Rain on Me (Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande song)
"Rain on Me" is a song by American singers Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, released as the second single from Gaga's sixth studio album, Chromatica (2020). The song was released on May 15, 2020, by Interscope Records.
Composition and Lyrics
"Rain on Me" is a dance-pop, disco, and house song with a strong 1990s influence. Musically, it features a driving beat, shimmering synths, and a prominent bassline. Lyrically, the song explores themes of resilience, healing through pain, and finding strength in shared experiences. It uses the metaphor of "rain" to represent the difficulties and hardships faced in life, with the chorus encouraging listeners to embrace and dance through those challenges. The lyrics also reference both Gaga and Grande's past traumas, including Gaga's experience with sexual assault and Grande's emotional struggles following the Manchester Arena bombing.
Reception
"Rain on Me" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production, empowering message, and the vocal chemistry between Gaga and Grande. Many critics highlighted its catchy melody and its potential to become a summer anthem.
Commercial Performance
The song was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, becoming Gaga's fifth and Grande's fourth number-one single in the country. It also topped the charts in several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. "Rain on Me" achieved multi-platinum certifications in several regions.
Music Video
The music video for "Rain on Me," directed by Robert Rodriguez, was released alongside the song. It features Gaga and Grande leading groups of dancers in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting, complete with stylized outfits, choreography, and visual effects. The video's aesthetic is reminiscent of science fiction films and music videos from the 1990s. It received positive reviews for its visuals, choreography, and the performers' energy.
Awards and Nominations
"Rain on Me" won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. The song also received numerous nominations for other awards, including MTV Video Music Awards.
Credits and Personnel
- Lady Gaga – vocals, songwriter
- Ariana Grande – vocals, songwriter
- BloodPop – producer, songwriter
- Burns – producer, songwriter
- Axwell – producer, songwriter
- Nija Charles – songwriter
- Rami Yacoub – songwriter
- Martin Bresso – songwriter