Beyonce - ‘Irreplaceable Vs Rihanna ‘Take A Bow’

In 2007 Beyonce released ‘Irreplaceable’ which became a global hit and the video received awards. Then in 2008 Rihanna released ‘Take a Bow’ which also became a success and the video got much positive attention. These two records were created so that people of either gender can relate to the lyrical themes in some way. Both songs share the same theme of a relationship breaking down with an unfaithful man and the songs contain a message about female empowerment and independence.

Firstly I analysed the video for ‘Irreplaceable’. The video starts off with Beyonce filing her nails in silence as her ex gathers up his belongings. Throughout the video Beyonce is lip syncing and this is shown through intimate close ups and eye contact with the camera. There are many shots that show off how beautiful Beyonce is, making  statement of ‘look at what you've lost’ to her ex. Wealth is a key aspect in this video and is shown through materialism. Beyonce is shown to own a huge beautiful house that has a country yet vintage style look. Further on in the video, Beyonce is filmed leaning on a Jaguar XK as her ex climbs into the back of the taxi with his few boxes. This is a significant shot in the reflection of wealth and power as she is the one in control and from the break down of this relationship she isn't at a lose. Furthermore, Beyonce is seen caressing her ex but then the audience see that she is mealy repossessing items she bought him. 

Constantly throughout the song, Beyonce remains calm and unemotional, suggesting that she isn't heartbroken. In fact she even has a smirk on her face as her foolish ex leaves. This song is therefore more of celebration of the fact that he is gone, Beyonce is then seen smiling as she sings and dances with an all girl band. “Replacing you is so easy” these lyrics are then put into action when at the end her new boyfriend arrives at her doorstep, the ex is replaced. 

‘Take a Bow’ shares the same theme as ‘Irreplaceable’ and the videos aren't all that different either. In ’Take a Bow’ there are many intimate shots with camera as Rihanna lip sings the song, addressing it to the audience. With her ex grovelling outside her house trying to say sorry, she’s clearly not weak and holds all the power by shutting him out. Similarly to ’Irreplaceable’, this video holds strong reference to wealth and independence, with both videos convey the message that woman aren't dependent on men. Likewise, an expensive house and flash car is presented. When Rihanna is driving away she taunts her ex by driving slowly enabling him to shout his apology at her. This is a significant shot because it shows that Rihanna is in control, she literally is in the driving seat.

However, ‘Take a Bow’ holds a more low beat tone unlike ‘Irreplaceable’ within which comes across as a celebration that the ex is gone. Unlike Beyonce, Rihanna isn't happily dancing and singing at the end, suggesting hurt and pain. In ‘Take a Bow’ Rihanna is seen burning her ex’s clothes, this could represent anger and bitterness towards him. This is unlike Beyonce as she doesn't seem to express any sign of heartbreak or emotion at the collapse of the relationship. Encouragingly however, Rihanna walks away confidently leaving her ex to deal with the flames. 

With independence and woman empowerment being represented, these videos present females having the higher status. This gives a positive reflection upon the female population as woman are seen as confident and not over emotional, in fact throughout the videos neither Beyonce or Rihanna share a tear with the men showing the emotions. However if you flip the perspective around, men aren't represented in a positive light, in fact they’re seen as cheats. This can be argued as an unfair perspective as females can also cheat, men shouldn't be stereotyped as unfaithful.