Clean Bandit's 'Cry Baby' is a Trainwreck of Heartbreak and Empowerment
Clean Bandit, the electronic pop trio known for their chart-topping collaborations, are back with a new single, "Cry Baby," featuring the powerhouse vocals of Anne-Marie and the production finesse of David Guetta. The track, a bittersweet ode to heartbreak and self-empowerment, marks another successful collaboration for the band, who have consistently delivered hit singles alongside artists like Zara Larsson, Anne-Marie, and Sean Paul.
"Cry Baby" sees Clean Bandit reunite with Anne-Marie, their partner-in-crime on the globally successful "Rockabye." The energy of their previous collaboration is palpable in this latest single, with a playful energy that contrasts the emotional weight of the lyrics. The music video, directed and edited by Clean Bandit themselves, adds a visual layer of storytelling, featuring a high-speed train journey as a metaphor for Anne-Marie's newfound independence.
On the "Cry Baby" express, Anne-Marie is a heartbroken but empowered passenger, leaving her cheating ex-lover in the dust. Played by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ruger, the remorseful ex-lover attempts to win her back, even resorting to borrowing a horse from David Guetta to catch the train. However, Anne-Marie, echoing the track's powerful lyrics, declares, "Baby, I ain't the same girl I was before. I don't want no cry baby!"
The music video, a testament to Clean Bandit's creative vision, took several months to complete, a testament to the busy schedules of the collaborators involved. Filmed over seven days, the video is a testament to the band's commitment to artistic integrity, with Grace Chatto of Clean Bandit describing the experience as "creatively freeing." The inclusion of David Guetta, a busy figure in the music industry, was the final piece of the puzzle, adding a touch of star power to the production.
Clean Bandit's collaborative spirit shines through in their relationship with both Anne-Marie and David Guetta, whom Grace describes as "clever, talented, and inspirational." Jack Patterson, the band's other member interviewed, echoes this sentiment, highlighting Anne-Marie's exceptional vocal talent and their longstanding friendship. The duo's history goes back to their early days in the music scene, when they frequently crossed paths with Anne-Marie and Rudimental on the touring circuit.
"Cry Baby" itself has been a long time coming, with Clean Bandit holding onto the song for years before sending it to David Guetta for his signature production touch. The result is a powerful single that showcases the band's evolution and their ability to collaborate with diverse talent.
Reflecting on their journey, Grace highlights the symbolic significance of "Cry Baby," acknowledging the long creative process and the emotional resonance of its themes. The band's commitment to their craft is evident in the time and effort invested in crafting this single, a process that saw them collaborate with renowned songwriters Camille Purcell and Steve Mac.
Beyond "Cry Baby," Clean Bandit's success is undeniable, having earned a place in Spotify's Billion Club four times, a testament to their enduring appeal. The band's music has resonated with audiences globally, garnering billions of streams and views across platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
Looking towards the future, Clean Bandit are re-energised and ready to continue pushing creative boundaries. The band's recent growth and reflection have fuelled their creative drive, leading to a period of prolific songwriting and a renewed sense of purpose.
"Cry Baby" is more than just a catchy tune, it's a testament to Clean Bandit's enduring talent, their collaborative spirit, and their unwavering commitment to crafting music that resonates on multiple levels.
