Nelly Returns In His Special Effects-Laden “Just A Dream” Video

Robbie Daw | September 24, 2010 8:46 am

A car hovering above a Los Angeles beach? A giant burning wedding ring in the sand? A shattering eyeball? Welcome to Nelly’s “Just A Dream” music video—and his comeback. Watch below.

When last we checked in with Nelly, he was shooting the video in Playa Del Rey. He explained in a Carbonated.tv interview that “Just A Dream” is basically “about lovin’ and losing and wanting to love again… I think that the way the whole song plays out, with the beat and the lyrics, I think it comes together in the sense of it’s almost a timeless song.”

And indeed, the Jim Jonsin-produced jam appears to be resonating with listeners. Last week it reached a new peak of #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became Nelly’s highest-charting single since “Grillz” hit #1 half a decade ago.

“Just A Dream” was directed by Sanji, who previously got behind the lens for Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything,” Maxwell’s “This Woman’s Work” and Blake Lewis’ “Break Anotha.”

Overall, we kind of think the video could have done without some of the special effects, especially since it’s for an slower, more emotional jam rather than an upbeat one. The giant wedding band in particular adds a certain cheese factor.

That said, the suspended car representing a relationship stuck in limbo is an nice touch that’s pulled off effectively. And we know how Nelly loves his automobiles! “Just A Dream” is the lead single off his forthcoming 5.0 album (so named after his Mustang), which is due out November 16.