By branjoseph, May 1, 2010

poisonparadise:

NOT MYSELF TONIGHT
:: CHRISTINA AGUILERA

“She returns to exploring her darker, raunchy side, which is now stale, and hardly believable with her husband and child in tow. Trying to be “Still Dirrty” did not work on her last studio album, and I’m not sure it will now.”

–AN EARLIER POST ON POISONPARADISE

Well a lot of people are giving pretty harsh reviews for this video, and expressing their distaste. However to Christina’s Hype William’s credit, the video was visually pleasing. I’ve never been one to demand a cohesive storyline or plot in every video by an artist. Once in a while some eye candy is fine. This video is clean aesthetically sharp, vibrant, high contrast, symmetrical, all typical of Hype Williams.

To be honest, I think the video’s production quality was a little much for such a mediocre song. I kind of hope they didn’t blow all the budget on this song, when I’m sure the next single is going to be better. (It has to be…)

The dominatrix theme was reminiscent of Madonna’s “Human Nature”, among other nods to other videos, too many to name here (Gaga, Christina Milian, etc). I believe that was the subtle point of the video, that Christina is “not herself tonight”. I’m just trying to figure out if the nods were in homage or in mochary. I vote the latter, seeing as though Christina has never been one to pay tribute to “rival” artists, Lady Gaga to name one for sure. Maybe the similarities weren’t on purpose at all, Christina has always been known for her voice, and not for her originality, so no points deducted if it wasn’t.

In any event, as much as I seem to be harsh on Miss Aguilera, I believe I am actually being more objective than biased. I like her voice, and a good portion of her music, and I am indeed a fan, and I think people are critiquing this video too harshly. I don’t really have a problem with this video. Hype did his thing and Christina looked good. Any better and it would be even more of a waste on such a lackluster single.