Without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous videos I’ve ever seen, it piqued my interest in photography and was easily one of my first encounters with pure beauty. “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” was a simple video, very little fanfare and no over elaborate dance breaks. It’s a video as simple as love itself.
Though not Ms. Jackson’s first show of maturity and depth, it was certainly the first peek into her budding confidence as a sexual woman. She explored the physical warmth of love, washing the listener in rhythmic sounds of understated grandeur. It wouldn’t be her most provocative step on the sensual side; however, it was one that was as well articulated as some of her more sensual work.
It’s easy to understand how one could be so easily enticed with the photographic nature of the video. After all, world renowned photographer Herb Ritts was the video’s director. He suggested that Janet wear nothing more than the black tube top and ripped jeans that she sported in the video, minimal makeup, and an up-do to keep the focus on the song and not grandiose shows of cinematography – though I doubt anyone would call anything Herb Ritts imagines “simple”.
If nothing else, the video was a definite indication of my understanding of beauty. It doesn’t have to be all bright colours and grand spectacles of emotion. It could be the feather-light touch of your lover’s lips on your fingertips, the soft, warm breeze of the world enveloping you in its embrace. “Love Will Never Do (Without You)” is most likely the first time I actually understood how honest and unassuming love really is.
