A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera released their music video for the emotional ballad "Say Something," following a performance of the song on "The Voice." The heartbreaking yet understated video has New York-based indie pop duo Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino on the piano as a svelte Aguilera, clad in a little black dress, lends her soulful vocals. The song was originally released on band member Axel's solo album "This is the New Year," but went largely unnoticed until it was released as the second single on the band's debut studio album, "Is There Anybody Out There?"
Sonically, "Say Something" is an indie pop, piano ballad underlined by a piano and string arrangement. Lyrically, the song talks about a breakup, instead of being filled with anger and desperation, the singers expressing a powerful combination of humility, sadness, regret, and evoking the emotion felt when choosing to leave a failed relationship even though love still remains, with the lover imploring to make a statement that could potentially reverse plans. The song was written at a time when both members were experiencing individual heartbreak. "Writing the tune was part of the healing process," Axel told Billboard magazine. "Whenever we perform it, it's like revisiting the scar. It's always a part of me, and I can always go there and feel it."
Aguilera was clearly inspired by the song, reaching out to indie duo herself and asking them to duet. She said about the song "is sort of coming to me at a time when I'm feeling very inspired... it's so simple and it's so quiet and still and steady and in a way pleading to hear something, to hear some kind of answer or get an answer in the most humble, unassuming, non-demanding way." The song received critical acclaim, being praised for its powerful lyrics, the emotional production and Aguilera's delicate vocals added to the mix. It's one of her best ever, fortifying the hook and harmony masterfully.
Shot in Los Angeles, the video features Aguilera in a minimalistic black dress and natural make-up, reminiscent of her "Beautiful" days, as the trio look utterly sorrowful as they croon the break-up ballad together, with Axel carefully pounding away at the grand piano and Aguilera appearing on the verge of tears as the song reaches its climax. Interspersed with three stories, all of which will likely break your heart: A young couple on the verge of a breakup, a little girl hiding out from the world, and an elderly couple saying goodbye for the last time. In keeping with the song's soft and subtle tone, the visual is understated and classy. Grab a tissue and watch the emotional clip below.
Sonically, "Say Something" is an indie pop, piano ballad underlined by a piano and string arrangement. Lyrically, the song talks about a breakup, instead of being filled with anger and desperation, the singers expressing a powerful combination of humility, sadness, regret, and evoking the emotion felt when choosing to leave a failed relationship even though love still remains, with the lover imploring to make a statement that could potentially reverse plans. The song was written at a time when both members were experiencing individual heartbreak. "Writing the tune was part of the healing process," Axel told Billboard magazine. "Whenever we perform it, it's like revisiting the scar. It's always a part of me, and I can always go there and feel it."
Aguilera was clearly inspired by the song, reaching out to indie duo herself and asking them to duet. She said about the song "is sort of coming to me at a time when I'm feeling very inspired... it's so simple and it's so quiet and still and steady and in a way pleading to hear something, to hear some kind of answer or get an answer in the most humble, unassuming, non-demanding way." The song received critical acclaim, being praised for its powerful lyrics, the emotional production and Aguilera's delicate vocals added to the mix. It's one of her best ever, fortifying the hook and harmony masterfully.
Shot in Los Angeles, the video features Aguilera in a minimalistic black dress and natural make-up, reminiscent of her "Beautiful" days, as the trio look utterly sorrowful as they croon the break-up ballad together, with Axel carefully pounding away at the grand piano and Aguilera appearing on the verge of tears as the song reaches its climax. Interspersed with three stories, all of which will likely break your heart: A young couple on the verge of a breakup, a little girl hiding out from the world, and an elderly couple saying goodbye for the last time. In keeping with the song's soft and subtle tone, the visual is understated and classy. Grab a tissue and watch the emotional clip below.
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