Starship's We Built This City: A Music Video Deep Dive

What's up, music lovers! Today, we're taking a trip down memory lane to revisit a classic that still gets stuck in your head: Starship's "We Built This City". This song, released way back in 1985, was a massive hit, topping charts worldwide. But what really made it iconic? For many of us, it was the official music video. It’s the kind of video that defined an era, full of bright colors, epic costumes, and a storyline that’s as unique as the song itself. We’re going to dive deep into what makes this video so special, from its memorable scenes to the underlying messages it conveyed. Get ready to crank up the volume and reminisce with me as we explore the visual masterpiece that accompanied one of the biggest hits of the 80s. It’s a journey that’s not just about the music, but about the cultural impact and the sheer fun of 80s music videos. So, grab your leg warmers and your boombox, because we're about to break down the magic of the "We Built This City" video!

The Genesis of a Visual Spectacle

When Starship dropped "We Built This City," they weren't just releasing a song; they were launching a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The official music video was an integral part of this. Directed by the legendary Joe Dear, the video was crafted to be as bombastic and over-the-top as the track itself. Its creation was fueled by the era's burgeoning music video scene, spearheaded by MTV, which had transformed how artists connected with their audience. Dear, known for his work with artists like Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, brought his signature flair for the dramatic and visually engaging to this project. The concept was a vibrant, almost surreal, portrayal of the song's themes, blending gritty urban imagery with fantastical elements. The video was shot on location in San Francisco, a city that plays a pivotal role in the song’s narrative. The choice of location was deliberate, aiming to capture the spirit of a city that is both a hub of creativity and a melting pot of diverse cultures. This backdrop provided the perfect canvas for the video's narrative, which depicts a world where music is a powerful, unifying force. The production itself was ambitious, featuring a cast of characters that ranged from gritty street musicians to glamorous performers, all coming together in a celebration of urban life and musical expression. The visual effects, while perhaps quaint by today's standards, were cutting-edge for the mid-80s, adding to the video's dreamlike and energetic atmosphere. The video’s narrative arc follows a journey through the city, showcasing different facets of its life and culture, all underscored by the powerful anthem. It’s a visual feast that perfectly complements the song's infectious energy and anthemic chorus, solidifying its place in music video history and ensuring that "We Built This City" would be remembered not just for its sound, but for its striking visual identity. The creative decisions made during its production, from the director's vision to the choice of costumes and locations, all contributed to creating a video that was as memorable and enduring as the song itself.

Unpacking the Iconic Visuals and Storyline

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes the Starship "We Built This City" music video so unforgettable. The official music video isn't just a collection of cool shots; it tells a story, guys. It kicks off with a gritty, almost dystopian urban landscape, where citizens are seemingly oppressed by a totalitarian regime, symbolized by the characters in gray suits and somber attire. This initial scene sets a stark contrast to the vibrant energy that music brings. We then see the band members, particularly Mickey Thomas and Grace Slick, emerging as liberators, their colorful and flamboyant outfits standing out against the drab surroundings. Grace Slick, in particular, sports some truly wild and iconic outfits, embodying a kind of futuristic rock goddess. The video masterfully uses visual metaphors to represent the song's core message: that the city, and by extension society, is built on rock and roll. We see musicians breaking free from their chains, instruments appearing as symbols of defiance, and the overall mood shifting from oppression to liberation as the music takes hold. One of the most memorable sequences involves the band performing on a floating stage, or perhaps a surreal depiction of a cityscape, with dancers and musicians joining in. This surreal imagery highlights the power of music to transcend reality and create a sense of collective joy and freedom. The video also features cameos from figures like Billapurna, who plays a seemingly authority-like figure, adding to the satirical edge of the narrative. The use of quick cuts, vibrant colors, and dynamic camera movements was typical of 80s music videos, but Starship elevated it with a strong thematic undercurrent. The contrast between the gray, controlled world and the colorful, chaotic freedom brought by the music is a powerful visual statement. The video effectively captures the spirit of rebellion and empowerment, suggesting that music is a vital force for change and community. It’s a visual narrative that resonates with the song’s powerful lyrics, turning an already anthemic track into an enduring visual anthem for a generation. The way the video depicts the transformation of the city through the power of music is truly captivating and remains a key reason for its lasting appeal. It’s a testament to the creative minds behind it that the video remains so engaging and thought-provoking even decades later, guys.

The Unmistakable 80s Aesthetic

When you think about Starship's "We Built This City", you can't help but immediately picture that quintessential 80s aesthetic, and the official music video is the absolute poster child for it. Seriously, guys, this video is an explosion of everything we loved (and maybe sometimes cringed at) about 80s fashion and visual style. Let's talk about the outfits first. Grace Slick is an absolute icon in this video, rocking these avant-garde, almost alien-like ensembles. Think bold shoulders, metallic fabrics, dramatic makeup, and gravity-defying hairstyles. And Mickey Thomas? He’s got the quintessential 80s rockstar look down pat – the flowing hair, the leather, the swagger. The color palette itself is pure 80s: neon hues, vibrant blues, electric pinks, and metallic silvers dominate the screen. It’s a visual feast that screams excess and optimism, even when depicting a seemingly dystopian setting. The set designs are equally indicative of the era. You see futuristic-looking elements juxtaposed with gritty urban backdrops, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The use of smoke machines, dramatic lighting, and flashing lights is textbook 80s music video production, designed to create a sense of spectacle and excitement. Even the way the video is edited, with its quick cuts and dynamic transitions, feels very much of its time. It’s this bold, unapologetic embrace of the era's visual language that makes the video so distinctive. It wasn’t just about looking cool; it was about creating a whole world that reflected the music’s larger-than-life sound. The video perfectly captures the spirit of innovation and experimentation that characterized 80s pop culture. It's a time capsule, guys, a vibrant snapshot of a decade that wasn't afraid to be loud, proud, and a little bit extra. The fashion, the colors, the effects – it all comes together to create an experience that is undeniably and wonderfully 80s. It’s this strong visual identity that has helped the song and the video endure, allowing new generations to discover the sheer fun and theatricality of 80s music videos. The commitment to this aesthetic is what makes it so much more than just a song with visuals; it's a cultural artifact in itself, guys. It perfectly encapsulates the energy and spirit of the time.

The Song's Enduring Legacy and the Video's Role

So, why does Starship's "We Built This City" still resonate today, and what role has the official music video played in its enduring legacy? Well, guys, it's a combination of factors. The song itself is incredibly catchy, with an anthemic chorus that’s practically designed to be sung along to. It’s a feel-good track that speaks to themes of community, resilience, and the power of collective effort, which are universal. However, the official music video undeniably amplified its impact. It took the song's message and translated it into a visually stunning narrative that captured the imagination of viewers. The video's memorable imagery, from Grace Slick's incredible fashion to the symbolic struggle against oppression, became intertwined with the song's identity. It’s hard to hear the song without picturing those iconic scenes. In an era where MTV was king, a strong visual component was crucial for a song's success, and "We Built This City" delivered in spades. The video helped cement the song's status as a cultural touchstone of the 1980s. It's frequently cited in discussions about 80s music, pop culture, and the evolution of music videos. Furthermore, the video’s over-the-top, almost theatrical style has made it a subject of both admiration and ironic appreciation. It’s a video that people love to talk about, analyze, and even parody, which only adds to its lasting fame. This enduring fascination ensures that the song continues to find new audiences. The narrative of music as a force for liberation and unity presented in the video is a powerful message that remains relevant. It’s a reminder of how music can bring people together and inspire change, a theme that never goes out of style. So, while the song's infectious melody and powerful lyrics certainly contribute to its longevity, the official music video for "We Built This City" played an indispensable role in making it the enduring anthem it is today. It provided a visual language for the song, making it more accessible, memorable, and ultimately, unforgettable, guys. It’s a perfect example of how music videos can transcend their function and become cultural artifacts in their own right, ensuring that Starship’s hit continues to echo through the decades.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Song

In conclusion, Starship's "We Built This City" is far more than just a catchy 80s tune. The official music video elevated it into a cultural phenomenon, a vibrant time capsule of an unforgettable era. Its brilliant blend of compelling narrative, iconic 80s aesthetics, and powerful visual symbolism cemented its place in music history. The video wasn't just a visual accompaniment; it was an extension of the song's message, a dynamic portrayal of music’s power to unite, liberate, and transform. From the stunning fashion of Grace Slick to the symbolic struggle against conformity, every element of the video worked in harmony to create a lasting impression. It’s a testament to the creativity and vision of Starship and the video's production team that "We Built This City" continues to be celebrated, analyzed, and enjoyed by fans old and new. Whether you’re revisiting it for nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, the music video offers a rich tapestry of visual storytelling that perfectly complements the song’s anthemic spirit. It’s a reminder of the golden age of music videos, where artistry and innovation pushed boundaries, leaving us with iconic images that resonate just as strongly today as they did decades ago. So, next time you hear those opening chords, remember the visual journey that accompanies them. It’s a masterpiece that truly represents the spirit of an era and the enduring power of music. Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane, guys! Keep rocking and keep the music playing!