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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 herself and Ne-Yo and also produced by himself 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 15, 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 perform "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 is expected to be somewhat short film length according to Director Anthony Mandler. Jesse Williams is the lead man in the music video as he revealed in an interview with E!. Giuseppe Zanotti said "I’m Making Rihanna Shoes With Fireworks, Explosives" which doesn't indicate if it was for the video or something else. The video for "Wait Your Turn" premiered on the official site on November 3, 2009, while the video for "Russian Roulette" will premiere on Friday November 13, 2009.[15]

Track listing

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

Chart Performance

The song debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at Number 100 on October 29, 2009. It also debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at Number 62 and Number 23 on Billboard Pop 100.

Charts

Chart (2009) Peak
position
Canadian Hot 100 80
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 75
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 49

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
Germany November 13, 2009[17] Def Jam Recordings CD Single
United Kingdom November 16, 2009[18] Mercury

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 "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. ^ Muhammad, Latifah (2009-10-24). "Rihanna Will Perform 'Rated R' Material at American Music Awards". The Boombox. {{cite web}}: 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. ^ "Is Rihanna's 'Russian Roulette' A Keeper? The Oh Snap! Poll » MTV Newsroom". Newsroom.mtv.com. 2009-10-20. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  12. ^ "Rihanna Pulls the Trigger on New Single - E! Online". Ca.eonline.com. 2009-10-20. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  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. ^ "Popjustice". Popjustice. 2009-10-20. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
  15. ^ http://www.rap-up.com/2009/11/02/tracklisting-rihanna-rated-r/
  16. ^ "®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: CHR/Top 40". Radio & Records.
  17. ^ http://www.rihanna.de/releases/detail/product/161296/0/russian-roulette/
  18. ^ "hmv.com: music: Russian Rouletter (2009)". {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |pulisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)
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