Taylor Swift - Blank Space

September 30, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Grab your passport and my hand, I can make the straight guys gay for a weekend. This is the sentence I have to nail every time I hear this song. The video resembles a mix of Avril Lavigne's "Let It Go" and P!nk's "Please Don't Leave Me". Quirky and narratively fun, something I don't mind watching again and again, and Taylor Swift is looking damn sexy, even when she's crying.

Taylor Swift, country singer turned international pop star, was lining the way for country here in the UK, yet she's dropped all ties to her first few albums, no more "Love Story" or "Mean" or "Teardrops On My Guitar", yet she still manages to make powerful emotional songs that you can't help but love. Written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin and Shellback, it's no surprise that this is a hit, just look at those songwriters' backgrounds. Taylor Swift takes a dig at the media with the song... Pretty sure Britney Spears have done that a few times "Piece of Me" and "I Wanna Go" amongst others. Blank Space only charted at number four in the UK, as no official single was released. This is what annoys me the most as a swiftie (Taylor Swift Fan), at least give us a UK single release too, could've scored a number one with this song.

Linking in well with the song, the video, directed by Joseph Kahn, contains both narrative and performance. In her performance side she's sexy, entertaining, emotional and full of passion. She really proves her acting skills in both parts of the video and you can't help but be drawn in.

The male lead is Sean O'Pry, who is a model. I really believe Taylor Swift could've found someone better. He looks good, not going to lie, but he fails to be as captivating as Taylor Swift is, and it brings the video down, just slightly.

I like how they go from being a couple, to Taylor Swift becoming a maniac and an obsessive freak, it suggests that that is what the media is portraying her as, only she's heightened it a lot more and put her own spin on it. A perfect video, one that everyone is watiching again and again, hence the YouTube views.

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Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You

September 29, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I had to review this music video, especially since I saw Carly Rae Jepsen live at an acoustic gig along with a meet and greet, read all about it here. With an extreme comedic effect this video got everyone talking, and they're still talking about it now.

Carly Rae Jepsen came third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol. It's taken her some time, but now she has definitely reach international fame. She hit charts all over the world with "Call Me Maybe" and this song was set to do exactly the same, with it catchy chorus, yet failed to become as big of a hit, only reaching number three in the UK. Written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Peter Svensson, it's an emotional song announcing that you really like someone, but it's still too soon to say I Love You.

Peter Glanz directed this video, and he has done a good job, however I do have to mention that Tom Hanks lip-syncing isn't exactly perfect.

Tom Hanks looks like a father figure to Carly Rae Jepsen in the video, and it all came about because he is friendly with Scooter Braun, Carly Rae Jepsen's manager, this also explains why Justin Bieber appears at the end of the video too, although I give him kudos for not taking centre stage of the video. Also making appearances are Vine stars Rudy Mancuso and King Bach.

Tom Hanks attempts to be down with the kids, being able to text using emotions, taking selfies, being on tinder, and clearly being able to follow choreography, although his jacket does not help to prove he can dance, he should've lost that jacket for the dance scene.

Overall amazing video, one that has got everyone talking, which has a fantastic song to go with it. Definitely as catchy as "Call Me Maybe" if not more, and was so good to hear live too, blog post about that can be read here.

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Chart Mondays: Pia Mia Featuring Chris Brown & Tyga - Do It Again

September 28, 2015 Critic Jonni 1 Comments

Since Justin Bieber is still at number one with the amazing "What Do You Mean?", I can review any song in the UK's top 10. It's Pia Mia everybody! Currently at number nine on the UK chart. This song is such a hit and is definitely a tune when I'm out clubbing. The accompanying video is so annoying, it's supposed to be sexy and engaging, yet it's easily forgettable and just falls to the bottom of the music video heap. It's all the cameraman's fault during the choreographed scenes and the final scene too, no one could have salvaged this.

Pia Mia, real name Pia Mia Perez, was born in Guam, and will probably have a long-lasting career. Her problem in the UK is that she has come out at the same time as Natalie La Rose, who is on top of her game, and her most recent video "Around The World" puts this video to shame. The song was written by Pia Mia, Jerry Afemata, George Veikoso, Nic Nac, Marc Griffin, Tyga and Chris Brown, it came from when J Boog performed in Guam and Pia Mia went to see him live and loved his song so much she remade it into this hit. The collaborators heard the song and asked to be featured on it, which is definitely an honour. Pia Mia has everything going for her, but her next few singles are going to have to be crucial, or she could end up being a one-hit-wonder, which we definitely don't want to see.

Directed by Colin Tilley, who has a vast amount of experience when it comes to directing videos, he has some amazing ones, such as Rita Ora's "Body on Me" as well as JLS's "She Makes Me Wanna", this video seems a mess and not only is it unmemorable, it fails to engage too.

It makes sense why the editor used most of the scenes of her performing on the beach singing the song, Pia Mia can definitely sing and give an emotional performance.

She can clearly dance too, yet the camera is shaking a lot and constantly moving. This is the why Natalie La Rose looks amazing and on point in "Around The World" and why Pia Mia looks sloppy, out-of-sync and unsure of herself. Yet we can tell this has nothing to do with her but more to do with the cameraman.

Chris Brown and Tyga, the latter's real name is Michael Nguyen-Stevenson, both feature in the song and video, although their dress sense isn't really the most fashionable thing around, I wouldn't be seen dead in that, and I would probably laugh inside at such a dreadful clothing outfit if they had walked past me. However, they attract attention straight to Pia Mia, which is probably the idea.

An extremely catchy song that definitely gets me on the dance floor in any club. Yet the video fails to stay in my memory, and what should have been an amazing dance choreographed sequence not only falls short but isn't even good. This should've been a lot better.

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New Release: Dorian Featuring Alexandra Stan - Motive

September 27, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

HaHaHa Production collaborates with Global Records to make this amazing Romanian duet which has got me reminiscing of Morandi Featuring Inna "Summer In December". These songs are in no way similar, even though fans of Inna and Alexandra Stan seem to make out there is some sort of competition, but there really is not. Maybe it's too late for Romanian music to make an impact in the western world, what with all these amazing songs sifting under the radar, but if it's happened once, it can happen again. Inna is on top form, and Alexandra Stan is not far behind, both girls are leading the way, proving you can be successful, They both deserve to chart here in the western world and it's such a shame they aren't. This is another hit that just fails to chart.

Dorian, real name Dorian Micu, is an up and coming Romanian artist, and have released a fair few singles. Very active on social media, he will soon be charting in his own country, I foresee, he is talented to say the least, and to bag Alexandra Stan, as well, to feature is an honour. She has been on top form since the whole fiasco with her manager/ex-boyfriend, and her song "Thanks For Leaving" pushed that problem out of her life. Although she hasn't come into prominence recently, her collaboration with Inna & Daddy Yankee on "We Wanna" definitely hasn't gone amiss. I wouldn't be surprised if her third album does well worldwide, let's just hope we don't wait too long. Motive, written by Andrei Mihai, Dorian Micu and Elena Morosanu, is in their native tongue, and is beautifully and emotionally sung. It is about not knowing how you feel in a relationship and maybe it is too late to get past the hurt and confusion.

The video, directed by Ionuț Trandafir, reflects the song well. Clearly Dorian and Alexandra Stan have had an argument and he's stormed out, into his car and is driving away, whilst Alexandra Stan throws a cushion.

It's clear they both don't know what to do. She doesn't run after him, so maybe she hasn't fallen too hard for him, and he is driving whilst rapping.

I think Alexandra Stan looks a bit like Davina McCall only with blonde hair, when she's on the bed, however Alexandra Stan has had a new hair cut which looks good. Her performance piece in front of the concrete makes me desperate to see her live, so effortless in her moves with so much feeling. She can definitely sing, and I hope I get to see her live in the future.

She made this song, let's be honest, without her vocals this wouldn't have worked out that good. The video fails to be memorable and exciting, relying on both artists presence and demeanour, as well as lacking visually, however the narrative succeeds, if only slightly.

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Jonni's Holiday: 6 nights out, out of 8 + Met Carly Rae Jepsen & Verne Troyer

September 26, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I was on holiday last week. Spent my time up in Stoke-on-Trent at Staffordshire University for Freshers Week. I had a brilliant time, was great catching up with all my friends, clubbing almost every night, meeting new friends and just having the perfect drunken holiday.

I do wish I was still a student. However I can't keep looking back. I have to live in the now and look towards the future.

Friday 18th September, I met Carly Rae Jepsen. She was so adorable, I just wanted to stay talking to her forever. She performed at HMV on Oxford Street, an intimate acoustic gig, where there were about 150 people in the audience. She sung "Run Away With Me", "Your Type" and "I Really Like You" before signing CDs in a meet and greet as well as posing for photos.


I also met Verne Troyer at LRV, Staffordshire University's Club on campus, on the 13th September.

My last night out was spent at Gossip, one of my favourite gay clubs in the country, if you are ever in Stoke-on-Trent, you have to give it a go at least. And you just have to try their alcoholic ice slushies, perfect for drinking on the dance floor so you don't get too hot!

Inna Featuring Eric Turner - Bop Bop

September 12, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I always end up reviewing Inna when I haven't come up with a video to review. Officially the biggest eastern European act, Inna has had hits all over the world. The video keeps her class, in a high-end fashion show, and she manages to not only stay sexy, put pull all the outfits off. There's also choreography, which I've been hoping for in an Inna music video.

Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has had four chart hits in the UK, her first single "Hot" is what made me become a fan of her, and I will always be one of her club rockers. This single, written by Eric Turner, Carl Bjorsell, Thomas Troelsen, Marcel Botezan, Sebastian Barac and Julimar J-Son Santos, is energetic and is definitely one of my get-ready songs as I get ready for a party or a predrinks. It's one I sneakily add to a playlist, and as with any Inna song, people enjoy it. The song features Eric Turner, who collaborated with Avicii, in the past, with "Dancing In My Head" (amazing video if you haven't seen it), he is rarely known in music and is the lead singer in the band Street Fighting Men. He seems relaxed when it comes to music as if he is content with who he is and where he is.

The video is definitely fashion involved. Directed by Dimitri Caceaune, John Perez and David Gal, it contains fashion objects such as old televisions and lipstick props as well as microscopic lenses, which makes this stand out entirely.

I love the use of the mirror, I love how they include Inna being sexy as always, with a confidence air about her. She credited desire, Marni, Givenchy, HBA HOOD by Air, Balmain, KTZ, Ashish, Pierre Hardy and Pas du Tout for designing the outfits she wore.

Eric Turner also makes an appearance through the TV screens, which does remind me of Pitbull's appearance in her "Good Time" video as well as Flo Rida's appearance in The Saturday's "Higher".

Authentic and fashionable to an end where you would not be seen on the streets wearing half the stuff shown, it works well and surprisingly relates to the song. The choreography isn't in depth enough, yet works well with the fashion side of the video, and surely you want to learn it too and get involved.

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New Release: RHODES + Birdy - Let It All Go

September 11, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

As soon as I heard this track was released this week, I HAD to review this music video. I came across it on YouTube after searching for Birdy's "Wings" song, and I saw the colourful thumbnail and knew this was going to be on my blog at one point. Colourful and on point the video shows the passion that isn't displayed in a narrative.

RHODES, real name David Rhodes, has appeared out of no where, amongst others who seem popular from London Grammar to Rufus Wainwright, from Laura Marling to Daughter, this style of music is really making an impact on the charts, and this collaboration is definitely going to further his career. Birdy, real name Jasmine van der Bogaerde has had a string of hits in the UK, mostly known for "Skinny Love" and most recently "Wings", she has yet to get a top five hit, although with a voice like hers, and the right collaboration or song, she will, most definitely, hit the top spot. At the moment she has yet to make the impact that we're all expecting from her.

Directed by Sing J. Lee, the video engages with the colourful forest and the use of the northern/southern lights used in the sky. I like the camera work on it, if only there were a forest like that, which were sunny, clearly it's cold with what they are wearing.

Birdy fails to perform, she looks like she's just singing and uncomfortably makes you wonder if you want to see her live, he vocal range is phenomenal, but I want more from her, especially in a music video.

Surprisingly RHODES stands out compared, and definitely becomes the star of the video. His voice travels across well, but it's his performance piece that makes you realise he means what he is singing.

Overall, great use of colour, I want to visit this forest, if only it was real. RHODES outshines Birdy, and yet there's just something completely lacking in the video on the whole.

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Pixie Lott - Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)

September 10, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Honestly, how have I not reviewed this music video before now? Pixie Lott's debut single and video is the Pixie we all loved. The video is sneaky, cheeky, sexy and on point, how can it not be with this amazing choreography, which was all the range back in 2009, who doesn't remember doing that clap dance on your legs whilst in school?

Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, has got three UK number ones under her belt, this one, "Boys and Girls" and "All About Tonight". It's been a while since she's been anywhere near the top spot, she needs something new, fresh and exciting. Something people will like and something that revisits her first two singles. Written by Mads Hauge and Phil Thornalley, this is the song that made me a fan of Pixie Lott. The song is still catchy today, and she sings about sneaking out of the house and meeting up with a guy and what her parents would do if they ever found out.

The video contains everything, it's chaotic and hectic yet absolutely perfect, Trudy Bellinger did a good job directing this.

First is the bed scene, works well as it's a way of sneaking out, almost as if Pixie Lott escapes to some dream world, the feathers, the mattresses, the bedding, so fantastical. I liked the little inclusion of the metaphorical black butterflies from the lyrics appearing in the video

Next the bed leads to a locker room, always known as a prep room, it always precedes something important, such as a workout in a gym, a swim in a pool, any sport activity from football to tennis. The girls prep for what is about to come. The styling is great, the red outfit for Pixie Lott suggests she's being naughty, compared to the good girl innocence in her bed.

They enter the dance arena where the guys pull up on Ducati motorcycles. Pixie Lott squares up to the leader of the guys (anyone know who he is, please tell below), and start the dance battle. It reminds me of the start of a basketball game. The dance off is sexual and concise, clearly a lot of practise went into this choreography, and it paid off, come on Pixie Lott, show off your dance ability in a new music video.

The dance off is won by the girls with a backhand to the lead male from Pixie Lott who then rides a motorcycle back to her bed, before her parents find out. The sneaking around reminds me a lot of Christina Milian's "Am to Pm". This is what Pixie Lott is missing, and she needs to make a new impact when she next returns to music.

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Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep Is Your Love

September 09, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Just when I think I'll get a relatable narrative, I'm disheartened. Like what is this? Surely it's an advertisement for Herbal Essences shampoo, yet I'm dumbstruck that this is a music video, like seriously?

Calvin Harris, real name Adam Wiles, is one guy that will always be in the UK charts, he has made a name for himself and with a few number ones behind him, he isn't going anywhere. This is his most recent single and collaboration. Disciples are a trio consisting of Nathan Duvall, Gavin Koolmon and Luke McDermott. They have had a previous hit the uk chart called "They Don't Know", but this is the song that has pushed them into international fame. Where they will go next is what we're all wondering. How Deep Is Your Love was written by Calvin Harris, Gavin Koolmon, Duville Lane, Luke Mac, Johannes J. and Ina Wroldsen. The latter is the vocalist on the track, a much improvement from her song "Aliens", not going to lie. Yet uncredited, unfortunately, however she has made a name for herself in the songwriting world, could she be a best selling artist? If she goes for it, with songs like this, she definitely can. Catchy and personal, this song is deeply emotional, yet it is perfect for parties and clubbing.

I am so disappointed in this video, the song is amazing, yet it only reached number 2 on the UK chart, would a better music video have pushed it that little bit more? I agree with the YouTube comments about it being a hair commercial rather than a music video.

Directed by Emil Nava, the video stars model Gigi Hadid. Gigi wakes up on an operation table, she reminds me of the robots from the TV series Humans. Yet instead of continuing this possible idea, the video pushes aside any narration.

Gigi Hadid ends up flicking, tossing and touching her hair, whilst her surroundings change. Not only is this not a representation of life, if only we could all be whisked away on a yacht in the middle of the sea just by touching our hair, but it fails to connect at all with the song. This is not what I was expecting when I came to watch this, and although this will interest some people, they could've done a lot more, and it's not something people would go out of their way to watch repeatedly.

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Pixie Lott - Lay Me Down

September 08, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This is definitely one of my favourite Pixie Lott songs along side "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" and "Boys and Girls", yet this is her worst chart performance on the UK singles chart, apart from "Caravan of Love", but I think we should all forget about that cover version. A sultry, sexy music video that relates well with the song, but could the video have been better?

Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, needs to pull something out the bag soon. It's been a year since her self-titled third album, and her greatest hits "Platinum Pixie" didn't do well either. I will always be a fan of hers, I just feel the songs that actually mean things to her aren't chart hits. But this one should've been. Written by Ashton Parsons, Matt Parad and Adam Pallin, the song is catchy and exciting, emotional and enticing. Definitely sultry and sexy, hence the video.

Directed by Ben Falk, the video shows Pixie Lott looking hot, slim and sexy. Not a lot is happening, and it isn't much of a performance piece either, what with her just singing and looking attractive and seductive.

The video looks a bit dated, which seemed to be the intent, and most of the budget was probably spent on that yacht in the middle of the ocean.

I think a lead male would've made this video a little more narrative and therefore interesting, but there is a lack of everything. It's like someone with a lot of money has made their own music video, and it doesn't work.

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Chart Mondays: Justin Bieber - What Do You Mean?

September 07, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Thanks for this Justin Bieber, I am definitely expecting nightmares tonight. And if a guy ever did that to me, he would be dumped on the spot, not going to lie. So Justin Bieber is back, and his beliebers have finally got him to the top of the charts, That is right, Justin Bieber has his first UK number one!

Just like Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber knows exactly what he is doing, gain press, become a big known star in the media for doing stupid things and then BANG! Here's your number one single. This worked for them both. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mason Levy. It's infinitely catchy, and is currently stuck in my head, no wonder it got to number one, but I much prefer "Boyfriend" if I'm honest.

Directed by Brad Furman, the video is something that will be remembered. I was a little worried what Justin Bieber was going to do, especially since you can't really blame the girl when she doesn't even know what she wants herself.

The video stars John Leguizamo and Xenia Deli, the former is a well known actor, and Justin Bieber pays him to kidnap him and Xenia Deli, it's a way to make her trust him and I guess it works as she jumps off the building with him and then lands at a party full of skaters.

Still if someone did that to me, they'd be dumped on the spot, just saying, and then I'd enjoy myself at the party. Justin Bieber even has a go on the skateboard. Overall, it's everything I want in a video, and a great song to go with it, how can I not give it this rating?

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Steve Grand - Time

September 06, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I thought I'd continue on from Troye Sivan's "Wild" with Steve Grand's most recent single, which actually displays a gay kissing scene. Full of emotion with a full narration that keeps us engaged. What more can we ask for from a Steve Grand music video?

Steve Grand has recently been in the media as he has accepted Marine Tanner White's invitation as his date to the 2015 Marine Corps Ball on YouTube. Steve Grand first came to my attention in one of my magazines after "All-American Boy" became popular. Since then I have followed his career and he is such a genuinely nice guy, I can't wait to see where his career takes him.

This music video is exactly what I'm looking for, Perfect narrative, and an emotional performance. Although the video seems low budget, it contains everything I want.

The narrative follows Steve Grand as he tries to work out when the next train is. When he asks, he finds out he's got two hours until the next one. The guy, played by Daniel Williams, offers to grab food with him, which leads to their first date. If only we all could find a guy at the train station.

They get into a relationship and it goes as far as them moving in together. But then his on screen boyfriend is seen talking to another lad, where it ends in a break-up. We then learn it was all in his mind, and it's his negativity that put the scene in his head, just like we all have. But my mind always has a happy ending, and my reality doesn't, especially lately.

The performance side is emotional and full of feeling. Seeing Steve Grand live is a dream of mine, I could imagine it would be quite a performance.

The real question is whether he actually caught the train? Well, along with: Is the guy he's catching food with gay or straight or bi? And, do they have a happy ending? We all want a happy ending don't we? Love this video, and cannot wait for Steve Grand's next music video, and I want new music soon! Don't let me down Steve Grand!

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Troye Sivan - Wild

September 05, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Before today, I had no idea who Troye Sivan was, but I must've been living under a rock. Thanks to Gay Times and Attitude's facebook statuses, this video popped up on my news feed twice. Now you all know how I love Basshunter's music videos that continued the storyline of him and Aylar Lie, well Troye Sivan is doing the exact same, in three parts. Blue Neighbourhood here we all come.

Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, is an out gay YouTuber, singer and actor. He's 20 years old, and from Australia. He's very cute, not going to lie. He's got an incredible voice, move out the way Steve Grand, I think I've just found my new favourite gay singer. "Wild" is taken from his most recent EP of the same name.

This is the sort of music video I love to watch. Something that tells a story line. I love the flashbacks, children are so innocent, and I really miss those days, not having to worry about anything, unless you did something bad. Instead the two children don't do anything bad, it's the drunken dad.

I love the emotional piece, at first I thought Troye Sivan was singing whilst resting his head on a pillow, it soon turns out that he's cuddling a guy, who we presume is the other child in the video, is this a reality or some dream? Clearly something personal happened in Blue Neighbourhood, and I can't wait to see where it will go.

There's a few snapshots of the future, a little scene on the beach, at the start, someone dressed in a suit, someone running... Is this something to come in parts 2 and 3? I'm excited for the story to continue. Although Troye Sivan has made me a little jealous, I miss having someone there to care for me, I miss my cuddles and kisses, but most of all I miss having someone else in my life. Although I'm not ready for anything again, not just yet.

Full of emotion, heart-breaking for some, and powerful, this music video isn't shy of anything. Troye Sivan is really paving the way. The emotion reminds me of Steve Grand's "All American Boy". I cannot wait for part two of Blue Neighbourhood.

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New Release: Sage The Gemini Featuring Nick Jonas - Good Thing

September 04, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Been ill for a week, hence why I haven't blogged, but I'm back now, with this surprising collaboration. Is this Nick Jonas' attempt at getting into rap and hip hop? Because it is a complete fail. Who is Sage the Gemini anyway? A typical music video featuring a lot of girls in a forest similar to Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda", with two singers who are ecstatic to be surrounded by all these women, only Nick Jonas looks more focused on singing and performing, whereas Sage the Gemini looks obsessed with the girls in the video. Reminds me a lot of Justin Timberlake's collaborations.

The Jonas Brothers broke up in 2013, and Nick Jonas has gone solo. His recent singles have done well in the UK. But this one isn't making an impact on the iTunes chart all that much. Could it be due to the shoddy release date? Amazon, HMV and 7digital released it three weeks ago, yet on iTunes it was pushed back until now. I surely haven't heard it on the radio, although it is kind of catchy.

Sage the Gemini, real name Dominic Woods, has had an all right career in the US. He has previously charted all over the world in a collaboration with Flo Rida and Lookas on the track "G.D.F.R.", but it'll be interesting if he has another hit.

Here is another typical music video, where girls are parading around wearing very little, we've seen this hundreds of times in rap and hip hop music videos, and yet a music video has failed to stand out above the rest.

Even the forest isn't a new thing as Nicki Minaj has done it before. Is there anything original about this video? Not really, and that is what really disappoints me as the song is on the catchy side.

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