Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus Are Not Your Angels
Major collaboration alert: three of today's biggest women in music have come together for a new track. At midnight, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Miley Cyrus broke the internet by releasing the audio and video for "Don't Call Me Angel," which will be the theme song for the upcoming Charlie's Angels remake. Though they may be wearing oversized wings in the video, the three singers appear far from angelic. Defying the rules imposed by the patriarchy, together they are stronger than ever.
Set in a lavish mansion, the music video features the trio wearing all black. Together, they stare into the camera and embody fierce, badass women. Del Rey throws a knife onto a human-shaped target. Cyrus, whose face is bruised and dripping with sweat, appears on a boxing ring where a man is tied up. Alluding to the prevalent objectification of women’s bodies, she sings “Don’t call me an angel when I’m a mess / Don’t call me an angel when I get undressed / You know I, I don’t like that boy." Turning the themes to emphasize a boss lady narrative, the lyrics continue, “I make my money and I write my checks so say my name with a little respect / All my girls successful,” as the "Slide Away" singer domineeringly bites his ears. The song conveys the importance of “girl power” in an era of women speaking out against sexual assault and political debate over various issues regarding gender equality.
The new Charlie's Angels, which premieres on November 15th, is set to be a cultural event. Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Bains will star as the angels, and the film features direction by Elizabeth Banks, who makes a cameo at the end of the music video.
The past year has been a big one for all three musicians on the track. Two weeks ago, Del Rey released her new album, Norman Fucking Rockwell, which beyond creating the perfect auditory aesthetic for Labor Day Weekend addressed national identity amidst a political crisis. At the end of May, Cyrus dropped a new EP, She Is Coming, through which she opened up about her past drug use and her public image. And Ariana Grande’s most recent record, Thank U, Next, was a powerful way to move on from former love interests including ex-fiancé Pete Davidson and Mac Miller, who passed away last September. For the first time, the three popular talents collaborate on this powerful track that addresses the importance of resilience and moving forward.
Watch the music video below.
