Unfaithful (song) - Reception and Accolades

Reception and Accolades

"Unfaithful" received a mixed response overall from music critics. Kelefa Sanneh from The New York Times described "Unfaithful" as "a profoundly ludicrous – but not disagreeable – pop lament". Quentin B. Huff from PopMatters commented that, "'Unfaithful' is a well-intentioned ballad informed by dramatic piano and strings". Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani stated, "The melodramatic, string-laden ballad 'Unfaithful' is, if nothing else, an ambitious second single for an artist like Rihanna, and with lyrics like 'I don't want to be a murderer/Our love, his trust/I might as well take a gun and put it to his head,' it earns bonus points just for being so fucking weird". Steve Jones of USA Today wrote that while the other ballads on the album were not as strong, "'Unfaithful', in which deals with the consequences of her own cheating heart, shows depth". Celia San Miguel from Vibe magazine praised "Unfaithful", stating that it gives Rihanna a "new found charisma, solid vocal range and her ability to channel deep-rooted emotions with ease". Dan Charnas from The Washington Post described the single as "an honest account of dishonesty". A reviewer from Billboard magazine likened "Unfaithful" to Beyoncé Knowles' work and concluded that the song reveals Rihanna as a "young vocalist growing into her own". In an interview about Ne-Yo's work, Idolator's Maura called both "Unfaithful" and Knowles' "Irreplaceable" "ear-candy triumphs".

"Unfaithful" was listed at number eight on Billboard magazine's list of Songs of the Summer of 2006. In 2011, Billboard magazine also ranked the song at number 15 on its list of Rihanna's 20 Biggest Billboard Hits. American magazine Rap-Up listed "Unfaithful" at number nine on its list of the Top 10 Singles of 2006. "Unfaithful" won the awards for Song of the Year and Best Soul/R&B Single at the 2007 Barbados Music Awards. It also won the accolade for Best International Song at the 2007 NRJ Music Awards.