Photographs
by Rihanna (featuring will.i.am)

Album: Rated R (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On this tender tale of broken love, Rihanna duets with Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. It seemed inevitable that the superstars would get together; they both did a lot of collaborations and there was a lot of crossover in their fan bases. And they were separated by only one degree, as both had worked with Justin Timberlake: Rihanna teamed with him on her 2007 track "Rehab," and Black Eyed Peas on their 2003 hit "Where Is The Love?"
  • This is far from the first song where the lovelorn singer is looking over photographs, remembering the good times. Everyone from Ringo Starr to Def Leppard has hit on this theme.
  • Will.i.am and apl.de.ap originally wrote this for their group the Black Eyed Peas. Two of their collaborators also contributed to the writing: Jean Baptiste and Michael McHenry.
  • This is one of the more mellow and reflective tracks on Rihanna's fourth album, Rated R. Many of the songs are a lot more assertive and edgy, particularly "Russian Roulette" and "G4L."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Lecrae

LecraeSongwriter Interviews

The Christian rapper talks about where his trip to Haiti and his history of addiction fit into his songs.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."