“Only Girl (In the World)” by Rihanna

What Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)” most evidently centers on is the notion of the vocalist desiring the undivided attention of her lover. She wants to be convinced that, in his eyes, she is “the only girl in the world”. Or put more into layman’s terms, she doesn’t want him to have any other romantic interest besides herself.  The singer wants to be the one and only apple of her sweetheart’s eye.

But more to the point, as far as the verses are concerned, is how she intends to win his undivided attention. And that is by putting it on him.  Indeed the verses are quite sexual, even if artistically put. Moreover, Rihanna is intent on receiving as well as giving. For it is also implied that another way the addressee can go about ‘making her feel like the only girl in the world’ is by thoroughly making love to her himself.

Indeed such was sort a recurring theme in Rihanna’s tunes back in those days, i.e. this desire to have a man really sex her well. But again, as presented in this case the emphasis is more on how he makes her feel in general.

Thus despite the overall adult theme of the narrative, this is more of a love song than one centered on sex per se. The vocalist idealizes being the sole object of the addressee’s affection. And in terms of bettering her chances of making this ideal a reality, she is ready and willing to go the extra mile in terms of pleasing him in a sexual capacity.

“Only Girl (In the World)” Facts

Artist(s): Rihanna
Album/EP: “Loud”

Was “Only Girl (In the World)” a single release?

Yes. On September 10 of 2010 it was the lead single of Rihanna’s 5th album.

Writing

The song was authored by the following:

• Tor Erik Hermansen
• Sandy Wilhelm
• Mikkel S. Eriksen
• Crystal Johnson

Production

It was produced by:

• Kuk Harrell
• Sandy Vee
• Stargate

Genre(s)

• Dance-pop
• Eurodance

Awards/Honors:

At the 53rd Grammys in 2011, the song won the award for “Best Dance Recording”. The following songs lost to Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World)”:

• Goldfrapp’s “Rocket”
• La Roux’s “In for the Kill”
• Lady Gaga’s “Dance in the Dark”
• Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own”

Even More Accolades

Los Angeles Times’ Gerrick D. Kennedy, referred to the song as a “surefire hit”.

Rihanna performed the song on “The X Factor” (UK) and “Saturday Night Live” in the US.

Chart Performance

• US – 1
• UK – 1
• Switzerland – 2
• Romania – 1
• Portugal – 1
• Poland – 1
• Norway – 1
• New Zealand – 1
• Netherlands – 2
• Japan – 8
• Italy – 1
• Ireland – 1
• Hungary – 1
• Germany – 2
• France – 2
• Finland – 2
• Denmark – 2
• Czech Republic – 5
• Canada – 1
• Belgium – 1
• Austria – 1

Covers

• Ellie Goulding (2011)
• Carmen Reece (2010)
• Karmin (2011)
• ortoPilot (2012)
• Tiny Tracks (2014)
• Harp Player (2016)