Though a review of its parent album ultimately never found its way onto this blog... not sure it would have been extremely positive anyway... Beyonce's heartbreaking new single "Pretty Hurts" was the highlight of her unexpected, dominant, self-titled album when it was released late last year. Now, set as the effort's official fourth single, following "XO", "Drunk In Love" and "Partition", the Sia-penned pop ballad sets aim for those judgmental folks when it comes to their stereotypical idea of beauty.
"Pretty Hurts" immediately becomes a well-sung, glorious number showcasing the tragic horrors for the need to have the perfect body. With Beyonce's strong image and personality, however, the new single doubles as a self-empowerment anthem for those actually struggling with their body image. "Pretty hurts, we shine the light on whatever's worst, perfection is the disease of a nation," she belts on the soaring chorus which should have no problem dominating radio.
The accompanying music video, released at the same time of the album, is a 7-minute mini-film showcasing what happens behind the curtains and smiles of a beauty pageant, how the industry could be "the most humiliating, judgmental place you can be as a woman." After self-induced vomiting, witnessing the consumption of cotton balls, constant exercise and Vaseline, the outcome of the pageant is not what Beyonce hopes for, even after her slightly-depressing answer to her interview question.... "To be happy".
Though originally intended for the likes of Katy Perry, then Rihanna, it is safe to say the somber track of encouragement found its rightful owner. When you combine Sia's current star power for songwriting with Beyonce's ever-rising dominance, "Pretty Hurts" is another potential radio smash for a woman who has been on the scene, as a group and with a solo career, for the past 16 years.
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