A RnB single featuring a cameo from Jay Z, an attractive singer in a state of undress in the video and a naggingly catchy chorus. So far, so Beyonce?
Well no as it turns out - leave your prejudices at the door, for Rihanna's Umbrella is a whole different kettle of fish from your common or garden RnB track. This is superior dance-pop with a lush production, some lyrics that are actually - gasp - meaningful, and a gently sad air to it that still manages to lift the spirits.
Legend has it that this was originally offered to Britney Spears to help kick-start her career, but she turned it down - Britney's loss is Rihanna's gain, for Umbrella is going to be absolutely inescapable over the summer months.
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