Throwback Single: Destiny's Child Independent Women Part I
It is International Women’s Day and a perfect time to focus on a throwback single harnessing female empowerment by none other than-Destiny’s Child. Undoubtedly one of the most successful acts of all time, the multiple award winning group sold in excess of forty million records worldwide, in a career spanning a memorable decade. The group’s music resonated with women across the globe as they explored the trials and tribulations of womanhood and the joys and blessings. Soulful, street smart with many an infectious hook, Destiny's Child's music gained global domination and the group's popularity even caught the attention of Hollywood.
“Independent Women Part I” was the lead single from the soundtrack to blockbuster ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and appeared in the group’s 2001 studio album ‘Survivor.’ The song was joined by a second part on the quadruple platinum album and was the first track Michelle Williams featured on vocals, after joining Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland in the line-up which lasted until the group disbanded. The anthem occupied the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three months and enjoyed similar chart success in multiple countries, with its video receiving much attention.
The video directed by Francis Lawrence, revolves around the R&B trio taking part in Charlie’s boot camp learning the four lessons of agility, altitude, combat and speed. Scenes of Beyoncé and her band mates watching footage of Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu as the Angels; and snippets of the trio looking striking whilst sparring with an unidentified opponent- are interspersed with the group busting disco moves on a colourfully lit dance floor. As the ladies exemplify why exactly they were the undisputed female super group of the twenty first century with those vocals; their penultimate scene sees each member riding a canary yellow Ducati, after consolidating their boot camp training. The grand finale is a replica of a classic Angels exchange with Charlie; and viewers are left to reminisce.
The song pays homage to the strength and capabilities women possess and a reminder of the female super group's artistic legacy. All that is really left to say before you watch the video is, “All you women who are independent, throw your hands at me…” Enjoy!
