Well. Here is the video for Gabriella Cilmi‘s new ballad, “Defender.” I say it again…this is a perfectly pretty ballad…nothing more. I don’t blame the label for releasing “Defender” as the third single off of her second album, Ten. First single, “On A Mission” peaked at #9 on the UK singles chart, while the Xenomania-produced “Hearts Don’t Lie” only managed to hit #134. Why not try a ballad this time? “Defender” will be released as a double A-Side single on August 23rd, alongside non-album track “Magic Carpet Ride.” The single was written by Cilmi, George Astasio, Jason Pebworth and Jon Shave and produced by The Invisible Men, the same production team responsible for “On A Mission.”
The rather literal video features a defiant Cilmi transforming from beautiful singer into…ninja? Walking down a long corridor Cilmi strips herself of jewelery and clothing before getting hosed down, chopping her hair and suiting up in her ninja gear. She’ll be your defender, alright…but a defender of what exactly? The video, for what it’s worth, is beautifully shot. Cilmi looks absolutely stunning. While I’d love for this song to go Top Ten, I just don’t see it happening. If the disco-infused “Hearts Don’t Lie” (my favorite song on the album) failed to crack even the Top 100…I sincerely doubt that this soapy ballad is going to do much better. Fingers crossed though. I’d hate for this to be it.
