Diamonds (Rihanna song)

"Diamonds"
A black-and-white picture of hands rolling diamonds in a cannabis paper. The word 'Diamonds' is written in white letters across the picture, while an 'R' logo is present in the right corner.
Single by Rihanna
from the album Unapologetic
Released September 27, 2012 (2012-09-27)
Format
Recorded 2012; Roc the Mic Studios (New York City); Westlake Recording Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre
Length 3:45
Label
Writer(s)
Producer(s)
Rihanna singles chronology
"Cockiness (Love It)"
(2012)
"Diamonds"
(2012)
"Stay"
(2013)

"Diamonds" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna for her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was written by Sia Furler together with 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 from 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 that features heavy synthesizers, orchestral sounds and electronic rhythms. The song's lyrics serve as a departure from the themes of unhealthy relationships that were on Rihanna's previous singles and contain a prominent concept of love.

"Diamonds" topped music charts in over twenty countries, including the United States, where it became Rihanna's twelfth number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and tied her with Madonna and The Supremes for the fifth-most number one singles in the chart's history. "Diamonds" was certified quintuple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over 3.5 million digital copies in the country. By May 2013, it had sold over 7.5 million copies worldwide and became one of the best-selling singles of all-time.

The song's music video was shot by director Anthony Mandler, a frequent collaborator of Rihanna's, and depicts her in four environments that represent the elements of earth, air, water, and fire. The video received positive reviews and was praised for its imagery. Some critics believe that the heavily tattooed man intertwined with Rihanna's arm in the video resembles Chris Brown. The singer performed "Diamonds" on television shows such as Saturday Night Live and The X Factor and included it on the 777, Diamonds and The Monster Tour set lists. The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognized it as one of the most performed songs of 2013 and 2014. The official remix of "Diamonds" featured rapper Kanye West and was released on November 16, 2012. The song has been covered by various recording artists, including Josef Salvat, who released his own cover of "Diamonds" as a single.

Writing and production

Australian singer-songwriter Sia (pictured) wrote the lyrics, while producer Benny Blanco co-wrote and co-produced "Diamonds" with StarGate.

In 2012, American songwriter and record producer Benny Blanco met with Norwegian production duo StarGate at a recording studio in New York City to write new songs, including one for Rihanna.[1] StarGate had previously produced her singles "Don't Stop the Music" (2007) and "Only Girl (In the World)" (2010).[2] According to Blanco, he and StarGate wanted to deviate from Rihanna's usual sound and produce as though the song would be for a rapper such as Kanye West: "It's the one that we weren't thinking Rihanna ... that turned into the Rihanna record ... But that's how it always happens like with me".[1] They produced the song's drum machine beat after the other instrumental music was recorded.[1]

StarGate's Mikkel Eriksen told The New York Times that Blanco took a recorded snippet of Eriksen's singing, altered it electronically, and made it sound "dirtier".[3] He then applied timbre and used audio software to create ghostly accompaniment lines. Eriksen described Blanco's style as "unorthodox, as he almost never plays the keyboards but throws in weird samples and alters them to the right pitch to go with the song."[3] Australian singer-songwriter Sia later joined them and wrote the lyrics for "Diamonds" in 14 minutes.[1][4]

After the song was completed, they wanted to play it to Rihanna, but Blanco was skeptical about the reaction towards the song because of its slow sound. After StarGate played it to her, they called Blanco from London and told him that she liked the song: "She's flippin' out. She played it like seven times in a row. It's her favorite song."[1] Phil Tan and the assistant Daniela Rivera, mixed and mastered "Diamonds".[5] Recalling it, in an interview with The Huffington Post, Blanco commented, "we needed to have it recorded, the beat finished, mixed and mastered in 24 hours. She was recording in a separate part of the world, sending back the files, we're finishing the music and then we're mixing and mastering it, and then it was out in a few days. It's fucking amazing and incredible."[6] Kuk Harrell produced Rihanna's vocals on the song and recorded them together with Marcos Tovar.[5]

Release and artwork

"I think a lot of people are afraid of being happy because of what others might think of it. ... They're afraid to embrace that and embrace themselves and love themselves and do what they love and do what makes them happy."

—Rihanna talking about the lyrical meaning behind "Diamonds" for MTV News.[7]

On September 12, 2012, Def Jam France announced via Twitter that Rihanna would release a new single the following week and that her seventh studio album will be released in November. However, the tweet was shortly deleted and replaced with another clarifying that more information will be given on September 13.[8] In an interview with iHeartRadio at their annual music festival in September, Rihanna confirmed "Diamonds" as her new single and said that it would first be played on American radio beginning September 26.[9] She described it as an easy-going, but optimistic song that is "happy and hippy" rather than dance-oriented and said that the song "gives me such a great feeling when I listen to it. The lyrics are very hopeful and positive, but it's about love."[9]

The single's cover artwork was revealed on September 24 and depicted Rihanna rolling diamonds in a manner suggestive of joint rolling.[10][11] On September 26, Rihanna posted the full lyrics of the song in a PDF on her official website Rihanna7.com.[12] "Diamonds" premiered the same day on the Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,[13] and on the following day, it was released as a digital download on the 7 Digital store.[14] In the United Kingdom, the song was released to 7 Digital on September 28.[15] Def Jam Recordings solicited the single to contemporary hit radio in the United States on October 2.[16] On November 5, it was released in Germany as a CD single, which it also contained the song's Bimbo Jones Vocal Remix.[17] On December 18, eight digital remixes of the single were digitally released.[18]

Composition and lyrical interpretation

"Diamonds"
A 21-second sample of the chorus of "Diamonds", which has been characterized by critics as a mid-tempo pop and an electronic song. It features drums, heavy synthesizers, a 1980s backbeat, orchestral sounds, and electronic rhythms accompanied with Rihanna's vocal performance.

Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Diamonds" has a length of three minutes and forty-five seconds.[14] Allmusic critic Andy Kellman characterized it as a mid-tempo pop ballad,[19] while Michael Baggs of Gigwise described it as a mid-tempo electronic song.[20] It features heavy synthesizers,[21] orchestral sounds and electronic rhythms accompanied with Rihanna's vocal performance.[22] Rolling Stone magazine wrote that "the track's production mainly stays out of Rihanna's way, letting the pop star build hooks with layers of her voice."[22] In a review of Unapologetic, Stacy-Ann Ellis of Vibe noted that an improvement in the singer's singing is evinced by ballads such as "Diamonds" and "Stay". According to EMI Music Publishing's digital sheet music for the song, "Diamonds" is composed in the key of B minor and set in common time signature, and has a moderately slow groove of 92 beats per minute.[23] Rihanna's vocals span from the low note of F3 to the high note of F5.[23]

Lyrically, "Diamonds" is a departure from Rihanna's recurring themes of unhealthy relationships on her other songs,[24] and contains a prominent concept of love.[25] The first verse introduces the song's concept: "Find light in the beautiful sea / I choose to be happy / You and I, you and I / We're like diamonds in the sky." The hook continues this metaphor: "So shine bright, tonight, you and I / We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky / Eye to eye, so alive."[26] According to Glenn Yoder of The Boston Globe, the song shows Rihanna differently than how she is viewed by the public because of lyrics such as "I choose to be happy" and "We're like diamonds in the sky".[24] James Montgomery of MTV News commented that she embraces the positivity and fulfillment of a realized relationship, particularly with the line "When you hold me, I'm alive", and admits "I knew that we'd become one right away".[27] Lindsay DiMattina of Hollywood.com interpreted that Rihanna is crying out for her lover when she sings lines such as, "When you hold me, I'm alive," and "At first sight I felt the energy of sun rays / I saw the life inside your eyes."[28] The Herald Sun asserted that the lyrics were most likely inspired by Rihanna's private life.[29]

Critical reception

In a positive review of the song, Robert Copsey of Digital Spy gave it four out of five stars and praised Rihanna's direction towards a "softer and more prolific edge".[30] Brittany Lewis of GlobalGrind called "Diamonds" a catchy song and felt that it had the potential to be another hit for Rihanna.[31] Glenn Gamboa of Newsday said that, although it does not sound like an emphatic hit, the lyrical content of the song depicts a "personal shift" for Rihanna.[32] According to James Montgomery of MTV News, "Diamonds" is more positive than previous singles such as "We Found Love" and "Where Have You Been", despite its moderate tempo.[33] Lindsey DiMattina of Hollywood.com said that Rihanna's singing is stronger than ever.[28] Contactmusic's reviewer described it as a "laid-back track", and suggested that the lyrical content is related to her former boyfriend Chris Brown.[34] In a track-by-track review of Unapologetic, Andrew Hampp of Billboard found the song inspiring and commented that it "finds Rihanna doing one of her throatiest, most impassioned vocals to date".[35] Andy Kellman of Allmusic cited the song as one of the highlights on Unapologetic,[19] and gave it three and a half stars.[36]

In a less enthusiastic critique, Jon Caramanica of The New York Times likened "Diamonds" to a James Bond movie theme song, but with "insipid lyrics".[37] Jim Farber of the New York Daily News felt that the song is not as evocative as it attempts to be and lacks the sense of mystery and engaging production found on "We Found Love".[2] Kevin Blair of the Irish Independent's, Independent Woman, was critical of the song for deviating from Rihanna's previous dance and R&B songs and dismissed it as a "chugging, faintly misty-eyed, middle of the road pop song".[38] Chris Richards of The Washington Post panned the song as a "power ballad without much power".[39]

Recognition and accolades

Ernest Baker and Lauren Nostro of Complex ranked "Diamonds" atop their list of The 10 Best Guilty Pleasure Songs of 2012 and wrote that, although the song is unlike Rihanna's louder, more anthemic songs, "apparently the world loves to see a softer side of her, too."[40] Black Entertainment Television placed the single at number six on their 50 Best Songs of 2012 list and called it one of Rihanna's most emotive performances.[41] UK E! Online's reviewer named it the fifth best song of the year and said that Rihanna's vocal performance on the song validates the attention she had received since her breakthrough with "Umbrella".[42] Irish Independent's Jim Hayes ranked it as the year's tenth-best song and described it as "a laid back slow burner that invades and refuses to leave".[43] A reviewer from The Huffington Post named "Diamonds" one of The 12 Best Songs by Women in 2012.[44]

At the ASCAP Pop Music Awards, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) recognized it as one of the most performed songs of 2013[45] and 2014 respectively.[46] "Diamonds" received the Billboard accolade for Top R&B Song at the 2013 award ceremony held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.[47] At the 2013 BET Awards, the song was nominated for the Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice accolade, however, it lost to "Started from the Bottom" by Drake.[48] It also received nominations for Best International Song at the NRJ Music Awards of 2013 in France[49] and for Hit of the Year at the 2013 Echo Awards in Germany.[50] "Diamonds" received a nomination for Best Song at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards.[51]

Commercial performance

North America

A blond woman is smiling
"Diamonds" became Rihanna's twelfth number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, tying her with Madonna (pictured) and The Supremes as the artists with the fifth-most number ones in the chart's history.

In the US, "Diamonds" debuted at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold 133,000 copies in its first week.[52] In its fourth week, it climbed to number eight on the chart and became Rihanna's twenty-third top-ten single.[53] For the week ending December 1, 2012, the song became Rihanna's twelfth number-one on the chart, which ended the nine-week reign of Maroon 5's "One More Night".[54] With the feat, Rihanna tied Madonna and Supremes as the artists with the fifth-most number ones in the chart's history. Rihanna also passed Mariah Carey as the female artist to mark 12 number-one songs the fastest on the chart by achieving the feat in six years and seven months, which bested Carey's stretch of seven years, one month, and two weeks.[55] "Diamonds" charted for a second consecutive week atop the Hot 100, while her album Unapologetic topped the Billboard 200. As a result, Rihanna became only the second artist of 2012 to top both the Billboard singles and albums charts simultaneously; the first to do so was English singer Adele.[56]

On the Radio Songs chart, "Diamonds" debuted at number 28. In its fourth week, it climbed to number ten, becoming Rihanna's 19th top ten, breaking a tie with Lil Wayne for the second-best sum in the list's 22-year history; only Mariah Carey (23) has more.[57] For the issue dated December 15, the song topped the chart, becoming Rihanna's tenth number one and placing second for female artists with the most chart toppers, only behind Mariah Carey (11).[58] On the Pop Songs chart, "Diamonds" debuted at number 29, extending Rihanna's lead as the artist with the most appearances on the chart.[59] On October 11, 2012, Billboard unveiled new methodology for the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, newly factoring digital download sales and streaming data into the 50-position rankings, along with existing radio airplay data monitored by Nielsen BDS. Due to this, "Diamonds" saw a huge leap from number 66 to number one,[60] marking Rihanna's second single as a lead artist to top the chart;[61] it topped the chart for fourteen consecutive weeks.[62] "Diamonds" topped the Dance Club Songs chart, becoming Rihanna's nineteenth number one, tying her with Janet Jackson for the second-most number ones in the chart's 36-year history. Only Madonna has more (43).[63] "Diamonds" was certified five-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over 3.52 million copies in the country.[64]

In Canada, the song debuted at number nine on the Canadian Hot 100 for the issue dated October 13, 2012.[65] The song peaked at number one on the issue dated November 24, 2012, becoming Rihanna's sixth single to reach number one on the chart.[66] It remained atop of it for four consecutive weeks.[67] It was certified platinum by Music Canada denoting sales of over 80,000 copies.

Europe and Oceania

"Diamonds" made its first chart appearance in Ireland on September 27, 2012, where it debuted at number 17.[68] It reached its peak of number two on October 25, 2012.[69] The single debuted at number one on both the United Kingdom's pop and R&B singles charts on October 7, 2012, with over 105,000 copies sold. This gave Rihanna her seventh number-one single in the country.[70][71] After nine weeks on the pop chart, "Diamonds" rose from number ten to three, following Rihanna's performance of the song on The X Factor the previous week.[72] From its debut, the song remained atop the R&B chart for three consecutive weeks before being deposed of the top spot by Labrinth and Emeli Sandé's "Beneath Your Beautiful".[73] As of March 2014, "Diamonds" has sold over one million copies in the UK, and became Rihanna's fourth single to achieve that feat. With that, the singer became only the second artist to have most million selling singles in the country, only behind The Beatles.[74] The single is the 30th best-selling song of all time by a female artist in the country.[75]

"Diamonds" debuted at number one in France, becoming Rihanna's fourth number-one single in the country and remaining at the top spot for three consecutive weeks.[76] "Diamonds" also peaked at number one in Germany for ten consecutive weeks,[77] becoming Rihanna's fifth number-one single in the country and surpassing "Umbrella" (2007) as her longest-running German number-one single.[78] The song was placed at number seven on the German 2012 Year-End singles chart and was certified platinum, denoting sales of 300,000 copies in the country.[79] "Diamonds" remained number one in Norway for eleven consecutive weeks,[80] the Czech Republic for eight,[81] Denmark for six,[82] Switzerland for five,[83] Austria for four,[84] Finland for three weeks[85] and Scotland one.[86]

"Diamonds" entered the New Zealand Singles Chart at number five on October 8, 2012. After eight weeks in the top ten, the song peaked at number two.[87] The single has received a double-platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand, denoting sales of 30,000 copies.[88] "Diamonds" debuted at number eight on the Australian Singles Chart on October 14, 2012. The song reached a peak of number six on November 4, 2012.[89] The song has been certified five-times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association, denoting sales of 350,000 copies.[90] By May 2013, it had sold over 7.5 million copies worldwide and became one of the best-selling singles of all-time.[91]

Music video

Background and concept

"With every song it's a different story, so the visuals are very specific to that story and that world. With 'Diamonds,' it was just a series of vignettes that we put together to help get the emotion across throughout the song 'cause the song changes and it builds, and there's no real way that you could do that."

—Rihanna explaining the concept for the music video.[92]

Rihanna began to film the music video for "Diamonds" on October 21, 2012, at the Mojave Desert in Lancaster, California.[33][93] It was directed by her regular collaborator Anthony Mandler, who previously directed her videos for "Russian Roulette" (2009) and "Man Down" (2011).[33] Photographs of the production leaked to the press the same day and showed Rihanna in a white and black dress in front of a fire. Ethan Sacks of the New York Daily News remarked that she "looked like a gem on the set of her video shoot."[94] Rihanna said that she wanted the video's abstract scenes to capture the appropriate emotion for the audience.[92] Mandler sought to create a "wider landscape" by suggesting and transfiguring ideas for viewers through the video: "[T]hey needed to feel like dream vignettes, like, when you wake up from a dream, you realize what you were dreaming about is not really what it was about, it was about something else."[95] He also tried to relate the video's concept to Rihanna's personal life: "What's truth or fiction? You know 'Is she drowning, or is she in complete ecstasy? Are those hands coming apart, or are they finding each other?' ... we tried to bring up these deeper questions that relate to song and her life and finding beauty in chaos and finding beauty in pain and finding pain in beauty."[95] On November 7, a behind-the-scenes video was posted on MTV's official website.[96] It featured Rihanna in a "leopard-print" robe as she emerged from a trailer and headed to the shooting set. The scenes were intercut with police officers who chase armed fighters. Rihanna stands in a deserted landscape in the video's other scenes.[96] The music video for "Diamonds" premiered November 8 on MTV. The video was also made available for streaming at Rihanna.MTV.com.[96] It was digitally released on November 14 via the iTunes Store.[97]

Synopsis

A screenshot of two tattooed hands intertwining
A screenshot from the music video showing Rihanna's hand intertwined with that of a heavily tattooed man. Some critics believed the arm of the man resembled that of Chris Brown.[98]

The music video opens with a view of Rihanna lying in open waters, as other scenes of diamonds being rolled in a manner suggestive of making a joint are intercut – a scene reminiscent of the single's artwork. As the video progresses Rihanna is shown running on a highway. In a black-and-white scene, Rihanna licks the joint and begins smoking it. The image fades to black as the song begins. Rihanna performs in the same black-and-white setting while in a black corset. Images of Rihanna on a bed in a room while singing are shown, with objects breaking, curtains falling and roses burning in reverse effect. Rihanna is shown again on the highway, running away from what appears to be the headlights of a chasing car. She then stops as she looks up to the night sky at an aurora view. Throughout the video, Rihanna's hand is shown intertwined with that of a heavily tattooed man, whose face is not shown in the video. As the second verse starts, Rihanna is shown in a desert where horses run freely. Scenes of a street battle are later shown, depicting burning cars and broken glass around the environment. As the video continues, the singer and her lover's hands are shown slowly slipping apart, with only their fingertips touching towards the conclusion of the video. The video ends with Rihanna once again floating alone in the open waters.

Reception

James Montgomery of MTV News called it visually striking and observed a great deal of "evocative imagery (glamorous black-and-white close-ups, thick plumes of translucent smoke, oversaturated hill-scapes, artfully silhouetted stallions)". He said that, like the song, the video is by turns garish and very intimate.[99] The website's Jocelyn Vena thought that it had dreamlike and surrealistic images of Rihanna, who moves through set-ups that are occasionally exceptional.[100] E! Online's Bruna Nessif said that the video shows an abundance of elaborate imagery, narratives, and especially a "mysterious and sexy" Rihanna.[98] Additionally, she found it obvious that the body of a heavily tattooed man's arm, which Rihanna clings to desperately, is a reference to Chris Brown.[98] NME magazine observed Rihanna being shown in four environments that represent the four elements of the earth, air, water and fire.[101] Billy Johnson Jr. of Yahoo! Canada felt the video had failed to capture the song's vivid celebration of a love affair and stated, "It seems as though [Rihanna is] in chaos, reflecting on happier times."[102] Marc Hogan of Spin concluded that the video was a "confirmation of Rihanna's awkward segue into adult-contemporary-dom."[103] The video for "Diamonds" was Vevo's fourth most-viewed visual of 2013.[104]

As of December 2016, the music video has received over 910 million views on YouTube.[105]

Live performances

A dark blonde woman wearing a grayish shining outfit is performing
Rihanna performing "Diamonds" during the Diamonds World Tour in 2013.

Rihanna first performed "Diamonds" on November 7, 2012, at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, where she wore black lingerie with black thigh high stockings and ankle boots; the show was aired by CBS on December 4.[106] On November 10, Rihanna performed the song on Saturday Night Live. New York magazine's Joe Reid said that her performance was the highlight of the show's episode and favored the digitized background in particular, which he described as "overt weirdness" that was ultimately "pretty endearing".[107] Tess Lynch of Grantland was impressed by Rihanna's "exceptional singing" and wrote that the background imagery was a "powerful" and "crazy spectacle that astonished viewers". Lynch agreed with episode host Anne Hathaway, who had said that Rihanna was "a goddess."[108]

"Diamonds" was included on the set list for Rihanna's 2012 promotional tour, the 777 Tour.[109] On November 25, the singer performed the song on series 9 of The X Factor in the UK. The performance featured the singer dressed in a black gown on a square platform. As the chorus began, water effects poured down around her on the outside of the stage. By the final chorus, the water centered into the platform and wet the singer.[110][111] Hayes of Irish Independent praised the performance and stated that it "put everything – and everybody – else to shame."[43] On December 8, Rihanna performed the song on Wetten, dass..? ("Wanna bet that..?") in Germany. She wore futuristic sunglasses, a white top, and leather pants.[112] She also performed "Diamonds" on La Chanson de l'année ("The song of the Year") in France, on December 10, 2012, which was broadcast on December 29, 2012.[113] She performed the song also on the season three finale of the American television series The Voice, where she wore long metallic talons.[114] The single was included as the closing song on the set list of Rihanna's fifth worldwide tour titled the Diamonds World Tour (2013).[115]

Rihanna performed "Diamonds" at the 2013 American Music Awards on November 24, 2013, during the acceptance of the Icon Award. The performance featured the singer wearing a long black dress plunged down to her navel and diamond adornments in her hair. She was joined by an orchestra that included a conductor which accompanied her as a rock band produced the beat. Kory Grow of Rolling Stone magazine labeled the performance as "stunning".[116] Additionally, out of a total sixteen performances at the ceremony, he placed Rihanna's rendition of "Diamonds" at number one writing, "she gave a performance that showed she could live up to the honor".[117] Los Angeles Times' Mikael Wood stated that during the performance Rihanna dominated the stage pointing that she looked like a young version of Grace Jones.[118] The single was included on the set list of Rihanna's joint 2014 tour with rapper Eminem, The Monster Tour.[119] Rihanna performed "Diamonds" on November 11, 2014 during the Concert for Valor held in Washington, D.C.[120]

Cover versions and remixes

A profile picture of an African American man who is wearing a tuxedo
Rapper Kanye West is featured on the official remix of "Diamonds".

On BBC Radio 1's live lounge, Jessie Ware performed a slightly jazzy version of the song, which Spin magazine's Marc Hogan said was musically reminiscent of the xx and vocally similar to D'Angelo.[121] Sia Furler, who co-wrote "Diamonds", performed it with a keyboard accompaniment at the Norwegian-American Achievement Ceremony on November 18.[122] On November 15, American singer-songwriter Zola Jesus recorded a cover version of "Diamonds".[123] "Diamonds" was used in the promotional video of Istanbul's bid for the 2020 Summer Olympics.[124] Coaches Ricky Martin, Delta Goodrem, Joel Madden and Seal during the second season of The Voice Australia.[125] In 2015, coaches Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr. covered the song in a mash-up with Bruno Mars' 2013 single, "Locked Out of Heaven" during the final show of the fourteenth season of American Idol.[126]

"Diamonds" was remixed by rapper Flo Rida, whose version was premiered on November 12 by American magazine Rap-Up. He had previously performed on unofficial remixes of Rihanna's "We Found Love" and "Where Have You Been".[127] The official remix of "Diamonds", which featured rapper Kanye West, was released on November 16 as a digital download via SoundCloud and iTunes.[128][129] West's verse starts at the beginning of the remix, as he raps lines such as "We the cause of all the commotion / Your mouth runnin' by where is you goin?".[130] He also quotes the theme song from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, while proclaiming to be "on his Brad Pitt".[130] MTV News' James Montgomery wrote that "there's certainly no shortage of Kanye's patented swagger, and the new remix also adds some clubby wallop to the laid-back track."[130] Henna Kathiya of MTV Rapfix remarked that West adds "some classic Ye flavor" to the original song.[131] On December 4, a new remix leaked online. It featured Eve, who rapped lines such as, "You glisten so beautiful, priceless/ Listen to me, I need you to know/ How you can change my whole world."[132]

Josef Salvat version

"Diamonds"
Single by Josef Salvat
from the album In Your Prime EP
Released December 19, 2014[133]
Format CD single
Length 4:05
Label
Writer(s)
  • Sia Furler
  • Benjamin Levin
  • Mikkel Eriksen
  • Tor Hermansen
Josef Salvat singles chronology
"Diamonds"
(2014)
"Open Season"
(2014)

Australian artist Josef Salvat covered "Diamonds" in his EP In Your Prime (2014). The track became popular after Sony used it in its ad "Ice Bubbles" for its new 4K Ultra HD television screen.[134][135][136] The Sony ad was filmed in Mount Whisler, Nunavut, Canada using Salvat's version of "Diamonds". Josef Salvat's version has reached number 2 on French SNEP Official Singles Charts[137] also making it to number 11 on the German Singles Chart and number 18 on the Belgian Ultratop charts.[137]

Charts
Chart (2014) Peak
position
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[138] 46
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[139] 18
France (SNEP)[140] 2
Germany (Official German Charts)[141] 11
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[142] 42
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[143] 72

Formats and track listing

  • Digital download[14]
  1. "Diamonds"  – 3:45
  1. "Diamonds"  – 3:45
  2. "Diamonds" (The Bimbo Jones Vocal Remix)  – 6:16
  • Digital remix single[129]
  1. "Diamonds" (Remix) [feat. Kanye West]  – 4:48

  • Digital US remixes[18]
  1. "Diamonds" (Dave Audé 100 Edit)  – 3:38
  2. "Diamonds" (Gregor Salto Radio Edit)  – 3:45
  3. "Diamonds" (The Bimbo Jones Vocal Remix)  – 6:17
  4. "Diamonds" (The Bimbo Jones Downtempo)  – 3:14
  5. "Diamonds" (The Bimbo Jones Vocal Edit)  – 3:14
  6. "Diamonds" (Congorock Remix Extended)  – 5:54
  7. "Diamonds" (Congorock Remix)  – 5:08
  8. "Diamonds" (Jacob Plant Dubstep Remix)  – 3:58

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Unapologetic.[5]

Locations
Personnel
  • Songwriting – Sia Furler, Benjamin Levin, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen
  • Production – Benny Blanco, StarGate
  • Recording – Mikkel Eriksen, Miles Walker
  • Recording assistant – Andrew "Muffman" Luftman
  • Vocal Production Kuk Harrell
  • Vocal Recording – Kuk Harrell, Marcos Tovar
  • Assistant Engineering – Blake Mares, Robert Cohen
  • Mixing Phil Tan
  • Mixing assistant – Daniela Rivera
  • Instrumentation – Benjamin Levin, Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2012–14) Peak
position
scope="row" Australia (ARIA)[89] 6
scope="row" Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[84] 1
scope="row" Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[144] 3
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders Urban)[144] 1
scope="row" Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[145] 3
Brazil (Billboard Brasil Hot 100)[146] 12
Brazil Hot Pop Songs[146] 1
Bulgaria (Airplay Top 5)[147] 1
scope="row" Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[148] 1
scope="row" Czech Republic (Rádio Top 100)[149] 1
scope="row" Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[150] 96
scope="row" Denmark (Tracklisten)[82] 1
Europe (Billboard Euro Digital Songs)[151] 1
scope="row" Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[85] 1
scope="row" France (SNEP)[76] 1
Germany (Media Control Charts)[77] 1
Greece (IFPI)[152] 1
scope="row" Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[153] 7
scope="row" Hungary (Single Top 40)[154] 9
scope="row" Ireland (IRMA)[155] 2
scope="row" Israel (Media Forest)[156] 1
Italy (FIMI)[157] 3
Japan (Billboard Japan Hot 100)[158] 24
Luxembourg (Billboard)[159] 1
Mexico (Billboard)[160] 2
Mexico (Monitor Latino)[161] 6
scope="row" Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[162] 3
scope="row" Netherlands (Single Top 100)[163] 4
scope="row" New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[87] 2
scope="row" Norway (VG-lista)[80] 1
scope="row" Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[164] 3
Portugal (AFP)[165] 1
Russia (Billboard Hot 50 Airplay)[166] 1
scope="row" Scotland (Official Charts Company)[167] 1
Slovakia (IFPI)[168] 1
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[169] 95
South Korea (Gaon Chart)[170] 3
scope="row" Spain (PROMUSICAE)[171] 2
scope="row" Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[172] 2
scope="row" Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[83] 1
scope="row" UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[173] 1
scope="row" UK R&B (Official Charts Company)[174] 1
scope="row" US Billboard Hot 100[175] 1
scope="row" US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[176] 1
scope="row" US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[177] 27
scope="row" US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[178] 14
scope="row" US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[179] 1
scope="row" US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[180] 2
scope="row" US Rhythmic (Billboard)[181] 1
Venezuela (Record Report)[182] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (2012) Position
Australia (ARIA)[183] 32
Australia Urban (ARIA)[184] 8
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[185] 19
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[186] 31
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders Urban)[187] 6
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[188] 26
Canadian Hot 100 (Billboard)[189] 69
Denmark (Tracklisten)[190] 9
France (SNEP)[191] 10
Germany (Media Control AG)[192] 7
Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)[193] 59
Ireland (IRMA)[194] 14
Israel (Media Forest)[195] 31
Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)[196] 20
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[197] 23
Poland (ZPAV)[198] 16
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[199] 31
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[200] 30
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[201] 17
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[202] 11
US Billboard Hot 100[203] 94
Chart (2013) Position
Australia (ARIA)[204] 68
Australia Urban (ARIA)[205] 9
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[206] 64
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[207] 34
Belgium (Ultratop Flanders Urban)[208] 11
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)[209] 19
Canadian Hot 100 (Billboard)[210] 27
Denmark (Tracklisten)[211] 33
Germany (Media Control AG)[212] 52
Israel (Media Forest)[195] 11
Italy (FIMI)[213] 27
Moldova (Media Forest)[214] 2
Netherlands (Mega Single Top 100)[215] 40
Poland (IFPI Poland)[216] 3
South Korea (Gaon International Chart)[217] 111
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[218] 16
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[219] 27
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[220] 11
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[221] 54
US Billboard Hot 100[222] 27
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[223] 32
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[224] 6
US Pop Songs (Billboard)[225] 35

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/Sales
Australia (ARIA)[226] 6× Platinum 420,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[227] Gold 15,000*
Belgium (BEA)[228] Platinum 30,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[229] Platinum 80,000^
Denmark (IFPI Denmark)[230] 4× Platinum 120,000^
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[231] Platinum 10,916[231]
Germany (BVMI)[79] Platinum 300,000^
Italy (FIMI)[232] 4× Platinum 120,000double-dagger
New Zealand (RMNZ)[88] 2× Platinum 30,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[233] Gold 20,000^
Sweden (GLF)[234] 6× Platinum 240,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[235] 4× Platinum 120,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[236] 2× Platinum 1,070,000[237]
United States (RIAA)[238] 5× Platinum 3,520,000dagger[64]
Venezuela (APFV)[239] 3× Platinum 30,000^

*sales figures based on certification alone
^shipments figures based on certification alone
double-daggersales+streaming figures based on certification alone

dagger Since May 9, 2013 RIAA certifications for digital singles include on-demand audio and/or video song streams in addition to downloads.[240]

Radio and release history

Country Date Format Label
Canada[241] September 27, 2012 Digital download Def Jam Recordings
United States[14]
Australia[242] September 28, 2012
Austria[243]
Belgium[244]
Finland[245]
France[246]
Germany[247]
Italy[248]
Netherlands[249]
New Zealand[250]
Norway[251]
Portugal[252]
Spain[253]
Sweden[254]
Switzerland[255]
United Kingdom[15]
Italy[256] September 30, 2012 Contemporary hit radio
United States[16] October 2, 2012
Germany[17] November 5, 2012 CD single
United States[18][129] November 16, 2012 Digital remix single
December 18, 2012 Digital remixes

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Lynch, Sean (October 7, 2012). "SourceTV: Benny Blanco Talks Producing Rihanna's 'Diamonds'". The Source. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  2. 1 2 Farber, Jim (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna debuts new single 'Diamonds': Ballad is grand and obvious but not as haunting as it longs to be". Daily News. New York. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  3. 1 2 McKinley Jr., James (January 4, 2013). "Only 24, and at Home in the Top 10". The New York Times. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  4. Knopper, Steve (April 21, 2014). "How a Song Written by Sia Furler Becomes a Hit". The New York Times. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 Unapologetic (inlay cover). Rihanna. Def Jam Recordings, SRP. 2012. p. 16.
  6. Makarechi, Kia (November 8, 2012). "Benny Blanco On 'Diamonds,' Writing For Women & The Secret Sauce To Making A Hit". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 9, 2013.
  7. Thomas, Rebecca (November 8, 2012). "Rihanna Wants 'Diamonds' To Last Forever". MTV News. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  8. Makarechi, Kia (September 13, 2012). "New Rihanna Album Coming Soon? Rumors Swirl After Def Jam France Tweets". The Huffington Post. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  9. 1 2 Rowley, Alison (September 22, 2012). "Rihanna confirms new single 'Diamonds'". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  10. "Rihanna Unveils Artwork For New Song 'Diamonds'". Capital FM. September 24, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  11. Witherspoon, Chris (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna releases new single 'Diamonds' with controversial cover art". The Grio. NBC News. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  12. "Rihanna – 'Diamonds' Lyrics". Capital FM. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  13. "Rihanna teases her seventh album on Twitter". NME. September 23, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  14. 1 2 3 4 "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (US). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  15. 1 2 "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  16. 1 2 "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Music Group. September 25, 2012. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  17. 1 2 3 "Diamonds (2-Track); Amazon.com: Musik" (in German). Amazon.com (DE). Amazon Inc. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  18. 1 2 3 "Diamonds (Remixes) — Rihanna". iTunes Store (US). Retrieved December 20, 2012.
  19. 1 2 Kellman, Andy. "Unapologetic – Rihanna: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  20. Baggs, Michael (September 26, 2012). "Listen: Rihanna premieres new single, 'Diamonds'". Gigwise. Giant Digital. Retrieved May 13, 2013.
  21. Lipshutz, Jason (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna Shines Bright Like 'Diamonds' on New Single: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  22. 1 2 "Rihanna Returns With New 'Diamonds' Single". Rolling Stone. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  23. 1 2 "Rihanna – Diamonds Sheet Music (Digital Download)". Musicnotes.com. EMI Music Publishing. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  24. 1 2 Yoder, Glenn (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna releases new song, 'Diamonds'". Boston Globe. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  25. "Rihanna drops 'Diamonds': What do you think?". The Marquee Blog. CNN. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  26. Makarechi, Kia (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna, 'Diamonds': New Single Centers On Brightly Shining Lovers (Audio)". The Huffington Post. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  27. Montgomery, James (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna's 'Diamonds:' The Bad Girl Grows Up". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  28. 1 2 DiMattina, Lindsay (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna's Lyrics and Voice 'Shine Bright' in Her New 'Diamonds' Single – Listen". Hollywood.com, LLC. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  29. "Rihanna's new single, Diamonds, a real sparkler". Herald Sun. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  30. Copsey, Robert (September 27, 2012). "Rihanna: 'Diamonds' – Single review". Digital Spy. Retrieved September 27, 2012.
  31. Lewis, Brittany (September 26, 2012). "Rihanna 'Diamonds' (New Music)". GlobalGrind. ooVoo. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  32. Gamboa, Glenn (September 26, 2012). "Hear Rihanna's new "Diamonds" single". Newsday. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  33. 1 2 3 Vena, Jocelyn (October 22, 2012). "Rihanna Sets The World On Fire In 'Diamonds' Video Tease". MTV News. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  34. "Rihanna – Is 'Diamonds' About Chris Brown? New Rihanna Song Released Online". Contactmusic.com. September 26, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  35. Hampp, Andrew (November 17, 2012). "Rihanna, 'Unapologetic': Track-By-Track Review". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  36. Kellman, Andy. "Diamonds – Rihanna: Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
  37. Caramanica, Jon (November 21, 2012). "Rihanna, Icy Hot and Steely-Strong". The New York Times. p. C1. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  38. Blair, Keith (September 27, 2012). "Rihanna's new song: Will Diamonds be another no1?". Independent Woman. Irish Independent. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  39. Richards, Chris (September 27, 2012). "Rihanna and choosing happiness: singer breaks free from her past". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  40. Ernest Baker; Lauren Nostro (December 24, 2012). "1. Rihanna 'Diamonds' – The 10 Best Guilty Pleasure Songs of 2012". Complex. Archived from the original on 2012-12-28. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  41. "6. Rihanna, 'Diamonds' – 50 Best Songs of 2012". Black Entertainment Television. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  42. "5. Rihanna, 'Diamonds; from Top 10 Pop Songs of 2012". E!. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  43. 1 2 Hayes, Jim (December 25, 2012). "The 10 Best Songs of 2012". Enniscorthy Guardian. Irish Independent. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  44. Bahadur, Nina (December 31, 2012). "The 12 Best Songs By Women 2012". The Huffington Post. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  45. "Most Performed Songs". ASCAP. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  46. "Most Performed Songs". ASCAP. Retrieved November 28, 2014.
  47. Wightman, Catriona (May 20, 2013). "Billboard Music Awards 2013: The winners in full". Digital Spy. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  48. Goodacre, Kate (July 1, 2013). "BET Awards 2013: All the winners and nominees from this year's awards". Digital Spy. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  49. Younane, Isabelle. "NRJ Music Awards in Cannes: and the nominees are..". Riviera Times. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  50. "Echo 2013 Nominee Liste Final". ECHO Awards. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-17. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  51. "Justin Timberlake, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Lead 2013 MTV EMA Noms". MTV UK. September 17, 2013. Retrieved September 17, 2013.
  52. "Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Debuts at No. 16 on Hot 100". Rap-Up. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  53. "Maroon 5 Spend 'One More' Week Atop Hot 100". Billboard. October 24, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  54. Trust, Gary (November 21, 2012). "Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Tops Hot 100, Lumineers Leap to Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  55. "Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Shines Atop Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  56. Trust, Gary (November 30, 2012). "Rihanna Scores Double Domination Atop Billboard 200, Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
  57. Trust, Gary (October 24, 2012). "Maroon 5 Beats Out PSY Atop Hot 100 For Fifth Straight Week". Billboard. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
  58. Trust, Gary (December 5, 2012). "Rihanna Remains Atop Hot 100, Adds Radio Songs Reign". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  59. "Chart Highlights: Ke$ha, Rihanna Blast Back Onto Pop Songs". Billboard. October 1, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  60. "Taylor Swift, Rihanna & PSY Buoyed by Billboard Chart Changes". Billboard. October 11, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  61. "Rihanna Album & Song Chart History for Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. November 18, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  62. Ramirez, Rauly (January 17, 2013). "Macklemore & Ryan Lewis's 'Thrift Shop' Hits No. 1 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
  63. "Rihanna Ties Janet Jackson For Second-Most Dance/Club Play Songs No. 1s". Billboard. December 3, 2012.
  64. 1 2 Trust, Gary (June 23, 2015). "Ask Billboard: Rihanna's Best-Selling Songs & Albums". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2015.
  65. "Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. October 13, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  66. "Rihanna Songs & Chart History for Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
  67. "Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  68. "GFK Chart-Track". Chart-Track. October 25, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  69. "GFK Chart-Track". Chart-Track. October 25, 2012. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  70. Lane, Dan (October 7, 2012). "Rihanna's Diamonds knocks Gangnam Style off Number 1". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  71. "2012 Top 40 R&B Singles Archive – 13th October 2012". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  72. "2012 Top 40 Official UK Singles Archive – 8th December 2012". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
  73. "2012 Top 40 R&B Singles Archive – 27th October 2012". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  74. "Adele and Rihanna score million selling singles". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  75. Lane, Daniel; Myers, Justin (March 8, 2014). "The Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles Of All Time By Female Artists revealed!". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  76. 1 2 "Lescharts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  77. 1 2 "Single – Rihanna, Diamonds" (in German). Media Control Charts. Archived from the original on September 4, 2014. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  78. "Charterfolge von Rihanna – Songs von Rihanna" (in German). Media Control Charts. January 9, 2013. Archived from the original on March 30, 2015.
  79. 1 2 "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Rihanna; 'Diamonds')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  80. 1 2 "Norwegiancharts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds". VG-lista. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  81. "RADIO TOP 100 Oficiální – Rihanna – Diamonds". IFPI Czech Republic. January 19, 2013.
  82. 1 2 "Danishcharts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds". Tracklisten. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  83. 1 2 "Swisscharts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  84. 1 2 "Austriancharts.at – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  85. 1 2 "Rihanna: Diamonds" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  86. "Archive Chart – Scottish Singles Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  87. 1 2 "Charts.org.nz – Rihanna – Diamonds". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  88. 1 2 "New Zealand single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  89. 1 2 "Australian-charts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  90. "ARIA Urban Singles Chart, 22/07/2013". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved August 12, 2013.
  91. "Rihanna : l'album "Unapologetic" frôle les 3 millions de ventes en six mois" (in French). Charts in France. May 16, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
  92. 1 2 Vena, Jocelyn (November 9, 2012). "Rihanna Wanted 'Diamonds' Video To Give Fans The 'Right Impression'". MTV News. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  93. "Rihanna sizzles in the desert as she shoots new music video wearing only a little black teddy, after getting spotted cozying up to Chris Brown". Daily Mail. Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  94. Sacks, Ethan (October 22, 2012). "Rihanna glitters on set of 'Diamonds' video shoot". Daily News. New York. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
  95. 1 2 Montgomery, James (November 15, 2012). "Does Rihanna's Director Know Something About 'Diamonds' That We Don't?". MTV News. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  96. 1 2 3 Warner, Kara (November 7, 2012). "Rihanna To Premiere 'Diamonds' Video Tomorrow On MTV: Watch A Sneak Peak!". MTV News. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
  97. "Music videos – Diamonds by Rihanna". iTunes Store (US). Archived from the original on 2013-06-01. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  98. 1 2 3 Nessif, Bruna. "Rihanna debuts 'Diamonds' video – is that Chris Brown?". E!. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  99. Montgomery, James (November 8, 2012). "Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Video Premieres: Watch It Now!". MTV News. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  100. Vena, Jocelyn (November 9, 2012). "Rihanna Wanted 'Diamonds' Video To Give Fans The 'Right Emotion'". MTV News. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  101. "Rihanna reveals 'Diamonds' music video – watch". NME. November 9, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  102. "Rihanna In Distress In "Diamonds" Video". Yahoo! News. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  103. Hogan, Marc (November 9, 2012). "Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Video: 'Unapologetic' Adult Contemporary". Spin. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  104. Harp, Justin (December 6, 2013). "Miley Cyrus, Pink, Rihanna in Top 10 most-viewed music videos of 2013". Digital Spy. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  105. "Rihanna - Diamonds". RihannaVEVO. YouTube. November 8, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2016.
  106. "Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2012 – NYC: Rihanna Performs While Models in Lingerie Flaunt their Curvy Figures (Photos)". Latin Times. November 8, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  107. Reid, Joe (November 11, 2012). "Saturday Night Live Recap: Rihanna Is Beautiful Like Fractals in the Sky". Vulture. New York Media, LLC. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  108. Lynch, Tess (November 12, 2012). "SNL Episode 7: Hathaway Mugs, Rihanna Kills". Grantland.com – Hollywood Prospectus. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  109. Ramirez, Erika (November 15, 2012). "Rihanna's 777 Tour Diary: Day One, Mexico". Billboard. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  110. "Rihanna Makes It Rain on 'X Factor' U.K.". Rap-Up. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  111. Graham, Beth. "X Factor '12: Rihanna Performs in the Rain On Results Show". Entertainmentwise. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  112. Pearson, Jennifer (December 19, 2012). "A rare jewel! Rihanna is sultry in crop top and leather trousers to perform Diamonds on German TV show". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  113. "SLa Chanson de l'année 2012 : Garou bat Rihanna, Alicia Keys ou M. Pokora, Twitter se révolte !". Melty Buzz.
  114. "All that glitters: Rihanna delivers stunning performance of Diamonds on season finale of The Voice". Daily Mail. London. December 19, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  115. Harrington, Jim (April 6, 2013). "Setlist: Rihanna in San Jose". Mercury News. Retrieved May 2, 2013.
  116. Grow, Kory (November 24, 2013). "Rihanna Wins First-Ever 'Icon Award' at American Music Award". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  117. Grow, Kory (November 25, 2013). "Rihanna to TLC: Ranking the American Music Awards Performances". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  118. Wood, Mikael (November 25, 2013). "American Music Awards: Watch Rihanna receive Icon Award, do 'Diamonds'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  119. Baltin, Steve (August 8, 2014). "Eminem & Rihanna's Monster Tour Roars to Life at Rose Bowl: Concert Review". Billboard. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
  120. Locker, Mellisa (November 11, 2014). "Concert for Valor: Watch Performances by Rihanna, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen". Time. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
  121. "Jessie Ware's Elegantly Understated 'Diamonds' Joins Growing Rihanna Covers Canon". Spin. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  122. Hogan, Marc (November 29, 2012). "Watch Sia Polish Rihanna's 'Diamonds,' Which She Co-Wrote". Spin. Retrieved July 16, 2013.
  123. "Listen to Zola Jesus Cover Rihanna's 'Diamonds'". Pitchfork Media. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  124. 2020 Olympics - Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid Promotional Candidate Videos. YouTube. July 3, 2013. Retrieved August 5, 2013.
  125. Byrnes, Holly (April 8, 2013). "The Voice Australia is back with a whole new pool of talent". Adelaide Now. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
  126. "Watch Jennifer Lopez Cover Rihanna's 'Diamonds'". Capital FM Xtra. May 14, 2015. Retrieved May 14, 2015.
  127. "New Music: Rihanna F/ Flo Rida – 'Diamonds (Remix)'". Rap-Up. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 12, 2012.
  128. "New Music: Rihanna F/ Kanye West – 'Diamonds (Remix)'". Rap-Up. November 16, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  129. 1 2 3 "Diamonds (Remix) feat. Kanye West – Single". iTunes Store (US). November 17, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  130. 1 2 3 Montgomery, James (November 16, 2012). "Kanye West Jumps On Remix Of Rihanna's 'Diamonds'". MTV News. Retrieved November 17, 2012.
  131. Kathiya, Henna (November 18, 2012). "Kanye West Puts His Stamp On Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Remix". MTV Rapfix. Retrieved November 19, 2012.
  132. "New Music: Eve – 'Diamonds (Remix)'". Rap-Up. Retrieved December 4, 2012.
  133. "Diamonds: Amazon.de: Musik" (in German). Amazon.com (DE). Retrieved January 10, 2015.
  134. "Sony 4K Ultra HD – 'Ice Bubbles' advert". Sony Europe on YouTube. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  135. "Sony 4K Ultra HD – 'Ice Bubbles' advert - Behind the scenes of 'Ice Bubbles' - The concept & location". Sony Europe on YouTube. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
  136. Charts in France: Musique de la pub Sony Ultra HD 4K : "Diamonds" de Rihanna repris par Josef Salvat (French)
  137. 1 2 Lescharts.com: Josef Salvat - "Diamonds" page and chart history
  138. "Austriancharts.at – Josef Salvat – Diamonds" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  139. "Ultratop.be – Josef Salvat – Diamonds" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  140. "Lescharts.com – Josef Salvat – Diamonds" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  141. "Offiziellecharts.de – Josef Salvat – Diamonds". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  142. "Swisscharts.com – Josef Salvat – Diamonds". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  143. "Archive Chart: 2014-11-15" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  144. 1 2 "Ultratop.be – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  145. "Ultratop.be – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
  146. 1 2 BPP, ed. (February–March 2013). "Billboard Brasil Hot 100 Airplay". Billboard Brasil (38): 84–89.
  147. "Airplay Top 5.12.11.2012-18.11.2012 Bulgarian Association of Music Producers". Archived from the original on 2014-12-13.
  148. "Rihanna – Chart history" Canadian Hot 100 for Rihanna. Retrieved November 8, 2012.
  149. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201249 into search. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  150. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201425 into search. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  151. "Euro Digital Songs: December 22, 2012". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2012.
  152. "Media Inspector". IFPI Greece. Retrieved January 11, 2013.
  153. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
  154. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  155. "Chart Track: Week 43, 2012". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  156. "Rihanna – Diamonds Media Forest". Israeli Airplay Chart. Media Forest. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  157. "Classifica FIMI (singoli) dal 12/11/2012 al 18/11/2012" (in Italian). FIMI/GfK Digital Download Music Charts. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  158. "Japan Billboard Hot 100" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  159. "Luxembourg Digital Songs October 13, 2012". Billboard.biz. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on October 6, 2012. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  160. "Mexico – Rihanna – Diamonds". Billboard.biz. Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on January 24, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  161. "Top 20 General". Monitor Latino (in Spanish). Radio Notas. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  162. "Nederlandse Top 40 – Rihanna search results" (in Dutch) Dutch Top 40. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  163. "Dutchcharts.nl – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  164. "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved January 5, 2013.
  165. "Top Digital – Full Track" (in Portuguese). RTP 1. AC Nielsen Portugal. Archived from the original on November 21, 2012. Retrieved October 10, 2012.
  166. "Радиоэфиры". Billboard Russia. Retrieved January 30, 2013.
  167. "Archive Chart: 2012-10-13". Scottish Singles Top 40. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  168. "Radio Top 100 Oficiálna: Diamonds" (in Slovak). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 17, 2012.
  169. "SNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201428 into search. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  170. "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved July 3, 2012.
  171. "Spanishcharts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved November 14, 2012.
  172. "Swedishcharts.com – Rihanna – Diamonds". Singles Top 100. Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  173. "Archive Chart: 2012-10-13" UK Singles Chart. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  174. "Archive Chart: 2012-10-13" UK R&B Chart. Retrieved October 7, 2012.
  175. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Hot 100 for Rihanna. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  176. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Rihanna. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  177. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Adult Contemporary for Rihanna. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  178. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Adult Pop Songs for Rihanna. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  179. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs for Rihanna. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  180. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Pop Songs for Rihanna. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
  181. "Rihanna – Chart history" Billboard Rhythmic Songs for Rihanna. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  182. "Venezuela chart" (in English and Spanish). Record Report. Archived from the original on February 14, 2013. Retrieved February 14, 2013.
  183. "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2012". ARIA. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  184. "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Urban Singles 2012". ARIA. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  185. "JAHRESHITPARADE SINGLES 2012" (in German). austriancharts.at. Hung Medien. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  186. "Ultratop Jaaroverzichten 2012" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  187. "Ultratop Jaaroverzichten 2012: Urban" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  188. "Rapports Annuels 2012" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved January 26, 2013.
  189. "Canadian Hot 100 Songs: 2012 Year-end". Billboard. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  190. "Track Top-50 2012" (in Danish). hitlisterne.dk. Archived from the original on 2013-09-14. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  191. "Classement des 200 premiers Singles Fusionnés par GfK année 2012" (PDF) (in French). SNEP. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  192. "Top 100 Jahrescharts 2012" (in German). MTV Germany. Viacom. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  193. "MAHASZ Rádiós TOP 100 2012" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  194. "Best of 2012". IRMA. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  195. 1 2 The World's #1 Music Discovery, Rating, and Purchasing Experience!
  196. "Dutch charts portal" (in Dutch). Mega Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  197. "END OF YEAR CHARTS 2012". The Official NZ Music Charts. Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  198. "Top digital utworów – 2012" (in Polish). ZPAV. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
  199. "Top 50 Canciones Anual 2012" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-01-27. Retrieved January 16, 2013.
  200. "Årslista Singlar – År 2012" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  201. "Swiss Year-End 2012" (in German). Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
  202. "The Official Top 40 Biggest Selling Singles of 2012". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  203. "Best of 2012 – Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  204. "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2013". ARIA. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  205. "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 50 Urban Singles 2013". ARIA. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
  206. JAHRESHITPARADE SINGLES 2013 (in German). austriancharts.at. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  207. "Ultratop Jaaroverzichten 2013" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
  208. "Ultratop Jaaroverzichten 2013: Urban" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  209. "Rapports Annuels 2013" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved December 26, 2013.
  210. "Canadian Hot 100 Songs: Dec 13, 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  211. "Track Top-50 2013" (in Danish). hitlisterne.dk. Archived from the original on 2014-02-04. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  212. "Top 100 Jahrescharts 2013" (in German). MTV Germany. Viacom. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
  213. "Classifiche annuali top 100 singoli digitali 2013" (PDF) (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  214. "Yearly Charts 2013 : Moldova". Media Forest. Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
  215. "Dutch charts portal" (in Dutch). Mega Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
  216. "Recording Industry in Numbers" (PDF). IFPI. 2015-09-09. Retrieved 2015-09-09.
  217. "GAON DIGITAL CHART: 2013". gaonchart.co.kr. Archived from the original on March 6, 2014. Retrieved March 6, 2014.
  218. "Top 50 Canciones Anual 2013". Promuiscae.es. Retrieved 2014-02-03.
  219. "Årslista Singlar – År 2013" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Swedish Recording Industry Association. Retrieved March 7, 2014.
  220. "Swiss Year-End 2013" (in German). Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
  221. "End of Year 2013" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved June 8, 2014.
  222. "Hot 100 Songs: Dec 13, 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  223. "Dance Club Songs: 2013 Year-End". Billboard. Retrieved March 8, 2014.
  224. "R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: Dec 13, 2013". Billboard. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  225. "Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  226. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2015 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  227. "Austrian single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in German). IFPI Austria. Retrieved January 10, 2013. Enter Rihanna in the field Interpret. Enter Diamonds in the field Titel. Select single in the field Format. Click Suchen
  228. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – 2013". Ultratop & Hung Medien / hitparade.ch. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
  229. "Canadian single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds". Music Canada. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  230. "Danish single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds". IFPI Denmark. Retrieved April 12, 2013. Click on næste to go to page if certification from official website
  231. 1 2 "Rihanna" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
  232. "Italian single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved January 23, 2015. Select Online in the field Sezione. Enter Rihanna in the field Filtra. Select 2015 in the field Anno. The certification will load automatically
  233. "Spanish single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds" (PDF) (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España. Retrieved June 3, 2016. Select the "Chart", enter 2013 in the field "Year". Select '' in the field "Semana". Click on "Search Charts"
  234. "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2015" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. Retrieved February 19, 2013. Type Rihanna in the top right search bar. Click on "Sok" and select Diamonds and see certification.
  235. "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards (Rihanna; 'Diamonds')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  236. "British single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 7, 2014. Enter Diamonds in the field Keywords. Select Title in the field Search by. Select single in the field By Format. Select Platinum in the field By Award. Click Search
  237. Myers, Justin (January 30, 2016). "Rihanna's Official Top 40 biggest selling singles". Official Charts Company. Retrieved January 30, 2016.
  238. "American single certifications – Rihanna – Diamonds". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH
  239. APFV (November 30, 2013). "Certificaciones De Venezuela Del 2013" (PDF) (in Spanish). APFV. Retrieved August 18, 2014.
  240. "RIAA Adds Digital Streams To Historic Gold & Platinum Awards". Recording Industry Association of America. May 9, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2013.
  241. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (CA). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  242. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (AU). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  243. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in German). 7 Digital (AT). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  244. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in Dutch). 7 Digital (NL-BE). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  245. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (FI). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  246. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in French). 7 Digital (FR). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  247. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in German). 7 Digital (DE). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  248. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in Italian). 7 Digital (IT). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  249. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in Dutch). 7 Digital (NL). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  250. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (NZ). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  251. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (NO). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  252. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in Portuguese). 7 Digital (PT). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  253. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in Spanish). 7 Digital (ES). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  254. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna". 7 Digital (SE). Archived from the original on 2012-11-08. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  255. "Diamonds (2012) – Rihanna" (in German). 7 Digital (DE-CH). Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  256. Torresi, Marziano (September 30, 2012). "Radio, novità musicali 24 settembre – 30 settembre: Rihanna e Swedish House Mafia" (in Italian). Musickr.it. Retrieved October 8, 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 12/2/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.