Written by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, The-Dream, Kuk Harrell, and Jay-Z, “Umbrella” was recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna with a guest rap from Jay-Z. It was released worldwide on March 29, 2007, as the lead single and opening track from Rihanna’s third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad. The song had initially been written for Britney Spears, then considered by Mary J. Blige, before Rihanna recorded it at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles. It received universal critical acclaim and became an international commercial success, reaching number one in 19 countries, including the United States and United Kingdom.
A pop, hip-hop and R&B track with rock influences, “Umbrella” is driven by a prominent hi-hat pattern, synthesizers, distorted bass, and spacious, forceful drums. It is in B-flat minor, shifting to G-flat major in the bridge, with a tempo of 87 beats per minute. Its verse-chorus structure opens with Jay-Z’s rap, while Rihanna’s repeated “ella, ella” hook defines the choruses; the recording closes with a fadeout.
