While you were busy cashing in your holiday gift cards (you know, before Circuit City goes belly up), Beyonce quietly premiered her "Halo" video. And while critics like The Guardian's Alexis Petridis panned the single as a rip-off of Rihanna's "Umbrella" (that hurts on so many levels!), I beg to differ and instead fully agree with Neon Limelight, who succinctly stated that the video captures the essence of the song to the letter.
While Rihanna's synth-pop "Umbrella" smash is about strength of commitment, Beyonce's "Halo" reaches almost gospel levels of depth and captures the breathtaking beauty of a spiritual bond (which has caused many to question whether the song is about romantic love or religious devotion). And, because she's Beyonce, she also demonstrates how drop-dead ridiculous she can look even in just a ponytail and plain-old dance tights. And if that weren't enough, she goes and drops the puppy bomb in our laps too.
The male lead is gorgeous actor and Halle Barry ex Michael Ealy. "Halo" was co-written by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder (and was allegedly first offered to Leona Lewis who had to pass), and directed by Philip Andelman, who shot the Jonas Brothers' ultra cinematic "Lovebug" video as well as Miley Cyrus' "Fly On the Wall."
Watch Beyonce's quietly beautiful "Halo" now, and get lifted.