Umbrella (song)

American songwriter and producer Christopher "Tricky" Stewart convened with Terius "The-Dream" Nash and Kuk Harrell in January 2007 at the Atlanta-based Triangle Studios to create new material. In the studio, Stewart was "messing around with a walloping hi-hat sound", which he found in GarageBand. With his attention caught by the sound, Nash asked Stewart what he was doing: "Oh, my Gosh, what is that beat?". When Stewart incorporated chords onto the hi-hat, "immediately the word popped into [Nash's] head"; he went to the vocal booth and started singing.{{cite web|url=http://www.blender.com/ReadersPoll2007/articles/10452.aspx |title=Readers' Poll 2007 |last=Rosen |first=Jody |date=December 25, 2007 |work=Blender |access-date=December 28, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228000652/http://www.blender.com/ReadersPoll2007/articles/10452.aspx |archive-date=December 28, 2007 }} Nash wrote the first two verses and the chorus over Stewart's skeleton track.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/musical/2009/04/20/090420crmu_music_frerejones|title=Living on the Radio|last=Frere-Jones|first=Sasha|date=April 20, 2009|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=April 14, 2009|archive-date=October 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022204829/http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/musical/2009/04/20/090420crmu_music_frerejones|url-status=live}} They quickly wrote the lyrics, completing the first verse in 60 seconds. They continued into writing, adding the hook while "[Stewart] would put the next chord". In a matter of hours, they had recorded a demo of the track. The song was written with American pop singer Britney Spears in mind, whom Stewart had previously worked with on her 2003 single "Me Against the Music". Stewart and Nash thought that Spears, who had "her personal life ... a little out of control" at the time, needed a hit as a musical comeback. Spears was working on her fifth album, Blackout, so they sent a copy of the demo to Spears' management. However, Spears did not hear of the song because her label Jive rejected it, claiming they had enough songs for her to record.{{Cite news|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson|title=Rihanna's 'Umbrella' Was 'The Perfect Storm' That Almost Didn't Happen: Behind The Grammys|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580820/20080201/rihanna.jhtml|publisher=MTV News. Viacom|date=February 6, 2008|access-date=September 2, 2012|archive-date=September 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909141200/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1580820/20080201/rihanna.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

Following the management's rejection of the track, Stewart and Nash dealt it out to other record labels. It was also given to British singer-songwriter Taio Cruz, who failed to convince his record company Mercury to release it.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3672106/Taio-Cruz-the-public-school-soul-sensation.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Neil | last=McCormick | title=Taio Cruz: the public school soul sensation | date=March 27, 2008 | access-date=April 2, 2018 | archive-date=November 15, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115143414/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3672106/Taio-Cruz-the-public-school-soul-sensation.html | url-status=live }} It was then opted by Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid, a friend of Stewart who established his first studio. By early February 2007, the demo was sent to Reid's right-hand woman, A&R executive Karen Kwak, who passed it along to Reid with a message confirming that they had found a song suited for Rihanna, who was working on her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad, at the time. Reid immediately sent the demo to Rihanna, who was also positive towards it: "When the demo first started playing, I was like, This is interesting, this is weird. ... But the song kept getting better. I listened to it over and over. I said, 'I need this record. I want to record it tomorrow."

However, since it was the Grammy season of 2007, Stewart and Nash eyed American R&B singer Mary J. Blige for the demo. Upon calling them to set the record aside for Rihanna, Stewart had played it to an associate of Blige, subsequently promising the song to her. Having heard the move of the writers, Kwak and A&R Angel Maldonado began calling Stewart and his manager, Mark Stewart, incessantly. Meanwhile, considering Blige's nominations at the Grammys, Stewart and Nash agreed to wait for her response. However, Blige failed to hear the song in full due to her obligations to the Grammys at the time and "had to sign off on the record before her reps could accept it".{{Cite news|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson|title=Mary J. Blige Says She's 'Just Fine' With Her New Album, Losing 'Umbrella' To Rihanna|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571625/20071010/blige_mary_j.jhtml|publisher=MTV|date=October 23, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2008|archive-date=February 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210055052/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571625/20071010/blige_mary_j.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Finally, Reid "stepped in, trading on his power-broker status and longstanding relationship with Stewart", and admits, "I made the producers an offer they couldn't refuse." By the time Reid had successfully persuaded Stewart's camp, they "just couldn't say no". On giving up the record to Reid's camp, Mark Stewart comments, "We knew Rihanna's album would be out in a few months. Mary wasn't even in an album cycle yet. We made the sensible business decision."

{{quote box|width=30%|quote=When [Rihanna] recorded the 'ellas,' you knew it was about to be the jump-off and your life was about to change if you had anything to do with that record.|source=Tricky Stewart, MTV News}}

Rihanna recorded "Umbrella", with vocal production by Thaddis "Kuk" Harrell, at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Initially, Stewart admitted he was still reluctant as to whether Rihanna was the right artist to record the song, but following the recording of the "ella, ella" catch phrase, he felt they were onto "something". Following Rihanna's recording, Def Jam CEO-rapper Jay-Z added his rap. However, Jay-Z rewrote his verse without the awareness of Stewart and Nash. Stewart could not understand it, but later realized it "made sense" instead of the first version. Stewart noted that "from a songwriter's standpoint, he just really made it more about the song, with the metaphors about umbrellas and about the weather versus what he had before".

"Umbrella" is a pop, hip hop{{cite magazine|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/03/rihanna-best-hip-hop-collaborations/|title=18 of Rihanna's Best Hip-Hop Collaborations Over the Years|magazine=XXL|last=Madden|first=Sidney|date=March 21, 2017|access-date=September 2, 2017|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822075945/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/03/rihanna-best-hip-hop-collaborations/|url-status=live}} and R&B{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2007/jul/16/whyistillloverihannasumbr|title=Why I (still) love Rihanna's Umbrella|work=The Guardian|last=Lynskey|first=Dorian|date=July 16, 2007|access-date=January 9, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407210742/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2007/jul/16/whyistillloverihannasumbr|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7743450/10-best-covers-rihanna-umbrella-train-mandy-moore|title=Here Are the 10 Best Covers of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' for the Songs 10th Anniversary|magazine=Billboard|last=Weatherby|first=Taylor|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=January 8, 2019|quote=[…] a pop/R&B song of the '00s.|archive-date=January 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108162959/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7743450/10-best-covers-rihanna-umbrella-train-mandy-moore|url-status=live}} song with rock influences.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6889497/rihanna-work-dancehall-essay|magazine=Billboard|title=How Rihanna's 'Work' Made Dancehall Reign in Pop (Again)|date=March 3, 2016|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329114831/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6889497/rihanna-work-dancehall-essay|url-status=live}} The song's musicscape is based on the hi-hat, synthesizers, and a distorted bassline. According to Entertainment Weekly magazine, the song's beat can be recreated through a drum loop from the Apple music-software program GarageBand (Vintage Funk Kit 03).{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20162677_20164082_20166984_2,00.html|title=The 10 Best Songs of 2007|date=December 28, 2007|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=July 30, 2008|archive-date=July 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724014349/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20162677_20164082_20166984_2,00.html|url-status=dead}} The sheet music for "Umbrella" shows the key of B-flat minor (F-sharp major for the bridge{{cite web |title=Umbrella by Rihanna Chords, Melody, and Music Theory Analysis - Hooktheory |url=https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/rihanna/umbrella |publisher=Hooktheory }}), with a tempo of 87 beats per minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1256709/Product.aspx|title='Umbrella' sheet music|publisher=SheetMusicDirect|access-date=November 10, 2022|archive-date=February 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212174914/https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1256709/Product.aspx|url-status=live}} The song's lyrics are written in the traditional verse-chorus form. They open with a rap verse, and the hook "ella, ella" follows every chorus. A bridge follows the second hook, and the song ends in a fadeout.

"Umbrella" was released worldwide on March 29, 2007, debuting on Rihanna's Def Jam website.{{cite news|url=http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_news.php?artist_id=586&news_id=103239 |title=Rihanna Launches New Single, "Umbrella" (featuring JAY-Z) Worldwide! |date=March 29, 2007 |publisher=Def Jam |access-date=November 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080509071940/http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_news.php?artist_id=586&news_id=103239 |archive-date=May 9, 2008 }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1053341/rihanna-unveils-jay-z-assisted-umbrella|title=Rihanna Unveils Jay-Z-Assisted 'Umbrella'|last=Concepcion|first=Mariel|date=March 29, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606130431/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1053341/rihanna-unveils-jay-z-assisted-umbrella|url-status=live}} It received airplay across mainstream, rhythmic and urban radios in the US the same day.{{Cite magazine|date=April 28, 2007|title=FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!|url=https://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239|magazine=FMQB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070817203726/https://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=69239|archive-date=August 17, 2007}}{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04/24/2007&Format=5 |title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Urban |publisher=Gfa.radioandrecords.com |date=April 24, 2007 |access-date=January 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029220758/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04%2F24%2F2007&Format=5 |archive-date=October 29, 2013}} The song was released digitally in the United Kingdom on May 14, 2007, along with its physical release following two weeks later.{{cite web|url=http://www.outside-org.co.uk/index.php?/publicity/clients/consultancy/rihanna/umbrella_feat_jay_z_is_the_uks_1_single1|title='Umbrella' (feat. Jay-Z) is the UK's #1 Single!!!|year=2007|publisher=The Outside Organization|access-date=November 10, 2008|archive-date=September 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905091412/http://www.outside-org.co.uk/index.php?%2Fpublicity%2Fclients%2Fconsultancy%2Frihanna%2Fumbrella_feat_jay_z_is_the_uks_1_single1|url-status=live}}

"Umbrella" received universal critical acclaim. Andy Kellman of AllMusic commented: "'Umbrella' is [Rihanna's best song] to date, delivering mammoth if spacious drums, a towering backdrop during the chorus, and vocals that are somehow totally convincing without sounding all that impassioned – an ideal spot between trying too hard and boredom, like she might've been on her 20th take."{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |title=Review: Good Girl Gone Bad |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1059455 |website=AllMusic |access-date=February 13, 2008 |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605035926/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1059455 |url-status=live }} Alex Macpherson of British newspaper The Guardian, "Umbrella" is "evidence" that Rihanna's "strict work ethic is paying off", adding that she "delivers [in the song] an impassioned declaration of us-against-the-world devotion".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/jun/01/popandrock.shopping3|title=Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad|last=Macpherson|first=Alex|date=June 1, 2007|work=The Guardian|access-date=November 27, 2008|location=London|archive-date=June 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617140602/http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,2092238,00.html|url-status=live}} Tom Breihan of Pitchfork, though he complimented the production, dismissed Rihanna's voice which "takes on an unpleasant icepick edge when she tries to fill the space between the slow-tempo beats", adding that the song is "uncompelling as event-pop, particularly because of the disconnect between Rihanna's cold, clinical delivery and the comforting warmth of the lyrics".{{cite web|url=http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/43487-good-girl-gone-bad |title=Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=June 15, 2007 |work=Pitchfork |access-date=November 27, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210010504/http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/record_review/43487-good-girl-gone-bad |archive-date=December 10, 2008 }} In comparison, Breihan's retrospective review on Stereogum acclaimed "Umbrella". Especially reflecting on his contemporary, more critical Pitchfork review, he admitted that her vocal performance was moreso that of "self-assured power" than "[disconnection] from a song that’s all about visceral connection"; however, he expressed criticism towards Jay-Z's guest verse for sounding uncommitted and adding "nothing" to the song besides "branding".{{Cite web |date=2023-03-20 |title=The Number Ones: Rihanna's "Umbrella" (Feat. Jay-Z) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2216907/the-number-ones-rihannas-umbrella-feat-jay-z/columns/the-number-ones/ |access-date=2023-03-21 |website=Stereogum |language=en |archive-date=March 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321190505/https://www.stereogum.com/2216907/the-number-ones-rihannas-umbrella-feat-jay-z/columns/the-number-ones/ |url-status=live }}

Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine wrote "That the song is just plain good, regardless of genre, proves that Jay and Rihanna, who's already scored hits across several formats with a string of singles that couldn't be more different from each other, are dedicated to producing quality hits—however frivolous they may be."{{citation|title=Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|date=May 22, 2007|work=Slant Magazine}} Quentin B. Huff of PopMatters said that ""Umbrella" is a monster, so much so that I'll even confess to spending a portion of a rainy afternoon practicing the hook."{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-2496235004.html|title=Rihanna: Good Girl Gone Bad|last=Huff|first=Quentin B.|date=June 26, 2007|work=PopMatters|publisher=PopMatters Media Inc.|access-date=December 24, 2018|archive-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224220310/https://www.popmatters.com/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-2496235004.html|url-status=live}} Jonah Weiner of Blender magazine called the song the album's highlight and stated that it "would be far less engrossing if it wasn't for the way Rihanna disassembles its ungainly title into 11 hypnotic, tongue-flicking syllables".{{cite web|url=http://www.blender.com/guide/new/54632/good-girl-gone-bad.html |title=Good Girl Gone Bad – Blender |last=Weiner |first=Jonah |date=June 5, 2007 |work=Blender |access-date=September 19, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924194544/http://www.blender.com/guide/new/54632/good-girl-gone-bad.html |archive-date=September 24, 2009 }} The New York Times{{'}} Kelefa Sanneh described the song as "a space-age hip-pop song".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/04/arts/music/04choi.html?_r=1&ref=arts|title=Flirting, but Serious, Kicking Off With a Hit|last=Sanneh|first=Kelefa Sanneh|date=June 4, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 19, 2010|archive-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224170646/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/04/arts/music/04choi.html?_r=1&ref=arts|url-status=live}} Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship noted in an interview on MTV's Total Request Live that the song's hook can be misheard as a reference to girl power: "I love that song but when I first heard it I thought she was saying 'My Beretta,' you know, like a gun? And I'm like whoa, that's a little edgy."{{cite web |last1=Total Request Live |title=TRL Interviews: Cobra Starship (Gabe and Ryland) |url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/trl/interviews.jhtml?interviewId=1561922 |archive-date=February 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080208175914/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/trl/interviews.jhtml?interviewId=1561922 |website=MTV |publisher=MTV Networks|date=2007}} This transcript does not state the exact date on which the interview occurred (though as archived, the Web page includes metadata indicating it was published in 2007). However, the transcript refers to the Honda Civic Tour and the appearance of Rihanna's song on TRL's Countdown, which together imply this interview probably occurred in late May 2007.

Entertainment Weekly ranked the song number one on the 10 Best Singles of 2007, while Rolling Stone and Time listed the song at number three on the 100 Best Songs of 2007.

"Umbrella" entered the Australian Singles Chart at number one on June 10, 2007, becoming Rihanna's second number one in the country following "SOS" (2006). It spent six consecutive weeks at the top, and has since earned a 5× Platinum certification by the Australian Recording Industry Association, denoting sales of 350,000 copies. It spent a total of 32 weeks on the chart, ending the year as the country's third best-selling single of 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2007.htm |title=ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2007 |publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association |access-date=November 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100731164015/http://www.aria.com.au/pages/aria-charts-end-of-year-charts-top-100-singles-2007.htm |archive-date=July 31, 2010}} "Umbrella" debuted on the New Zealand Singles Chart at number 34 on May 14, 2007. Over the following two weeks, it dropped one place, then climbed to a new peak of number 33. In its fourth week on the chart, it leaped to the top of the chart, becoming Rihanna's second number one single following "Pon de Replay" (2005).{{cite web|url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|title=RIHANNA FEAT. JAY-Z – UMBRELLA (SONG)|publisher=charts.nz|access-date=May 14, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423165812/http://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} It remained atop the chart for six consecutive weeks and on the chart for a total of 24 weeks. The song received a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand, denoting sales of 15,000 copies,{{cite web|url=http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724195845/http://www.radioscope.net.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=77&Itemid=61|archive-date=July 24, 2011|title=Latest Gold / Platinum Singles|publisher=Radioscope|access-date=July 17, 2011}} subsequently becoming the country's best-selling single of 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_annual.asp |title=Annual Top 50 SINGLES CHART 2007 |publisher=Recording Industry Association of New Zealand |access-date=November 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722162159/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart_annual.asp |archive-date=July 22, 2010}}

File:Rihanna Umbrella Last Girl On Earth Tour Zurich.JPG, 2010.]]

"Umbrella" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 on the chart issue dated April 28, 2007, at number 91.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PxMEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+2007|title=Billboard Magazine – 5 May 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 5, 2007}} The following week it climbed to number 72, and to number 63 in its third week.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+2007|title=Billboard Magazine – 12 May 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 12, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170235/https://books.google.com/books?id=GhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+2007|url-status=live}} In its fourth, fifth and sixth week on the chart, it progressively ascended to numbers 52,{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JRMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA12|title=Billboard Magazine – 19 May 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 19, 2007}} 44{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-xIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+26+2007|title=Billboard Magazine – 26 May 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 26, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170303/https://books.google.com/books?id=-xIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+26+2007|url-status=live}} and 41.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7BIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+june+2007|title=Billboard Magazine – 9 Jun 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 9, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170307/https://books.google.com/books?id=7BIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+june+2007|url-status=live}} Prior to its physical release, "Umbrella" achieved the biggest debut in the six-year history of iTunes in the United States, breaking a record previously held by Shakira and Wyclef Jean's "Hips Don't Lie". Following its digital release, "Umbrella" soared to number one for the issue dated June 9, 2007, on its seventh week on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051834/rihanna-shop-boyz-rocket-to-the-top-of-hot-100|title=Rihanna, Shop Boyz Rocket To The Top Of Hot 100|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=May 31, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925042606/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051834/rihanna-shop-boyz-rocket-to-the-top-of-hot-100|url-status=live}} It subsequently debuted atop the Hot Digital Songs chart, with first-week sales of over 277,000 units. The single became the highest digital debut in the United States since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking downloads in 2003, surpassing Justin Timberlake's "SexyBack" 250,000 sales record in 2006. The single's rise to the top of the Hot 100 marked Rihanna's second number one single following "SOS" (2006), which was also noted for its huge leap on the Hot 100 to the top spot based on digital sales alone.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58541/rihannas-sos-rockets-to-no-1-on-hot-100|title=Rihanna's 'SOS' Rockets To No. 1 On Hot 100|last=Hope|first=Clover|date=May 4, 2006|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=April 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422113531/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58541/rihannas-sos-rockets-to-no-1-on-hot-100|url-status=live}} Significantly sustained by the strong airplay of the single{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051539/rihannas-umbrella-reigns-again-atop-hot-100|title=Rihanna's 'Umbrella' Reigns Again Atop Hot 100|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=June 14, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827110146/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051539/rihannas-umbrella-reigns-again-atop-hot-100|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051134/rihanna-shop-boyz-still-not-budging-on-hot-100|title=Rihanna, Shop Boyz Still Not Budging On Hot 100|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=July 5, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=May 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527094231/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051134/rihanna-shop-boyz-still-not-budging-on-hot-100|url-status=live}} and preventing American rap group Shop Boyz' "Party Like a Rockstar" from advancing on the chart, "Umbrella" spent seven consecutive weeks at the top of the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050964/rihannas-umbrella-reigns-again-on-hot-100|title=Rihanna's 'Umbrella' Reigns Again On Hot 100|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=July 12, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607041400/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050964/rihannas-umbrella-reigns-again-on-hot-100|url-status=live}} "Umbrella" eventually became the second best-performing single of 2007 on the Hot 100, only behind Beyoncé's hit single "Irreplaceable" which topped the chart for ten weeks total.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/bbcom/yearend/2007/charts/hot100.html|title=2007: The Year in Music – The Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822043413/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/yearend/2007/charts/hot100.html |archive-date = August 22, 2008}}

"Umbrella" entered the top fifty of the US Radio Songs chart on the issue dated April 28, 2007, at number 42.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WCkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36|title=Billboard Magazine – 28 Apr 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 28, 2007|archive-date=June 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627192924/http://books.google.com/books?id=wCkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA36|url-status=live}} The following week it climbed to number 29, and reached the top twenty in its fourth week on the chart, at number 17. It entered the top five of the chart on the chart issue of June 2, 2007, at number three. It eventually reached number one on the issue dated July 14, 2007,{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1|title=Billboard Magazine – 14 Jul 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 14, 2007}} and remained at the top for four consecutive weeks.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA10|title=Billboard Magazine – 4 Aug 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 4, 2007}} On the Pop Songs chart, "Umbrella" debuted at number 77 on the chart issue dated April 28, 2007. The following week it rose to number 61, and to 51 in its third week. In its fourth week on the chart, it climbed to number 36.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+2007|title=Billboard Magazine – 12 Aug 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 12, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170236/https://books.google.com/books?id=GhMEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+may+2007|url-status=live}} On the chart issue of June 9, 2007, "Umbrella" soared from number 31 to number one in its eighth week on the chart. It spent six consecutive weeks at the top. "Umbrella" debuted at number 69 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart on the issue dated April 21, 2007.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NhMEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA70|title=Billboard Magazine – 21 Apr 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=April 21, 2007}} The following week it rose to number 52 and by the issue dated June 9, 2007, it had climbed into the top twenty at number 17. It reached the top ten for the chart issue of June 16, 2007, and rose to number six the following week, earning the 'Greatest Gainer' in both sales and airplay for the week.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vhIEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA94|title=Billboard Magazine – 23 Jun 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 24, 2007}} It made its peak of number four in the issue of July 14, 2007. "Umbrella" entered the Hot Dance Club Songs chart as the 'Hot Shot Debut' at number 36, for the issue dated June 9, 2007. The following week it leaped to number 25.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1xIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+june+162007|title=Billboard Magazine – 16 Jun 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 16, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170236/https://books.google.com/books?id=1xIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+june+162007|url-status=live}} It ascended into the top ten of the chart the week after, landing at number nine, and rose to number four in its fourth week on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zxIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+june+30+2007|title=Billboard Magazine – 30 Jun 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 30, 2007|archive-date=April 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170303/https://books.google.com/books?id=zxIEAAAAMBAJ&q=billboard+june+30+2007|url-status=live}} It topped the chart on the issue dated July 7, 2007{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xg4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA93|title=Billboard Magazine – 7 Jul 2007|date=November 18, 2012|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 7, 2007}} and remained at number one for a second week.

The song debuted at number one in Canada, becoming the first song to top the then recently launched Canadian Hot 100, a singles chart in Canada issued by Billboard magazine, similar to that of the Billboard Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051698/rihanna-tops-hot-100-and-new-canadian-tally|title=Rihanna Tops Hot 100 And New Canadian Tally|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|date=June 7, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=June 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607041416/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051698/rihanna-tops-hot-100-and-new-canadian-tally|url-status=live}}

In February 2023, the song re-entered the US Billboard Hot 100 following Rihanna's performance at the halftime show of Super Bowl LVII, peaking at number 37.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rihanna-tops-artist-100-chart-first-time-super-bowl-1235257978/ |title=Rihanna Tops Artist 100 Chart for First Time Thanks to Super Bowl Performance Gains |author=Zellner, Xander |magazine=Billboard |date=February 22, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-date=February 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226001759/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rihanna-tops-artist-100-chart-first-time-super-bowl-1235257978/ |url-status=live }}

The single experienced major success in Europe, most notably in the United Kingdom.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6291642.stm|title=The rapid rise of chart star Rihanna|date=July 12, 2007|work=BBC News|access-date=November 11, 2008|archive-date=December 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210232552/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6291642.stm|url-status=live}} The song entered the UK Singles Chart at number one based on digital sales alone,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052017/rihanna-linkin-park-take-control-of-uk-charts|title=Rihanna, Linkin Park Take Control Of UK Charts|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=May 21, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 11, 2008|archive-date=January 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123173432/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052017/rihanna-linkin-park-take-control-of-uk-charts|url-status=live}} becoming Rihanna's first chart-topper in the country and Jay-Z's third.{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/mark-ronson/28468|title=Jay-Z protege makes chart history at Radio 1's Big Weekend|date=May 20, 2007|work=NME|access-date=November 13, 2008|archive-date=September 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927141909/http://www.nme.com/news/mark-ronson/28468|url-status=live}} During the single's fourth week on the chart, Rihanna earned her first 'Chart Double' with both the single and subsequent album (Good Girl Gone Bad) topping the UK Singles and Albums charts simultaneously.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051635/rihanna-owns-uk-singles-album-charts|title=Rihanna Owns UK Singles, Album Charts|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=June 11, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=July 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704104351/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1051635/rihanna-owns-uk-singles-album-charts|url-status=live}} Having reached nine straight weeks at number one on the chart, it broke the record of American group Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" as the longest chart-topper of the decade.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050870/rihannas-umbrella-nearing-uk-chart-history|title=Rihanna's 'Umbrella' Nearing UK Chart History|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=July 16, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=June 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606123338/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050870/rihannas-umbrella-nearing-uk-chart-history|url-status=live}} "Umbrella" eventually reached a total of ten weeks at number one on the chart, becoming the country's longest-running number one single of the 21st century.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050626/rihanna-makes-it-10-weeks-atop-uk-singles-chart|title=Rihanna Makes It 10 Weeks Atop UK Singles Chart|last=Sexton|first=Paul|date=July 23, 2007|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 8, 2008|archive-date=May 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501051003/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1050626/rihanna-makes-it-10-weeks-atop-uk-singles-chart|url-status=live}} In addition, Rihanna became the seventh artist in history to top the chart for ten consecutive weeks.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6910836.stm|title=Rihanna achieves chart landmark|date=July 23, 2007|access-date=November 27, 2008|work=BBC News|archive-date=February 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214214048/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6910836.stm|url-status=live}} By the end of 2008, "Umbrella" had sold over 600,000 copies, making it her biggest-selling single at the time, before being succeeded by "Love the Way You Lie", a collaboration with Eminem two years later in 2010.{{cite web|title=Eminem/Rihanna & Take That scoop 2010 crowns |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/cardle-at-no-1-again-eminemrihanna-take-that-scoop-2010-crowns/ |publisher=The Official Charts Company |access-date=January 29, 2011 |date=January 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111026060230/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/chart-news/cardle-at-no-1-again-eminemrihanna-take-that-scoop-2010-crowns/ |archive-date=October 26, 2011 |url-status=dead}} It became Britain's second biggest-selling single of 2007, only behind Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love".{{cite journal|title=Top 75 singles of 2007|year=2007|journal=Music Week}} On August 16, 2024, it was certified 4× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales and streams of 2,400,000 units. In total, "Umbrella" has amassed 51 weeks in the official Charts, making it the joint 20th longest runner of all time. It has spent a further 20 weeks to tally 71 total weeks inside the Top 100, in which it has appeared in three consecutive years; number one in 2007, 18 in 2008 and number 99 in 2009.{{cite web|title=The Official Charts Company – Umbrella|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/Extreme%20Ways%20%28Bourne%27s%20Ultimatum%29|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=January 30, 2011|archive-date=September 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929085310/http://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/extreme%20ways%20%28bourne%27s%20ultimatum%29/|url-status=live}}

"Umbrella" had similar success elsewhere in Europe, topping charts for lengthy periods including Switzerland for nine weeks,{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=hitparade.ch|access-date=June 3, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=October 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011204349/http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat.+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} Norway for seven weeks,{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=norwegiancharts.com|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=November 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102134109/http://norwegiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} Germany for five weeks,{{cite web|title=Single – Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, Umbrella|url=http://www.officialcharts.de/song.asp?artist=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&title=Umbrella&country=de|publisher=charts.de|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=July 5, 2014|archive-date=November 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102004828/http://www.officialcharts.de/song.asp?artist=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&title=Umbrella&country=de|url-status=dead}} Austria for four weeks{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=austriancharts.at|access-date=June 8, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=August 25, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825015120/http://www.austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} and Belgium for three weeks.{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella|url=https://www.ultratop.be/nl/song/4a593/Rihanna-feat.-Jay-Z-Umbrella|publisher=ultratop.be|access-date=June 2, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=November 9, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101109134525/http://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} It also reached number one in Denmark{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella Hitlisten.nu|url=http://www.hitlisterne.dk/default.asp?w=21&y=2007&list=t40|publisher=Tracklisten|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=March 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311144832/http://www.hitlisterne.dk/default.asp?w=21&y=2007&list=t40|url-status=live}} and Hungary.{{cite web|title=Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista, 2007. 08. 06. – 2007. 08. 12.|url=http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2007&het=32&submit_=Keres%E9s|publisher=Mahasz|access-date=August 6, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102233753/http://www.mahasz.hu/?menu=slagerlistak&menu2=archivum&lista=radios&ev=2007&het=32&submit_=Keres%EF%BF%BDs|url-status=live}} In Spain, the song achieved an eight-times platinum certification from PROMUSICAE, denoting sales of over 160,000 units. Furthermore, "Umbrella" attained top five positions in the Czech Republic,{{cite web|title=RADIO TOP100 Oficiální, RIHANNA, Umbrella|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparada/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=2&titul=144724&sec=230a371ed2517dfd0401517b577e5b5d|publisher=IFPI Czech Republic|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808235612/http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparada/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=2&titul=144724&sec=230a371ed2517dfd0401517b577e5b5d|url-status=live}} Finland,{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=finnishcharts.com|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019175356/http://finnishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} Italy,{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=italiancharts.com|access-date=June 3, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=January 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118005356/http://italiancharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} the Netherlands{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=hitparade.ch|access-date=May 31, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=October 11, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011204349/http://hitparade.ch/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat.+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} and Sweden.{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (song)|url=http://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=swedishcharts.com|access-date=May 10, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=September 4, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070904052727/http://www.swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2Dz&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}} It also reached the top ten of France.{{cite web|title=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z – Umbrella (CHANSON)|url=http://www.lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat.+Jay-Z&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|publisher=lescharts.com|access-date=July 28, 2007|date=November 24, 2012|archive-date=April 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426033313/http://lescharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Rihanna+feat%2E+Jay%2DZ&titel=Umbrella&cat=s|url-status=live}}

Worldwide the song has sold more than 6.6 million copies, making it one of the best selling singles of all time.{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpi.org/content/library/DMR2008.pdf|title=Top 10 Global Digital Singles 2007|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|page=6|access-date=November 13, 2010|archive-date=November 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126060231/http://ifpi.org/content/library/dmr2008.pdf|url-status=live}}

While working on the album, ideas began to circulate concerning Rihanna's image, extending into her music videos. She asked American music video director Chris Applebaum to send her "something" to work on. Def Jam representatives were expecting Applebaum of the treatment.{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568860/20070904/rihanna.jhtml|title=Rihanna's 'Painful' 'Umbrella' Shoot Kept Her On Her Toes: VMA Lens Recap|last=Rodriguez|first=Jayson|publisher=MTV|date=September 5, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2008|archive-date=February 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214211838/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568860/20070904/rihanna.jhtml|url-status=dead}} In response, Applebaum hurriedly made a treatment for the video, one of his first ideas being the silver body paint that Rihanna is seen in. Applebaum was doubtful whether Rihanna would embrace the idea, but her "positive response" following a letter the director sent to the artist ensured its approval. Makeup artist Pamela Neal mixed a silver paint that would give Rihanna such a look. During the session, the paint was re-applied between takes to ensure she was completely covered. The set was closed to Rihanna, Applebaum and a camera assistant. Rihanna also contributed her own ideas towards the video shoot, suggesting to Applebaum that she dance en pointe, an idea which he accepted.

Visual effects at Kroma were supervised by Bert Yukich and produced by Amy Yukich.{{Cite news|url=http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2007/rihanna-umbrella|title=Rihanna Umbrella in Music Video (The Inspiration Room)|work=KromA|date=September 6, 2007|access-date=February 11, 2008|archive-date=October 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026052322/http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2007/rihanna-umbrella/|url-status=live}} A key part of the video is a 24-second visual effects sequence in which Rihanna is surrounded by silvery strands of liquid that crisscross the frame in graceful arcs in response to her movements. Water elements were recorded on a special effects stage using a high-speed 35mm camera. Bert Yukich then composited them into the scene with the singer. He then added lighting effects to the practical water elements to give them the mirror-like texture of mercury.

The music video premiered on April 26, 2007, on her website. Downloads were made available for those in the U.S. only from the website for a limited time. The video was officially released on the iTunes Store on May 11, 2007, peaking at number one for a period of eight weeks. On May 1, 2007, "Umbrella" debuted on MTV's TRL at number ten, before reaching number one on May 9 where it remained for fifteen days, making it the longest running number one of 2007. The video was well-played in MTV during the second half of 2007; it has reached over 8,000 plays, receiving a platinum recognition at the MTV Platinum and Gold Video Awards.{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1034360|title=Rihanna and Timbaland dominate the inaugural list of MTV Platinum and Gold Video Awards, released today.|last=Cardew|first=Ben|date=May 27, 2008|work=Music Week|access-date=November 11, 2008|archive-date=September 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905205546/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1034360|url-status=live}} Such was the success of the promotional video that it received five nominations at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, including Female Artist of the Year, Video of the Year and Monster Single of the Year, going on to win the latter two.{{cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1569254/20070909/spears_britney.jhtml|title=Britney Spears Kicks Off Show, But VMA Night Belongs To Rihanna And Justin Timberlake|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=September 10, 2007|publisher=MTV|access-date=November 9, 2008|archive-date=February 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204212342/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1569254/vma-night-belongs-rihanna-justin-timberlake.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

File:Rihanna Performing Umbrella.jpg]]

"Umbrella" is widely acknowledged as the song that propelled Rihanna from rising pop act into superstardom and transformed her into a "fully fledged sex symbol" and a pop icon, with some music journalists considering it to be her signature song.{{cite web|last1=Gracie|first1=Bianca|title=Rihanna's 'Good Girl Gone Bad' Turns 10: Crafting A Rule-Breaking Pop Culture Icon|url=https://www.vibe.com/2017/06/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-10-year-anniversary/|website=Vibe|date=June 2, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905185642/https://www.vibe.com/2017/06/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-10-year-anniversary/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Cartner-Morley|first1=Jess|title=Rihanna: the pop star who became a fashion powerhouse|url=https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/sep/15/rihanna-pop-star-fashion-powerhouse-beauty-brand|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041023/https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/sep/15/rihanna-pop-star-fashion-powerhouse-beauty-brand|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Weiner|first1=Natalie|title=Rihanna's 10 Best Songs|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6820746/rihanna-songs-best-hits-list|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=November 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108150624/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6820746/rihanna-songs-best-hits-list|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Agafonov|first1=Mikhael|title=Ten years ago, 'Umbrella' turned Rihanna into a pop icon|url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/35332/1/rihanna-umbrella-10th-anniversary-retrospective|website=Dazed|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033121/http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/35332/1/rihanna-umbrella-10th-anniversary-retrospective|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Peter|title=Up the Anti: how Rihanna rewrote the rules of pop|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/28/up-the-anti-how-rihanna-rewrote-the-rules-of-pop|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=April 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406051801/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jan/28/up-the-anti-how-rihanna-rewrote-the-rules-of-pop|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Wilhite|first1=Matt|title=Ten years later, 'Umbrella' shows a Rihanna that doesn't exist anymore|url=https://fansided.com/2017/03/29/rihanna-umbrella-10-years-later/|website=Fansided|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=December 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206154846/https://fansided.com/2017/03/29/rihanna-umbrella-10-years-later/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Murphy|first1=Sam|title='Good Girl Gone Bad' Transformed Rihanna From A Popstar To An Icon|url=https://theinterns.net/2017/06/06/good-girl-gone-bad-transformed-rihanna-from-a-popstar-to-an-icon/|website=Interns|date=June 6, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201043353/https://theinterns.net/2017/06/06/good-girl-gone-bad-transformed-rihanna-from-a-popstar-to-an-icon/|url-status=live}} "Umbrella" marked the first time Rihanna transitioned from the "girl next door" persona of her first two albums for an "edgy, sexier" look, which triggered her image evolution for her subsequent albums.{{cite magazine|last1=Smith|first1=Da'Shan|title=10 Years After 'Good Girl Gone Bad,' Rihanna Has Surpassed Her Goal of Becoming the 'Black Madonna'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7809391/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-anniversary-black-madonna|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110145842/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7809391/rihanna-good-girl-gone-bad-anniversary-black-madonna|url-status=live}} In his book The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory, John Seabrook wrote:

Two albums into her career, it still wasn't clear who Rihanna was. To her detractors, and there were many, she was just another wannabe-yoncé who sang through her nose and couldn't really dance. To prove them wrong, she needed a song that would define her as an artist. [...] Eleven rhythmic syllables, "umbrella-ella-ella-eh-eh-eh," did what the two previous albums together had not done: they defined Rihanna as an artist. [...] "Umbrella" marked the arrival of something new in pop: a digital icon. In the rock era, when the album was the standard unit of recorded music, listeners had ten or twelve songs to get to know the artist, but in the singles-oriented world of today, the artist has only three or four minutes to put their personality across, and at that Rihanna would prove to be without peer.{{cite book|last1=Seabrook|first1=John|title=The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory|date=2016|publisher=W. W. Norton & Company|isbn=978-0393353280|pages=186–194|edition=2nd}}{{cite magazine|last1=Spin Staff|title=How Rihanna's 'Umbrella' Changed Her Career Forever, By John Seabrook|url=https://www.spin.com/2015/10/the-song-machine-john-seabrook-rihanna-excerpt-premiere-umbrella/|magazine=Spin|access-date=6 December 2017|archive-date=6 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206155514/https://www.spin.com/2015/10/the-song-machine-john-seabrook-rihanna-excerpt-premiere-umbrella/|url-status=live}}

File:Ischgl - Walk of Lyrics - Umbrella 01.jpg Walk of Lyrics]]

American rapper and featured act Jay-Z recognized the song's impact for Rihanna's artistic evolution, stating: "It shows such growth for her as an artist [...] If you listen to the lyrics to that song, you know the depth and how far she's come."{{cite web|title=Rihanna Biography|url=https://www.biography.com/people/rihanna-201257#good-girl-gone-bad|website=Biography.com|access-date=February 21, 2018|archive-date=February 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180222043934/https://www.biography.com/people/rihanna-201257#good-girl-gone-bad|url-status=live}} The song's producer, Kuk Harrell reportedly commented on the song's impact on his career: "We knew it was special. [...] Nothing has been the same since we created that record. We had experience in record making but not hit making. All of a sudden you have major artists blowing up your phone. And we knew exactly how to service them; we reverted back to that jingle mentality — we were prepared for that pressure. So whether it was Beyoncé calling or Bieber calling, we knew how to operate. [...] When she recorded the 'ellas', you knew your life was about to change." In January 2016, Billboard named "Umbrella" as Rihanna's best song. In 2018, Rolling Stone identified "Umbrella" as Rihanna's second greatest song of her career, behind 2011's "We Found Love" (featuring Calvin Harris) and stated that "Umbrella" transformed Rihanna into a "full-fledged pop heavyweight".{{cite magazine|last1=Dolan|first1=Jon|title=Rihanna's 30 Greatest Songs, Ranked|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/rihannas-30-greatest-songs-ranked-w516720|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 20, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2018|archive-date=February 20, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220231649/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/rihannas-30-greatest-songs-ranked-w516720|url-status=live}} In the same year, The Guardian named "Umbrella" as the best song to spend over 10 weeks at number one in the UK, writing that "Rihanna's Umbrella is a genuinely exceptional pop song. [...] it's perfect."{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/29/from-drake-to-wet-wet-wet-songs-with-10-weeks-at-no-1-ranked|title=From Drake to Wet Wet Wet: songs with 10 weeks at No 1 – ranked!|last=Petridis|first=Alexis|date=March 29, 2018|website=The Guardian|access-date=April 29, 2018|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428234523/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/mar/29/from-drake-to-wet-wet-wet-songs-with-10-weeks-at-no-1-ranked|url-status=live}} Canadian duo Tegan and Sara stated that "Umbrella" inspired their 2013 single "I Was a Fool" from their album Heartthrob.{{cite web|last1=Magness|first1=Josh|title=The lasting impact of Rihanna|url=http://www.dbknews.com/2016/02/22/lasting-impact-rihanna-anti/|website=Diamindback|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-date=December 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206154400/http://www.dbknews.com/2016/02/22/lasting-impact-rihanna-anti/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Trunick|first1=Austin|title=Track-by-Track: Tegan and Sara's Heartthrob Part Two|url=http://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/track-by-track_tegan_and_sara_heartthrob_part_two/|website=Under the Radar|access-date=December 6, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530082018/http://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/track-by-track_tegan_and_sara_heartthrob_part_two/|archive-date=May 30, 2013}}

"Umbrella"'s reign at number one in the United Kingdom occurred as the country was hit by the unseasonal extreme rainfall and flooding, which led the British national newspaper The Sun to humorously suggest the two events were related, with the media referring to it as the "Rihanna Curse." Rihanna herself commented on this saying that it "definitely helped the song stay [at No.1] for so long."{{Cite journal |last= |date=January 2008 |title=Rihanna interview |journal=Q Magazine}} A similar situation occurred in New Zealand, where the song hit number one in the early winter of 2007 as the country was experiencing some of the worst storms in its history.{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10452521|title=Rain curse of Rihanna's Umbrella|date=July 19, 2007|work=The New Zealand Herald|access-date=November 9, 2008|archive-date=October 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025025800/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/music/news/article.cfm?c_id=264&objectid=10452521|url-status=live}} During the weather conditions, Taranaki, Tauranga, and Auckland had experienced tornadoes and flooding in the Far North of the country. Once the single was replaced on the top spot, weather conditions throughout New Zealand pacified, although Hawke's Bay was still stormy.

The same happened in Romania where "Umbrella" hit the stations in the nation during the summer. That summer was in its first half the hottest and driest period of time in Romania since 1946.{{cite news|author=Viorica Dima, Ortansa Jude|title=Use of ECMWF products in forecasting severe weather events in Romania|work=Forecast Products Users Meeting|publisher=Reading|year=2008}} As the song reached the top ten and then its number-one peak, the country experienced the worst storms and most pouring rains in its history.{{cite web|title=Temperaturi extreme in Romania in 2007|url=http://vremea.meteoromania.ro/taxonomy/term/206|work=ANM|publisher=meteoromania.ro|date=November 2007|access-date=June 10, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901194609/http://vremea.meteoromania.ro/taxonomy/term/206|archive-date=September 1, 2011}} As the song was losing positions in the charts, the storm ended and the temperatures lowered step-by-step.

With the record-breaking success of the single and the reported coincidence with the weather, Def Jam's marketing team collaborated with British umbrella manufacturer Totes. The company produced five types of Rihanna umbrellas, one of which was a two-tone satin umbrella that Rihanna debuted in public during her performance of the song at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.{{cite news|url=http://www.thebaglady.tv/2007/07/rihannas_umbere.html|title=Rihanna's Umbrella ella ella eh eh eh|last=Laura|date=July 24, 2007|publisher=The Bag Lady|access-date=November 10, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081008043052/http://www.thebaglady.tv/2007/07/rihannas_umbere.html|archive-date=October 8, 2008}}

"Umbrella" was performed by Rihanna during the 2007 MTV Movie Awards on June 3, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1559066/20070508/story.jhtml|title=MTV Movie Awards To Get Rocked By Jay-Z, Rihanna, Amy Winehouse|date=May 8, 2007|publisher=MTV News|access-date=August 18, 2009|archive-date=January 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106175713/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1559066/20070508/story.jhtml|url-status=dead}} In the United Kingdom, she performed the song on the ITV morning show GMTV and at the Brit Awards (alongside The Klaxons) in 2008. She also performed "Umbrella" during her AOL sessions.{{cite web|url=http://music.aol.com/video/umbrella-aol-sessions/rihanna/1916631|title=Umbrella (AOL Sessions) Video – Rihanna – AOL Music|publisher=AOL|access-date=August 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002044721/http://music.aol.com/video/umbrella-aol-sessions/rihanna/1916631|archive-date=October 2, 2009}} In France, she performed it on Star Academy.{{cite web|url=http://www.mwza.com/rihanna-pictures-performing-at-star-academy/|title=Rihanna Pictures Performing At Star Academy|date=November 4, 2007|access-date=August 19, 2009|archive-date=June 29, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629175131/http://www.mwza.com/rihanna-pictures-performing-at-star-academy/|url-status=dead}} "Umbrella" was added to the setlist of her first headlining Good Girl Gone Bad Tour where it was performed as the final song for the encore. It was also included as the closing act of the Last Girl on Earth tour and the Loud Tour. Rihanna performed "Umbrella" at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend on May 24, 2012, as the sixteenth song on the set list.{{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|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616131500/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/events/e9wmxj/acts/adjc6q|archive-date=June 16, 2012}} The performance featured a giant sphinx on the stage.{{cite web|last=Cochrane|first=Greg|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/18573449|title=Rihanna closes Radio 1's Hackney Weekend festival|publisher=BBC|date=June 25, 2012|access-date=July 2, 2012|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023140948/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/18573449|url-status=live}} The song was also performed during the Diamonds World Tour and the Anti World Tour. On February 12, 2023, she performed the song as part of her set during the halftime show of Super Bowl LVII.{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=2023-02-13 |title=Rihanna Soars In Super Bowl Halftime Show With Pure Solo Spectacle; "Umbrella" Singer Reveals Baby Bump Before TV's Largest Crowd – Review |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/rihanna-super-bowl-halftime-review-baby-bump-nfl-fox-jayz-1235257199/ |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217102543/https://deadline.com/2023/02/rihanna-super-bowl-halftime-review-baby-bump-nfl-fox-jayz-1235257199/ |url-status=live }}

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• US promo only CD single{{cite web|title=Rihanna Umbrella CD Single|website=Amazon|url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QXDE3Q|access-date=January 30, 2011|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220023158/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QXDE3Q|url-status=live}}

1. "Umbrella" featuring Jay-Z (Radio Edit) – 4:14
2. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Radio Edit) – 4:00

• Australian, European CD single

1. "Umbrella" (Radio Edit) – 4:14
2. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Radio Edit) – 3:59

• EU enhanced Maxi-CD single

GR enhanced CD single

1. "Umbrella" (Radio Edit) – 4:14
2. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Remix) – 4:01
3. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Remix) – 7:54
4. "Umbrella" (Video Enhancement)

• American 12" vinyl

Sides A & B

1. "Umbrella" (Radio Edit) – 4:14
2. "Umbrella" (Instrumental) – 4:37

• European 12" vinyl

Side A

1. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Remix) – 4:01

Side B

1. "Umbrella" (Radio Edit) – 4:14
2. "Umbrella" (Instrumental) – 4:37

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• American, Brazilian promo CD single

1. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Radio Edit) – 3:59
2. "Umbrella" (Jody den Broeder Lush Radio Edit) – 4:42
3. "Umbrella" (Jody den Broeder Destruction Radio Edit) – 4:25
4. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Radio Edit) – 3:54
5. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Club Mix) – 6:35
6. "Umbrella" (Jody den Broeder Lush Club Mix) – 9:11
7. "Umbrella" (Jody den Broeder Destruction Club Mix) – 7:57
8. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Club Mix) – 7:54
9. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Dub) – 6:46

• British promo CD single

1. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Club Mix) – 6:35
2. "Umbrella" (Jody den Broeder Lush Club Mix) – 9:11
3. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Club Mix) – 7:54
4. "Umbrella" (Jody den Broeder Destruction Club Mix) – 7:57
5. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Dub) – 6:46
6. "Umbrella" (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel Radio Edit) – 3:59
7. "Umbrella" (The Lindbergh Palace Radio Edit) – 3:54

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Song credits

• "Tricky" Stewart ― produced
• The-Dream ― written
• Kuk Harrell ― vocal production
• Rihanna ― main vocals
• Jay-Z ― rap verse

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Video credits

• Chris Applebaum ― direction
• John Hardin ― produced
• Pierre Rouger ― direction of photography
• Bert Yukich and Amy Yukich (KromA) ― visual effects
• Nabil Mechi ― editorial
• Isaac Heckert ― production assistant
• Reactor Films ― production co
• Mike Sarkissian ― rep

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The song has earned Rihanna several awards and nominations. In 2007, the song won two awards out of three nominations at the MTV Video Music Awards. At the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, "Umbrella" also 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. The song was listed at No. 412 on Rolling Stone{{'}}s "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2010 and at No. 333 in the 2021 update.

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=Umbrella|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|number=5|relyear=2007|certyear=2015|certmonth=10}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|type=single|title=Umbrella |artist=Rihanna|award=Platinum|relyear=2007|relmonth=3|certyear=2007|certmonth=7}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|artist=Rihanna|title=Umbrella|award=Diamond|type=single|relyear=2007|certyear=2024|access-date=July 11, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|title=Umbrella |artist=Rihanna|note=Digital media sales|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2007|certyear=2007|digital=true|access-date=July 11, 2024}}

{{certification Table Entry|title=Umbrella|artist=Rihanna|type=album|region=Canada|nocert=true|relyear=2007|salesamount=89,000|salesref={{Cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUS214743+04-Jan-2008+BW20080104 |title=Nielsen Music 2007 Year End Music Industry Report For Canada |website=Reuters |access-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311021319/http://www.reuters.com/article/idUS214743+04-Jan-2008+BW20080104 |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |url-status=dead }}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Umbrella |artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2008|relyear=2007|relmonth=3|relday=21|certref={{cite web|url=http://ifpi.dk/?q=content/guld-og-platin-i-marts-0|title=Guld og Platin i marts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907044532/http://ifpi.dk/?q=content%2Fguld-og-platin-i-marts-0|archive-date=September 7, 2013|access-date=July 13, 2021|url-status=live}}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Finland|title=Umbrella |artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2007|certyear=2007|salesamount=10,784}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|artist=Rihanna feat. Jay-Z|title=Umbrella|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2007|certyear=2018|access-date=April 26, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|nocert=true|salesamount=20,580|access-date=January 14, 2018|salesref={{cite web|url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/mdonline/7267.pdf|title=Music in Italy|publisher=Federation of the Italian Music Industry|access-date=October 11, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305174048/http://musicaedischi.it/mdonline/7147.pdf|archive-date=March 5, 2016}}}}

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{{Certification Table Entry|type=ringtone|region=Spain|artist=Rihanna|title=Umbrella|relyear=2007|award=Platinum|number=10|certyear=2007|certref=|note=Ringtone}}

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{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=single|artist=Rihanna|title=Umbrella|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2010|relyear=2007|access-date=November 9, 2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Switzerland|title=Umbrella|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2007|certyear=2007}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Umbrella|artist=Rihanna ft Jay-Z|type=single|award=Platinum|number=4|relyear=2007|certyear=2024|id=7866-4354-1|refname="UKSingleCert"|access-date=August 16, 2024}}

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{{Certification Table Separator|title=Streaming}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Greece|artist=Rihanna|title=Umbrella|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2007|certyear=2023|certweek=7|id=20230222090705|access-date=February 23, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|streamsonly=true}}

Then-upcoming singer Marié Digby recorded an acoustic version of "Umbrella" which was released August 3, 2007, as the debut single from her Hollywood Records Start Here EP and included as the closing track on Digby's debut album Unfold.{{cite news|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/03/11/exclusive-mari-digby-discusses-music-gimmicks-and-her-umbrella/|title=Exclusive:Marié Digby Discusses Music, Gimmicks, and her Umbrella|date=March 11, 2008|publisher=MTV|access-date=November 13, 2008|archive-date=September 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120920012316/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/03/11/exclusive-mari-digby-discusses-music-gimmicks-and-her-umbrella/|url-status=dead}}

Italian band Vanilla Sky released a punk cover of the song on their 2007 album Changes.{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2007/09/the_playlist_12092007.html|title=The Playlist 12/09/2007|work=Kerrang!|access-date=November 23, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828164415/http://www2.kerrang.com/2007/09/the_playlist_12092007.html|archive-date=August 28, 2008}}

Swedish metal band Lillasyster covered the song on their 2007 album Hjärndöd Musik För En Hjärndöd Generation, and it peaked at #20 on the Swedish charts.

Sam Smith recorded the song during their Live at the Spectator concert in 2008 and it is also part of the soundtrack to the documentary film Sam Smith Diva Boy, which was a portrait of Sam 2007–2009.

American rock band Train covered the song in 2010 and was released in the deluxe edition of their album Save Me, San Francisco.{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/10-best-covers-rihanna-umbrella-train-mandy-moore-7743450/|title=Here Are the 10 Best Covers of Rihanna's 'Umbrella' for the Song's 10th Anniversary|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=July 20, 2024|publisher=Billboard}}

For her debut album a.k.a Cassandra, Filipina singer and actress KC Concepcion covered the song in English, while singer Miss Ganda recorded a version in Filipino entitled "Payong" (which means umbrella in Filipino).{{cite news| url=http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080620-143868/Solo-debut-album-boosts-KC-Concepcions-show-biz-stock| title=Solo debut album boosts KC Concepcion's show biz stock.| last=Asilo| first=Rito| date=June 20, 2008| newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer| access-date=November 23, 2008| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://archive.today/20080621075557/http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20080620-143868/Solo-debut-album-boosts-KC-Concepcions-show-biz-stock| archive-date=June 21, 2008}} Singer and actress Mandy Moore sang an acoustic version of the song in 2007 and its video on YouTube has more than 6.6 million views by January 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMB6YOWzQMY |title=Mandy Moore – Umbrella |publisher=YouTube |date=August 16, 2007 |access-date=January 17, 2014 |archive-date=April 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423170517/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMB6YOWzQMY |url-status=live }}

{{Infobox song

| name = Umbrella

| type = promo

| artist = All Time Low

| album = Punk Goes Crunk

| released = {{Start date|2008|04|08}}

| genre = Pop punk

| label = Fearless

| chronology = All Time Low

| year = 2008

| next_title = Dear Maria, Count Me In

| next_year = 2008

}}

Pop-punk outfit All Time Low covered the song for the 2008 Fearless Records compilation album Punk Goes Crunk,{{cite web|url=http://music.yahoo.com/track/58856559 |title=All Time Low |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=November 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226215109/http://music.yahoo.com/track/58856559 |archive-date=December 26, 2008 }} and Welsh rock band Manic Street Preachers produced their own version of "Umbrella", which was originally recorded for the album NME Awards 2008.{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/manic-street-preachers/38088|title=Manic Street Preachers cover Nirvana and Rihanna at Oxegen|date=July 13, 2008|work=NME|access-date=November 23, 2008|archive-date=August 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821063511/http://www.nme.com/news/manic-street-preachers/38088|url-status=live}} Produced in celebration of the Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 and Big Gig, that album was given free with a special souvenir box set of the magazine NME on February 27. Two additional versions (acoustic and Grand Slam mix) were later made available on iTunes, and the trio is now released together on an Umbrella EP; a video for the cover is available on the band's official website.{{cite web|url=http://www.manicstreetpreachers.com/07/video/2008/03/27/umbrella_rehearsalo2_footage|title=Manic Street Preachers| publisher=Manicstreetpreachers.com| access-date=November 23, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080730200207/http://www.manicstreetpreachers.com/07/video/2008/03/27/umbrella_rehearsalo2_footage |archive-date = July 30, 2008}}

British pop rock band McFly performed their own version of "Umbrella" during their Greatest Hits So Far Tour in 2007,{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/music/music-news/2007/12/10/mcfly-hate-doing-cover-songs-86908-20227779/|title=McFly Hate Doing Cover Songs|date=December 10, 2007|work=Daily Record|access-date=November 23, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080501155909/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/music/music-news/2007/12/10/mcfly-hate-doing-cover-songs-86908-20227779/ |archive-date = May 1, 2008}} and Finnish melodic death metal band Children of Bodom performed their 2008 cover live at Wacken Open Air.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXR6363Ifgs |title=Children Of Bodom – Umbrella Jump Live At Wacken 2008 |publisher=YouTube |date=August 4, 2008 |access-date=August 17, 2011 |archive-date=July 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701194743/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXR6363Ifgs |url-status=live }} Country-pop singer-songwriter Taylor Swift recorded a live version of the song, which was later included in an iTunes Store exclusive EP titled iTunes Live from SoHo (2008).{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/itunes-live-from-soho/271249520|title=iTunes Live from SoHo by Taylor Swift|date=January 2007 |publisher=iTunes Store|access-date=January 2, 2010|archive-date=January 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100120071234/http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/itunes-live-from-soho/id271249520|url-status=live}} Her version of the song peaked at number seventy-nine on Billboard Pop 100.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/taylor-swift-p816977/charts-awards/billboard-singles|title=Taylor Swift Charts & Awards: Billboard Singles|publisher=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation|access-date=March 25, 2011|archive-date=December 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228202646/http://allmusic.com/artist/taylor-swift-p816977/charts-awards/billboard-singles|url-status=live}}

There have also been notable mixed versions of the song. American rapper Lil Mama recorded a version of "Umbrella" that replaced Jay-Z's opening rap verse. An article by Blender magazine, which dismissed Jay-Z's version, said "Lil Mama actually seems to understand the song's metaphorical themes of protection and loyalty".{{cite news|url=http://www.blender.com/news/comments.aspx?article=9324 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070624030927/http://www.blender.com/news/comments.aspx?article=9324 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 24, 2007 |title=Rihanna's "Umbrella" Gets an Upgrade |work=Blender |access-date=November 29, 2008 }} American punk band Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker remixed the song, adding to the track "quicksilver snare flourishes and... real-life guitars".{{cite news|url=http://www.blender.com/news/comments.aspx?article=9492 |title=The Ultimate "Umbrella" Remix Guide |work=Blender |access-date=November 29, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Singer Chris Brown created an answer song titled "Cinderella", replacing some of the verses and part of the chorus of "Umbrella" with his own lyrics. This version is the official remix. This version has been performed as a duet between Brown and Rihanna when he joined Rihanna on a late-2008 tour in the Asia-Pacific region.{{cite news|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/19934/Rihanna-and-Chris-Brown-in-a-smashing-concert-at-The-Fort|title=Rihanna and Chris Brown in a smashing concert at The Fort|publisher=Pep.ph|access-date=December 2, 2008|archive-date=February 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214190918/http://www.pep.ph/news/19934/Rihanna-and-Chris-Brown-in-a-smashing-concert-at-The-Fort|url-status=live}} R&B/hip-hop singer The-Dream, who wrote "Umbrella", recorded the demo with a slightly different intro and instrumental. The remix was later removed from streaming services.

On October 15, 2015, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox released a "Singin' in the Rain" style cover, featuring Casey Abrams & the Sole Sisters, surpassing 15 million views.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBmlCZTF4Xs|title=Umbrella – Vintage "Singin' in the Rain" Style Rihanna Cover ft. Casey Abrams & The Sole Sisters|author=Postmodern Jukebox|via=YouTube|date=October 15, 2015|access-date=January 15, 2016|archive-date=January 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119203244/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBmlCZTF4Xs|url-status=live}}

On a third season episode of the Spike television show Lip Sync Battle, actor Tom Holland won his match against actress Zendaya by lip syncing to "Umbrella" while dressed as Rihanna.{{Cite web |date=2023-06-14 |title=No more lip-sync battles for Tom Holland: 'I'd rather go and play golf' |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-06-14/tom-holland-interview-lip-sync-battle-rihanna |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Tom Holland Says He Still Gets 'Most Compliments' for His 2017 'Lip Sync Battle' Dance: 'Proud of It' |url=https://people.com/tom-holland-gets-most-compliments-for-lip-sync-battle-dance-7546477 |access-date=2024-08-09 |website=Peoplemag |language=en}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Umbrella

| cover = The Baseballs - Umbrella - cover.jpg

| alt =

| type = single

| artist = The Baseballs

| album = Strike! and Strike! Back

| released = May 1, 2009

| recorded =

| studio =

| genre =

| length = 3:07

| label = Warner Bros.

| composer =

| lyricist =

| producer =

| prev_title =

| prev_year =

| next_title = Hot n Cold

| next_year = 2009

}}

"Umbrella" was covered by the rockabilly coverband The Baseballs in 2009 for their albums Strike! and Strike! Back. It was certified Platinum in Finland by Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland.{{Certification Cite|region=Finland|title=Umbrella|artist=Baseballs|type=single}}

;Track listings

{{Track listing

| headline = Promo CD and CD single{{cite web |author=Steffen Hung |url=http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Baseballs&titel=Umbrella&cat=s |title=The Baseballs "Umbrella" CD |publisher=Dutchcharts.nl |access-date=August 17, 2011 |archive-date=September 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923084749/http://www.dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Baseballs&titel=Umbrella&cat=s |url-status=live }}

| total_length = 6:59

| title1 = Umbrella

| length1 = 3:07

| title2 = Bleeding Love

| length2 = 3:52

}}

;Release history

;Chart performance

;Year-end charts

{{Reflist}}

{{Portal|Music|United States}}

• {{youTube|CvBfHwUxHIk|Rihanna – "Umbrella" (Music video)}}

{{Rihanna songs}}

{{Jay-Z songs}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for "Umbrella"

|titlestyle = background: lightblue

|list1 =

{{Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}

}}

{{Good article}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Umbrella (Song)}}

Category:2007 singles

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Category:UK singles chart number-one singles

Category:MTV Video of the Year Award

Category:Songs written by The-Dream

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Category:Songs written by Kuk Harrell

Category:2007 songs

Category:Def Jam Recordings singles

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Category:Male–female vocal duets

Category:Songs about weather

Category:Curses

Category:Number-one singles in Russia

Category:Music videos directed by Chris Applebaum