Whitney Houston. The name itself conjures up images of unparalleled vocal prowess and an era-defining pop presence. For many, the loss of Whitney is still keenly felt. Her voice, a powerhouse of emotion and technical brilliance, remains unmatched. Among her vast catalog of hits, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” stands out not just as a chart-topping anthem, but also as a vibrant encapsulation of 1980s music video culture. Released as the first single from her second album, Whitney, in 1987, the song and its accompanying video cemented her status as a global pop superstar. Let’s delve into the iconic music video for “Whitney I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and explore what made it such a memorable piece of pop history.
The video for “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a masterclass in 80s music video extravagance. It’s awash with bright colors, playful set designs, and, of course, the quintessential big hair of the decade. Reminiscent of the visual styles of the era, one can see echoes of other pop culture touchstones. The vibrant backdrops and geometric shapes recall the aesthetic of shows like Saved by the Bell and its beloved character, Kelly Kapowski, a teen icon of the time. These visual cues instantly transport viewers back to the late 80s, a period of bold fashion choices and optimistic pop music.
Kelly Kapowski aesthetic inspiration from the 80s
One of the most striking aspects of the video is Whitney herself. She embodies the energy and charisma of a true pop princess. Her denim jacket, adorned with sparkling embellishments, is a perfect example of 80s fashion flair. This attention to detail in wardrobe and styling was a hallmark of the era’s music videos, where visual presentation was as important as the music itself.
Close-up of Whitney's embellished denim jacket in the music video
Beyond the surface-level fun, the video subtly touches upon the themes of performance and loneliness. Scenes in black and white depict Whitney on stage in front of massive crowds, highlighting the paradox of being adored by thousands yet still feeling isolated. This visual contrast underscores the emotional core of the song – a desire for genuine connection amidst the often-superficial world of fame.
Whitney Houston performing solo on stage in black and white in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video
The backstage scenes further emphasize this duality. Whitney, alone against a wall, projects a sense of longing, mirroring the song’s yearning for love. This imagery resonates with the universal feeling of seeking companionship, even when surrounded by outward success.
Whitney Houston backstage in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" video, portraying a moment of solitude
However, the video quickly shifts gears, celebrating the escapism and creative freedom that music videos offered, especially in the 80s. It’s a world where artists could experiment with different personas and visual styles, unconstrained by the limitations of live performance. The video playfully highlights the advantages of the music video format.
One of these advantages is the ability to have multiple hairstyles in a single performance! Whitney showcases a variety of looks, from tight curls to big bangs, emphasizing the transformative power of hair styling in creating a visual spectacle. In the 80s, hair was a statement, and music videos were the perfect platform to explore its endless possibilities.
Whitney Houston showcasing different hairstyles in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video
Makeup, particularly eyeshadow, also takes center stage. The video embraces bold and colorful eyeshadow, a stark contrast to more contemporary minimalist trends. It’s a vibrant celebration of color and self-expression through makeup, a key element of 80s aesthetics.
Close up of Whitney Houston wearing vibrant and colorful eyeshadow in the music video
The use of the rainbow is another prominent feature. From brightly colored backdrops to Whitney’s outfits, the video is a kaleidoscope of hues. This vibrant palette reflects the optimistic and energetic spirit of the 80s pop scene. The set design, with its color-changing walls, would be impossible to replicate on a live stage, further underlining the unique possibilities of music videos.
Whitney Houston in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video with rainbow colored background
Different vibrant color backgrounds in Whitney Houston's music video
More examples of rainbow color backgrounds in Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Weird stand thing resembling a window and coat rack as part of the 80s set design
Dancers are integral to the video’s dynamism. The choreography and energy of the dancers contribute significantly to the overall celebratory mood. The video showcases a diverse range of dance styles and personalities, adding to its visual richness.
Male dancer in Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video
Dancer resembling Nick Cave in Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video
Fashion moments abound, including Whitney’s nautical-striped outfit, further solidifying the video’s status as a style capsule of the era. The clothing choices are bold, playful, and distinctly 80s.
Exaggerated, oversized suits on dancers are another nod to the fashion trends of the time, emphasizing the playful and sometimes theatrical nature of 80s music videos.
Dancer wearing an oversized suit in Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video
The classic “changing room shot” is another trope expertly utilized, creating a sense of anticipation and visual variety. This quick costume change montage was a common and effective technique in 80s videos.
Whitney Houston and dancer in a changing room scene in the music video
Graffiti art makes an appearance, adding an edgy, urban touch to the otherwise polished pop aesthetic. This juxtaposition of high-gloss pop with street art elements was another characteristic of the era’s visual landscape.
Graffiti art with "Get Down" text in Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" video
Confetti rain and a vibrant orange dress bring a sense of celebratory joy and visual spectacle. Confetti, now less common due to environmental concerns, was a staple of celebratory moments in 80s videos, symbolizing exuberance and fun.
Whitney Houston in a bright orange dress with confetti rain in the music video
Full view of Whitney Houston in orange dress with confetti rain
Rapid costume and hair changes are seamlessly executed, highlighting the magic of video editing. Whitney effortlessly transitions between looks, showcasing the visual dynamism that music videos could achieve. A leopard print hair scarf and short curls represent just one of her many stylish transformations.
Whitney Houston with leopard print hair scarf and short curls in the music video
The video even incorporates playful and surreal elements, such as dancing on one’s own face, showcasing the boundless creativity afforded by the medium.
Whitney Houston dancing on her own face visual effect in the music video
Another instance of Whitney Houston dancing on her own face visual effect
Bodycon dresses, a defining fashion trend of the 80s, make an appearance, further rooting the video in its cultural context. These stretchy, form-fitting garments were a popular choice for both everyday wear and performance attire.
Whitney Houston wearing a bodycon dress in "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" music video
Dancing ghost feet and paint-splattered shoes add a whimsical and artistic touch, showcasing the imaginative visual effects that were becoming increasingly sophisticated in the late 80s.
Dancing ghost feet visual effect next to Whitney Houston's paint-splattered shoes
Close up of Whitney Houston's paint-splattered shoes from the music video
Film editing techniques, considered cutting-edge for 1987, are prominently featured, including the effect of dancing within a film reel. These visual tricks, while perhaps simple by today’s standards, were groundbreaking at the time and added to the video’s innovative appeal.
Whitney Houston dancing in a film reel visual effect in the music video
Another instance of Whitney Houston dancing in a film reel visual effect
Further example of film reel visual effect in Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Finally, the video culminates in a happy ending, a classic trope of pop music videos. Whitney finds her dance partners and the love she seeks, resolving the initial yearning expressed in the song. This optimistic conclusion reinforces the feel-good nature of the track.
Whitney Houston dancing in a film reel visual effect in the music video
In conclusion, the music video for “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is more than just a visual accompaniment to a hit song; it’s a cultural artifact that perfectly captures the exuberance and style of the 1980s. Through its vibrant visuals, playful tropes, and Whitney Houston’s undeniable star power, the video remains a beloved and iconic piece of pop music history, continuing to resonate with audiences who want to dance with somebody – somebody who loves them.
