The video for Ciara‘s latest single, “Ride,” has arrived. The results? I’m not quite sure.

While I do love the actual song, I can’t help but feel a bit let down with this minimalist, oddly paced video. Blame it on my problematic relationship with anything directed by Diane Martel (Britney‘s “3,” the American version of BoA‘s “Eat You Up”), but I’m still not a fan of the director’s penchant for videos that revolve around awkward jump scenes, zero plot, and dull lighting.

Yes, I get it–it showcases her ‘stripped down’ dance moves. So what? She can do better, and with a video that didn’t share any similarities to Beyonce‘s “Single Ladies.”

I mean, you really can’t compare this to her best works to date. “Get Up”? “Work”? “Go Girl”?

Hardly in the same league.

Guess what’s being shot right now?

britneyspears 2nd day shooting my 3 video in LA with Diane Martell. Lot’s of new choreography from Tone & Rich. It’s gonna be hot!- Britney

Just FYI: Diane Martel has previously directed Goldfrapp‘s “Ride A White Horse,” Robyn‘s “Who’s That Girl?” and, perhaps most importantly, Khia‘s “My Neck, My Back.”

And among their many achievements, Rich & Tone Talauega (they’re brothers!) have previously choreographed Jennifer Lopez‘s “Get Right,” parts of Madonna‘s 2006 Re-Invention Tour (most importantly, “Nobody Knows Me”), and worked with David LaChapelle on his krump-tacular documentary, Rize.

Oh yes, almost forgot: It’s time to rock Peter, Paul, and Mary’s worlds. “3″ is available on iTunes starting TODAY:

EVERYBODY LOVES 3.