When two pop mega-divas unite to produce a song, the results are almost always phenomenal. Think of Britney and Madonna’s ‘Me Against the Music’ or Lady Gaga and Beyoncé’s ‘Telephone’. ‘Rain on Me’, the latest single release from Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated sixth album, ‘Chromatica’ and a collaboration with the ever-successful Princess of Pop Ariana Grande, is no exception to this. ‘Rain On Me’ is the second window the general public have had into the disco-pop euphoria of ‘Chromatica’ and one that has only generated more excited surrounding the album.
A powerful disco-pop music explosion, ‘Rain On Me’ possesses as much deep emotional meaning as it does gripping danceability. The thundering chorus is an electrifying blend of warping bass and exhilarating synths, Ariana’s signature airy vocals and Gaga’s commanding voice is captivatingly joyous and motivational in the most organic way possible. Part of the beauty of ‘Rain on Me’, aside from its anthemic chorus and intoxicating beat is the rawness of the singers’ emotions. The harsh reality of life for both of them is starkly present in the song, yet it only empowers the listener to overcome their trauma and dance in the rain alongside the two of them.
The lyrics tell an empowering story of overcoming life’s torments and struggles, ones that both Gaga and Ariana have had to encounter the past few years with Gaga’s mental health struggles as well as her painful hip incident in 2013 and Ariana’s devastating slew years with the Manchester terror attack and the death of ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller. Listening to ‘Rain on Me’ however, you would never be aware of the heartbreak the two have endured over the last few years, “I’d rather be dry, but at least I’m alive” they sing. The lyricism of the song is triumphant as opposed to despairing, the two emerge in the chorus as accomplished women having defeated their demons, dancing proudly together in the pouring rain.
The accompanying music video is just as exceedingly yet grippingly dramatic as the song itself. With Gaga opening the video having been stabbed in the leg, seemingly representing the pain that life has inflicted on her, while lying collapsed in the pouring rain. the imagery in the video is shockingly powerful and manages to emphasise both the uniqueness of the artists and their collaboration together on the song, with Gaga and Ariana switching iconic hairstyles in the final dance scene. The choreography is playful and sharp and the production quality is impeccable. The video is pure Gaga in all its best forms.
Embodying the unabashed confidence of ‘Born This Way’ and the effortless and empowered danceability of ‘Break Free’, ‘Rain On Me’ is more than just an average pop song, but a true collaboration of the artistry of two of the biggest pop titans of the 21st century; one that exudes confidence, strength and most of all happiness.
Words by Joe Gardner
Graphics by Katie Janes
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