 An R & B song , " Cold Case Love " has an instrumentation infused with a simple piano pattern , thumping bassline , violin and viola strings and electric guitar licks . Lyrically , it is a " melancholic and mature farewell " to a failed relationship . " Cold Case Love " received acclaim from contemporary music critics who labeled the song as a highlight on Rated R and additionally praised Rihanna 's vocals . The singer performed the song on her 2013 worldwide concert tour , Diamonds World Tour , in a medley with " Take a Bow " and " Hate That I Love You " . 
