange belts to be found littered throughout the song, and as it closes Rihanna impressively pushes her voice more; stretching up into her upper belt and indulging in a little vocal gymnastics. Her vibrato has also been improved somewhat, being spaced out better to eliminate that...well, goat like bleat that many dislike. Diamonds definitely features one of Rihanna's strongest vocal moments to date.

Despite the good things about Diamonds, overall it's just missing something to make it "single" material- a strong visual may just remedy that. It's a nice enough song, but with no massive hook, or power production, I'm just not sure it was the right fit for Rihanna's voice, improved as it is.

Either that or my turnip heart is just too vegetated to connect with the romantic sentiments of the song and its true beauty has gone way over my head. What do you guys think? Hit or miss?



Rating: C+










17 comments:

  1. The link is down...and are you going to review Ke$ha's new single?

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  2. Trying to ignore the fact I greatly dislike her (common knowledge people) I would say this song is just meh.

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  3. I've been meaning to, I've got half a review done..I suppose that's no consolation..lol

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  4. Seeing as I intensely dislike her as well, I am going to take your word for it Stuey.
    And you can take heart you suffered for the both of us. A great mitzvah indeed. ;D

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  5. Take your time! lol I was just anxious because you didn't email me back.

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  6. I could find only one working link - here - http://siwy30.wrzuta.pl/audio/3psXAzTLEuv/rihanna_-_diamonds

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  7. i cant help but get a lana del rey vibe .....from the vocals anyway and the "shine bright like a diamond" part ...maybe its just me

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  8. Are you going to review the new Taylor single "Begin Again"?

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  9. Wow, can lyrics get anymore cliche?? "Shine bright like a diamond" brilliant metaphor! Her accent seems kinda weird to, like the way she's singing...

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  11. I don't get that accent, that's not even Rihanna's natural accent xD

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  12. Haha, I know, that's why I found it so odd!

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  14. I'm surprised no one here picked up on it. This is a sia penned track, and I believe you can still hear her backing vocals in the song. Rihanna is trying to sound like Sia and failing hardcore, that's why her accent sounds weird. It's going to be a stretch for her to score a number one any where, even the UK and they love Forehead Fenty over there. Verdict: FLOP.

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  15. yep , i think that explains the new vocal approach. Think she was copying the demo.

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  16. I like this song now.

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