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Russian Roulette (Rihanna song)

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"Russian Roulette"
Song

"Russian Roulette" is a song performed by singer Rihanna.[5] Written by Ne-Yo and Rihanna and produced by Ne-Yo and Chuck Harmony, the song serves as the lead single from Rihanna's fourth studio album Rated R.[1][3][4][5] It premiered on radio October 20, 2009.[6]

Background

On October 14, Rihanna posted on her official website the phrase "The Wait Is Ova. Nov 23 09".[7] This led to much speculation as to whether she is releasing a new album on this date, and if this was to be its title.[7] On October 16, 2009, an official countdown timer was placed on the website in anticipation of her new single release.[8] On October 20, Rihanna's official website released the full clip of "Russian Roulette".

Ne-Yo said Rihanna requested the song’s somber vibe. “She wanted to be dark, but not just dark for the sake of being dark,” he told MTV News. “Dark with kind of a meaning, dark with some kind of thing to it.” Ne-Yo called the track “my first ventures off into the fictitious,” as he explained how he came up with the haunting Russian roulette theme, which appears to be a metaphor. Rihanna is expected to sing Russian Roulette at the American Music Awards on November 22.[9]

Critical reception

Upon release, "Russian Roulette" received positive reviews for Rihanna's vocal performance and choice of lyrics. Todd Martens of Los Angeles Times commented particularly on 'Rihanna's command performance' citing it "A midtempo song without overbearing production, the single belongs all to Rihanna, and she makes the best of it -- a bit icy, a tad fearless, with the vocal strength to keep the orchestral flourishes at bay."[10] MTV News stated "it retains the same sort of attitude and atmosphere that has made Rihanna such a definitive artist." MTV Newsroom followed with a poll resulting quite favorably as "83 percent of the people (poll sample) we talked to gave "Russian Roulette" the thumbs-up"[11] E! Online declared it "a surefire hit."[12] Simon Vozich-Levinson of Entertainment Weekly said that Rihanna took some risks with this track and they "absolutely pay off", he commented on the fact that "Rihanna is in fine vocal form throughout, and Ne-Yo’s songwriting is economical and evocative per usual".[13] Popjustice described the song as "brilliant", selecting it as their song of the day on an unprecedented two occasions.[14]

Music video

The video was directed by Anthony Mandler.[15] She shot the video on October 23rd-24th, 2009. The video will premiere on ABC on November 6, 2009.[5]

Track listing

Promo CD single
  1. "Russian Roulette" (Main) — 3:48
  2. "Russian Roulette" (Instrumental) — 3:48

Release history

Country Date Label Format
Worldwide October 20, 2009[6] Universal Music Radio
United States October 27, 2009[16] Def Jam Radio
November 3, 2009 Digital download
United Kingdom November 16, 2009[17] Mercury CD single

References

  1. ^ a b c "Rihanna reveals new single, 'Russian Roulette'". Los Angeles Times. News Corporation. October 20, 2009.
  2. ^ Guha, Rohin (October 21, 2009). "Rihanna's "Russian Roulette": The Perfect Comeback". BlackBook Magazine. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  3. ^ a b "Rihanna's New Album Is 'Rated R'". Billboard.com. October 20, 2009. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  4. ^ a b c Vena, Jocelyn (October 21, 2009). "Rihanna May Have Released 'Russian Roulette' For 'Shock Value,' Producer Says". MTV. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  5. ^ a b c "Rihanna Teams With Ne-Yo For Ominous "Rated R" Single "Russian Roulette"". Rolling Stone. October 20, 2009. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  6. ^ a b Cochrane, Greg (October 20, 2009). "Rihanna track gets worldwide premiere". BBC. Retrieved October 21, 2009.
  7. ^ a b "Is Rihanna Releasing A New Album On November 23?". MTV. October 13, 2009. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
  8. ^ Vena, Jocelyn (October 19, 2009). "Is Rihanna Releasing A New Single Tomorrow?". MTV. Retrieved October 19, 2009.
  9. ^ . There is also a remix featuring Kardinal OffishallMuhammad, Latifah (09-24-10). "Rihanna Will Perform 'Rated R' Material at American Music Awards". The Boombox. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |acessdate= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ Martens, Todd (October 20, 2009). "Rihanna reveals new single, 'Russian Roulette'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  11. ^ http://newsroom.mtv.com/2009/10/20/rihanna-russian-roulette-poll/
  12. ^ [[1]]
  13. ^ Charlie, Hollywood (09-22-10). "The Truth Behind Rihanna's "Extreme" Album Cover". Heyman Hustle - Crave Online. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |acessdate= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4145&Itemid=206
  15. ^ Concepcion, Mariel (2009-10-20). "Rihanna Plays 'Russian Roulette' On New Single". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  16. ^ "®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: CHR/Top 40". Radio & Records.
  17. ^ "hmv.com: music: Russian Rouletter (2009)". {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |pulisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
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