Just when you thought Britney Spears would leave it at the “Make Me…” video in terms of promoting her last album, Glory, she goes and decides to prove that she still gives a fuck with her new single, “Slumber Party.” Although the addition of Tinashe on the track is far inferior to the original solo version that first appeared on Glory before being replaced by this incarnation, it is the video that listeners will now most remember.
As an aloof Britney (wearing a red feathered jacket) exits a car befitting of Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, we see that the slumber party she’s about to attend isn’t any ordinary one. Oh no, it’s a remote mansion, filled with smoke, bubbles and, best of all, a love interest with a dubious hair curl (one, Sam Asghari).
Sauntering into the joint like she owns it, the vibe is very Kesha circa the “Take It Off” and “Blow” video era, though a bit more sophisticated at the outset before devolving into a free-for-all paint party sort of event at the end clearly inspired by Holi.
This time acting in the role Madonna did for their 2003 collaboration, “Me Against the Music,” Britney is the one displaying all the confidence next to Tinashe, who often looks like she’s being wielded like a little doll for Britney’s slumber party pleasure. And yes, there are other Madonna moments as well, like when Britney crawls across a table in front of the object of her desire and laps up milk à la “Express Yourself” video.
Reminding Tinashe, “We ain’t gonna sleep tonight,” Britney pushes the limits of her flirtation with her to the brink in a blue tulle skirt and crop top, finally letting loose toward the finale in a manner that shows she’s given way to fun rather than sexiness. Because, if Kesha’s going to go all serious now in the vein of Lady Gaga, somebody’s got to pick up where she left off aesthetically.
