But that's not what we're here to talk about. Yesterday, which, for those of you keeping count at home, was August 21, 2009, I was browsing the increasingly-ungood Pitchfork, and came across the top 500 tracks of this decade, and specifically, the 50-21 list, page 3. Which is where, at number 25, is Rihanna's "Umbrella." I liked her track "Please Don't Stop the Music," so I decided to give "Umbrella" a listen.
Listening to the song, I know I had heard maybe a line of the chorus at one point, but I had never heard the song, ever. For those of you doing the math at home, the song was released March 29, 2007. That's you know, two and a half years ago. And, according to Wikipedia,
The song has also achieved commercial success by topping charts in the United States, Sweden, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, Germany, France, the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as reaching the top ten in many other countries. Following a successful chart performance worldwide and a positive reception from critics, the song is listed number three on the 100 Best Songs of 2007 published by Rolling Stone magazine.
In 2008, "Umbrella" earned Rihanna and Jay-Z a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in addition to receiving nominations for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It managed to stay at number one in the United Kingdom for 10 weeks, the longest time spent by a female and in the 21st century, on this chart.
And I had completely and totally missed its existence. The video on YouTube has scores of millions of views. I don't understand how even someone that isn't really paying attention to pop music could miss this song. And, holy hell, is it awesome. Just so, so awesome. In case you need proof:
If that video no longer works, I bet you can figure out how to go to YouTube and search "Umbrella." Anyhow, that's one of the more catchy choruses that has ever existed. I want that song to be the soundtrack to my life.
I'm unsure how I managed to completely miss this song. I feel like somewhere, at some point between late March of 2007 and yesterday, I probably should have heard that song. The people I've told that I just found this song have unequivocally responded with, "Really? How did you not hear that? It was huge." I'm such a failure.
There's no real point to this post other than these 1) "Umbrella" is awesome. 2) I wasted two full years of my life not hearing it. 3) Never, ever write off an entire genre of music. Except for country. Country blows.
1 comment:
You should see how my friend Wesley Virgin's autobiography begins with this SHOCKING AND CONTROVERSIAL VIDEO.
As a matter of fact, Wesley was in the army-and shortly after leaving-he unveiled hidden, "mind control" tactics that the CIA and others used to get whatever they want.
As it turns out, these are the EXACT same tactics tons of celebrities (notably those who "come out of nothing") and top business people used to become rich and famous.
You probably know how you only use 10% of your brain.
That's really because the majority of your BRAINPOWER is UNTAPPED.
Perhaps this conversation has even occurred INSIDE your own head... as it did in my good friend Wesley Virgin's head seven years ago, while driving an unregistered, beat-up bucket of a car with a suspended license and $3 in his pocket.
"I'm absolutely frustrated with going through life check to check! Why can't I turn myself successful?"
You've been a part of those those questions, right?
Your success story is going to be written. You just have to take a leap of faith in YOURSELF.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN WESLEY'S SECRETS
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