Many of us still feel the absence of Whitney Houston. Her voice was undeniably one of the most beautiful of her generation. She effortlessly produced hit after hit, embodying strength, intelligence, and sass – truly an icon. Countless videos of hers are endlessly watchable, but today, we’re diving into early Whitney, the vibrant 80s era. She was the quintessential pop princess, radiating flawlessness and energy, simply wanting to dance, i wanna dance with somebody who truly cared.
This iconic video, the first single from her second album Whitney, is titled with the wonderfully verbose “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” The title itself evokes a playful yet heartfelt sentiment, like someone at a club lightheartedly declaring, “Man, I just want to dance with somebody! Is that too much to ask?” before turning serious and adding, “But only if they love me,” capturing a relatable blend of desire and vulnerability. It’s a sentiment many can connect with, that longing for connection on the dance floor.
Another immediate association this video brings to mind is the vibrant aesthetic of 80s pop culture, reminiscent of icons like Kelly Kapowski. The video is awash in vibrant colored backgrounds, voluminous hairstyles, and embellished denim. It also features those quintessential, somewhat perplexing 80s set pieces – those large, rectangular fence-like structures that served no clear purpose but were ubiquitous backdrops for photographing women. Often, these were paired with geometric neon signs, much like this:
Kelly Kapowski in Saved by the Bell with a geometric background
Seriously, what were those things even for? Yet, they perfectly encapsulate the visual language of the decade.
Whitney Houston in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video against a colored backdrop
And let’s not forget the fashion! A close-up of Whitney’s incredible denim jacket with its dazzling embellishments:
Close-up of Whitney Houston's embellished denim jacket in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
This video is more than just entertainment; it’s a glimpse into the world of an 80s pop star. It’s almost a historical document, revealing aspects of that era. Touring was, and still is, a crucial part of a musician’s life. It’s demanding and can be isolating, even when facing enthusiastic crowds like Whitney did nightly:
Whitney Houston performing on stage in black and white in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
The use of black and white footage is particularly impactful here. It emphasizes the dichotomy of Whitney’s life: performing night after night before adoring fans, yet still experiencing a sense of solitude under the spotlight.
Whitney Houston backstage in black and white in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Even after the exhilaration of the show, there’s a quiet moment backstage, a sense of longing, much like a Jordan Catalano mood, wishing she could just dance, i wanna dance with somebody who truly loves her.
Whitney Houston leaning against a wall backstage in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
But then, the video shifts! Being a pop star isn’t just about the grind of touring; it’s also about the sheer fun of making music videos! And this video perfectly captures that joy. Here’s why music videos, especially in the 80s, were pure magic:
Whitney Houston smiling with big hair in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Hair Transformations Galore
Music videos are a playground for hair experimentation. Have fun, go wild, tease it to the heavens! There’s no need to worry about next-day styling or rain ruining your look while loading gear. In a music video, anything is possible. For Whitney, this meant embracing super tight curls and those iconic, voluminous bangs.
Whitney Houston with tight curls and bangs in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Eyeshadow? The More, The Merrier!
Eyelids in the 80s were canvases for color. They craved vibrancy, and music videos delivered. In today’s more subdued makeup trends, 80s eyeshadow extravagance feels almost revolutionary. This video reminds us of a time when bold, colorful eyeshadow, reaching all the way to the eyebrows, was not only acceptable but celebrated. Imagine secret eyeshadow parties, swapping vibrant shades and embracing unapologetic self-expression through makeup.
Whitney Houston with bright eyeshadow in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Embrace the Rainbow
Live stages, while sometimes beautiful, often lack the visual dynamism of a music video set. Huge door knocker earrings, while stylish, aren’t practical for stage performances. And while some venues might have colored backdrops, they rarely match the vibrant, ever-changing sets of a music video. Music videos win again! The use of rainbow colors and dynamic set changes in this video is a testament to the visual freedom they offered. And let’s appreciate that perfect matte lip color Whitney is sporting.
Whitney Houston with a rainbow colored backdrop in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney Houston in front of a blue backdrop in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney Houston in front of a purple backdrop in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Oh, and spot that quirky “window” stand thing again! And are coat racks still cool or just relics of past interior design trends? The debate continues.
Whitney Houston posing with a coat rack in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Dancers Make Everything Better
Yes, music videos come alive with dancers! The energy they bring is infectious. Whether it’s the dancer with the Gob Bluth-esque enthusiasm or the one who bears a striking resemblance to Nick Cave, the dancers in this video add another layer of fun and visual interest.
Male dancer energetically dancing in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney’s nautical-striped outfit here is also a standout fashion moment:
Whitney Houston in a striped nautical outfit in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Seriously, is that Nick Cave?
Dancer resembling Nick Cave in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
We might wonder, “Nick Cave, what are you doing in an 80s pop video?” and he’d probably just shrug and say, “Hey, why not!”
Dancer in an oversized suit doing a dance move in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
This particular dance move, best executed in an oversized suit, is especially memorable.
Whitney Houston and a dancer in a changing room scene in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
The Classic 80s Changing Room Scene
Emerging from changing rooms in outfits you’re slightly unsure about? Pure 80s music video gold. It’s like a time machine back to 1987.
Dancer doing a "rock" face in a changing room scene in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Job done. And is that dancer channeling his inner “rock” star?
Whitney Houston in front of graffiti in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Graffiti? Go For It!
Imagine spray-painting graffiti on a venue’s back wall before a live show. Disaster! But in a music video? Anything goes! Spray paint “Get Down” on a fake fence. Worried about it being cheesy? In a video, who cares!
Whitney Houston in an orange dress with confetti rain in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Confetti Rain and Orange Dresses
Confetti is a rarity these days, deemed too messy. But music videos are about pushing boundaries, so bring on the confetti rain! And this vibrant orange dress? Absolutely iconic.
Whitney Houston in an orange dress in full view in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney Houston in an orange dress with confetti in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Instant Hair and Costume Changes
Costume changes during live shows are possible but require stage trickery or leaving the stage. Hair changes? Forget about it, unless wigs are involved. Music videos, however, offer instant transformations! Whitney’s leopard print hair scarf and short curls are effortlessly chic. She clearly isn’t concerned with backstage riders or music magazine reviews in this moment of video magic.
Whitney Houston with a leopard print hair scarf in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Dancing on Your Own Face? Why Not!
Whitney literally dances on her own face in this video, wearing a green bodycon dress. How else could you possibly achieve that?
Whitney Houston dancing on her projected face in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Close-up of Whitney Houston dancing on her projected face in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney Houston in a green bodycon dress in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Bodycon Dresses and Dancing Ghost Feet
Speaking of bodycon dresses, many 80s kids remember that stretchy, almost magical fabric. And yes, those are dancing ghost feet alongside Whitney’s paint-splattered shoes!
Whitney Houston's paint-splattered shoes and dancing feet in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Close-up of those fabulous shoes:
Close-up of Whitney Houston's paint-splattered shoes in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Film Editing Technology at Its Peak
In 1987, dancing in a roll of film was cutting-edge and incredibly cool. Anyone who disagrees is simply missing out on the 80s video magic.
Whitney Houston dancing inside a film reel in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney Houston dancing inside a film reel with dancers in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Whitney Houston dancing inside a film reel close-up in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
The Happy Ending We All Want
The video culminates in a perfect, feel-good ending. Whitney arrives at a glamorous hotel, spots some cool dancers heading into a club, and, with a smile and a shrug, joins them, leaving her bags behind and embracing pure joy. It’s the idealized fantasy, the happy ending rarely found in the realities of touring. In the perfect world of a music video, we all get to dance with somebody, forever. Somebody who loves us. We love you, Whitney.
