Tuesday 26 August 2014

Jessie J, Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang (Official Video) [+ Review]


Pop songstresses Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj have joined forces to create the riotiously sassy 'Bang Bang', and it's stirring up a storm with the release of the new music video (watch below). As expected, the video sees the trio feature in separate segments of the song whilst singing their verses, and then sees them unite at a dance party. It's a colourful infusion of dancing styles and kaleidoscopic dresses, and each singer has their own dedicated 'atmosphere' in which to sing their verses. 'Bang Bang' certainly benefits from its unison of three successful pop singers, and the video certainly has the draw of three artists to help attract attention to the song. 

We have detailed our thoughts on the song itself here, if you want to go read the separate review of [just] the song. But now for the video itself. As the video opens, a shot of the singers' names overlaps the background of a hustling and bustling city, and then the infectious, jazz-influenced beat begins to come in. This type of busy atmosphere assists in amping up the nature of the song, building up the expectation and excitement for the beat to drop and the verses to start [this is also helped along by quick shots of the singers as they gear up ready to perform in their video together]. Up first is the sultry Jessie J, who blazes onto the screen in her vibrant pink car (and of course their are the obligatory flashes of Beats merchandise, as is seemingly custom in any music video now) and soulful bursts out her verses with confident flair, in her usual power-house manner, complete with energetic dancing. 


As the chorus builds, Grande takes to the [figurative] podium, clutching a 'Bang' old style speaker-phone and begins to dance around her palm tree themed room (complete with pink neon palm trees lights in a similar style to Miley Cyrus' most recent album artwork). We like this build up of anticipation and tension, and Jessie J's vocals are on point [as we have mentioned in the song review], and her video portions have that 'summer vibe', with hazy lighting and street dancing that wouldn't be out of place in a Step Up film. There is also head banging [which we love]. With that, it's now Grande's turn and its pretty much of the same, distinctly sassy but sort of cutesy at the same time [it is Grande after all], and she really reaches for those high notes and succeeds, and the whole kitschy motel theming is appropriate for the song [although we do wish she would switch up her hairstyles and expressions a little bit, as it can get a little dull and repetitive - but that's more personal taste]. 


Jessie J and Grande's parts then interchange and this segment is suitably fierce and feisty (especially in regards to Jessie J's expressions and segments), and it fits perfectly.That's enough of Grande and Jessie for now, and it's Nicki's turn (and this time, no wardrobe malfunctions in sight - success!) and she steps out of her designated helicopter effortlessly and prepares for her verse. The rap is on, and Minaj brings it, killing her segment with snappy rhymes amongst her background dancing (who are really, quite good). 


In case you weren't dead by this point, Jessie J really does what she does best and reaches for those high notes with a triumphant close 'See anybody could be good to you, You need a bad girl to blow your mind (your mind)'. With the video almost over, the trio kick it at Nicki's rooftop setting, with an energetic and vigorous closing party. Director Hannah Lux Davis really did a tremendous job with the music video. Keen to check it out for yourself? Then watch 'Bang Bang' below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments! 

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