I’m genetically programmed to like things that are awesome, which thereby means I’m crazy about America Idol’s husky-voiced season 8 competitor Allison ‘The Rocker’ Iraheta and her completely addictive debut single “Friday I’ll Be Over U.” But it also means I wish the folks at 19/Jive had spent a little more time and money putting together the corresponding video, which debuted late last night on YahooMusic.
Make no mistake: Allison is exuberant and lovely as always — the girl is a total rock star, and her youthful joy at making her video debut bursts (adorably) through the computer screen. But much like the dude in the A-Ha video that this clip attempts to pay homage to, Allison is trapped in a concept that’s flat and one-dimensional. The opening 20 seconds, with Allison and disembodied portions of her bandmates popping up on what looks like a crumpled piece of loose-leaf paper, is not the way to get the party started. Meanwhile, the clip’s director (I’ve got a call in to Allison’s publicist to find out who) uses an entire bag of ’80s tricks like a chef hurling a box of uncooked spaghetti at the wall and hoping it’ll stick: There are Allison’s eyes randomly appearing above a giant, lips-shaped couch! There’s primary Allison shot at peculiar angle while a second Allison does jump-cut dance moves by an amp stack in the background! Hey, let’s toss some random colors and sample lyrics in there, just for kicks! I half-expected to see Chaka Khan boogying next to a chain-link fence.
But let’s hit the mute button on my bitchery for a moment. Can you imagine if this video had gone further with its “Take On Me” moments, perhaps recreated that iconic clip and turned the storyline on its head? I’d have made Allison the coffee-shop patron of A-Ha’s video (embedded below), and had her get drawn into the comic-book world of her bouffant-haired suitor. But to keep with the got-done-wrong theme of “Friday,” I’d have had Allison discover her crudely sketched man was a cad, then return to the real-world dimension on her own, leaving the no-good dude trapped in Cartoonville. Cut to Allison crumpling up the final page of the comic book and tossing it into the trash, free to ride off into the sunset as a happy, single lady.
An opportunity lost? Perhaps. But on the bright side, there are things to love about this video, too. I j-apostrophe-adore that we get a clear shot of Allison’s braces — yet another signal we’re dealing with a living, breathing teenager and not a Disney-manufactured wind-up toy — and The Rocker is styled and accessorized in the most delightful way. The Frida Kahlo-y/sea anemone-esque heart necklace Allison is rocking while she sits on the lips couch is perhaps the best piece of oversized jewelry I’ve seen all year, and the fringed cuff she’s rocking in the scene ain’t too shabby either. Plus, the black-and-silver tutu dress is reminiscent of Allison’s “Rat-Pack Week” look — never a bad thing. Best of all, when the video does away with all the shananigans and lets Allison get the eff down along with her band in that all-white studio, the video comes roaring to life. As Allison might say in one of her legendary/crazy Tweets: cAAAn’t W8 to C those KKKRRRZZZYYY kidz perform dis SHIZZ liiiVVVee! Perhaps the lesson learned here is that in these early stages of Allison’s career, in the absence of elephant-sized budgets, it’d be best to do away with gimmicks and keep the focus on the real reason anybody would want to tune in to the clip: Ms. Iraheta hereself.
What do you think of the “Friday I’ll Be Over U” video? Did it change the way you feel about the song itself? (No, still awesome.) And will Allison fulfill her destiny as the next great female rock star? (Yes.) Sound off in the comments below, but before you do, a couple of housekeeping notes: To get instant notification of all my Idol coverage, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak. And if you dig all kinds of music (you do, don’t you?) then follow EW’s Music Mix blog @EWMusicMix! Holla! Hey-ey.
Comments (1-15) of 85 Add your comment
Michael, as always, your critiques are appreciated and usually dead-on! Gotta disagree on this one! I loved the video (maybe I’m stuck in the 80s?) and was really distracted/put off by the braces. Anyway, thought it was totally fun and totally Allison!
I didn’t care for the braces either-and I had braces as an adult! Too bad she can’t use the clear ones.
Agreed. Like the song, not the video…
two words. fefe dobson.
BWAHAHWHAHHAH
fefe dobson
she was good for a laugh.
I have to disagree also…..i thought the video fits the song really well ans is also age appropriate. Allison is a natural born performer…she’s the anti-Miley
I think they were trying to play to a more teenage audience as well, and in doing so, may have put off her older fans; however, Alison still rocks and I love her (and I’m older!!)
It does fall a bit flat. But she looks fantastic, and not awkward! So, overall, win for me!
Also: loved the braces! Did not love the random close-up of Jailbait Guitarist’s undapants. Skeevy.
I really like Allison’s voice, but this song is horrible and it total bubblegum pop, not rock- no matter how many times Slezak tries to call it that.
I actually think the video is better than the song… which is crap.
I like Allison, so I am hoping I will enjoy the album more then the clips I have heard.
I hate to see her take the Tiffany route. This direction seems to put Allison squarely on mall stages, not the stadiums she deserves to be in.
I hate to agree with you, but I have to. I was a huge fan of Allison’s during her sabotaged run on American Idol, but am unimpressed with this initial offering. I think she’s being packaged, and that would be a shame. I hope I like the rest of her album.
It is quite a bit more “pop” than I expected. She should do stuff more like Kelly Clarkson’s harder-edged stuff.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubblegum_pop
Read this for anyone who doubts my ‘bubblegum pop’ claim.
It all fits with this song except the ‘faceless’ bit.
Well, Slezak…you make some good points. We all (as fans) have better ideas in our heads than what actually materializes.
That said, this is still a cool video for what it is. I hope it gets Allison noticed.
I’m sorry Slezak was not collaborating on the video!
This song is so unbelievably catchy, I can’t believe it hasn’t stormed radio yet. Here’s hoping the stations wise up. As for the video, I can see what Slezak means by an opportunity lost but this is still a lot of fun. Despite her amazing voice and the songs she tackled on idol, it was hard to believe this girl was only 17. This music and video are really putting things perspective and I think that’s what’s turning away a lot of older AI viewers. However, she’s 17 and this is totally appropriate for a 17 year old. I love the glimpses of her braces as well. It’s endearing. And even though this is a song and video made for a younger crowd, I’d much rather listen to this than the grating “Party in the USA.”
I actually like the video. It’s cute, love the 80’s feel to it. I don’t like the song though. The rest of her album is amazing though.
Eh, it kinda fell flat in concept. But, you know, she’s charming as always, and that’s kind of what can carry a video often. But it probably was something of an opportunity lost, even if it doesn’t change my feelings toward the song at all.
It’s not that deep(2 quote Adam) it’s a fun vid. Nobody puts money on vids anymore. Allison will rock any song even the alphabet, coz it’s the voice, that massive voice. Allison is AI’s pride. Let’s tune in to the GMAs on the 1st, shell rock your socks off.
WOW. The braces totally added to her youthful vibe. (they are off now). IT was so CUTE. Age appropriate, playful instead of “angry” which it could have been. She looks GORG and her singing technique visually is outstanding with her properly opening her mouth and using her vocal training unlike other untrained Idols who cannot comprehend that if you sing side mouth you sound like crap. Her styling was 100% perfect. They let her be her and kept the claw hand which is my FAVORITE unique aspect of her visually with the foot stomp across the stage and jumping that we saw on tour.
The only thing they should have done is fewer white background with graphics and instead have a gaggle of girls rooting her on in some strategic shots, that woulda been cuter.
For a girl who is uncomfortable interviewing she’s grown in the “acting” thanks to Idol commercials and really looks PERFECT in this with the right facial expressions and body language – believable. Nice job learning, Alli, PROPS to you girl.
I loved seeing her band and because they are so cute and has girls in it other girls will love it.
She can be the next Miley if the playing field were level with the investment but Miley being the TV thing will always be unique. Allison can grow with this generations’ teens quite nicely and I hope for a long career.
She reminded me a bit of Miley in this video.
I like the song, but in a Kelly Clarkson way LOL. What I mean by that is I wanted Allison to go harder…more EDGEE!!! But, can she really go edgier considering her age? I think she will have success but I stick to my original prediction…in a couple of years she’s gonna put out one of the best female rock albums ebbberrrrr!!! She will be older and therefore have the freedom to be bolder/edgier/harder with her lyrics and music! Just wait guys, its coming soon…just maybe not as much with this album. Its still good though