The song is often cited as a definitive anthem of the "EDM explosion" in the United States during the early 2010s.

It was written and produced by Calvin Harris , marking a pivotal moment where he transitioned from a niche DJ to a mainstream pop powerhouse.

Rihanna, a mezzo-soprano , delivers repetitive, hypnotic vocals that emphasize the "hopeless place" narrative.

It spent 10 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Rihanna's longest-running chart-topper.