Unfaithful (song)
"Unfaithful" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna, released in 2006 as the second single from her second studio album, A Girl like Me (2006). The song is a pop and R&B ballad with elements of classical music influence. It was written by Ne-Yo, Tor Erik Hermansen, and Mikkel S. Eriksen. Production was handled by StarGate.
The song's lyrics tell the story of a woman who is unfaithful to her partner and the guilt and emotional turmoil she experiences as a result of her actions. The narrative is presented from the perspective of the unfaithful party, offering a confessional and introspective view on the complexities of infidelity.
"Unfaithful" was commercially successful, reaching the top ten in numerous countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is considered one of Rihanna's signature songs and is noted for its mature themes and vocal performance compared to her earlier work. The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its powerful vocals, emotional depth, and mature subject matter. The music video for "Unfaithful" depicts Rihanna in a love triangle and further explores the themes of betrayal and guilt present in the song's lyrics.