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→‎Critical reception: What the hell do you think you're doing? Corrected the whole grammar issue you have just created! Why put multiple references in the same review?! You also spelt Lana Del REY's name incorrectly, why?!
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Jon Dolan for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' was complimentary of Rihanna's execution of the song, writing that she performs it "within an inch of its life" and "pleads at the piano."<ref name="RollingStoneUnapologeticReview">{{cite journal|last=Dolan|first=Jon|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/unapologetic-20121120|title=Unapologetic|location=New York|journal=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Jann Wenner]]|date=November 20, 2012|accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref> Dolan continued to state that it is "stark" and "shadowy" which is "confrontationally honest."<ref name="RollingStoneUnapologeticReview"/> Dan Martin for ''NME'' described "Stay" as ''Unapologetic''{{'}}s highlight, writing that it is a "gorgeous piano ballad."<ref name="NMEUnapologeticReview">{{cite journal|last=Martin|first=Dan|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/rihanna/13899|title=Rihanna - 'Unapologetic'|location=London|journal=[[NME]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]] ([[Time Inc.]])|date=November 24, 2012|accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref> Martin continued to write that the song "puts a vulnerable spin on the Brown situation, repeating another theme of the album", a reference to her relationship with [[Chris Brown (American entertainer)|Chris Brown]].<ref name="NMEUnapologeticReview"/> Smokey Fontaine for the ''[[Huffington Post]]'' also praised "Stay", placing emphasis on Rihanna's vocal performance. He wrote that "Three years ago, no one would have paid attention to a beautiful piano-ballad like 'Stay.' Not because of the events we all witnessed, but because of how honest and emotionally-connected her vocals are."<ref name="HuffingtonUnapologeticReview">{{cite news|last=Fontaine|first=Smokey|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smokey-fontaine/rihanna-unapologetic_b_2155109.html|title=Rihanna's Unapologetic Triumph|location=New York|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|date=November 20, 2012|accessdate=November 21, 2012}}</ref>
Jon Dolan for ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' was complimentary of Rihanna's execution of the song, writing that she performs it "within an inch of its life" and "pleads at the piano."<ref name="RollingStoneUnapologeticReview">{{cite journal|last=Dolan|first=Jon|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/unapologetic-20121120|title=Unapologetic|location=New York|journal=[[Rolling Stone]]|publisher=[[Jann Wenner]]|date=November 20, 2012|accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref> Dolan continued to state that it is "stark" and "shadowy" which is "confrontationally honest."<ref name="RollingStoneUnapologeticReview"/> Dan Martin for ''NME'' described "Stay" as ''Unapologetic''{{'}}s highlight, writing that it is a "gorgeous piano ballad."<ref name="NMEUnapologeticReview">{{cite journal|last=Martin|first=Dan|url=http://www.nme.com/reviews/rihanna/13899|title=Rihanna - 'Unapologetic'|location=London|journal=[[NME]]|publisher=[[IPC Media]] ([[Time Inc.]])|date=November 24, 2012|accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref> Martin continued to write that the song "puts a vulnerable spin on the Brown situation, repeating another theme of the album", a reference to her relationship with [[Chris Brown (American entertainer)|Chris Brown]].<ref name="NMEUnapologeticReview"/> Smokey Fontaine for the ''[[Huffington Post]]'' also praised "Stay", placing emphasis on Rihanna's vocal performance. He wrote that "Three years ago, no one would have paid attention to a beautiful piano-ballad like 'Stay.' Not because of the events we all witnessed, but because of how honest and emotionally-connected her vocals are."<ref name="HuffingtonUnapologeticReview">{{cite news|last=Fontaine|first=Smokey|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smokey-fontaine/rihanna-unapologetic_b_2155109.html|title=Rihanna's Unapologetic Triumph|location=New York|work=[[The Huffington Post]]|publisher=[[AOL]]|date=November 20, 2012|accessdate=November 21, 2012}}</ref>


Lewis Corner for [[Digital Spy]] awarded "Stay" four stars out of a possible five."<ref name="DigitalSpySingleReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a444984/rihanna-ft-mikky-ekko-stay-single-review.html|title=Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko: 'Stay' - Single review|work=''Digital Spy''|publisher=Hearst Corporation|date=December 13, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> He wrote that although it will be Rihanna's uptempo and dance songs which will remain classic and that "she doesn't need all the controversial romp to top the charts."<ref name="DigitalSpySingleReview"/> Dolan also compared "Stay" to "some of 2012's most successful female balladeers" [[Emeli Sandé]] and [[Lana Del Ray]].<ref name="DigitalSpySingleReview"/> He concluded his review by stating that Rihanna "never [follows] the pack" but "[airs] her seemingly complex emotions through music's current trend."<ref name="DigitalSpySingleReview"/> The song garnered a mixed review from Genevieve Koski for ''[[The A.V. Club]]'', writing that the album is "heavy on the sort of milquetoast ballads that have never been Rihanna's specialty" with regard to "Stay" and "What Now".<ref name="AVClubUnapologeticReview">{{cite news|last=Koski|first=Genevieve|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/rihanna-unapologetic,88921|title=Rihanna: Unapologetic|location=Chicago|newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]]|publisher=The Onion, Inc|date=November 20, 2012|accessdate=November 20, 2012}}</ref> However, Jon Caramanica for ''[[The New York Times]]'' negatively critiqued the song, writing that it is "dull piano driven song."<ref name="NYTimesUnapologeticReview">{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/arts/music/rihannas-album-unapologetic-makes-most-of-her-talent.html|title=Rihanna, Icy Hot and Steely-Strong|location=New York|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.]]|page=C1|date=November 21, 2012|accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref> The reason he gave for it being "dull" was that he felt "Stay", along with "Get It Over With" and "Lost in Paradise", were the "least texturally confrontational" and therefore "by far the least successful."<ref name="NYTimesUnapologeticReview"/>
Lewis Corner for [[Digital Spy]] awarded "Stay" four out of five stars, saying, "Of course it will be Rihanna's uptempo club numbers that will go down as her most classic hits. Following 18 months of ravey synths, provocative lyrics and weighty beats, the Bajan star took it down a notch with previous single '[[Diamonds (Rihanna song)|Diamonds]]' and proved that she doesn't need all the controversial romp to top the charts. Needless to say, it's a move she continues to pursue with her latest cut 'Stay'." He continued saying the song "echoes some of 2012's most successful female balladeers" and concluded, "Like most of what Rihanna turns her hand to, it never feels like she's following the pack, but simply airing her seemingly complex emotions through music's current trend."<ref name="DigitalSpySingleReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a444984/rihanna-ft-mikky-ekko-stay-single-review.html|title=Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko: 'Stay' - Single review|work=''Digital Spy''|publisher=Hearst Corporation|date=December 13, 2012|accessdate=December 15, 2012}}</ref> The song garnered a mixed review from Genevieve Koski for ''[[The A.V. Club]]'', writing that the album is "heavy on the sort of milquetoast ballads that have never been Rihanna's specialty" with regard to "Stay" and "What Now".<ref name="AVClubUnapologeticReview">{{cite news|last=Koski|first=Genevieve|url=http://www.avclub.com/articles/rihanna-unapologetic,88921|title=Rihanna: Unapologetic|location=Chicago|newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]]|publisher=The Onion, Inc|date=November 20, 2012|accessdate=November 20, 2012}}</ref> However, Jon Caramanica for ''[[The New York Times]]'' negatively critiqued the song, writing that it is "dull piano driven song."<ref name="NYTimesUnapologeticReview">{{cite news|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/21/arts/music/rihannas-album-unapologetic-makes-most-of-her-talent.html|title=Rihanna, Icy Hot and Steely-Strong|location=New York|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr.]]|page=C1|date=November 21, 2012|accessdate=November 22, 2012}}</ref> The reason he gave for it being "dull" was that he felt "Stay", along with "Get It Over With" and "Lost in Paradise", were the "least texturally confrontational" and therefore "by far the least successful."<ref name="NYTimesUnapologeticReview"/>


==Chart performance==
==Chart performance==

Revision as of 18:41, 15 December 2012

"Stay"
Song

"Stay" is a song by Barbadian recording artist Rihanna from her seventh studio album Unapologetic (2012). Featuring guest vocals by Mikky Ekko, the song will be released as the second single from Unapologetic on December 16, 2012.[1] "Stay" was co-written and co-produced by Ekko, Elof Loelv and Justin Parker. It is an R&B piano and guitar driven ballad, which contains lyrical content regarding the temptation and failure of resisting a true love.

The song garnered a mixed response from music critics. They were divided in their opinion regarding the balladry, with most describing it as a standout track on the album, while a few labeled it as boring. However, critics were unified in their opinion of praising her vocal performance and emotion. Rihanna premiered "Stay" on Saturday Night Live, and it was included on the set list of the majority of her 777 Tour promotional tour dates. Upon the release of the album, "Stay" debuted at number 16 on the UK R&B Chart due to strong digital download sales.

Background and production

Rihanna began "working on the new sound" for her seventh studio album in March 2012, even though she had not yet begun recording.[2] On September 12, 2012, Def Jam France announced via Twitter that Rihanna would release a new single the upcoming week while her seventh studio album is scheduled to be released in November 2012. However, the tweet was shortly deleted and replaced with another clarifying that "more information will be made available tomorrow, Thursday, September 13".[3] Right after her performance at the iHeartRadio music festival in September 2012, Rihanna revealed that her single "Diamonds" would be released the same month.[4] Via her official Twitter account, Rihanna posted series of "teasing" tweets announcing her seventh studio album.[5] On October 11, 2012, in one of her tweets revealed that the title of her new album is Unapologetic.[6]

"Stay" was co-written and co-produced by Mikky Ekko, Justin Parker and Elof Loelv.[7] Ekko also appears as a featured artist courtesy of RCA Records.[7] Rihanna's and Ekko's vocals were recording at two recording locations by three different people: Mike Gaydusek at Nightbird Studios and Marcus Tovar and Kuk Harrel at Westlake Recording Studios, both in Los Angeles, California.[7] Vocal engineering was carried out by Gaydusek and was assisted in the process by Blake Mares and Robert Cohen.[7] Vocal production was helmed by Kuk Harrell.[7] It was mixed by Phil Tan at Ninja Club Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.[7] Additional/assistant production was helmed by Daniella Rivera.[7]

Composition and lyrics

"Stay" is an R&B song,[8] which lasts for a duration of 4:00.[9] Instrumentation consists of a piano and a guitar.[8][10][11] Greg Kot for the Chicago Tribune described the song as a "stripped-bare piano ballad".[12] The lyrics revolve around "failing to resist true love", according to Dan Martin for NME,[10] as Rihanna sings "Funny, you're the broken one/ But I'm the only one who needed saving."[12] According to Jocelyn Vena for MTV, Rihanna "punctuates the emotions of the track" on the lyric "It's not much of a life you're living/ It's not just something you take that's given."[11] Rihanna also makes a plea to her lover, singing "Round and round and round and round we go/ Now tell me, tell me now, tell me now you know/ Not really sure how to feel about it/ Something in the way you move/ Makes me feel like I can't live without you/ and it takes me all the way/ I want you to stay."[11] Lewis Corner for Digital Spy wrote that Rihanna's vocals glow over the simple yet effective piano riffs.[13]

Critical reception

A picture of a man wearing purple vest and a cap
Dan Martin for NME thought that the lyrical content of "Stay" puts a "vulnerable spin" on her relationship with Chris Brown (pictured).[10]

Jon Dolan for Rolling Stone was complimentary of Rihanna's execution of the song, writing that she performs it "within an inch of its life" and "pleads at the piano."[8] Dolan continued to state that it is "stark" and "shadowy" which is "confrontationally honest."[8] Dan Martin for NME described "Stay" as Unapologetic's highlight, writing that it is a "gorgeous piano ballad."[10] Martin continued to write that the song "puts a vulnerable spin on the Brown situation, repeating another theme of the album", a reference to her relationship with Chris Brown.[10] Smokey Fontaine for the Huffington Post also praised "Stay", placing emphasis on Rihanna's vocal performance. He wrote that "Three years ago, no one would have paid attention to a beautiful piano-ballad like 'Stay.' Not because of the events we all witnessed, but because of how honest and emotionally-connected her vocals are."[14]

Lewis Corner for Digital Spy awarded "Stay" four out of five stars, saying, "Of course it will be Rihanna's uptempo club numbers that will go down as her most classic hits. Following 18 months of ravey synths, provocative lyrics and weighty beats, the Bajan star took it down a notch with previous single 'Diamonds' and proved that she doesn't need all the controversial romp to top the charts. Needless to say, it's a move she continues to pursue with her latest cut 'Stay'." He continued saying the song "echoes some of 2012's most successful female balladeers" and concluded, "Like most of what Rihanna turns her hand to, it never feels like she's following the pack, but simply airing her seemingly complex emotions through music's current trend."[13] The song garnered a mixed review from Genevieve Koski for The A.V. Club, writing that the album is "heavy on the sort of milquetoast ballads that have never been Rihanna's specialty" with regard to "Stay" and "What Now".[15] However, Jon Caramanica for The New York Times negatively critiqued the song, writing that it is "dull piano driven song."[16] The reason he gave for it being "dull" was that he felt "Stay", along with "Get It Over With" and "Lost in Paradise", were the "least texturally confrontational" and therefore "by far the least successful."[16]

Chart performance

Upon the release of Unapologetic, "Stay" charted in multiple countries. In the United Kingdom, it debuted on the the UK R&B Chart at number 16 on November 25, 2012, due to strong digital download sales.[17] The following week it fell positions to number 20.[18] It debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 102.[19] According to midweek chart predictions, "Stay" is set to chart within the top ten of the UK Singles Chart following her performance of the song on The X Factor.[20] In Europe, it debuted at number 53 in France on December 1, 2012, and fell to number 149 the following week.[21] In Switzerland, it also debuted at number 53 on December 9, 2012.[22] It also debuted on the Canadian Hot 100 at number 58.[23]

Live performances

As part of promotion for the release of Unapologetic on November 19, 2012, Rihanna premiered "Stay" on Saturday Night Live on November 10, 2012. She also performed the album's lead single "Diamonds".[24][25] Rihanna performed a solo version of "Stay", without guest vocalist Ekko.[26] Rihanna wore a Bob Marley dress and adorned red lipstick.[11] Jocelyn Vena for MTV praised the singer's performance, writing "Rihanna used her touching vocals to prove that not only can she sex up a performance but she can also sing the heck out of one."[11] Erika Ramirez noted that Rihanna "belted out the song."[27] During the seven days prior to the release of the album, Rihanna embarked on the 777 Tour, a seven-date promotional tour where she performed seven concerts in seven different cities in seven different countries across North America and Europe.[24]

Not included on the set list at the first concert in Mexico City,[28] she performed "Stay" at the second concert in Toronto as part of a medley with "Love the Way You Lie".[29] The solo version of the song was performed the third concert in Stockholm.[30] At the fourth concert in Paris, it was performed as the ninth song out of 13 in between "S&M" and "Where Have You Been", preceded by a snippet of "Take Care".[31] The fifth and sixth concerts were held in Berlin and London, respectively, where Rihanna performed "Stay" both nights in between "S&M" and "Unfaithful".[32][33] The seventh and final concert was held in New York City, where "Stay" was also performed.[34] Erika Ramirez for Billboard attended all seven concerts as part of the press committee, where she described the audience as being in a "trance" as the singer performed the song.[34] Rihanna performed "Stay" at the final of the ninth series of The X Factor on December 9, 2012.[35] Once she had finished performing the song, it transitioned into an acoustic version of "We Found Love" followed by the original version.[35] Rihanna wore a short white dress, with white T-bar shoes, diamond earrings and matching silver jewellery.[35]

Credits and personnel

Recording
  • Recorded at Nightbird Studios, Los Angeles, California; Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles, California.
  • Mixed at Ninja Club Studios, Atlanta, Georgia.
Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Unapologetic, Def Jam Recordings, SRP Records.[7]

Charts

Chart (2012) Peak
position
Canada (Billboard)[23] 58
France (SNEP)[21] 53
Swizterland (Swiss Music Charts)[22] 53
UK R&B Chart (OCC)[17] 16
UK Singles Chart (OCC)[19] 102

References

  1. ^ Corner, Lewis (November 30, 2012). "Rihanna confirms new single 'Stay' - listen". Digital Spy. Nat Mags. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
  2. ^ "Rihanna on Katy Perry Collaboration: 'It's Gonna Happen'". Rap-Up. Devine Lazerine. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
  3. ^ Lansky, Sam (September 12, 2012). "Rihanna's New Album Due Out In November, Sources Say". Idolator. Buzz Media. Retrieved September 28, 2012.
  4. ^ Rowley, Alison (September 22, 2012). "Rihanna confirms new single 'Diamonds'". Digital Spy. Nat Mags. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  5. ^ "Rihanna Teases New Album Details As She Launches Website Dedicated To Seventh Record". Capital FM. September 24, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2012.
  6. ^ "Rihanna Reveals New Album Title 'Unapologetic' And Raunchy Cover Artwork". Capital FM. October 11, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2012.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h (Media notes). {{cite AV media notes}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |Format= ignored (|format= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Publisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Type= ignored (|type= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |Year= ignored (|year= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b c d Dolan, Jon (November 20, 2012). "Unapologetic". Rolling Stone. New York: Jann Wenner. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  9. ^ "iTunes - Music - Unapologetic by Rihanna". iTunes Store (GB). Apple. November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  10. ^ a b c d e Martin, Dan (November 24, 2012). "Rihanna - 'Unapologetic'". NME. London: IPC Media (Time Inc.). Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  11. ^ a b c d e Vena, Jocelyn (November 12, 2012). "Rihanna's Sincere 'Stay' Shines Under 'SNL' Spotlight". MTV News. Viacom. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  12. ^ a b Kot, Greg (November 19, 2012). "Album review: Rihanna, 'Unapologetic'". Chicago Tribune. Chicago: Tony W. Hunter. Retrieved November 19, 2012. (subscription required)
  13. ^ a b "Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko: 'Stay' - Single review". Digital Spy. Hearst Corporation. December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  14. ^ Fontaine, Smokey (November 20, 2012). "Rihanna's Unapologetic Triumph". The Huffington Post. New York: AOL. Retrieved November 21, 2012.
  15. ^ Koski, Genevieve (November 20, 2012). "Rihanna: Unapologetic". The A.V. Club. Chicago: The Onion, Inc. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  16. ^ a b Caramanica, Jon (November 21, 2012). "Rihanna, Icy Hot and Steely-Strong". The New York Times. New York: Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. p. C1. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  17. ^ a b "2012 Top 40 R&B Singles Archive - 1st December 2012". Official Charts Company. December 1, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  18. ^ "2012 Top 40 R&B Singles Archive - 8th December 2012". Official Charts Company. December 8, 2012. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  19. ^ a b "Chart: CLUK Update 1.12.2012 (wk47) - Chart log UK: New Entries Update". Official Charts Company. Zobbel. December 1, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  20. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart Update - 12 December 2012". BBC Radio 1. December 14, 2012. Retrieved December 14, 2012.
  21. ^ a b "Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko - Stay". lescharts.com. Hung Median. December 1, 2012. Retrieved December 4, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  22. ^ a b "Rihanna feat. Mikky Ekko - Stay". hitparade.ch. Hung Median. December 9, 2012. Retrieved December 15, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  23. ^ a b "Canadian Hot 100 - Week of December 8, 2012". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. December 8, 2012. Retrieved December 1, 2012.
  24. ^ a b "Rihanna announces '777' Tour". Universal Music Canada. October 31, 2012. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  25. ^ "Rihanna to Perform on 'SNL'". Rap-Up. Devin Lazerine. October 21, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  26. ^ "Rihanna's 'Stay': Singer Performs New Song And 'Diamonds' On 'SNL'". The Huffington Post. New York: AOL. November 11, 2012. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  27. ^ Ramirez, Erika (November 11, 2012). "Rihanna Debuts New Song 'Stay' on SNL". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  28. ^ Ramirez, Erika (November 15, 2012). "Rihanna's 777 Tour Diary: Day One, Mexico". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  29. ^ Collins, Leah (November 16, 2012). "Rihanna clearly Unapologetic about 777 Tour stop in Toronto". Vancouver Sun. Vancouver: Kevin D. Bent. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  30. ^ Rosenthal, Jack (November 17, 2012). "Rihanna's '777' Tour, Day 3: Tending Bar in Stockholm". Rolling Stone. New York: Jann Wenner. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  31. ^ Ramirez, Erika (November 18, 2012). "Rihanna's 777 Tour Diary: Day Four, Paris". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  32. ^ Ramirez, Erika (November 19, 2012). "Rihanna's 777 Tour Diary: Day Five, Berlin". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  33. ^ Ramirez, Erika (November 20, 2012). "Rihanna's 777 Tour Diary: Day Six, London". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  34. ^ a b Ramirez, Erika (November 20, 2012). "Rihanna's 777 Tour Diary: Day Seven, New York City". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved November 22, 2012.
  35. ^ a b c Saunders, Louise (December 9, 2012). "Take A Bow! A demure Rihanna wows in a white cutaway ensemble as she performs at X Factor final alongside One Direction and Emeli Sandé". Daily Mail. Daily Mail and General Trust. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
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