Walks Like Rihanna

Album: Word Of Mouth (2013)
Charted: 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The third single from Third Strike is a summer anthem that was inspired by Bajan babe, Rihanna. "We feel it's a little different from the usual Wanted sound," said Tom Parker, "we've stripped it back to pure pop, it's just a feel-good, fun track."
  • The Wanted worked with Dr. Luke on the track. The American producer has previously worked with the likes of Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson.
  • The song's music video spoofs three classic boyband promos, starting with *N Sync's puppetry visual for "Bye Bye Bye," then the matching white suited Backstreet Boys' clip for "I Want It That Way" and finally Take That's black and white film for "Back For Good," which saw the quintet walking and dancing in the rain while wearing long coats. Tom Parker told The Daily Mirror: "Fun is a good way to describe the video... it has got a lot of character."
  • Asked by MTV UK whether Rihanna had heard the song, Tom Parker replied: "We met her manager Jay Brown in New York and he said that he really liked it and that she really liked it which is always a good sign 'cause if she hated it we'd be in a pretty bad place."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

Tim McIlrath of Rise Against

Tim McIlrath of Rise AgainstSongwriter Interviews

Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath explains the meanings behind some of their biggest songs and names the sci-fi books that have influenced him.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.