A pop song's meaning is often determined by the lyrics and the singer's vocal delivery. Rihanna's version of 'Umbrella' is no exception to this rule, which made it a hit and earned her two Grammy nominations.
Lyrically, 'Umbrella' is an all-time classic - a romantic ballad in which the singer promises to stand by her lover throughout difficult times. She tells him that their love will never fail, and nothing can break their bond.
The music, meanwhile, is a mix of R&B and pop with a rock edge, and features Jay-Z's rapping. It was a hugely successful single, reaching #1 in the United States and the UK, and is still one of the most played songs on radio today.
If you're a fan of Rihanna, 'Umbrella' is an essential track. It's her most defining moment and has become an icon of the decade.
In addition to its catchy melody, 'Umbrella' also has a lot of clever lyrics. It's about supporting someone through difficult times, and the lyrics are littered with metaphors, especially weather metaphors.
The lyrics were written by Tricky Stewart, Kuk Harrell and The-Dream. The song was originally offered to Britney Spears, who's team famously turned it down. It wasn't until Rihanna heard it that she realized it could work for her. It blew up in 2007 and remains one of her best-loved hits. It has been certified platinum and topped charts in several countries. It was a major breakthrough for Rihanna, who'd only released two albums prior to this one.