Whitney Houston, a name synonymous with vocal prowess and captivating stage presence, left an indelible mark on the music industry. Even today, her songs resonate deeply, evoking nostalgia and admiration. Among her vast catalog of hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” stands out as an iconic 80s pop anthem. Released in 1987 as the first single from her second album Whitney, this track, and its accompanying music video, perfectly encapsulate the vibrant energy and stylistic excess of the decade. Let’s delve into what makes this music video a quintessential representation of 80s pop culture and Whitney’s early reign as a pop princess.
The music video for “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a masterclass in 80s visual aesthetics. It’s awash with bold colors, big hair, and denim embellished in true 80s fashion. Reminiscent of the era’s iconic figures like Kelly Kapowski from “Saved by the Bell,” the video embraces the playful and often over-the-top style that defined the decade. The use of brightly colored backgrounds and those peculiar, geometric fence-like props, so prevalent in 80s photoshoots, immediately transports viewers back in time.
kelly kapowski
These “weird stand thing[s]”, as the original article humorously calls them, were indeed a staple of 80s visual culture, adding a touch of abstract modernity to the scene. They served little practical purpose but became a recognizable stylistic element, especially when framing pop stars like Whitney.
whitney houston denim jacket close up
The close-up shot of Whitney’s denim jacket, adorned with embellishments, highlights the era’s penchant for decorated denim. This detail, along with the overall styling, underscores the video’s role as a cultural artifact, documenting the fashion trends of the late 80s.
Beyond the fashion and set design, the video subtly touches upon the dichotomy of a pop star’s life in the 80s. While touring was, and still is, crucial for artists, it could also be a lonely experience despite the adoration of crowds. The video cleverly uses black and white sequences to emphasize this contrast.
whitney houston black and white performance shot
These monochrome shots highlight Whitney alone on stage, bathed in spotlights, conveying a sense of isolation amidst the performance. This artistic choice adds depth to the otherwise upbeat and vibrant video, hinting at the personal sacrifices that often accompany fame.
whitney houston backstage pensive
The subsequent scene of Whitney backstage, leaning against a wall in a pensive mood, further reinforces this idea. It evokes a sense of longing, mirroring the song’s yearning for connection – to “dance with somebody who loves me.” This moment of solitude provides a stark contrast to the energetic performance scenes, creating a more nuanced portrayal of pop stardom.
However, the video quickly pivots back to the exhilarating aspects of being a pop star, particularly the creative freedom afforded by music videos. It celebrates the medium as a space where artists can explore different facets of their persona and indulge in visual extravagance.
whitney houston different hairstyles music video
One of the key joys of music videos, as the article playfully points out, is the opportunity to experiment with hair. Whitney’s transformation in the video, featuring everything from tight curls to big bangs, exemplifies this. Unlike the constraints of touring and daily life, music videos allow for unrestrained self-expression through visual presentation.
whitney houston eyeshadow close up
Similarly, the video revels in the unapologetic use of vibrant eyeshadow, another hallmark of 80s makeup. In an era often described as being less inhibited in its aesthetic choices, the music video champions bold, colorful makeup as a form of self-expression. It jokingly anticipates a future “underground movement” reclaiming the joy of vibrant eyeshadow.
whitney houston rainbow background earrings
The video also showcases the freedom to use a full spectrum of colors. From rainbow backgrounds to Whitney’s bright attire, the visual palette is rich and dynamic, far exceeding the limitations of a typical stage setup. The door-knocker earrings, another 80s jewelry trend, further amplify the visual spectacle, something less practical for live performances.
whitney houston colorful window stand thing
whitney houston blue background window stand thing
whitney houston pink background window stand thing
The reappearance of the “weird stand thing,” now in various colors and resembling windows, highlights the playful and somewhat nonsensical set design typical of 80s music videos. It’s a visual element that adds to the overall quirky and imaginative feel.
whitney houston dancers gob bluth nick cave
Another advantage of music videos celebrated in the article is the inclusion of dancers. The video features a diverse ensemble of dancers, adding energy and visual interest to the performance sequences. The humorous comparisons to Gob Bluth and Nick Cave playfully inject personality into the background performers.
whitney houston nautical outfit dancers
Whitney’s nautical-striped outfit in one scene showcases yet another 80s fashion trend. The styling is both playful and chic, reflecting the era’s eclectic fashion sensibilities.
nick cave dancer close up
The continued playful reference to a dancer resembling Nick Cave adds to the lighthearted tone of the analysis, underscoring the fun and whimsical nature of the music video.
nick cave dancer shrug
This humorous running gag about “Nick Cave” being in the video reinforces the article’s informal and engaging style, making the analysis relatable and entertaining.
dancer oversized suit
The focus on dance moves, like the one requiring an oversized suit, further emphasizes the video’s celebration of dance and movement as central elements of 80s pop music.
changing room shot 80s
The “classic 80s changing room shot” is another trope lovingly highlighted. This quick wardrobe change sequence is a quintessential visual element of 80s music videos, adding a sense of glamour and transformation.
nick cave rock face changing room
Even in the changing room scene, the “Nick Cave” dancer maintains his humorous presence, contributing to the video’s overall playful and slightly absurd aesthetic.
graffiti get down fake fence
Graffiti art appearing in the video, with “Get Down” spray-painted on a fake fence, represents the era’s embrace of street art and rebellious undertones, even within the polished world of pop music videos.
whitney houston orange dress confetti rain
The use of confetti rain and a vibrant orange dress epitomizes the visual excess and celebratory mood of 80s music videos. Confetti, often impractical in live settings, becomes a symbol of unrestrained joy and visual spectacle in this context.
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whitney houston leopard scarf short curls
The rapid hair and costume changes, showcased with Whitney’s leopard print hair scarf and short curls, highlight the transformative power of music videos. They allow artists to present multiple looks and personas in quick succession, something impossible in live performances.
whitney houston green dress face dance
The surreal element of “dancing on your own face,” achieved through video effects, underscores the creative possibilities of the medium. This playful visual trickery was cutting-edge for its time and added to the video’s innovative appeal.
whitney houston green dress pose
whitney houston green dress ghost feet
whitney houston paint splattered shoes ghost feet
The “dancing ghost feet” and paint-splattered shoes are further examples of the video’s imaginative and whimsical visual effects, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with film editing technology in 1987.
film roll dance effect
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Dancing within a roll of film was considered a groundbreaking visual effect at the time, representing the height of film editing technology in 1987. It’s a testament to the video’s innovative use of then-state-of-the-art techniques.
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The video concludes with a “happy ending,” a fantasy scenario where Whitney arrives at a glamorous hotel and spontaneously joins a group of dancers, finding the connection she desires. This idealized ending contrasts with the often-lonely reality of touring life, offering a feel-good resolution that aligns perfectly with the song’s optimistic and celebratory tone.
In conclusion, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” music video is more than just a visual accompaniment to a hit song; it’s a vibrant snapshot of 80s pop culture. From its bold aesthetics and playful set design to its celebration of dance and visual innovation, the video perfectly captures the spirit of the era and solidifies Whitney Houston’s status as a pop icon. It remains a beloved piece of music history, reminding us why we still miss Whitney and her unparalleled talent.
