Disturbia (song)

File:Chris Brown.jpg.]]

"Disturbia" was written by American recording artist Chris Brown and his team which included Brian Kennedy, Rob. A!, and Andre Merritt, better known as the Graffiti Artizts.{{cite web |title=ASCAP ACE Search Results: Disturbia |url=https://www.ascap.com/ace/#/ace/search/workID/342914538 |access-date=August 15, 2011 |publisher=The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers}} The track was originally considered to be part of the re-release edition of Brown's second studio album, Exclusive (2007). However, after finishing the song, he took preference to another song, "Forever", which later became the lead single from his re-released album, titled Exclusive: The Forever Edition (2008). He felt that "Disturbia" would be better suited for a female singer and instead forwarded the song to Rihanna. When writing the song, he was inspired "to go totally left and kind of weird".{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-08-14-chris-brown_N.htm|last=Fekadu|first=Mesfin|title=Chris Brown upset over leak of unfinished song|work=USA Today|publisher=Gannett Company, Inc|date=August 14, 2008|access-date=September 25, 2010}} Speaking to USA Today, Brown described his feelings with regard to him giving the song to Rihanna: "It's fun being creative and even if you have a concept in your head to write about, you can write it and give it to someone else because it might not personally fit you, but it might be an idea you have."

"Disturbia" was recorded in April 2008 at Rocky Mountain Recorders in Denver, Colorado. Speaking to Nick Levine of Digital Spy, Rihanna explained: "I went into the studio making music my way. I found myself all at once."{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/albumreviews/a98660/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-reloaded.html|last=Levine|first=Nick|date=June 18, 2008|title=Music – Album Review – Rihanna: 'Good Girl Gone Bad Reloaded'|work=Digital Spy|access-date=September 1, 2010}} In an interview on This Morning, Rihanna said that the song is not necessarily about a specific personal experience, but rather the general feelings of mental anguish, anxiety and confusion. Rihanna further explained that she wanted to record the song because she felt that listeners would be able to relate to the subject matter.{{cite web|url=http://www.faqs.org/lyrics/Rihanna-Disturbia.html|title=Rihanna – Disturbia – Lyrics Meaning|access-date=September 26, 2010|publisher=FAQs|archive-date=December 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216161754/http://www.faqs.org/lyrics/Rihanna-Disturbia.html|url-status=dead}} When Good Girl Gone Bad was repackaged as Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, Rihanna approached L.A. Reid, boss of Def Jam, suggesting to release "Disturbia" as a single and follow-up to "Take a Bow". Speaking to MTV News, Reid said, "It was the first time Rihanna actually came to me and said, 'Here's the song I want to put out.' She played me the song. That was her taking control [...] She understands what hits are, and she knows what she wants to say. She's at that place where she can do that."{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604904/20090211/rihanna.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213104658/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1604904/20090211/rihanna.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2009|last=Reed|first=Shaheem|date=February 11, 2009|title=L.A. Reid Says He's 'Loaded' With Music For Rihanna's Next Album|publisher=MTV|access-date=September 26, 2010}}

{{listen

|filename=Rihanna - Disturbia.ogg

|title=Rihanna "Disturbia"

|description= A 23-second sample of song's chorus that can be likened in similarity to Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (1999).

}}

Musically, "Disturbia" is an uptempo dance-pop and electropop song with a "sizzling" beat. The song is reminiscent of Rihanna's previous single "Don't Stop the Music" (2007). The rock-tinged song opens with a horror movie-like scream, followed by the hook "Bum-bum-be-dum-bum-bum-be-dum-bum" which has been likened to the "Ella-ella-ella-ey-ey" hook from her 2007 hit single "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z). BBC News interpreted it as Rihanna singing about being frightened but felt that its lyrics made no sense.{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_7640000/newsid_7646200/7646215.stm|title=Single review: Rihanna – Disturbia|date=December 15, 2008|work=BBC News|access-date=September 26, 2010}}

Fraser McAlpine from BBC Music has claimed that the song's chorus can be likened to Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (1999). According to digital music sheet published at Musicnotes.com by Sony/ATV Music Publishing, "Disturbia" is composed in a key of B minor and is set in common time with a moderate techno-pop groove. Rihanna's vocal range spans from the lower note of D₃ to the high note of F{{sharp}}₅ and the track follows a chord progression of Bm-D-A-G in the verses and chorus.{{cite web|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdVPE.asp?ppn=MN0072625|title=Digital Sheet Music – Rihanna – 'Disturbia'|access-date=September 26, 2010|work=Sony/ATV Music Publishing|date=March 9, 2009 |publisher=Musicnotes.com}} The song features various vocal effects, namely the use of Auto-Tune and a vocoder in contrast with the detached electronic bounce of the song and its weaving, winding melody.

"Disturbia" received positive reviews from contemporary music critics. Josh Tyrangiel of Time complimented the song's "rubber-ball melodies that bounce around your head".{{cite magazine|url= http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1834301_1834300_1834284,00.html|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080831065532/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1834301_1834300_1834284,00.html|url-status= dead|archive-date= August 31, 2008|title= The Songs of Summer 2008: Rihanna – 'Disturbia'|last= Tyrangiel|first= Josh|magazine= Time|date= August 27, 2008|access-date= August 15, 2011}} Alex Fletcher of Digital Spy said that unlike the usual seventh single release by an artist, "Disturbia" is one of Rihanna's stronger releases and that it proves that she is ruling '08 much like she did '07. He went on to describe it as a "fun-packed electro treat filled with sizzling beats and crazy vocal effects." Fletcher further highlighted the song's strong intro hook and said that the chorus is her catchiest since "Umbrella".{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/singlesreviews/a127444/rihanna-disturbia.html|last=Fletcher|first=Alex|date=September 24, 2008|title=Rihanna: 'Disturbia'|work=Digital Spy|publisher=Hachette Filipacchi Ltd|access-date=September 17, 2010}} Spence D of IGN felt that the track has an infectious "Bum-bum-be-dum-bum-bum" hook that sucks you into the detached electronic bounce of the track.{{cite web|url=http://music.ign.com/articles/882/882390p1.html|last=D.|first=Spence|title=Rihanna – Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded – Music Review|work=IGN|access-date=September 25, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628223202/http://music.ign.com/articles/882/882390p1.html|archive-date=June 28, 2011|df=mdy-all}} Jaime Gill from Yahoo! Music highlighted the song's "insistent hook, sturdy beat and weaving, winding melody."{{cite web|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/080926/33/21zx0.html|last=Gill|first=Jaime|date=September 26, 2008|title=Rihanna – 'Disturbia': Single Review|publisher=Yahoo! Music|access-date=September 25, 2010|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110613143923/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/080926/33/21zx0.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 13, 2011}} Fraser McAlpine from the BBC Music deemed the song's plus points to be Rihanna's icy whine, the frosty-rave chorus and the Eiffel 65-like refrain.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2008/08/rihanna_disturbia.shtml|last=McAlpine|first=Fraser|date=August 15, 2008|title=Rihanna – 'Disturbia'|publisher=BBC Music|access-date=September 25, 2010}}

Billboard ranked the song at number nine on its list of "Songs of the Summer of 2008".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/513524/summer-songs-1985-2011|title=Songs of the Summer 1986–2009|date=July 1, 2010|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 10, 2010}} Time magazine has named the song on number two on its list of '10 Best Songs of the Summer', only behind Kid Rock's "All Summer Long".{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/08/25/time-magazines-10-best-songs-of-summer/#more-7761|title= Time Magazine's '10 Best Songs of the Summer|work= Rap-Up|publisher= Devine Lazerine|date=August 25, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2011}} According to Caryn Ganz of Rolling Stone, "Disturbia" was the second best song of 2008, only behind MGMT's "Kids".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/staff-blog/critics-picks-caryn-ganzs-top-albums-and-singles-of-2008-20081229|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411010549/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/blogs/staff-blog/critics-picks-caryn-ganzs-top-albums-and-singles-of-2008-20081229|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2014|title=Critics' Picks: Caryn Ganz's Top Albums and Singles of 2008|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 29, 2008|access-date=August 23, 2011}} The song won the award for Best International Song at the 2009 NRJ Music Awards, however, after a miscommunication, Katy Perry accepted the award for her single "I Kissed a Girl". Later, it was revealed that originally Rihanna won the award.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jan/19/katy-perry-rihanna-award-mixup|title=Katy Perry given Rihanna's award by mistake|work=The Guardian|last=Swash|first=Rosie|date=January 19, 2009|access-date=May 13, 2020}} The song also earned Rihanna a nomination for Best Dance Recording at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards, but lost to Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lil-wayne-coldplay-lead-nominations-for-51st-annual-grammy-awards-20081203|title=Lil Wayne, Coldplay Lead Nominations for 51st Annual Grammy Awards|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 3, 2008|access-date= August 18, 2011}}

"Disturbia" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 at number eighteen on June 26, 2008, becoming Rihanna's sixth top 20 from Good Girl Gone Bad.{{cite web|url=http://www.universalmusic.com/corporate/news35588|title= Rihanna scores chart 'Trifecta'|publisher= Universal Music|date=June 26, 2008|access-date=August 15, 2011}} In the issue dated August 14, 2008 the song topped the chart, selling 148,000 downloads according to Nielsen SoundScan and replaced Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" after seven weeks at the top.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044448/rihanna-topples-katy-perry-on-hot-100|title=Rihanna Topples Katy Perry On Hot 100|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=August 14, 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 8, 2006}} "Disturbia" became Rihanna's fourth number-one song on the chart only after "SOS", "Umbrella" and "Take a Bow", and tied her with Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for most number-one singles of the decade. The single topped the chart for two consecutive weeks.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044392/rihanna-fends-off-archuleta-atop-hot-100|title=Rihanna Fends Off Archuleta Atop Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|date=August 21, 2008|access-date=August 15, 2011}} For the Billboard issue dated September 13, 2008, "Disturbia" also topped both the Hot Dance Club Play and Hot Dance Airplay charts.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2008-09-13/dance-club-play-songs|title=Hot Dance/Club Songs, Issue September 13, 2008|magazine=Billboard|date=September 13, 2008|access-date=August 16, 2011}} The song also peaked at number one on the US Billboard Pop Songs, becoming her third number one on the chart, after "Unfaithful" and "Take a Bow". "Disturbia" has been certified six-times platinum by the RIAA,{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=&artist=rihanna&perPage=100 |title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum: 'Rihanna' |access-date=May 18, 2011 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of America |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102194109/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&title=&artist=rihanna&perPage=100 |archive-date=January 2, 2016 |df=mdy }} having sold 4.8 million digital copies as of June 2015, marking Rihanna's third best-selling single in the country.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6605708/ask-billboard-rihannas-best-selling-songs-albums |title=Ask Billboard: Rihanna's Best-Selling Songs & Albums |last=Trust |first=Gary |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Prometheus Global Media |date=June 23, 2015 |access-date=June 23, 2015}} The song was also successful in Canada, where it peaked at number two on the Canadian Hot 100, remaining at the position for five weeks.

In the United Kingdom, following the release of Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded, "Disturbia" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number forty-seven due to strong digital sales.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Disturbia|title= The Official Charts Company: Rihanna – 'Disturbia'|work=Official Charts Company|access-date= August 18, 2011}} After the release of the music video, the song re-entered the chart at number forty-seven, ultimately peaking at number three from digital sales. The song remained within the top ten for eleven weeks, marking Rihanna's eighth top ten single in the country. "Disturbia" also became Rihanna's third longest charting single in the UK, having spent 36 weeks in the top 100, being passed only by "Don't Stop the Music"{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Disturbia|title= The Official Charts Company: Rihanna – 'Don't Stop the Music'|work=Official Charts Company|access-date= August 18, 2011}} and the worldwide hit single "Umbrella".{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Umbrella%20ft.%20Jay%2DZ|title= The Official Charts Company: Rihanna – 'Umbrella'|work=Official Charts Company|access-date= August 18, 2011}} "Disturbia" has sold over 430,000 copies in the country as of 2010.{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010185705/http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/rihanna-official-top-20|archive-date=October 10, 2010|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/charts/official-uk-countdowns/rihanna-official-top-20|title=Rihanna – Official Top 20 Selling Singles|publisher=MTV|access-date=February 24, 2013}}

Elsewhere in Europe, "Disturbia" managed to reach the top ten in fifteen other countries. The song debuted on number three in France and stayed there for one week. Disturbia stayed on the French Singles Chart for 36 weeks, becoming Rihanna's second longest charting single on it, only after "Only Girl (In the World)". The single was more successful in Belgium (Flanders) where it peaked at number one and managed to peak at number four in Belgium (Wallonia). It was later certified Gold by the Belgian Entertainment Association for selling over 10,000 copies. In Spain, "Disturbia" reached a peak of ten and was also certified Gold by the Productores de Música de España. The song managed to reach number two in Finland, number three in Norway, number four in Austria, Denmark, Hungary, Switzerland and on the Irish Singles Chart, number five in Germany, number seven in Slovakia, and number ten in Czech Republic and Netherlands. It also reached number one in New Zealand, becoming Rihanna's third number one single, and her first since "Umbrella". On August 23, 2009 "Disturbia" was certified Platinum,{{cite web|url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63 |title=Latest Gold/Platinum singles – RadioScope New Zealand |publisher=RadioScope |access-date=August 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014104613/http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=63 |archive-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }} for selling over 15,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp |title=The Official NZ Music Chart – Stats |publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand |access-date=August 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709193210/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_facts.asp |archive-date=July 9, 2011 |df=mdy }} In Australia, it managed to reach number six. It was certified Gold on the downloads alone, before the physical release several weeks later, when it was subsequently certified Platinum.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2008Singles.htm |title=ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2008 Singles |work=ARIA Charts |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=August 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927062539/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/httpwww.aria.com.aupageshttpwww.aria.com.aupagesARIACharts-Accreditations-2008Singles.htm |archive-date=September 27, 2008 |df=mdy }}

The music video for "Disturbia" was filmed in Los Angeles, California.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/07/01/rihanna-shoots-disturbia-video-in-la/#comments|title=Rihanna Shoots 'Disturbia' Video in L.A.|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=July 1, 2008|access-date=August 21, 2011|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222100636/http://www.rap-up.com/2008/07/01/rihanna-shoots-disturbia-video-in-la/#comments|url-status=dead}} Originally, it was reported that the video was directed by American photographer and director, David LaChapelle, who previously directed Christina Aguilera and Redman's "Dirrty" (2002) and Gwen Stefani and Eve's "Rich Girl" (2004). However, later sources surfaced stating that the video was directed by Rihanna's long collaborator Anthony Mandler, who previously directed her music videos for "Shut Up and Drive" (2007), "Hate That I Love You" (2007) and "Take a Bow" (2008).{{Cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/07/21/video-rihanna-disturbia/#more-7078|title=Video: Rihanna – 'Disturbia'|work=Rap-Up|publisher=Devine Lazerine|date=July 1, 2008|access-date= August 21, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.letfilms.com/|title= Let Films – Official website|format= To views Antony Mandler's works click on his name|publisher= Let Films|access-date=August 28, 2011}} Rihanna also co-directed the video, becoming her second work after the co-direction for the 2007 single "Don't Stop the Music".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/rihanna/260510/disturbia.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026080931/http://www.mtv.com/videos/rihanna/260510/disturbia.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 26, 2008|title= Music video: Rihanna – Disturbia|publisher=MTV|access-date=August 28, 2011}} The "Disturbia" music video, was released exclusively on iTunes on July 22, 2008.{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/music-video/disturbia/1445855413|title= 'Disturbia' by Rihanna (video)|publisher= iTunes Store|date=July 22, 2008|access-date=August 22, 2011}}

File:Rihanna disturbia.JPG

The music video for "Disturbia" begins in a surrealistic, circus-like torture chamber where Rihanna is seen dressed in black, wearing dark make-up and long black nails while she presses the keys of a big dark piano and looks into the camera. As the song starts, a series of images of Rihanna are shown. In one of the scenes, she is seen imprisoned wearing lenses that make it look as if her eyes have rolled into the back of her head. Rihanna stays in the prison with two guards watching on her from both sides. Other scenes include Rihanna sitting on a throne chair and singing the song, while two strange women (one is played by American drag queen Detox Icunt) surround her. Then, multiple people around her are holding her in front of a gas chamber. During the first chorus, Rihanna is seen tied to a bed from which she can't escape. In the next scene, Rihanna and her dancers perform a Thriller-esque dance routine.{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/07/24/new-video-rihanna-disturbia/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080901221558/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/07/24/new-video-rihanna-disturbia/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 1, 2008|title=New Video: Rihanna,'Disturbia'|publisher=MTV|date=July 24, 2008|access-date=August 30, 2011|last=Anitai|first=Tamar}} As the second verse starts, Rihanna is seen holding a column and fire is around her. As the song continues, Rihanna drags a man doll around a metal web. In the second chorus, she is in a room where her hands are stuck in the wall and her legs in the floor; she is wearing a leotard made out of barbed wire, while tarantulas crawl all over her body. During the bridge, Rihanna is in a very tiny room, with her hands and legs chained up from which she can't escape. The video ends with Rihanna turning around in her chair whilst looking into the camera.

According to Tamar Anitai from MTV Buzzworthy, "Disturbia" is "yin to the yang of Chris Brown's 'Wall to Wall' which features creepy-crawly chicks climbing the walls in latex." She later listed the video at number five on the "Buzzworthy's Top 5 Most Paranoid Music Videos" stating: "In Rihanna's 'Disturbia' video, obsession manifests itself in freaky-deaky tarantulas, wigs, wolves, and a creepy dude in an eye patch. And S&M-y corsets. Paranoia never looked so supernaturally sexy!".{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2009/05/22/buzzworthys-top-5-most-paranoid-music-videos/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529130325/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2009/05/22/buzzworthys-top-5-most-paranoid-music-videos|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 29, 2009|title=Buzzworthy's Top 5 Most Paranoid Music Videos|publisher=MTV|date=July 24, 2008|access-date=August 30, 2011|last=Anitai|first=Tamar}} Simon Vozick-Levinson from Entertainment Weekly also reviewed the video commenting: "It looks like she accidentally wandered into Nine Inch Nails{{'}} 'Closer' video, or else some sort of freaky Victorian mental hospital". He later continued saying that the video is not what he expected from a dance-pop song, but that "it's also cool that Rihanna is trying something new."{{cite magazine|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2008/08/21/disturbia-rihan/|title=Snap Judgment: Rihanna's 'Disturbia' video lives up to its title|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last=Vozick-Levinson|first=Simon|access-date=August 30, 2011}} Jillian Mapes of Billboard wrote that in the video, Rihanna created "a memorable and edgy image akin more to Marilyn Manson than her Top 40 colleagues." The video was voted the sixth-best music video of the 2000s in a Billboard poll.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/468680/the-10-best-00s-music-videos-poll-results|title=The 10 Best '00s Music Videos: Poll Results|date=August 1, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2017|last=Mapes|first=Jillian|magazine=Billboard}}

File:RihannaLastGirlOnEarthSideMar2011.jpg.]]

Rihanna performed "Disturbia" for first time at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. The song opened the show, and was performed after Britney Spears' opening speech.{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/britney-spears-returns-to-mtv-video-music-awards/2008/09/08/1220725911081.html|title=Britney Spears returns to MTV Video Music Awards|work=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=September 8, 2008|access-date= August 18, 2011}} Rihanna performed it while revealing a leather "goth inspired" outfit. Together with the dancer troops, she performed a Thriller inspired dance, with glow sticks and leather props being used through the performance.{{cite news|url=http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/272906/britney-spears-wins-at-vmas.html|title=Britney Spears wins at VMAs|work=Marie Claire|publisher=Hearst Communication, Inc|last=Doherty|first=Ruth|date=September 8, 2008|access-date=August 29, 2011|archive-date=April 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401142450/http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/272906/britney-spears-wins-at-vmas.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nme.com/news/kanye-west/39547|title=Kanye West, Paramore rock the MTV Awards|work=NME|date=September 8, 2008|access-date= August 29, 2011}} About the performance, Brian Orloff from People commented that "after Britney left, the stage was ceded to a futuristic-looking Rihanna, who launched into her hit 'Disturbia' with a goth-theme."{{cite news|url=https://people.com/tv/britney-wins-big-at-the-vmas/|title=Britney Wins Big at the VMAs|work=People|date=September 8, 2008|access-date= August 29, 2011|last=Orloff|first=Brian}} In 2011, according to poll made by Billboard, the performance was the tenth best ever on the MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url= http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/467799/mtv-vmas-10-best-performances-ever-poll-results|title= MTV VMAs' 10 Best Performances Ever: Poll Results|magazine= Billboard|date= August 23, 2011|access-date=August 25, 2011|last= Mapes|first=Jillan}} On September 19, 2008, Rihanna went to France, to perform "Disturbia" at Star Academy France. Following the performance of the song, Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded soared from number forty-three to number eleven and peaked at number eight the following week, becoming Rihanna's first album to reach the top ten in France.{{cite web|url=http://www.news-de-stars.com/star-academy/la-star-academy-booste-les-ventes-de-rihanna_art8238.html|title=La Star Academy booste les ventes de Rihanna !|language=fr|publisher=NewsDeStars|date=September 25, 2008|access-date=September 30, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404123923/http://www.news-de-stars.com/star-academy/la-star-academy-booste-les-ventes-de-rihanna_art8238.html|archive-date=April 4, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Rihanna also performed "Disturbia" at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash in Tampa, Florida held the Thursday and Friday prior to the 2009 Super Bowl. It was the first song on the set-list that also featured other songs from her latest release Good Girl Gone Bad. The performance of the song featured a sample from the White Stripes song "Seven Nation Army" and flames that shot up across the front of the stage.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1603914/rihanna-fall-out-boy-kick-off-super-bowl-weekend-with-pepsi-smash-show/ |title=Rihanna, Fall Out Boy Kick Off Super Bowl Weekend With Pepsi Smash Show |date=January 30, 2009 |first=Gil |last=Kaufman |publisher=MTV |access-date=April 26, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416185910/http://www.mtv.com/news/1603914/rihanna-fall-out-boy-kick-off-super-bowl-weekend-with-pepsi-smash-show/ |archive-date=April 16, 2015 }}

Following the release of her fourth studio album Rated R (2009), Rihanna held a Nokia promotional concert at Brixton Academy in London.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/rihanna/165570-rihanna-performs-rated-r-tracks-live-in-london|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920233746/http://www.mtv.co.uk/news/rihanna/165570-rihanna-performs-rated-r-tracks-live-in-london|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 20, 2011|title=Rihanna Performs 'Rated R' Tracks Live In London|work=MTV UK|date=November 17, 2009|access-date=August 5, 2011}} Rihanna performed the song as part of a set list, which included some songs from the new release: "Russian Roulette", "Wait Your Turn" and "Hard", the latter of which Rihanna was joined on stage by Young Jeezy, to perform the song together. However, during the set, Rihanna also performed other songs from Good Girl Gone Bad, including "Don't Stop the Music" and "Take a Bow". On February 5, 2010, Rihanna performed at the Pepsi Super Bowl in Miami, Florida, performing "Disturbia" in a medley with other songs including "Russian Roulette" and "Wait Your Turn".{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2577781/rihanna-justin-bieber-miami/|title=Justin Bieber, Rihanna Kickstart Super Bowl Weekend in Miami|publisher=MTV News|date=February 5, 2010|access-date=April 1, 2020}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In February 2010 she also recorded an AOL Sessions, where she performed the song together with other tracks including "Hard", "Rude Boy" and "Take a Bow".{{cite web|url=http://music.aol.com/video/disturbia-sessions/rihanna/bc:68238968001|title='Disturbia (Sessions)' Video – Rihanna – AOL Music|publisher=Interscope Records|access-date=September 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120928075156/http://music.aol.com/artist/rihanna/videos|archive-date=September 28, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

Rihanna performed "Disturbia" on her three major tours: Good Girl Gone Bad (2007—09), Last Girl on Earth (2010—11) and the Loud Tour (2011). The song was added on the Good Girl Gone Bad Tour set list during the Australasian leg of the tour. It was the opening song, performed only after the intro on the tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/rihanna/2008/burswood-dome-perth-australia-53d293d1.html|title= Rihanna Concert at Burswood Dome, Perth, Australia Setlist on November 11, 2008|publisher= Setlist.fm|access-date=August 28, 2011}} Rihanna also performed "Disturbia" on her second major concert tour, Last Girl on Earth Tour. Rihanna performed a slower ballad remix tempo of the song, surrounded by three big four-legged insect monsters as she crawled on the floor to escape while singing it.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/photos/live/956753/rihanna-aug-12-2010-new-york|title=Rihanna / Aug. 12, 2010 / New York|magazine=Billboard|last=Menachem|first=Michael|date=August 20, 2010|access-date=August 28, 2011}} About the performance Lisa Wilton from Calgary Sun commented that: "Rihanna's goth side came out – and by 'goth side' I mean she sang alongside dancers dressed as freaky, giant spiders – during the darker dancefloor anthem, 'Disturbia'."{{cite news|url=http://www.calgarysun.com/entertainment/columnists/lisa_wilton/2010/07/07/14631681.html|title=Rihanna doesn't disappoint – High-energy show thrills 12,000 fans|work=Calgary Sun|publisher=Sun Media Corporation|last=Wilton|first=Lisa|date=July 6, 2010|access-date=August 29, 2011|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607210736/http://www.calgarysun.com/entertainment/columnists/lisa_wilton/2010/07/07/14631681.html|url-status=dead}} On her Loud Tour, Rihanna performed "Disturbia" as second track, only after the opening song "Only Girl (In the World)". Rihanna performed the song in a brightly colored sequined bikini, while partially been dragging on a moveable floor.{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2011/06/07/rihanna-is-loud-sexy-and-larger-than-life|title=Rihanna is loud, sexy and larger than life|newspaper=Toronto Sun|publisher=Sun Media Corporation|last=Stevenson|first=Jane|date=June 7, 2011|access-date=August 29, 2011}} Rob Williams from Winnipeg Free Press stated: "Rihanna dropped her blue coat to reveal a jewel-encrusted bikini for 'Disturbia'. It was the first of numerous costume changes that showed off her fashion sense and plenty of skin."{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/entertainment/music/rihannas-calling-card-sexual-stylish-talented-124174984.html|title=Rihanna's calling card: sexual, stylish, talented|work=Winnipeg Free Press|date=June 20, 2011|access-date=August 29, 2011}} Rihanna performed "Disturbia" at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend on May 24, 2012, as the second song on the setlist.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/events/e9wmxj/acts/adjc6q|title=Rihanna - Set list|publisher=BBC|date=June 24, 2012|access-date=July 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616131500/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/events/e9wmxj/acts/adjc6q|archive-date=June 16, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

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; Digital download{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/fi/album/disturbia-single/1444442888|title= 'Disturbia' – Rihanna|date=September 26, 2008|access-date=August 29, 2011|publisher=iTunes Store}}

1. "Disturbia" (Album Version) – 4:00
2. "Disturbia" (Instrumental) – 3:58

; Digital Remixes{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/uk/album/disturbia-remixes/id286535334|title='Disturbia' (Remixes) – Rihanna|date=August 5, 2008|access-date=August 29, 2011|publisher=iTunes Store}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

1. "Disturbia" (Jody den Broeder Remix) – 7:45
2. "Disturbia" (Craig C's Master Vocal Mix) – 9:17
3. "Disturbia" (Craig C's and Nique's Tribal Mayhem Mix) – 8:21
4. "Disturbia" (Jody den Broeder Bum Bum Dub) – 8:15
5. "Disturbia" (Craig C's Disturbstramental Mix) – 9:17

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; FR Extended Play{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/disturbia-ep/id291951422|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113013426/https://itunes.apple.com/fr/album/disturbia-ep/id291951422|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2012|title= 'Disturbia' – Rihanna|date=September 26, 2008|access-date=August 29, 2011|publisher=iTunes Store|language= fr}}

1. "Disturbia" (Album Version) – 4:00
2. "Disturbia" (Jody den Broeder Radio Edit) – 3:52
3. "Disturbia" (Instrumental) – 3:58

; UK and German CD single{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001FNW5AO|title= CD Single: Rihanna – 'Disturbia'|website= Amazon UK|access-date=August 29, 2011}}

1. "Disturbia" – 3:58
2. "Disturbia" (Jody den Broeder Radio Edit) – 3:52
3. "Disturbia" (Instrumental) – 3:58
4. "Disturbia" (Music video) – 4:20

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Credits are taken from Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|others=Rihanna |title=Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded|year=2008|type= inlay cover|publisher= The Island Def Jam Music Group|id= 6-009143-327931}}

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• Lead Vocals by Rihanna
• Backing vocals by Andre Meritt and Chris Brown
• Written and composed by Andre Meritt, Chris Brown, Brian Kennedy and Robert Allen
• Produced by Brian Kennedy
• Recorded at the Rocky Mountain Recorders in Denver, Colorado
• Recorded by Andrew Vastola
• Vocal Production by Makeba Riddick
• Mixed by Phil Tan
• Assistant: Carlos Oyanedel

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{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Disturbia"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|relyear=2008|certyear=2015|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|artist=Rihanna|title=Disturbia|award=Gold|relmonth=6|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|certmonth=1|nosales=true}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Rihanna|title=Distutbia|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|access-date=March 18, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|nocert=true|salesamount=145,000|note=Digital downloads|salesref={{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/07/idUS228425+07-Jan-2009+BW20090107|title=The Nielsen Company 2008 Canadian Music Industry Report|date=January 7, 2009|access-date=October 23, 2021|work=Reuters|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114200459/https://www.reuters.com/article/2009/01/07/idUS228425%2B07-Jan-2009%2BBW20090107|archive-date=November 14, 2012}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Rihanna|title=Disturbia|relyear=2008|certyear=2023|award=Gold|number=3|type=single|access-date=February 11, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Rihanna|title=Disturbia|relyear=2008|certyear=2021|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=February 15, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|source=radioscope|access-date=2024-12-17}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Rihanna|title=Disturbia|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2008|certyear=2024|access-date=January 10, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|relyear=2008|certyear=2009|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=ringtone|note=Ringtone|award=Platinum|certweek=18|access-date=January 22, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|relyear=2008|certyear=2010|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Gold}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|relyear=2008|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=single|number=2|award=Platinum|id=1837-1629-1|certyear=2023|access-date=April 1, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|relyear=2008|certyear=2022|title=Disturbia|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|number=7|accessdate=May 31, 2022}}

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• List of Ultratop 50 number-one singles of 2008
• New Zealand top 50 singles of 2008
• List of Billboard Hot 100 number ones of 2008
• List of Billboard Hot Dance Club Play number ones of 2008
• List of best-selling singles in the United States

{{Reflist}}

• {{YouTube|E1mU6h4Xdxc|Rihanna "Disturbia" music video}}

{{Rihanna songs}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2007 songs

Category:2008 singles

Category:2008 songs

Category:Rihanna songs

Category:Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles

Category:Dance-pop songs

Category:Def Jam Recordings singles

Category:Electropop songs

Category:Number-one singles in Belgium

Category:Number-one singles in New Zealand

Category:Music videos directed by Anthony Mandler

Category:Songs written by Andre Merritt

Category:Songs written by Chris Brown

Category:Songs written by Brian Kennedy (record producer)

Category:Songs about anxiety