7 rings – Ariana Grande

Released on January 18, 2019, Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, capturing attention with its infectious beat, opulent visuals, and a fresh take on the concept of success and friendship. As the second single from her fifth studio album, Thank U, Next, the song exemplifies Grande’s ability to blend catchy pop with elements of hip-hop, creating a track that resonates with a wide audience. The official music video, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, plays a crucial role in enhancing the song’s themes, offering a vibrant visual celebration that complements the track’s exuberant spirit.

The Song’s Composition and Inspiration

“7 Rings” is heavily influenced by trap music and showcases Ariana Grande’s versatility as an artist. The song is a reimagining of “My Favorite Things” from the musical The Sound of Music, with Grande incorporating elements of the original song into her modern, hip-hop-infused track. The song’s composition, featuring a catchy loop and a laid-back beat, creates an atmosphere of relaxed luxury and playful self-indulgence.

The inspiration behind “7 Rings” is rooted in Grande’s real-life experience of celebrating success with her friends. The title refers to the seven engagement rings that Grande and her six close friends purchased together, symbolizing their bond and shared achievements. The lyrics emphasize themes of empowerment, opulence, and self-reliance, with lines like “I want it, I got it” reflecting a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

The Music Video: A Lavish Visual Feast

The official music video for “7 Rings,” directed by Hannah Lux Davis, is a visual extravaganza that aligns perfectly with the song’s luxurious and celebratory vibe. The video opens with Grande and her friends lounging in a stylishly decorated apartment, surrounded by an array of glamorous accessories and opulent decor. This setting immediately establishes the theme of wealth and indulgence, creating a backdrop for the video’s playful and extravagant scenes.

One of the most striking elements of the video is its use of color and set design. The vibrant, pastel color palette—featuring shades of pink, purple, and blue—adds to the video’s whimsical and upbeat mood. The set designs, including the lavish apartment and the neon-lit shopping scene, contribute to the song’s narrative of excess and glamour.

The video also features several visually arresting sequences, including a glamorous shopping spree, a glittering party, and Grande and her friends dancing in front of a pink car. These scenes are interspersed with choreographed dance routines that add a dynamic and energetic element to the visual presentation. The choreography, characterized by its playful and confident moves, complements the song’s upbeat tempo and reinforces its themes of celebration and self-expression.

Cultural Impact and Reception

Upon its release, “7 Rings” was met with widespread acclaim, both for its catchy composition and its visually stunning music video. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking Grande’s second number-one single in the United States. Its success was bolstered by the song’s viral popularity on social media platforms, where users shared videos and memes related to the track.

The music video for “7 Rings” also received praise for its innovative and stylish approach. Critics and fans alike lauded the video for its high-fashion aesthetics and its playful, carefree depiction of Grande’s success and friendships. The video’s lavish visuals and bold fashion choices were seen as a reflection of Grande’s status as a pop icon and her ability to influence contemporary style trends.

However, the video was not without its controversies. Some critics pointed out that the use of certain elements in the video, such as the aesthetic and the concept of wealth and excess, could be seen as a critique of consumerism. Additionally, there were discussions about the video’s cultural references and their potential implications, with some arguing that it may have appropriated certain cultural symbols for commercial purposes.

Conclusion

Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” and its official music video represent a successful fusion of music, fashion, and visual storytelling. The song’s catchy melody, combined with its celebration of success and friendship, resonates with a wide audience, while the video’s opulent visuals and playful choreography enhance the track’s themes. Directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the video stands out for its vibrant aesthetics and its portrayal of Grande’s glamorous lifestyle, cementing her status as a leading figure in contemporary pop culture.

Through “7 Rings,” Grande demonstrates her ability to create music that is both commercially successful and culturally relevant. The song and its accompanying video capture the essence of modern pop music, blending elements of luxury and self-expression to create a memorable and impactful piece of art. As “7 Rings” continues to be celebrated and enjoyed, it serves as a testament to Ariana Grande’s talent and her influence in shaping the sound and style of today’s pop music landscape.

Lyrics:

Yeah, breakfast at Tiffany’s and bottles of bubbles
Girls with tattoos who like getting in trouble
Lashes and diamonds, ATM machines
Buy myself all of my favorite things (yeah)
Been through some bad shit, I should be a sad bitch
Who woulda thought it’d turn me to a savage?
Rather be tied up with calls and not strings
Write my own checks like I write what I sing, yeah (yeah)
My wrist, stop watchin’, my neck is flossy
Make big deposits, my gloss is poppin’
You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (yeah)
I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it
I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it
You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (yeah)
Wearing a ring, but ain’t gon’ be no “Mrs.”
Bought matching diamonds for six of my bitches
I’d rather spoil all my friends with my riches
Think retail therapy my new addiction
Whoever said money can’t solve your problems
Must not have had enough money to solve ’em
They say, “Which one?” I say, “Nah, I want all of ’em”
Happiness is the same price as red bottoms
My smile is beamin’, my skin is gleamin’
The way it shine, I know you’ve seen it (you’ve seen it)
I bought a crib just for the closet
Both his and hers, I want it, I got it, yeah
I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it
I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it (baby)
You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it (oh yeah)
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (yeah)
Yeah, my receipts, be lookin’ like phone numbers
If it ain’t money, then wrong number
Black card is my business card
The way it be settin’ the tone for me
I don’t mean to brag, but I be like, “Put it in the bag, ” yeah
When you see them racks, they stacked up like my ass, yeah
Shoot, go from the store to the booth
Make it all back in one loop, give me the loot
Never mind, I got the juice
Nothing but net when we shoot
Look at my neck, look at my jet
Ain’t got enough money to pay me respect
Ain’t no budget when I’m on the set
If I like it, then that’s what I get, yeah
I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it (yeah)
I want it, I got it, I want it, I got it (oh yeah, yeah)
You like my hair? Gee, thanks, just bought it
I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it (yeah)