Written by Jessica Shelburne
Leading the soundtrack of the 2019 Charlie’s Angels film is the hit single “Don’t Call Me Angel (Charlie’s Angels)” featuring and written by Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus, and Lana Del Rey. The title indicates opposition to the headline of the film, but the three singers embody the strength, confidence, and undeniable charm that consume an exemplary Angel of Charlie.
The music video is complete with staging and costumes suitable for the three artists’ varying personalities but is almost laughable in regard to the unfitting boxing ring and weaponry-stocked dungeon that appear.
Further, the song itself is catchy at most. It begins with a playful beat followed by a bass drop and very sudden introduction of vocals from Grande and Cyrus. The song maintains a consistent musical and lyrical progression for several minutes that quickly becomes monotonous and slightly offbeat.
The song does not offer a unique sound until it slows dramatically to fit the characteristically sultry nature of most Lana Del Rey productions. This pleasant shift in sound and momentum lasts for a mere 30 seconds, continuing thereafter with a final repeat of the chorus, and then a satisfying silence…until Elizabeth Banks appears (in the video) instructing the women to get to work.
The collaboration between Grande, Cyrus, and Del Rey is positively interesting, but they are unsuccessful in stitching together a seamless melody, as their respective musical pursuits do not overlap well rhythmically.
Altogether, the effort put into the music video is commendable, but not worthwhile of awards or the 40,000,000+ views it has received on YouTube. Nonetheless, there is still a degree of appreciation entitled to those who create art, despite lacking outstanding content or lyrics.
