We Found Love

Rihanna and Calvin Harris joined forces for "We Found Love," a defining electro-house track that became the lead single from Rihanna's sixth studio album, Talk That Talk (2011). Harris wrote and produced the song, which premiered on September 22, 2011. Critics were split on its release, but the public embraced it wholeheartedly. The song blends uptempo EDM with elements of dance-pop and Eurodance, its lyrics telling of a couple who find love in a hopeless place.

The single dominated charts worldwide. It spent ten non-consecutive weeks atop the US Billboard Hot 100, the longest run for any number one in 2011. That beat Rihanna's previous record holder, "Umbrella." It became her eleventh Hot 100 topper, placing her third among female artists with the most number ones. Beyond the US, "We Found Love" hit number one in 25 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Germany. By 2015, it had sold 10.5 million copies globally, ranking among the best-selling singles ever.

The music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, stirred conversation with its depiction of a drug-fueled, volatile relationship. It won the Grammy for Best Music Video and the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year. Rihanna performed the song on The X Factor (both UK and US versions), at the Grammy Awards, and at the Brit Awards. Artists like Coldplay and Jessie J have covered it. [edit]