The Cold Cut

As much as I hate to write this, I really, really like Rihanna's latest chart-topper Umbrella. It causes a burning sensation in my mouth every time I say it, but she has obviously found the winning beat, vocal and lyrical style that the world wants, which is the reason why its been sitting comfortably at the top of the UK charts for almost 10 weeks now. The accompanying album's no pushover either- the deliciously titled Good Girl's Gone Bad is at number 12 in its 6th week since release, which isn't bad considering Umbrella is only the first single.

"No clouds in my storms

Let it rain I hydroplane into fame (Eh eh)

Come'n down with the Dow Jones

When the clouds come we gone

We Rocafella (Eh eh)"

So how good is the song? Well, to my brother at least, it's "one of the best hip-hop songs I've heard in a while", and I would probably agree. Although the lyrics are absolutely ridiculous- see above- a lot of time has been devoted to the production of this song: having Jay-Z guest rap at the beginning is a very good way to start, and the video is pretty cool as well, what with her suggestive umbrella pokes and spark backdrop. Tie in the fact that Rihanna possesses a Barbados-tinged voice that records extremely well and a great beat, and you're on to a winner. Slightly off topic, I went on a run yesterday, and when at the 3 mile point I was literally dying, Umbrella revitalised me enough to make me complete another mile... must be good, hey?

Of course, when a song stays on top of the charts for that long, there are the numerous covers (some good, some horrible, mind) that appear in the ensuing weeks. I've been scouring the net for the best one and my pick is Scott Simons', which is available for download at the bottom of this post. Scott Simons was the songwriter for the indie band "The Argument" and has recorded an entirely different piano-driven version of Umbrella. It doesn't match up to the original in my opinion, but you can see for yourself. Enjoy...