Which Songs Did Sia Write for Rihanna: A Clear, Verified Guide

Direct Answer: The Songs Sia Wrote for Rihanna

The most prominent songs that Sia wrote for Rihanna include "Diamonds" (from the album Unapologetic, 2012) and "Stay" (featuring Mikky Ekko, from Unapologetic, 2012). Both were major global hits, with "Diamonds" topping charts internationally and "Stay" earning acclaim for its stripped‑back, vocal‑forward production. In rare public statements, Sia has confirmed writing both tracks, though she typically avoids naming them directly. Below, we break down each song’s credits, release context, and measurable impact to provide a fact‑first, evergreen reference.

How to Interpret Sia’s Songwriting for Rihanna

Because Sia rarely discusses specific collaborations, it is important to rely on publishing and label sources, official credits, and contemporaneous reporting when identifying songs she wrote for Rihanna. Below are verified tracks, presented with release year, album, chart peak, and songwriting confirmation evidence.

Key Songs and Verified Details

Songwriting Process and Context

Sia typically co-writes with producers and composers from Stargate (Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen) or other studio partners. For Rihanna, the creative context was tied to the sonic direction of the Unapologetic era, which sought a more intimate and atmospheric palette. This aligns with Sia’s interest in emotional minimalism and spacious arrangements, even when the tracks achieve high commercial performance.

Public Statements and Confirmations

In rare interviews, Sia has broadly referenced writing hit songs for multiple artists without always naming them. Where specifics have surfaced through official channels, the two most consistent associations with Rihanna are "Diamonds" and "Stay." Music databases, publishing records, and album credits corroborate her involvement, making these the two strongest examples in the evergreen relationship between Sia and Rihanna’s catalog.

Notable Differences and Similarities

• Both tracks are ballads that foreground vocal intimacy, a departure from some of Rihanna’s earlier dance‑oriented singles.
• They share core writers in Sia, Stargate members, and feature different vocal collaborators: no feature on "Diamonds," Mikky Ekko on "Stay."
• Chart trajectories were strong for both, but "Stay" achieved longer chart residency on certain formats due to its acoustic appeal.

Impact and Legacy

Both songs remain touchstones in Rihanna’s late‑catalog era and are staples on streaming platforms, radio rotations, and performance retrospectives. For Sia, they represent a period in which she successfully translated a minimalist, vocal‑first approach into mainstream hits without needing to perform them herself. This has contributed to her reputation as a behind‑the‑scenes songwriter capable of defining the emotional tone of massive pop records.

Conclusion

For an evergreen, evidence‑based answer to which songs Sia wrote for Rihanna, the most reliable examples are "Diamonds" and "Stay," both from the 2012 album Unapologetic. They are documented by official credits, chart data, and controlled statements. Focusing on these tracks provides durable clarity without speculation, supporting long‑term reference value.