Twenty-six year old Amanda Ava Koci, known by fans as Ava Max, just released a new single called “Naked,” from her first album, Heaven & Hell.
A pop-infused, Lady Gaga inspired sound, this track flirts with lyrics that talk about being uncovered, both physically and emotionally.
Max starts with a clear picture of being wrapped “in designer sheets” while talking about a lover. She makes it known that her past is murky at best (“Ask me why they used to say that trouble was my name/I’ve been playin’ a fool since I stepped into the game”) even as she alludes to her sexual prowess (“Tell me I’m like heaven, take the good Lord’s name in vain”).
But for all of her past mistakes, the singer’s clear that exhibiting weakness by falling in love isn’t something she prefers (“But when I play my cards, keep ’em close to my chest/Never fall in love, everybody loses the bet”). Unless, of course, the person she is with is worth her vulnerability (“If I let you leave the light on and I drop my guard/Promise that you’ll see me for my truth and not my scars”).
But apparently,he is worth it. Max says, “You can take off all my clothes/And never see me naked/See me for real.” That’s because she defines true “nakedness” as baring her heart and soul, as well as her body.
In the video for “Naked,” Max sports a flesh-colored bra and underwear, followed by multiple other risqué and revealing outfits outfits. She also rolls around on the floor, and the camera focuses on up-close shots of her cleavage and rear … all while she’s singing, supposedly, about being emotionally vulnerable.
After watching the video, I think it’s clear that one of these messages comes across a lot stronger than the other one.
Kristin Smith joined the Plugged In team in 2017. Formerly a Spanish and English teacher, Kristin loves reading literature and eating authentic Mexican tacos. She and her husband, Eddy, love raising their children Judah and Selah. Kristin also has a deep affection for coffee, music, her dog (Cali) and cat (Aslan).
