I’ll be filming the next Critical Condition video for most of the day, so let me leave you with a bold claim: In 1991, Vanessa Williams perfectly distilled the 1990s.
Need proof? Watch this, the video for her single “Running Back to You.” It’s not as well-remembered as “Save the Best for Last,” but it should be. Because good lord… if a Martian landed on this planet and asked what was cool during the first Bush presidency, this clip would explain everything. (Note: Universal won’t let me embed the video into this post. Curse their coal-black hearts!)
Here are some of the 90s signposts in this timeless classic:
- The Hand Chair!
- Superimposed, wiggly graffiti flying all over the palce
- Neon walls with “zany” patterns
- Jam and Lewis backbeats
- A rap breakdown
- Stone-washed jeans and oversized leather jackets (on Vanessa, no less)
Did I miss anything? I feel like the list could go on forever.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Laurie // Jan 28, 2009 at 12:50 pm
ultra-high-waisted jeans. a curse on women the world over.
2 Cap'n Ganch // Jan 28, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Boxing.
3 Trey // Jan 28, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I was about five when this song was out, but sweet Jesus did I love it…and I still remember the lyrics to the breakdown.
4 ferretrick // Jan 28, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Its hard to believe that’s Wilhemina on Ugly Betty-she’s unrecognizable.
5 Stephanie D. // Feb 2, 2009 at 1:46 am
Fringe anything and wind machines
This video was so Paula Abdul-esque! That might not be an actual phrase, but it should be.
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