Jessie J Featuring David Guetta - Laserlight

April 30, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

"Laserlight" was written by Jessica Cornish, The Invisible Men, David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort and Frédéric Riesterer. Unfortunately David Guetta doesn't pop up in this music video, which is unusual as he does tend to pop up here and there a lot of the time. This is definitely an amazing collaboration. My favourite bit of the song is when she sings "D-D-D-D-David G", referencing David Guetta in her signature lyrics of: "J-J-J-Jessie J".

The music video kind of reminds me of "Domino", purely because it is more of a performance piece rather than anything else. However at least this one shows off her real hair, and is probably a little more intriguing. I can definitely say I have more to talk about.

New Release: Tulisa - Young

April 30, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I have watched this music video over and over and over again the past few weeks on the music channels. The song is extremely catchy and the music video's not bad either. Been waiting to review this one on my blog but decided to wait until New Release.

Tulisa Contostavlos used to be in a band called N-Dubz, they have recently split with Dappy, also going solo. For those of you unaware, Tulisa and Dappy are cousins and share the same last name. As for the third person in the group, it is Fazer who used to be Tulisa's boyfriend and who is writing songs for quite a few artists. Tulisa recently won the X Factor UK with her act: Little Mix, and she has been confirmed as one of a few returning judges. As for what the future might bring... It looks extremely bright for this person, she is going to reach the top pretty soon.

"Young", previously called We Are Young, is released this week, and it's off to a flying start and currently number one on the UK iTunes chart, but with big competition from Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe", which has been number one for the past 4 weeks, can Tulisa stay up there? There is also competition from Fun. Featuring Janelle Monáe "We Are Young" and Cover Drive's "Sparks", it's definitely going to be a chart you do not want to miss. The song was released just after her sex tape got released. This got everyone thinking it was a PR stunt since one of the lyrics in this song is "I make mistakes that I learn from". However it wasn't a PR stunt and merely a coincidence. The sex tape also features MC Ultra.

The music video relates really well with the song, it's all about having fun and enjoying your life no matter what, even if mistakes happen you learn from them as you are young and at the end of the day there's nothing you can do about it.

There's a lot to like about this music video, the fact that Tulisa looks sexy and strong at the same time. There's the start when her bags get left behind, but at the end of the day it wouldn't fit in that car. I like how they take that card from the cleaning lady, which get's them into the best hotel room... I also love the goat, it's so adorable, but also the fact that she wrecks that beautiful artistic black paper! What am I talking about? She made it better. But what makes that scene is the footage just before she writes "The Female Boss AKA Tulisa x" as she makes the "shh" sign and she has shifty eyes too.

This music video and song reminds me a lot of Cascada's "Summer Of Love". There are also a few look-a-likes, such as at the start the old guy looks like Harry Redknapp, didn't really notice him until a YouTube commenter mentioned it. And I also think one of Tulisa's friends looks like Kirk Norcross. There may be a few more, any suggestions, comment below!

Overall a great catchy song, but quite a bit of competition for number one, can Tulisa do it? As for the accompanying music video I haven't got a bad thing to say about it, it's funny, great and FUN. I can't think of a single thing that's not good, and therefore this rating is clearly deserved.

Buy on iTunes

Cover Drive - Sparks

April 23, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

After the success of "Twilight", not only by reaching number one on the UK chart, but also gaining a lot of views on my blog. I have decided to review this music video. I was planning on doing it as New Release, as it's released next week. However Tulisa's "Young" is released as well, so I had to choose between the two. This band is from Barbados (same place as Rihanna), and has already released 2 singles, the other being "Lick Ya Down". The band consists of Karen 'Amanda' Reifer, Thomas-Ray 'T-Ray" Armstrong, Barry 'Bar-man' Hill and Jamar Harding. This band will get better and better, they already have 2 top ten hits out of two. Will this get them a third? It will be released on 29th April.

This music video is lacking somewhat, it's quite similar to "Twilight", which is quite disappointing. This could easily be a music video for "Twilight" and I just hope that their next single, they'll pull something better out.

So what shall I comment on? The fact that Amanda looks pretty in the video? The fact that I like how they've included T-Ray's voice as well? I just don't know where to even start.

Do they attempt to make a narrative piece? It kind of looks like it, from where Amanda is left on her own after a performance piece and everyone else is talking, so she walks off... It feels like it's separate as if they may have been planning on making a storyline, but it didn't work out... Besides, I would've included myself within the conversation, and just barged in.

Overall I'm pretty disappointed, this could be "Twilight" all over again, and I hope they manage to create different videos in the future. No matter what their videos are like, they will always do well on the chart, and I'm interested in what new singles they will be releasing.

Buy on iTunes

New Release: Twin Atlantic - Make A Beast Of Myself

April 23, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Make a Beast of Myself - Twin Atlantic |

Okay, so not exactly a new release, as it is more of a re-release. They charted last year with a re-release of "Free" and got to number 99 on the UK chart. This has been getting a lot of music video play, so this could also be charting soon.

Twin Atlantic is a Scottish rock band who I have been aware of for a couple of years, they're the sort of band that sometimes I like and then sometimes I don't. They consist of Sam McTrusty, Barry McKenna, Ross McNae and Craig Kneale. The band can be frequently found on rock music channels, and I have a feeling they'll produce a song that will get people talking.

A lot of people are unsure of the song's meaning, and guess what, the music video is just as confusing, so at least it's relatable right? After reading through the lyrics a few times, I'm came up with this theory that could be TOTALLY wrong, but it looks like something's making him spiral out of control, he sings about a bottle (so possibly alcohol), and that there is this one person out there that could be his antidote, or maybe it's locked in a bottle out there...

Basing on the theory I just came up with, the music video relates to a significant extent. His life is basically not doing well at all, things could be going wrong. And to make matters worse, he becomes involved in a car crash, possibly drink driving? Especially since he walks over to the pavement clumsily and falls over.

Everyone is avoiding him as he walks the streets, but are we supposed to imagine he is in the car, or he is driving an invisible car? There are a lot of running away and fake screaming and fake scared looks, the extras are so rubbish that it's funny, and puts all serious context out of the window.

Overall I love it as it has a big serious side that relates to the theory I think the song is about. But I would've preferred it to be kept serious, with the extras to actually be much better, it kind of makes the video look bad. Beforehand I had never caught the whole video, but now I have, and for people to truly understand it a bit more, they ought to watch it all.

Buy on iTunes

Pink - Get The Party Started

April 22, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I had a lot of choice this week for my Sunday revisit so I was quite surprised and stuck for choice. I decided on Pink purely because I haven't reviewed many music videos from her on this blog. I have only done "F**kin' Perfect", which is what I did this week. Pink's real name is Alecia Moore, and she has been going for a number of years. She is creating a new album as I currently type this, so I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us.

"Get This Party Started" was written by Linda Perry, who also appears at the bar in this music video. She has been mentioned on this blog once before hand, as she also wrote Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful". This song fits Pink down to a T, and it was the song that made me aware of who she was. And I don't think I was the only one. The song got to number 2 here in the UK, just missing out on the top spot. But it'll always be a top hit to me.

This music video is probably one of the best I've seen during that time of 2001, it kind of reminds me of Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time", purely because it's so narrative and story based that they both tell a story similar to the lyrics.

There's a few things I like about this music video, but the main thing is the house right at the start, it's very bright and different, and I just love it, I want that house! The skateboarding is pretty clever, and I always laugh when she falls over. I like how they show tribute to the 9/11 attacks which happened just days earlier. I also like how she swaps outfits in the club. If spinning around changed your outfit, everyone would be doing that.

There are a few niggling bits, such as how she ditches her friend to go and dance. The fact that they steel the skateboards in exchange for a kiss, but at the end of the day it's still wrong. I would've preferred her to take them out from the back of the car. And the fact that it isn't the full song either, it's a clipped version.

There are a few famous faces, such as Linda Perry, she is one of the people at the bar, some people say she's the bar woman, whereas others say it's the girl Pink kind of rivals... I'm not too sure. Kevin Federline (who went on to marry and divorce Britney) and Georvohn Lambert who became a dancer for other artists. There are probably a few more, if you spot them tell me below and I'll add them.

Overall a top-notch music video that although has it's faults, are understandable, shame this never became a number one, but it's good no matter what. Pink has recently gone down the route of being happy with who you are. And I hope she keeps with that route for her next album, as it will definitely get people talking, and hopefully get a few chart toppers.

Aaron Carter - I Want Candy

April 21, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Me and my brother decided to watch "Hop" today, and this song is on there, but actually sung by Cody Simpson (who never released a music video). So I was thinking of all the artists who has sung this song, and I came up with Aaron Carter and Melanie C (the latter being not so interesting, and didn't do very well here in the UK). So I chose Aaron Carter, as I remember watching it when I was young.

Aaron Carter was really well-known when he was younger, and was getting many chart hits, but he soon faded out, as many artists from that era do. Recently he went on "Dancing With The Stars" and did pretty well getting to finish in fifth place. So now he has become popular once again. Is a new album going to appear? We'll have to wait and see.

"I Want Candy" original version was made in 1965 and performed by The Strangeloves, it was written by Bert Berns, Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer. The song has been covered many times by many different people including: Bow Wow Wow, Candy Girls, Melanie C, Billie Piper, and Jedward amongst others. I was just really surprised it was first released in 1965.

This music video is hilarious to be honest, they all look so very young. Aaron Carter was in fact 12 when the song was released. It paints a picture of him liking a girl called Candy and they go out on dates, but his friends always shows up and ruins it. He's forever saying sorry.

My question is: is Candy boring? She doesn't get into the popcorn fight, she doesn't enjoy anything until the very end... It just doesn't exactly work and doesn't link in that well.

I'm surprised this is all I have to say, but at the end of the day, I think Aaron Carter was too young at that time to actually understand what the song was about, it certainly wasn't about a girl's name, and Cody Simpson is wrong too that it's not about Candy/Chocolate...

Overall a very big story-based music video that just isn't that interesting, it's a typical young music video, that has been done many times over. It looks like Aaron Carter will be returning in the future (he is now 24), and I very much doubt he'll be going down this route again.

Buy on iTunes

Paramore - Careful

April 20, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Paramore, as you may be aware of, is one of my favourite bands. I went to see them live back in 2008 with Tink09 and Hollagram Star. The band consisted, back then, of: Hayley Williams, Josh Farro, Zac Farro, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis. Josh and Zac have recently left. This song didn't do that well in the charts, so it'll be interesting what will be happening in the future for these guys.

"Careful" was written by Hayley Williams and Josh Farro. Again, as most bands do, they wrote their own song, and are easily capable of connecting to the song and flooding it with emotion. It charted highest in Portugal, but still with a low chart rating. As for the UK it got to number 108, but at least it charted.

The music video is a compilation of tour performances, with Hayley having many different hair colours. This is the third tour compilation music video they have done, the first two being "All We Know" and "Hallelujah". So they have created a compilation video for each of their 3 albums, which is clever. But will they do it again in the future? I hope not.

The footage was taken from many different tours, including the Brisbane Soundwave Tour, their 2010 Spring Tour, 2009 Fall Tour and a one-off performance at Festival Hall in Australia amongst other performances. There are also many backstage clips edited in intricately, and I don't think anyone could have done a better job.

There really isn't much else to say, I like how you can feel the vibes that the audience is getting from this band. You certainly get a perfect performance. The song is great also, and when I first heard it on the album, I knew it'd be a single. Cannot wait to see what new sound they make with the absence of the Farro brothers.

Fun. Featuring Janelle Monáe - We Are Young

April 19, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Fun. is a band who I have been aware of for quite a few years. They are on the same record label as Paramore: "Fueled by Ramen", and I get a weekly email newsletter from the record company, so I'm aware of what Paramore are doing, but I also know what's happening with the other bands on the label. Fun. is a 3-piece band, however in this video they are a 6-piece including their touring members. They consist of: Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, Jack Antonoff, Will Noon, Emily Moore and Nate Harold. This is their biggest world wide hit so far, and I'm interested in finding out if anything else will be just as good by these people. Janelle Monáe, real name Janelle Monáe Robinson, is a singer who has been going since 2005. She has charted in the UK a couple of times, but nothing as big as this, so it'll be interesting where her career will take her.

"We Are Young" was written by Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker (has done a lot for Beyoncé and Kanye West, as well as Fun.), Andrew Dost and Nathaniel Ruess (which is Nate Ruess, presumably). It has been a big hit everywhere gaining number ones in the US, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Israel. As for the UK, it first charted at number 7, last week, but by the looks of iTunes it is currently second... Will it knock off Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe"? It's doubtful.

This music video has divided a lot of people. There's ones who like it as it is relatable to the song, whereas there's others who don't like it, as much more could have been done with it. Personally I agree with both. I commemorate the fact that they've kept close to the song's meaning, but it's just not something I'd watch again, as much as I love the song.

It's both performance and narrative, although there is not a lot to the storyline. As far as I can tell it's about going out and things aren't going the right way, so you get hammered and end up being in a fight. But that is all, I'm happy that it is relatable to the song, but there really isn't anything that interesting going on.

To be honest I am always wondering what actually started this. I am young and I wouldn't have a fight with someone for no reason. Also it looks like they had a lot of fun making this video, and a lot of people would've wanted to be there, but then again wouldn't you be worried you'd get hit by a bottle or something? I know I would.

Overall, a really catchy song that is climbing up the charts giving Carly Rae Jepsen a run for the top spot, but the music video is less entertaining, and if this song doesn't get the top spot, could it all be down to the accompanying music video? It could be one of the main reasons.

Buy on iTunes

Stacie Orrico - Stuck

April 18, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I was browsing the music channels today, for half an hour (like I do every morning), and I kept on returning to a certain channel, a channel I rarely watch. This channel was showing music videos of teenage artists. However they hardly ever include recent artists, and so I ended up watching most of the music videos, remembering how young I was when I watched this one and that one. Funnily enough this was the first one I watched and the only one that actually got stuck in my head. But where is Stacie Orrico now?

I used to be obsessed with Stacie Orrico, she had this amazing voice with all these catchy songs, that I still know the songs too, but shhh don't tell anyone. She was 12 when she entered a singing competition, she won and got signed to a record company. She released an album and a few radio-only singles, and then "Stuck" got released world-wide when she was 17 years old, and that was it, she hit international fame. Since then six more singles spanned from her self-titled album. A break from music followed and then she returned with an album and a couple of singles, that could've done better. Now she's been gone for 4 years, and she's returning once again, but I think everyone's forgotten about her, and doubt she'll get the popularity back. But it's possible, especially with a voice like that. This is definitely someone we're going to have to keep an eye on.

"Stuck" was written by Stacie Orrico and Kevin Kadish. This quite surprised me, I know she sings this song perfectly with emotions running through-out, but most artists, back then, at the age of 17 was not writing their songs. No wonder she sings and acts with so much passion. The song wasn't a hit in America, but it got to number 9 in the UK, buckling trends of that time. And I bet if it were re-released, or a cover version was sung, it would once again make the chart, it may even go right to the top, although that would be very difficult, it's still possible.

This music video I have watched a couple of times when I was younger but I rarely remember it. It's a narrative video, but that's okay as it shows an amazing storyline that is filled with all that high-school drama. I love how Stacie Orrico acts out her character, she sings as if she means every single word, and you can imagine she's had this running inside of her. No wonder she wrote the song.

The main guy in the music video is Stacie's cousin Trevor Wright, who has appeared in a few music videos, including Stacie Orrico's "I Could Be The One" and many films and TV series. He has nothing new lined up, but for all we know he could appear somewhere in a lead roll.

The story line relates perfectly with the song. The song is about liking someone even though the other person cheats, and flirts with others. Stacie is "Stuck On You" meaning the guy in the video, and not her cousin. He's quite mean to be honest, and at the end of the day what sort of guy does that? Especially to someone who's pretty like Stacie Orrico.

Overall a great song that starts off different to what you expect. The music video is a great representation of the song, and shows exactly what Stacie might have been thinking when she wrote it. For a first music video, it is amazing. I hope to see her reach the lime light once again in the future. Or at least for this song to get a second chance at charting extremely high.

Pink - F**kin' Perfect

April 16, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This is one of my favourite songs, it is always the song that picks me back up again if I think I'm in a bad place, and I'm sure it would be in my top 5 all-time playlist (if I had one). The last time I heard this I was off to Devon with Tink09, and we totally forgot that it was the explicit version, so we were singing along and the next thing we knew Pink swore and we just burst out laughing as we weren't expecting it.

Pink, real name Alecia Moore, is known world-wide. I'm in love with her music, and even though there are times when she takes breaks from music and I feel like there's no point in being a fan of hers no more, she always brings out a great song just as I'm about to stop liking her, and she turns me around once again. She has had 3 number one UK singles and three number one UK albums (her latest three). Can she get to the top spot once again?

"F**kin' Perfect" was written by Pink, Max Martin and Shellback. Again the undefeatable pair of Max Martin and Shellback, they always write great songs, so it's no wonder I really like this one. Apparently Pink's inspiration was her husband Carey Hart. This single manged to get to number 10 on the UK chart, although I think it definitely deserved to get higher.

This music video caused a lot of controversy when it first appeared. And is it any wonder. Although I respect Pink for having this as her music video, as there are people out there with these exact troubles, and there is no point in just sweeping them under the carpet, as that will get you nowhere. You need to tackle it head on, and make people aware, and I totally love this music video because of the controversy.

The girl in the music video is played by Tina Majorino and she acts this remarkably, I'm really interested in watching TV shows and films that she has been in, as she is a really good actress in this music video.

There's so much to like and dislike about this video, I always cringe at the part when she is cutting her arm, I just couldn't do it myself, and I don't really know how others can, although I understand why they do it, and what they feel when they do it, I just couldn't do it myself. In contrast I love the bit where Pink raises a glass to the girl, it makes you want to do the same and tell her to keep going, as there is a lot of things in life that you will enjoy. This is exactly where "Raise Your Glass" would fit in, and I so hope Pink follows this sort of line in her new songs, as we need the world to be happy with who they are.

Overall, I love this song, and although this music video is cringe-worthy and very in-your-face, it's right up my street, and exactly what you need to watch, and it's what I'm kind of expecting from Pink nowadays. I have my fingers crossed that the next videos and the songs are just as similar.

New Release: Train - Drive By

April 16, 2012 Critic Jonni 1 Comments

Train is releasing their new song this week, and by looking at the iTunes chart, it's climbing high already. I wouldn't say I'm a fan of this band, but I do enjoy their music. I have seen this video on the music channels and flipped over it, as I thought it was Robbie Williams... How wrong could I be?

Train are a three-piece pop/rock band from America, they consist of Patrick Monahan, Scott Underwood and Jimmy Stafford. Their biggest hit in the UK was "Hey, Soul Sister", but as of last week "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" got to number 10 on the UK chart on album downloads only. We all know that this single will do amazing.

"Drive By" was written by Patrick Monahan, Espen Lind and Amund Bjørklund. The latter two make up the production team Espionage, who have worked with Train for quite some time. This single is being played a lot here in the UK, and I can see it being pretty big here. Cannot wait to see where it will chart.

The music video is both narrative and performance, which most of the best music videos are. I like how they have intricately cut the music video, it's interesting and really clever.

I like how you start off with her talking on the phone to Patrick saying "You should be sorry, you're the one who left. Listen erm... I'm going to be late for work." Then we are given footage from the past, that all leads up to when they were in bed together and he left.

He drives his car, and other cars follow, and he manages to get his girl back. But who is she? I'm sure I've seen her before, but then again I might be wrong. I've been searching for a name but haven't found it as of yet.

The only bit I have left to comment on is the YouTube comments, that make me laugh so much. People are saying that she is too young for Patrick, and I have to agree, he is 43, and she looks like she's in her early twenties... What is with that?

Overall a great music video that I'll be watching again and again, and I definitely will not be mistaking it for Robbie Williams, never ever again. As for the song it's amazing and I love it, and I'm sure others will in the UK, I can definitely see this getting far in the chart.

Hot Chelle Rae - Honestly

April 08, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So last but not lease DJD has been picked from my randomiser (by default). He has chosen Hot Chelle Rae - Honestly, again another band I've never heard of, so therefore I've never seen this video. But after one watch and listen I really like them.

Hot Chelle Rae is a rock band from America, as far as I can tell they haven't attempted to crack the UK yet, but it will be happening really soon with "I Like It Like That" released on the 28th May, and I can see them doing pretty well over here. The band consists of Ryan Follesé, Nash Overstreet (brother of Chord Overstreet and son of Paul Overstreet), Ian Keaggy and Jamie Follesé.

The song was written by Ryan Follesé, Nash Overstreet, Ian Keaggy, C. Kelly, Sam Hollander and Dave Katz. Which is quite a big writing team. But usually when there is a big writing team the song is either really really good, or really really bad. However "Honestly" is really good.

The music video is amazing, although I think it's missing something, but only slightly. It stars Ashley Benson (of "Pretty Little Liars" fame, but I also know her from "Christmas Cupid"). It is both performance and narrative, which is always a great thing to have in a music video.

The plot outline is basically that Ryan and Ashley are going out together, but he has stopped liking her, so she tries to get his attention, but he has stopped caring for her. She tries to scratch his mini, but ends up getting the wrong one, it makes her look desperate and embarrassing, which is probably what is missing from this music video, she should attempt to hurt him more, and there's only a few incidents, which isn't enough for me.

Overall I really like this song, and it's a well thoughout music video, but it's just missing that little something that would tip me into the 5*'s, I like how they incorporated the performance side of things into the narrative. I'm not sure whether it will be released here in the UK, but it might do if  "I Like It Like That" does well when it's released.

Nicki Minaj - Stupid Hoe

April 07, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So my randomiser chose Dolly for today's special, and I was really interested in what Dolly would choose, but then she put this one. I have not seen the video before, and then I got a reason from Dolly who said it was one of the worst songs and music videos she's ever seen. Now that really scared me. I have not had a friend request a music video they hate, yet. So this marks the first one and I'm worried...

Nicki Minaj, real name Onika Miraj, is a world-wide star at the moment, but I have to say that if she releases any more songs like this one she will disappear forever and ever. She has never had a number one here in the UK, and I wonder if she ever will...

Stupid Hoe was written by Onika Miraj, Tina Dunham and Safaree Samuels. It is described as an anthem to Nicki Minaj's female haters. Apart from referencing her performance at the 2012 Superbowl she also includes names such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston. And she also takes a stab at her long-time rival Lil' Kim. But even with all these references I'm only able to listen to this song once, and even then it was painful. It's just something I wouldn't listen to again voluntarily. Maybe they should use this song to try and get information out of people. Definitely a great song for punishment or torture...

The music video is equally as bad as the song, so it is relatable in an unbelievable kind of way. There are a few references to other music videos as well, which makes it quite clever, however what it has to do with the song I have no idea. Not only that but the flashing and cuts between different footage are really annoying.

I don't even know where to start with this... It just has everything that could possibly be bad in a music video all rolled into one. There's a lot of things happening, such as her makeup changing, and various other things. The bit I really don't like is when her eyes are extremely big in the last minute, it kind of scares me.

As for the references of other music videos, there is Shakira's "She Wolf" which is where the leopard in a cage comes from. Then there's Jessie J's "Price Tag" which is where the big chair becomes involved. There is also a reference to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" when her eyebrows wiggle in an animated way. There may be others, if you know of more don't be afraid to comment below.

Overall, one of the worst songs I've ever heard, and although the music video links well because it is just as equally bad, it has no common factors with the song whatsoever, I don't even know why they chose this idea, surely better ones had been suggested. The song reached number 64 on the UK chart, and I don't see it making another appearance ever again.

Sean Paul - She Doesn't Mind

April 06, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

She Doesn't Mind - Sean Paul |

So today my randomiser chose Tink09, and after telling her I'd already reviewed "DJ Fresh Featuring Rita Ora - Hot Right Now" she chose this music video. Another video I haven't watched and the sort of song I don't listen to, but here goes nothing.

Sean Paul, real name Sean Paul Henriques, is from Jamaica, he is a reggae artist siding on the border of Rap and R&B. He used to be a big hit here in the UK, with hits such as "Like Glue" and "We Be Burnin'", but lately he hasn't been doing very well, until this single popped up (which has so far got to number 2 in the UK). He has never had a number one single in the UK as lead singer, but managed to get one by being featured on "Breathe" by Blu Cantrell.

The song was written by Sean Paul Henriques, Shellback and Benny Blanco. Shellback has written for the likes of Avril Lavigne, Britney, P!nk and Ke$ha. Whereas Benny Blanco has worked with Ke$ha, 3OH!3, Katy Perry, Britney and Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger". So this was obviously going to be a hit, but will it get to that number one spot? It's pretty doubtful.

The music video relates to the song pretty well, and although the song is about dancing in a club, there are other meanings to it. So it's pretty understandable why the music video is quite sexy.

It also kind of supports LGBT's since that security woman likes to feel all those girls who walk through the security gate. I bet a lot of people would enjoy having that job. Although I'd never go on a plane if security really did that...

There's not a lot going on in the video, there's a bit of a performance side, which is obviously where Sean Paul and the cabin crew are dancing, but he's really not doing much is he? As for the plot it's about a girl who needs to give Sean Paul something, but she has to go through security first, and make sure they don't find it on her. So that bit of the video interested me, as I wondered how she's get past them, especially since reinforcements on the security side jumps in... Also how come all the girls were being checked over? There was no guys who went through those gates...

Overall a catchy song although not my sort of thing, a great relatable music video, to a certain degree. But there's just not enough going on, and it just doesn't make me go wow. There's just something missing, and so I'm giving it this rating, which it is worthy of at the end of the day.

Buy on iTunes

Lil Wayne Featuring Bruno Mars - Mirror

April 05, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So as you all may already know, I am not into rap music at all, I can appreciate the music, but it's just not for me. So I leave rap music to my brother, CamCam, who my randomiser decided to pick today. So CamCam chose this music video, and I've been worried about doing it since it's not my sort of music, but here goes.

Lil Wayne, real name Dwayne Carter, Jr., has been around since 1992, he has had many hit singles all over the world, and have recently been quiet here in the UK, but now he is back, and is pretty strong about it too. This song comes with a collaboration with Bruno Mars, real name Peter Hernandez, who is very hot right now, which is probably why this became a hit single. Bruno Mars has a very successful career ahead of him, and I don't see him disappearing anytime soon.

"Mirror" was written by Dwane Carter, Jr., Peter Hernandez, Phillip Lawrence and Ramon Owen. This got to number 17 on the UK chart and it is his biggest selling single in the UK to date (was that due to the help of Bruno Mars?). Lil Wayne gets a bit personal with his rapping, he raps about his father: "Lookin' at me now I can see my past. Damn, I look just like my fuckin' dad." and also raps about Michael Jackson: "And no message could have been any clearer, so I'm starting with the man in the mirror," "MJ taught me that.".

The music video is surprisingly good, and pretty different to other rap music videos available. Lil Wayne is obviously painting something from the very beginning and you kind of wonder what this masterpiece will be. Surely it can't amass to anything. Bruno Mars' involvement is very little, he's just standing around as if he was admiring the finished painting.

I like how Lil Wayne is just throwing paint here there and everywhere, I really doubt he actually made that painting at the end, it just doesn't seem possible, but for all I know, he might have created it. The painting is of Lil Wayne on a crucifix with a microphone in his hand, behind him is a face and clouds and lightning coloured in red. It's quite a surprising and revealing painting, but definitely one that took quite a lot of time to make (but did Lil Wayne really do it, or was an artist brought in?)

Overall a great music video, and although this isn't the sort of song I listen to, I can see how personal it is to Lil Wayne. There's not a lot I can say about the video, but it is very interesting, although not a lot is going on. Does it link in with the song? To a verifying degree, yes, and so it is worthy of this rating.

Stone Sour - Through Glass

April 04, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So today my randomiser chose SpeedATW and he has chosen this music video, which I was so happy about, since this is probably one of my favourite music videos.

Stone Sour is a rock band that consists of Corey Taylor (also lead singer of Slipknot), Jim Root, Josh Rand, Shawn Economaki and Roy Mayorga. They have been going for a number of years, and tend to go on hiatus when Slipknot starts releasing and vice versa. Therefore I'd be unsurprised if the other members of the band do different things during the hiatus times.

"Through Glass" was written by Corey Taylor. This got to number 98 when the song was released here in the UK, but I bet it would have done a lot better. And I guarantee it would be great for the charts if it was released nowadays, or some sort of cover got released. Most people know the song now, and people would've expected it to have got high on the chart, but that wasn't the case. The song is about music cornering the world. Corey wrote this song in a hotel room while watching a music channel, and he was surprised that the artists weren't aware of what they were singing, and that they were just there to be famous. It kind of made him mad, as it makes it harder for bands and people who make their own music.

The music video should go down in history as one of the best music videos ever made. It's really interesting and funny and clever at the same time, it relates to the song perfectly and it just shows that a lot of things in life aren't really real. But the main thing they focus on is that the people there, if you look between the lines, it's not them. Which works with the song as the singles that are released by some artists aren't their lyrics.

This is an extremely clever video and I don't even know where to start with it. It's both performance and narrative. I like the start there's a party going on and everyone is there. There is even a paparazzi who is taking photos, to capture the moment. But when Corey Taylor looks between the lines people are just cardboard, they aren't real, even the pool isn't real and none of the layout either.

I like how they've included look-a-likes of people and made references to others. There's a Paris Hilton look-a-like who's just cardboard. There's some rap people, a rich singer, a few others. And there is Chris Daughtry, who is the guy picking up the cardboard. I like how some of the comments on YouTube state that Chris Daughtry is the only guy in the world capable of picking up a swimming pool. For those unaware, Chris Daughtry is of American Idol fame.

Even the place where the band is, isn't real. And I also like the fact that instead of Hollywood, it's actually Hollowood (implicating Hollow Wood, which is cardboard). There is a lot to like about this music video, and I don't see anything wrong with it. Maybe the fact that some of the stars that are referenced in this may not agree with what is going on, but that is about it.

Overall, a great music video that I haven't got anything bad to say about. The song is very catchy and I am surprised it never got higher than 98 on the UK chart. Let's hope someone covers it on the X Factor or The Voice, it might make people download it.

Keith Urban - Long Hot Summer

April 03, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So today my randomiser picked Edges for my special, this week. Which happens to be a coincidence since I went to town with him to see The Hunger Games today. He hadn't got any idea what music video to pick, so I suggested a few reasons why he might send me a specific music video, the main one that came up was "One you'd think I might never get the chance to review". This must have been the reason that sparked up this music video as I hadn't really heard any of Keith Urban's music, although I am aware of his name for some reason...

Keith Urban is a big country star in the USA, here in the UK we don't know him much, and don't really know who he is. As for releasing... Well a few songs have made it on to the UK chart, which were "You'll Think Of Me" and "Once In A Lifetime", and a couple of albums. If he were to start releasing here in the UK, promoting is definitely a need to do thing, and since Country is slowly making itself known here, then it's the perfect time to give the UK another shot. But would we take to this country/rock music? There's only one way to find out, and I hope he does end up releasing a few more singles and albums here in the UK.

"Long Hot Summer" was written by Richard Marx and Keith Urban. Richard Marx is a singer, and in the late 80's early 90's had a successful career, worldwide, including the UK. Lately he has fizzled out, but have had some great collaborations in songwriting, this being one of them.

This music video is a great music video, narrative and performance is used, which generally makes up the best of music videos. And although there isn't much to the story, there's no need for it. It's basic, it's simplistic, but also engaging and understandable.

Keith Urban and his backing band is pretty good, you know that if you saw him live you'll know you'll have a great time, which is exactly what you want from a video like this one. I also like how they are performing on the sand, where the couple meet up later on in the video.

The couple, who are played by Summer Glau (I know her from Dollhouse, but she has been in loads of films and TV) and Alexander Rodriguez (actor/model appeared in Hot 'n' Cold by Katy Perry). Alex plays a surfer who's in lover with Summer, who has come and met him at the beach with a friend, which is pretty far away, so a road trip is added in as well. It looks like they plan on having a party since there is quite a few of them, and obviously the connection is still there. A basic and simplistic narrative, that captures you no matter what.

Also, after much comparison, this seems to be the same beach as One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful", due to the fact that the steps leading to the beach are the EXACT same, unless in America they have the same steps on every beach... Which I highly doubt.

Overall a great song and music video, and definitely something I would never have come across. I don't think I have anything bad to say about this music video, there's a few things that doesn't quite fit. But apart from that it's great and definitely worthy of this rating. Although the song's not to my taste, I can see it being stuck in my head all day.

You Me At Six Featuring Oli Sykes - Bite My Tongue

April 02, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So first day of my new special, guys. It's called "Critic Jonni's Friends Exclusive". Using my own randomiser, Hollagram Star comes out first. She has picked You Me At Six Featuring Oli Sykes - Bite My Tongue. Her reason is "because it's got Oil Sykes in it and the song is absolutely amazing and it's my favourite one off there new album [Sinners Never Sleep] I can listen to it over and over".

You Me At Six is a rock band from the UK, they are a five piece band consisting of Josh Franceschi, Max Helyer, Chris Miller, Matt Barnes and Dan Flint. They have been going for a number of years, and have gained many fans. However I've never really been taken to them, and only really like their songs when I've heard them again and again and again. The collaborator is Oli Sykes, he is the lead singer of Bring Me The Horizon, another band that I'm not as interested in.

"Bite My Tongue" was written by Josh Franceschi. Again bands usually write their own songs, so it's not much of a surprise, and it's understandable since they can easily convey what they mean by the lyrics. This song is really catchy, and I think I quite like it, it's already stuck in my head.

This music video is pretty different to what is around at the moment, as far as I know. It's quite dark, which most music videos of this genre are like, and it has both performance and narrative, in a very artistic way.

It links in with the song. They've taken the part of "I can't hate the ones who made me" and made it look like Josh is creating people. The wires looks like they were difficult to play instruments with. I like it when Oli Sykes comes in, he becomes the maker which changes the whole concept of the narrative.

Overall there isn't a lot to this music video, but you can definitely feel the energy from the band during their performance, and you know you'll receive the same energy if you went to see them live. It looks like there's not much to it, but that is what makes it great.

New Release: Olly Murs - Oh My Goodness

April 02, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Olly Murs is becoming a well known singer and presenter, he has had quite a few number ones here in the UK, and I'm sure he's going to become bigger and better in the future. He came second on the Sixth series of the X Factor. This series had quite a few successes such as: Joe McElderry (winner), Olly Murs (second), Stacey Solomon (third), Lloyd Daniels (fifth) and Jedward (sixth), there's bound to be more in the future, but we'll have to wait and see.

"Oh My Goodness" was written by Adam Argyle, Martin Brammer and Olly Murs. I was quite surprised to see that Olly Murs had wrote part of this song, as usually when an X Factor contestant releases songs it's usually a song written for them.

The music video is the sort of music video you expect from Olly Murs. He has this genre all to do with himself at the moment, and the music videos always link in with that.

He is obviously chasing this girl who catches his eye, but near the end he is so warned out that she probably isn't interested in him no more. Besides how does he not know she doesn't have a boyfriend? He's done all that running for nothing.

I particularly like it when he falls over, but he gets back up again and starts running after her. Also I like the fact that when he starts singing about going so fast, he is on one of those machines that makes him slower. How did she get so far in front? Surely it wouldn't take that long to catch up with her...

Overall it's a typical Olly Murs song and music video, something that I'm not that interested in watching, although the song is catchy. Will it become a hit? Maybe, but I don't see it going to number one.

The All-American Rejects - Swing, Swing

April 01, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

The All-American Rejects are an American rock band, who have got my Sunday revisit this week. I reviewed "Beekeeper's Daughter", and have done a few others in the past. The band consists of Tyson Ritter, Nick Wheeler, Mike Kennerty and Chris Gaylor. They have been around since 1999 but released their first song "Swing, Swing" in 2002.

Swing, Swing was written by Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter, as expected since most of the songs are written by these two. This song charted at number 13 here in the UK, which is surprising, as rock was in back then, and this song would have no chance at getting to that chart position nowadays. But what's even more surprising is that The All-American Rejects have yet to beat that chart position, meaning this is their highest charting single to date. Apparently it is about Tyson's ex-girlfriend, and it was written when times were really difficult, and the second verse is about moving on.

The music video portrays the song amazingly, but this band looks so young, but what do you expect? Considering it's 10 years ago since it was released. That band is definitely not the band we see in Beekeeper's Daughter. They've grown up and become more confident in themselves, they don't look like the average band no more. But I still don't understand why it was such a hit in the UK.

It is both performance and narrative. It's a pretty good first music video, considering others we have seen in the past. And although not the best, it's not bad either. As for the performance side of things, they look pretty nervous, and not entirely sure what to do, which is weird since they aren't like that no more.

As for the narrative, it's easy to understand, and we follow a couple going through their relationship, everything's all good and then something happens with the car and they have an argument, and they end up splitting up. I like how this one focuses on the male's side of the relationship, usually a lot of music videos decide to focus on the girl's side of things.

Overall a great first music video from these guys, still cannot believe this is their highest charting single in the UK to date, I hope they can release a single soon that will get into the top 10, there's lots of good potential singles on their new album. But promotion is one of the most important things, and they aren't doing much.