Ariana Grande’s “Baby I” video has premiered packing a full-on vintage 90’s summer block party feel, and it works.
The 20-year-old builds on the strongest selling point of her multi-territory #1 iTunes-topping debut LP Yours Truly, and brings her brand of throwback, feel-good soul to life in the clip.
Street dancing with a troop of more skilled hoofers in attendance, the petite brunette nevertheless shines as the undisputed star due to her enormous voice and natural cuteness on camera.
Speaking with Billboard this past week, Grande revealed she wanted the “Baby I” video to evoke the “breeziness of early 90s music videos from TLC and Will Smith.”
Mission accomplished then.
White overalls and sneakers, denim shorts and sexy but not brazen halter top, tousled waves and clean make-up, Ariana’s video is like the happiest sesame street soul with a side order of summer.
The follow up to first single “The Way” featuring Mac Miller which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Baby I” hit Billboard’s Hot 100 chart at No.21.
Receiving notably glowing reviews for Yours Truly, not least from the New York Times , all eyes are watching to see where Grande’s album lands on the 200 album chart next week.
As per Billboard, her album was forecast as of Wednesday to sell between 110,000 and 120,000 copies in its first week of release. Final figures are still to come in.
Recently wrapping her first headlining tour The Listening Sessions, the songstress teamed up with her Victorious co-star Leon Thomas and veteran artist/writer Babyface to write some of her album.
Released through Republic Records on September 3, just before her LP dropped Ariana sat down with MTV News to talk about what her debut meant personally.
“I feel like some of the most important years of my life have been captured in this album and some of my most important experiences like relationship-wise,” the actress-singer said.
She added, “So many things I’ve learned I’ll remember when I listen back to these songs. It’s just such a special thing for me. I can’t wait for my fans to hear it.”
Following her debut-day performance on The Today Show in New York City, Grande will perform “Baby I” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon later tonight.
[ Image via YouTube ]