Chart Mondays: MNEK & Zara Larsson - Never Forget You

November 30, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Again Justin Bieber's still at number one, with "Sorry", which currently doesn't have a music video, and so Chart Mondays is open to any of the top 10. I have very little choice now that I've reviewed almost all the music videos in the top 10 singles chart. This one is currently at number seven, and I can totally see why it charted so high. MNEK is back, looking cool and calm as usual in a brilliant performance piece which showcases Zara Larsson perfectly, it's accompanied with a perfect narrative which definitely reminds me of The Gruffalo, sweet, innocent and isolated. A perfect peaceful endearing story line.

MNEK, real name Uzo Emenike, has been tackling the charts for a while, he is mostly known for his feature on Gorgon City's "Ready For Your Love", which got to number four in the UK. This single peaked at number five, which is still considered good. It is a collaboration with Zara Larsson, who is from Sweden and has had many hits over there. This is her first single to chart here in the UK, and my guess is that it won't be her last. Sweden is really coming a long way when it comes to music, and I wouldn't be surprised if a lot more Swedish artists appeared in our charts sometime soon. The song is written by Zara Larsson, MNEK and Astronomyy.

The music video was directed by Richard Paris Wilson. The narrative definitely reminds me of The Gruffalo story by Julia Donaldson. A young girl meets a creature she wants to spend time with, it is believed the creature is imaginary, and as she gets older she dreams and imagines being with him till the end of time. She never forgets him as she gets older and she continues to spend time with him as she continues to grow.

The performance side is on point. Zara Larsson definitely outshines MNEK. She is a new artist, and she is a vision when she sings. MNEK, however, manages to portray the song perfectly. Both would definitely be good to see live.

Overall, an amazing song sung perfectly by these two artists. The music video is a little on the weird side, but it's sweet, endearing and definitely relates to the song.
Buy on iTunes

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Sam Callahan - Bigger Things

November 29, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Sam Callahan is back with a rockier sound, which is totally working for him. He has been going for a number of years, he appeared in some of my gay magazines which is where I spotted him, he became my Artist of the Month back in February 2013. He then went on The X Factor, and gained more fans to add to his Callafan army, who have supported him a lot. This is Sam Callahan's first release since finishing The X Factor, he looks cool and calm, with and emotional vocals and a perfect narrative video to accompany the song.

Sam Callahan has finally released his EP today, and this is the lead single from it. He previously released "Runaway Train" and "Crazy" which are no longer available on iTunes. He's rendition of "We'll Be Coming Back" is still one of my all-time favourite covers ever sung. I really do hope the best for his career, however I'm disappointed in his team for releasing this song on a SUNDAY! Are they not aware that New Music Fridays (NMF) has come in, where singles are released on a Friday, and that the chart is also released on a Friday to coincide with the NMF. The chances of this charting is little to none, and the iTunes chart proves this too, as he isn't anywhere near the top 1000, let alone the top 100. And the very little amount of YouTube views of his music video also shows how many people know about his EP. He's been promoting the song through school gigs, but this is clearly not working. He needs to up his promotion if he wants a good chance in the music industry. I really hope he doesn't fall like all the previous X Factor stars. I know he has the vocals and the star power to do it, he just needs more promotion, and a perfect song like "We'll Be Coming Back".

This is directed by Harvey Lewis, the narrative features a guy and a girl (Joe Ashman and Grace Walsh respectively) who are in a relationship that is rocky at best. It reminds me of Aylar Lie's relationship with Lucas Thorheim in Basshunter's "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted".

They go away on a beach holiday and they're all loved up, but it soon ends with her being upset that some girl is texting him. They meet up once again and hug and say that they love each other. A typical relationship story, that works really well with the song.

Disappointingly Sam Callahan lets the whole thing down, he appears in some of the scenes singing the song, much like Basshunter appeared in his two videos. Sam Callahan, however, doesn't make me want to see him live, which is a slight surprise since he's nailed all his previous performance scenes in his previous music videos. Is this song something he hasn't got his heart in? Or is there something else we don't know? Fingers crossed his second music video is better (that's if he continues to release music). Personally, I think it's his time, he just needs that hit song, to get everyone talking.
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Fleur East - Sax

November 28, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



We have all been awaiting this video since the single dropped and I can't help feeling a little on the disappointed side. Been a fan of Fleur East since she appeared on The X Factor. Since then she has grown as an artist, and her first single since finishing second on The X Factor is one catchy song, this is my JAM in a club! Fleur East shines throughout the video, looking a bit like a celebration, a quality street and a heroes sweet you find in the sweet tubs, she throws in a tonne of effort for the choreography, leaving us with a show that is flawless.

As previously mention, Fleur East came second on The X Factor, just behind winner Ben Haenow. The 11th series gave us those two stars as well as Andrea Faustini, Jake Quickenden, Lauren Platt, Only The Young and Stereo Kicks. "Sax" was written by Fleur East, Edvard Førre Erfjord, Henrik Michelson, James Abrahart and Camille Purcell. Inspired by "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson, the song is infinitely catchy, and I cannot help but dance to it. I just want to go clubbing every time I hear it. It is now being used for the Asda Christmas commercial.

The music video was directed by award winning Colin Tilley, he directed Nick Jonas' "Levels", Tulisa's "Live It Up", Cheryl's "Crazy Stupid Love" and JLS's "She Makes Me Wanna". So surely he can bag an amazing video right?

Wrong. I wouldn't go as far as saying this was amazing. This has a killer dance choreography. One that makes me on my feet prepared to learn it. I already have the "get loose" section down to a tee. Probably the only bit I'm going to learn and nail.

Fleur East does her best to look incredible. The spotlight is on her, and she is looking mighty fine and damn well sexy. She pulls off the dance moves as if they're nothing, and although her clothing looks like a sweet wrapper, she still shines through.

However there is no saxophone in sight, no narrative to the story, and that changing background is definitely off putting. It's almost as if there wasn't much budget for the music video, and yet we don't need it with an amazing choreographed dance routine and a perfect smash hit of a song. Do we really need a perfect video on top?
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New Release: Sandi Thom - Earthquake

November 27, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



The UK hates a whiner, let's be honest, and Sandi Thom, real name Alexandria Thom, has hit the headlines with a video she posted on FaceBook about how upset she is that Radio 2 decided not to play this song. She claims the pop song has everything they needed. What's surprising is that she's chasing an old fashioned way of getting music out to the public, whereas her only number one single got to the top of the charts thanks to the internet. Radio has fought off many technological advances and is still the main game changer when it comes to chart hits. Sandi Thom may have made a 360 degrees music video, and a pop song that is worthy of radio play, but it's definitely not a stunner or extremely catchy, and the video follows suit failing to entertain and make us watch.

Sandi Thom's career is spiralling down and down, unable to gain the sales she needs. I remember buying "I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)". An extremely catchy tune, that even when heard now, we still sing-a-long to. This is what she is missing, she needs a song that's catchy for this century. Earthquake fails because it feels like an old song, one you probably would've played ten years ago.

Annoyingly the video also seems ten years old too. Directed by Gev Miron, Ian Fisher and Sandi Thom. The latter wrote on the YouTube description that it's "shot using Go Pro cameras and the latest 360 technology the video is designed to be interactive and allows the viewer to navigate around the room using their curser or tilting their mobile device" (Sic).

So the video contains four characters all played by Sandi Thom. I'm going to name each one of them and review them that way. Number one is Confident. Moving to the right is number two Dancer. Number three I'm going to name Blondey and number four is going to be called Punk Rocker.

Right... Confident is sassy. But mainly performs the song sitting in a chair, in this roof room. She is currently pregnant, and she is glowing, you can tell. And I wish her the best for her baby, which is due in March 2016.

Dancer has her own little wooden stage to perform on. Disappointingly, she is wearing the same dress and shoes. Tied up her hair and changed jackets, not my idea of a different character, more like trying to cheat. There's no choreographed dance routine, just a lot of simple moves anyone can pull off, failing to entice the audience into watching her.

Blondey is also wearing the same dress and shoes. Instead Sandi Thom adorns a blonde wig and a cream coloured jacket. This is more flowy arms and attempt at Arabic dance moves which do not relate to the song at all, do not include dance moves that relate to a certain culture in a song that doesn't, simple. Unless you plan on doing what Inna did for "Yalla" by singing in Arabic.

Punk Rocker also dons the same dress and shoes. This time she has a purple jacket on and her hair has been dyed. This is the most passion we get from Sandi Thom. Without the tricks, without the 360 technology I would've preferred this video to be just us and Punk Rocker, because that is who she is, she's being real and emotional here, she truly is singing the song, believing every word. But the other characters knock this video right down.

Overall I have to applaud Sandi Thom for trying to make this video current, yet it totally fails. YouTube, for starters, can't handle the video that well, and therefore knocks the song from the singing characters, so either that is the fault of the person who tried to line up her lip-syncing to the audio, or it's because the video is using 360 technology. This is a definite no-no when it comes to music videos. Plus the style looks totally old school. The roof has boxes everywhere and I feel like I'm watching some poorly low budgeted 80's music video. It's just completely awful. Sandi Thom's career is spiralling right down, and there is no rope for her to catch, no ledge to grip on to, and her parachute is not working either. Can she ever come back from this. Probably not.
Buy on iTunes

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Nathan Sykes - Born To Dance

November 26, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments




I cannot believe I found this little gem. Today was difficult, since it's a Thursday, it means revisit time... Yet none of the artists I have reviewed this week have a music video released in 2009 or earlier. Until I found out that Nathan Sykes entered Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2004, and also released this song as a promotional single, not that I can find it available to buy anywhere. This is the only video I can find too. Nathan Sykes proves he can dance in sync with this video, vocals may not be on point, but they don't matter since he is looking adorable, he has grown into one hot guy now.

Nathan Sykes had won a few awards and competitions by this point, and so taking his chances with Eurovision, might not have served him good. In recent years I have become obsessed with Eurovision, many countries take it so seriously, and it's about time the United Kingdom stopped joking around and started to take it seriously too, the competition is not what it used to be, credible acts get sent there and the rightful winner wins, not because of neighbour voting or countries past conflict, and the voting proves that as each year passes, sometimes shocking us. Nathan Sykes came third in the UK selection behind unheard names Cory Spedding and Andrew Merry (the latter became part of The Risk on The X Factor Series 8, which have disbanded). Will Nathan Sykes take a shot at the main contest in the next few years? Or was this something he didn't care all that much about? We do need a credible act to represent us soon.

This is a full performance video, no official music video was released, and so I have the video that is of the UK's selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2004, which was shown on ITV2.

A typical kids song, with typical kids dance moves incorporated into a choreography, that isn't so bad when watched again.

Good staging, although not that impressed with his fashion choices. Nathan Sykes wasn't exactly Born To Dance, but definitely born to sing, his music career has only just started and he has definitely improved because "Over And Over Again" is a stunner!
"Nathan Sykes 2012" by Joella Marano - Nathan Sykes. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nathan_Sykes_2012.jpg#/media/File:Nathan_Sykes_2012.jpg
"Nathan Sykes 2012" by Joella Marano

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Troye Sivan - TALK ME DOWN

November 25, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



You all knew this was coming, and I've been worried about reviewing it, what happens if it doesn't live up to "Wild" and "Fools"? What if I don't like the ending? It's the end of the Blue Neighbourhood videos, part 3/3, with a cliffhanger to boot, Troye Sivan do not let this be the end! Sad, depressing, upsetting and a little bit sexy, a short narrative this time that ends this little series, Troye Sivan is looking dapper, how can the other guy turn him down? Just come to me Troye Sivan, any day you want.

Troye Sivan, real name Troye Mellet, is all set to release his debut album "Blue Neighbourhood" on the 4th December 2015. And I am so ready to buy it off iTunes. His EPs and singles have charted well in the UK, Australia and the US, but will his album top the charts? I surely hope so, but he has stiff competition. Personally he has become an idol in the LGBT world, and I'd have definitely come out sooner if I had had him as someone to look up to. He's influential and a total inspiration, and I'll never stop supporting him.

This final part in his music video series is set at a funeral, it's directed by Tim Mattia.

The funeral is for the other guy's father who was a drunk in "Wild" who also beat him up, who was homophobic as well, which we saw in "Fools". With him gone you would think he would get back with Troye Sivan.

This is not the case and he is still influenced by his father's opinions and expectations, it's so sad that he lets his father still control him.

The cliffhanging ending is devastatingly tragic. I'd never wish that on anyone, although I also think Troye Sivan is a fool to still want him back, just no! Move on and leave him behind, he made his bed and he needs to deal with it. Or not. Yet love is love, and no one can help how they feel towards someone.
Buy on iTunes

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Megan Landry - Wallpaper

November 24, 2015 Critic Jonni 1 Comments



Suggestion time! Megan Landry commented on my suggestions page and posted a link to one of her own music videos, risky but clever. First off I want to say sorry it took me eight months before actually reviewing it, but I've been blogging infrequently this year, and only recently started publishing daily, and I only just checked my suggestions and I saw it there. Powerful, innocent and deep, Megan Landry shows us, that as children, we are influenced easily whilst growing up, what we saw, listened to and where we grew up could influence where we are now and who we are, and yet it's us that gets us here. Every person we pass was just a child, like the ones featured in the video.

Megan Landry, 19, is from Ottawa, Canada. She has a total of 20 videos on her YouTube channel, over 8,000 subscribers, and plenty of songs on iTunes. Recently she has released "Stills", her debut album. Her voice is powerful, authentic in a current way, and her songs are clearly filled with passion. The way she is going, all she needs is more promotion, and she'll be topping charts around the world. Watch out for this girl, if she doesn't become something soon, the music industry will be missing someone amazing!

The music video was self-made, directed by Megan Landry, she proves she has the perfect ideas to go with the perfect songs.

The start is insightful, little clips that show what is happening in the world, it's explained later, showing what the children probably became. With this sort of stuff surrounding them it's not surprising.

Children are so innocent, and I totally do miss those days. This really packs a punch and make you see how influence can shape a person, how everyone you pass and meet all were just as innocent as you once were.

As for the performance side, Megan Landry is strong, full of emotion, and intense, reminding me of Diana Vickers. Her voice is perfect and she hits all the notes. The video interprets the song just right, this is one low-budget video that I won't be forgetting because it's so good! Just as a side note, the girl is using a vapour cigarette and not a real one, obviously.
Buy on iTunes

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Chart Mondays: One Direction - Perfect

November 23, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Adele's "Hello" has finally been knocked off the number one spot... By Justin Bieber with "Sorry"... Only that has yet to have an official music video; leaving me, once again, with my chart Mondays open to the top 10. The top five, unfortunately, are either filled with videos I have reviewed or they don't have one. With little to choose from, I chose this one because I feel that One Direction have totally upped their game since Zayn Malik left the band. Classy and stylish, One direction shows what perfect means to them, which is trouble in hotel rooms, little rendez vous and going places you can't pronounce.

One Direction now consists of Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. Since becoming a four-piece they have definitely had much more catchy songs, so it's no wonder they chart so highly. This follow-up to "Drag Me Down" is a perfect ballad, that you can't help but sing-a-long to. Written by Jesse Shatkin, Jacob Kasher, John Ryan, Maureen Anne McDonald (MoZella), Julian Bunetta, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson.

Here are the boys in black and white... They come across classy, but it's rare for me to approve of this setting on a music video. It was directed by Sophie Muller.

The video shows the boys lives whilst on tour and what they do in their spare time. Links in well with the song in the aspect of the hotel corridors and they also doing things they shouldn't, like playing football indoors.

Relaxed and fun, the band really perform and proves that they are good to see live. They capture the essence of themselves, their own individualities and an attempt at a look-in of One Direction as a whole, some may say their lives are perfect.

Simple, easy, tiring; the black and white effect does not help this video at all, and has definitely taken one star off this video. All four guys are again singing to one girl, very similar to their debut "What Makes You Beautiful", however have to hand it to them, everything else is just fine, not great and definitely not perfect.
Buy on iTunes

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Galantis - Peanut Butter Jelly

November 22, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Their follow up to "Runaway (U & I)", which can also be heard at the start of the video, is this amazing smash of a song, with a music video that has got everyone talking, who doesn't want peanut butter jelly now? Galantis is impacting the charts well, and with videos like this, sexy, fun, full of cultural diversity and full of variety, they are appealing to everyone; I'm expecting many more hits.

Galantis consist of Christian Karlsson (Bloodshy) and Linus Eklöw. The former has won multiple awards including an Ivor Novello for Britney Spears' "Toxic", he is also one half of Bloodshy & Avant and part of Miike Snow. The latter is most commonly known as Style of Eye, and has remixed a lot of well known tracks. In this collaboration, they have come together and are charting globally. Written by Phillip Hurtt, the song samples Bettye Swan's "Kiss My Love Goodbye".

This is the sort of supermarket I want to walk into, Galantis please take me here, I want to strut around dancing to your track in the middle of the aisles! The awesome video is directed by Dano Cerny.

The video starts off normally, the typical people you see around a supermarket, yet it advances to something so much more when the beat kicks in. Strangers clothes are whipped off by an invisible source and they're dancing in tight bodysuits. It's like an infectious wave and as the music continues and the dancing becomes more sexualised, more and more people transform into confident dancers.

What more can I say really? It's nothing normal, it's got everyone talking, got everyone praying this would happen in real life and cheer grocery customers up, yet it seems totally random, Although the song is sexualised, the video follows suit. Great catchy song, and a very surprising interpretation into a video, that none of us saw coming. The video features Jillian Sipkins, who is the girl on the roller skates.
Buy on iTunes

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Shawn Mendes - Stitches

November 21, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Saw this for the first time today on the music channels, I hadn't even heard this song before today and yet I just had to review this video. Just an invisible ex beating him up, a ghosty ex, or him beating himself up where the relationship went wrong? Either way Shawn Mendes shines through wishing I was the one healing Shawn Mendes.

Shawn Mendes first came to light on Vine, singing covers of songs. He soon became popular and got a record deal. He released an EP, and an album that has done well, and this song is his biggest hit. Most recently he has released a collaboration with Camila Cabello, one fifth of Fifth Harmony, called "I Know What You Did Last Summer". This guy, with this voice, will definitely be in the music charts for some time. Personally he looks a little like Nick Robinson, definitely a dead ringer for him.

Music video was directed by Jay Martin, it's simple. That is the only word to describe it.

Shawn Mendes sings the song in an abandoned car park, and gets beaten up by some unseen person. Figuratively speaking he could be beating himself up after a relationship gone bad, or a ghost has come to get their revenge. Either way it works easily, and definitely stands out; shockingly so.

I do have a slight problem, there is no wall behind him when he gets hit and flies through the air. At first I thought he fell through the car park floor, but I was definitely mistaken by that. So, other than invisible ex's, we also get walls appearing from thin air. The bathroom scene is a little dodgy, where did the bathroom come from? Yet he could've walked to the bathroom, who knows what the car park is attached to, some offices or corporation maybe? They would definitely have bathrooms.

Overall, great music video that definitely stands out on the music channels. An amazing song to go with it too. Dropped one star because of bad continuity edits, there was no wall behind him, just saying.
Buy on iTunes

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New Release: Nathan Sykes - Over And Over Again

November 20, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Nathan Sykes has done something no one else has ever done! First time watching this and tears roll down my cheeks. This video has officially made me cry. A real Romeo and Juliet feel to this video combined with The Notebook, a truly amazing storyline full of love, devotion and such a sweet ending with an emotional song to boot.

Nathan Sykes is one fifth of boy band, The Wanted, who are currently on hiatus. Therefore Nathan Sykes is making a career for himself as a solo artist. His debut single "Kiss Me Quick" hit number 14 on the UK chart, however this follow up single has been played on the radio more often and has got a lot of people talking, and now with a video like this, it's bound to get heaps more attention. The song sounds more like John Legend than Nathan Sykes, but kudos to him for creating an emotional ballad that's bound to be a hit.

Directed by Frank Borin, the narrative side of the video is amazing, I love the old woman, painting scenes in which we get to see, like they're her memories. Going back into the past and watching their dates and how they met. A few errors bring questions up such as the film they see which was released in 2015, along with the smart phone he uses to get her number... Was that on purpose? Suggesting the old woman's memory isn't as accurate?

The young woman is played by MaeMae Renfrow, and they build an amazing on screen relationship, one you can't help but wish you had. As for the performance side of things, Nathan Sykes plays the piano well, and sings well, however there isn't much performance that can happen when one is sat behind a piano. Some people can pull it off such as Avril Lavigne in "Let It Go". Nathan Sykes, take notes.

But who cares about his performance behind the piano? When we have him taking his shirt off in a raunchy scene? This music video has everything I want and more for a song that is full with passion. Beautiful song, perfect video, and teardrops rolling down my cheeks. Nathan Sykes and Frank Borin, what have you done to me and everybody else?
Buy on iTunes

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Martin Solveig & GTA - Intoxicated

November 18, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Right... well... What the hell do I say about this? Martin Solveig continues he's weird and colourful music videos with this out there, confusing and a little pathetic excuse to call a music video, like what is this? Clearly intoxication.

Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, has been trying to globally attack the charts for a while, he is well known for his song with Dragonette "Hello", which only reached number 13 in the UK, however this one has beaten that chart number, peaking at number five. Written by Martin Solveig, Julio Mejia and Matthew Toth, "Intoxicated" is ultimately catchy, perfect for the clubs, and definitely something special. GTA, which is an acronym for Goons Take America, is the collaboration of the latter two songwriters. They are quickly becoming known in the EDM world and have featured on a number of hit songs, I'm expecting more to come.

Weird colourful and bright, Martin Solveig doesn't disappoint in his usual and unsurprising video.

Full of block colours, some ice cream, a bath, some dance off in a boxing arena, and weird badminton, is there anything that isn't weird in this video, but is it intoxicating? Nope.

Martin Solveig is competing against Ed Sheeran for worst looking artist in the music industry, like seriously, why would you dress yourself like that and have hair and a moustache like that? You need some style Martin Solveig and maybe you'll get that number one you so clearly deserve!

Overall a typical video from Martin Solveig, which fails to insight me or make me even watch it again, however amazing song that is definitely my tune in the clubs!
Buy on iTunes

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Troye Sivan - FOOLS

November 17, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Troye Sivan continues his Blue Neighbourhood series with the second instalment to the three part music video, narrative and telling, Troye Sivan melts everyone's hearts connecting straights and gays everywhere, there isn't one person who doesn't at least sympathise but the majority can definitely feel empathy for this as many have been in such a situation. He is one artist leading the way for the LGBT community, and quickly becoming someone people look up to within the gay world. The third video has also been released but for the purposes of my blog I shall review it next week. "Wild" was the first video.

Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, is getting ready to release his debut album called "Blue Neighbourhood". He's 20 years old and of YouTube fame. He is definitely one of my favourite gay singers, and I like how he is easily an inspiration to others. "FOOLS" is written by Troye Sivan, Alex Hope and Pip Norman, it describes how he's feeling about falling for a certain guy, we've all been there, calling ourselves a fool for falling for that guy, it happens to everyone in either a minute way or an extreme way. Troye Sivan turns us all into empathising with him.

The video continues on from "Wild", and I love that the first few scenes contrast. Both acts happen in the same room, one is an act of love and pleasure, whereas the other is an act of violence. Directed by Tim Mattia, the series of music videos easily pull at the heart strings.

Homophobia is a big topic, and kudos for Troye Sivan in tackling it. A lot of people can relate easily, especially me as my dad openly admits he's homophobic, yet no where near as severe as the drunken dad in this video.

As the story continues I can empathise with both main characters, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. The ending is truly sad, although you cannot blame the guy because of his dad and the way he is. Yet the guy isn't being true to himself and locking that closet behind him and swallowing the key. The ending definitely reminds me of Steve Grand's "All-American Boy".

Overall a perfect narrative and great performance scene. Troye Sivan tackles a difficult subject that is rarely talked about. I cannot wait to watch the third instalment, which is totally teased at the end, and if it's anything like this one and "Wild", it's going to be amazing!
Buy on iTunes

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Chart Mondays: KDA Featuring Tinie Tempah & Katy B - Turn The Music Louder (Rumble)

November 16, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Since Adele is still at number one with "Hello". It gives me the chance to review any music video in the top ten. I chose this one due to it has previously been at number one. A simple music video set, with four contrasting rooms, bringing back stripes, polka-dots and all things 00's, Katy B shines out as Tinie Tempah fades into the background. Reminds me of will.i.am's "Scream & Shout" as Britney Spears outshines him just like Katy B is outshining Tinie Tempah.

KDA is an English house DJ and producer, his identity is still unknown, but the song was first known as "Rumble" before Tinie Tempah and Katy B's vocals were added to the song. Tinie Tempah, real name Patrick Okogwu, is on a UK domination, he has had seven UK number ones including this one, and I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps getting to the top spot. As for Katy B, real name Kathleen Brien, this is her first number one. The closest she has ever came to topping the charts was a collaboration with Ms. Dynamite called "Lights On". This has been her recent direction and it's really worked for her, can't wait to see what she releases next.

Reminding me of La Roux's "Bulletproof" mixed with both Kids In Glass Houses' "Gimme What I Want" and Liberty X's "Jumpin'", an '00s idea mixed with a current cast, crew and styling. All directed by Carly Cussen.

Not much to say about this, definitely a performance piece and the camera is on a dolly with a track, hence four different rooms, The choreography is all on point and yet not complicated at all, the three dancers only have one costume, which is slightly disappointing, I think different costume for each set would've been better.

Katy B is wearing something quite revealing and pulls it off amazingly, although I'm not too fond of her blonde wig. Disappointingly contrasts too much with Tinie Tempah's winter clothes, which so does not work on this set whatsoever.

Overall an easy concept; a much done but yet much loved dolly on a track camera movement, seen through films, tv shows, tv adverts and music videos alike; and amazing current stars looking contrastingly stylish.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

The 1975 - Love Me

November 15, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



The guys at work have been talking about this song, singing this song and suggesting I should review it. So here I am and here it is. I have never really like The 1975, although I do agree their songs can be catchy, but I'd never go out of my way to listen to their songs or watch their videos. Glitzy, pop-ish and an attempt to be sexy, The 1975 gives us a video we really want to forget.

The 1975 are a four piece band consisting of Matthew Healy, Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann and George Daniel. They have had mild success in the UK and various other countries, "Chocolate" being their highest charting single. They're the talk of many people and if you have never heard of them, then you must not live in the UK, as they are pretty well known. Their debut album went straight in at number one, and they're hoping their follow-up does the exact same. This is their first single off the new album, a mock of pop music and how they don't like how people can become famous now. Tricks and bending what used to be, all caught up in an 80's feel. Effortlessly catchy even if you don't like the band.

The video follows suit perfectly, giving us the 80's feel, as well as mocking celebrities and their own fans as well as technology such as the selfie stick, a lot of thought clearly went into the video which is directed by Diane Martel.

However it fails to amaze, things are the way they are because it's the 21st century. Guys and girls can be sexy, and Matthew Healy may be mocking that, yet he still pulls it off. The selfie sticks aren't that shocking, and people make such better photos and videos from them. We are not stuck in the old age for a reason.

Drunk and wild, Matthew Healy drinks in front of cardboard cut-outs of well known stars, some from the past, some from the present. As well as including a hot tub, and a guitar on strings. Not something I want to watch again. Mocking can be all good when done properly and light heartedly, yet it seems like they're trying to get a message out at the same time. A messy video at best. At worst, scenes compiled together of a general day in The 1975's life.
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Inna - Yalla

November 14, 2015 Critic Jonni 5 Comments



Inna has a new video, so obviously it will appear on here. Currently the richest Eastern European artist in the world, Inna continues to release music based on her fans, and this is why I like Inna, rather than sticking to one language she has delve into languages from all over the world in her lyrics, exciting her club rockers. Yalla, delves into Arabic, and the video follows suit, set in Marrakesh, Morocco, Inna looks sexy, sultry and playful, Inna as we've always known her as.

Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, continues to release singles from her self titled forth album. Officially this serves as her third single, following "Diggy Down" and "Bop Bop". Written by Marcel Botezan, Sebastian Barac and Nadir Tamuz Augustin, this is a song many artists would be jealous of yet Inna pulls it off to perfection, infusing two languages into one song is difficult enough, but to do it and appeal to people around the world and connecting people is truly a difficult thing to do, especially through music.

The video, directed by John Perez, follows suit and sticks to an Arabian theme. Inna is quite the tease in the video, and her male lead can't keep his eyes off her, clearly, and we can't blame him. Yassir Lamrani Selmane plays the love interest. This is the first Inna male actor we've found the name of, thank you Yassir Lamrani Selmane for contacting me and letting me know that you are the male actor in this video. 

Inna is dancing. This excites me, she rarely danced, we saw a little in "10 Minutes" but it has been something of a rarity in her videos apart from the recent collaboration with Alexandra Stan and Daddy Yankee in "We Wanna", where she proved that she can dance, totally in sync and pull off choreography perfectly. In this video she does the exact same thing, we need more dancing from Inna.

Teasing and sexy, Inna appeals to her Arabian club rockers, and hopefully she has gained more fans in that part of the world. A catchy song that I can't help but sing a long to, as well as a perfect video that is helping her turn into more of a worldwide star, soon enough all she'll have to hit is the Western World, she's done it before, she can surely do it again.
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New Release: Missy Elliott Featuring Pharrell Williams - WTF (Where They From)

November 13, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Missy Elliott is BACK! She has just proved how amazing she is. It's been 15 years since she last released a studio album, She has proven that there's still a spot for her in the music industry with where this song has already placed in the iTunes charts. She will be getting international chart numbers soon, and cementing herself back into the rap genre, but she's never truly left.

Missy Elliott, real name Melissa Elliott, has been working on production work since her last album, a much needed break. Yet this comeback is stylish, perfect and on point, I'm like wow, you go girl! Pharrell Williams is a nice addition to the song, although his appearance doesn't impress me in the slightest.

Directed by Dave Meyers with a surprising come back video, something definitely to get people talking... But lets start off with the marionette puppets, Pharrell Williams clearly was not available for the day and yet they have made it work so good, it has totally got people talking about the music video and not only that it is done so well that you can tell a lot of effort and time has gone into the marionette puppets alone to get them just right, and it works. However, stars that were able to make the video included Les Twins and Sharaya J.

Choreography in the video is also on point, can't have it any other way, and Missy Elliott take centre stage, I just can't believe she's 44 and moving like that, she looks classy, edgy and full of sass, which is exactly what we like to see.

I love this video, although I'm ashamed at them having to resort to marionette puppets because Pharrell Williams wasn't in the video. However, stylish, out there, and definitely a video to remember, with a catchy song to boot. Missy Elliott is finally back, and hitting those chart numbers all over again, I am expecting a number one on the cards soon.
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Suzanne Vega - Luka

November 12, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



After reviewing "Tom's Diner" how could I not review her biggest hit? Especially since it's rare for me to write reviews of old music videos, usually opting for songs that are in the charts now. A music video that subtly relates to the song, filled with simple emotion and understanding.

Suzanne Vega never really did well in the UK, apart from the DNA remix of "Tom's Diner". Otherwise she charted badly considering the year her songs were charting. Nowadays it's an achievement to get those chart numbers. Her biggest hit in the UK was a re-release of her debut single "Marlene on the Wall". She is still releasing music as of today, and her latest album even charted in the UK's top 40. "Luka" was written by Suzanne Vega and is about a boy that used to live across the street from her who always was just different compared to the other children who were playing. In the song the child is abused by a family member, in real life, she believes, Luka was just a normal average kid, only acted differently.

Directed by Michael Patterson and Candice Reckinge, who opted for a blue and white toned video which fails to intensify the video whatsoever.

The actor who plays Luka in the music video is Jason Cerbone. The scenes involve him shutting doors, walking up stairs and being out on the street.

Like I said before, the song speaks for itself, Suzanne Vega's narrative lyrics come across so well, we don't even need a video to interpret the song, however they have done a good job and subtly included the child abuse. The song is so catchy it's stuck in my head, and I am not shocked it charted so well in other countries.
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DNA Featuring Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner

November 11, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



As we all patiently await Giorgio Moroder's music video to his updated version of this song, that features vocals from Britney Spears, I thought I might take a look back at the old music video. Giorgio Moroder's version has been stuck in my head for the past few days, "Tom's Diner" has been released as a single on iTunes, and a lyric video has been uploaded onto YouTube, but whether there will be an actual music video is something we're going to have to wait for.

Originally sung and released by Suzanne Vega who did an a capella version, it was later remixed by DNA in 1990. Rather than take DNA to court for copyright infringement, since DNA used the track without permission, her record label decided to release it as a collaborative effort. Suzanne Vega's version didn't get a music video as it wasn't released as an official single, she had a hit previously with "Luka". DNA did consist of Neal Slateford and Nick Batt, they remixed quite a few songs, however this song became their biggest hit. Just falling short of the number one spot in the UK. Written by Suzanne Vega, it is about grabbing a coffee in Tom's Diner, it's narrative lyrics are full of visual imagery. The DNA remix also contained writers Steve Addabbo and Lenny Kaye.

The music video is very typical of 90's music videos, it's definitely old school.

Certain images link in with the song, but only a few, the rest are totally random. It looks totally low budget even for a 90's music video.

The choreography is tight, and great to watch, it just proves how dancing changes in all the years. However the two dancers nail the moves consistently and in time with one another.

There's not much else I can comment on. Not something I'd go out of my way to watch again, and it fails to promote the song. I have also included Suzanne Vega's original a capella video version below, along with the amazing version by Giorgio Moroder and Britney Spears. We definitely need a music video from the latter!
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JoJo - Say Love

November 10, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



The first time I saw this, I just knew I had to put this on my blog. Amazing, powerful and vocally authentic, JoJo stuns us all with a vocal like no other and an emotionally deep music video we can easily relate to. One third of her tringle, "Say Love" follows "When Love Hurts" and will be preceded by her third and final single from her tringle "Save My Soul".

JoJo is back, with perfect vocal talent. Her tringle has got us all excited for her new album. Real name Joanna Levesque, will finally get a third album release. How dare a record label refuse this brilliant vocal artist from releasing music. With a new label behind her, we are getting these songs. We heard snippets of perfection in her two mixtapes and her EP, yet this tringle has got us all captivated in JoJo once again. "Say Love" was written by Harmony Samuels, Wayne Hector and Chloe Angelides.

Creating a bit of classic JoJo, with the house and the rain. "Too Little Too Late" ring any bells? I loved that song and video so much I even reviewed it twice, by accident obviously. "Too Little Too Late" was definitely the inspiration at the start of this video.

Directed by Patrick "Embryo" Tapu, who also directed "When Love Hurts". Two very different videos. The guy in this video is Sam Kumrine, he plays her love interest.

This one deals with love, how she wants him to tell her things to make her feel special. I know exactly what that is like. Usually the start of any relationship guys tell you you're perfect, that you're beautiful, but they can never keep it up, unless it's real.

Scenically beautiful, powerful and emotional. JoJo shines with her acting experience proving that a ballad is never boring and useless, if you put all your effort into the video, it will come across visually amazing. JoJo is definitely on form lately, and I cannot wait to see the final video. "Save My Soul" has to be just as amazing. Hurry up and release your album JoJo, I'm dying to hear it!
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Chart Mondays: Adele - Hello

November 09, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



This sailed straight into number one in the UK three weeks ago and it's solidly staying put. Adele has promoted this song so much it's unsurprising it impacted the charts this way, managing to be number one in 26 countries so far, with an amazing vocal what do we expect? Adele performs beautifully with an understanding narrative. Adele is truly back!

Adele, real name Adele Adkins, had writing block when it came to this song, however she managed to come back and complete it. She has one of those voices that would sound good singing anything, it has been trained to perfection. The song was co-written with Greg Kurstin. Surprisingly the song isn't about a relationship, although that is what many may interpret it as, but instead is about how everyone is getting older and moving on with their lives, and she wanted to sing a song they will hear, and understand. Vocally amazing, I can't help but fall in love with this song even though I am not at all an Adele fan.

The video was directed by Xavier Dolan, which is based off his semi-autobiographical film J'ai Tué Ma Mère (I Killed My Mother). It was filmed at a farm in Québec and features actor Tristian Wilds (most known for playing Dixon Wilson in 90210, I knew it was him as soon as I saw him).

The start launches into Adele phoning someone and not getting through, having no signal. She pulls curtains down and dusty covers. She has clearly come back to revisit the house of her past.

I love the cuts that intersperse of Tristian Wilds, showing us the past and of the relationship she once had. We all daydream of our past relationships don't we? And how they all went wrong.

Instead of a black & white filter, we have a sepia filter instead, this is mildly better, but still a no-no, it adds very little depth into this video, but I can see why it is used.

Overall not a video I would enjoy watching again, however it looks like it's going to stay atop of the charts so the video is probably playing constantly on music channels, so I'll probably come across it once again. I can't say much bad about this video, other than it is unsurprising and expected. Nothing new, nothing great and nothing to make me go wow. But with a vocally amazing song like this, the video doesn't have to be any of those things.
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Carly Rae Jepsen - Your Type

November 08, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I was going to pick JoJo's "Say Love", however this popped up on my YouTube homepage. I first heard "Your Type" at a Caryl Rae Jepsen acoustic gig (click here for more details) and fell instantly in love with the song (the acoustic version I heard live is below). It was so full of emotion, and it connected with me so much as I can't count the amount of times I've been in the same situation. Tears literally appeared when she was singing this at the gig, it hadn't been long since I broke up with my most recent boyfriend, who would've been at the gig with me if we had still been together. I am delighted to know it's the next single from her amazing album, and I was ecstatic to watch this video. Compassionate and devoted, Carly Rae Jepsen, proves that her music deserves to be heard and that her album isn't called "E•MO•TION" for no reason.

Carly Rae Jepsen is totally underrated, her most recent album under performed on charts globally, although I personally believe it is much better than her second album "Kiss". Third in season five of Canadian Idol, she has gone on to become the most known internationally from the TV show. She's someone everyone still mentions, they know of her, but aren't aware of new music, no matter how much promotion she does, she never is going to get another worldwide hit like "Call Me Maybe". The song was written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk, Wayne Hector and Tavish Crowe.

The music video, directed by Gia Coppola and David Kalani Larkins, the latter being Carly Rae Jepsen's boyfriend, is a new take on this song's meaning.

The song is about falling for a guy who she will never get, as he doesn't see her that way... I'm sure everyone has felt this way, no more than the LGBT people. I have been here plenty of times, myself. The directors have changed the meaning and spun it on Carly Rae Jepsen's music. She was on everyone's lips when "Call Me Maybe" came out, and nowadays people are rarely talking about her, and they wouldn't identify "Run Away With Me" or even this song, on the radio, with her.

She has proven she has matured a lot in the space of an album, and the video shows that too... Still sporting her Joan Jett look she had at the acoustic gig I went to, she feels lost and alone, her headphones get stolen right in front of her nose and at her gig people don't seem interested or recognise her, like many of her fans would. She performs with a band called Escandalosos.

She gets over her nerves, continues on, and the scene changes to her own gig, people start clubbing to "Your Type" which is definitely a confident booster of a song as she makes you realise others are feeling the same way. Carly Rae Jepsen finishes her gig in a much better mood than when she started.

Overall, great narrative full of emotion and meaning, but what do we expect when her album is called Emotion? I would totally buy gig tickets to see her live, if she ever does a tour in the UK. And a brilliant performance piece to match. Can't fault this video.
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Cassadee Pope - I Am Invincible

November 07, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



My go to song when I feel like the world is on top of me, as I previously explained, fitting everything into one day is not exactly easy for me (click here for my blog post), and this song is my feel good song, where I prove everyone wrong. I am invincible. A perfect bully music video, reminding me of Taylor Swift's "Mean". Empowering and inspirational, Cassadee Pope shows that no matter what is going on in your life, anything is possible.

I have rooted for Cassadee Pope ever since she was in rock band Hey Monday. After the band went on hiatus, she entered The Voice, and eventually won, releasing her amazing heartfelt country song "Wasting All These Tears". Country suits her voice and country has accepted her, now she just needs a worldwide hit, and with her vocal range and her emotional lyrics, it's more than possible. The song was written by Brett Boyett and Nash Overstreet. Similar to Rachel Platten's "Fight Song", it's self-empowerment, a song that should've been a hit. It surprisingly wasn't written by Cassadee Pope herself, however her portrayal of the lyrics is completely emotional. She means every word. My go to song to lift my spirits up.

Directed by Roman White, known for his music videos for Carrie Underwood, he has portrayed Cassadee Pope's background. The song is about bullying and not letting anyone put you down, We know this is from Cassadee Pope's personal experiences and this has been perfectly captured in the video.

Bullying is something close to most people, as they have either been through it, received some form of it, or know people whose lives have been totally affected by bullying. I love how it shows Cassadee Pope's childhood, I love the transition of the tattoo, even from that early age, it helps us identify her in different stages of her life.

The performance piece is electrifying, Cassadee Pope please do a tour in the UK, I need to hear your vocals live, and watch you perform on a stage. I truly believe she will become the next big country artist, she has fought for many years to get to where she is now, and with that kind of effort, she deserves much more. Hopefully it'll come sooner than we all think.

Roman White has done a stunning visual with this video, capturing us from the first second to the very last. Hope is a powerful thing, as well as achieving what you set out to do. This video proves that, and helps to communicate the lyrics of the song.
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New Release: WSTRN - In2

November 06, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Okay what have I just watched? Some 90s hip-hop song enveloped in a much worse black and white music video that experiments with crayons. Considering I really wanted to review Fleur East's "Sax", unfortunately there is no music video for that, I am not impressed with watching three friends, rap and sing whilst messing about with colourful crayons.

WSTRN, consisting of Akelle Charles, Haile and Louis Rei, are probably one of these groups who have nabbed a record deal because of who they know rather than their amazing vocals. Their song "In2" does have a catchy one line, however their rapping lyrics are unmemorable. As each new member goes to sing I'm hoping their vocals will get better, but I become more and more disappointed, especially when paired with this music video.

Directed by Sally Sibbet, I feel like I've been transported to the low-budget music video world, ones that decide to entertain the audience with bad visuals and camera work as well as effects that just fail.

This explains entirely why I hate black and white music videos, someone explain to me why it's in black and white, other than to empahsise the crayon visual effect.

The crayon idea works well in some cases, yet it is both overused and some scenes just infuriate me as there is clearly no need for it and it does not relate whatsoever. What on earth were these guys thinking?

Catchy song yet annoyingly so. WSTRN is one group that probably will not be around longer than a couple of years. "In2" will sadly become a hit, the only one from this group. As for the music video, I'd be happy never to see it again.
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Where Has Jonni Been: Work, Job Applying, Nikki Grahame, Pride Bracelet and Halloween

November 06, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I've been a bit inactive lately on here, so I thought I'd give you all a little insight into my chaotic life.


First off I'm taking extra shifts at work to get more money. Roughly doing 45 hours a week and gaining the extra money I need. My plans are to save up as I attempt to find a job in London. With all these hours I'm doing finding time for everything else in my life is proving difficult, there is just not enough hours in a day.

Job applying is also keeping me up late. Some applications take two hours to fill out, is it not enough to email my CV and personal cover letter? And I don't even get a rejection letter in response. However if you don't apply, you don't get the job, so I keep fighting and applying, I will get on the ladder to my dream career.


On Thursday 29th October I met Nikki Grahame at the Nightingale in Birmingham. She seemed a little on the drunk side, but it was fun to watch her gunge someone. However it was all fun and games, and she seemed to love every minute of it. During the meet and greet photos she was adorable, and lucky for me I got two photos with her, at her request.


On 31st October, I bought my pride bracelet. I came up with the concept for it after Birmingham's Gay Pride. I wanted something I would wear everyday, something out of the last of the money my grandparents' gave me on my 21st birthday. I'm sad they will never get to see it in person, but I am sure they would think it is as beautiful as I do. It was made at Vault 88 in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham, and they seemed excited to make something unique and different. They came up with the design, after I explained that I would like the gay pride colours in the bracelet. After some discussion we came up with a sketch of the bracelet and each stone for each colour. Garnet for red (which is also my birthstone), Topaz for both orange and yellow, Peridot for green, Sapphire for blue and Amethyst for purple. My bracelet couldn't have come out any better, and I will never stop wearing it. I especially hate taking it off for work.



Halloween wasn't all I thought it would be. I had my sexy Magic Mike costume on, and adorned wings and some dead make up in the hope to turn Magic Mike into a sexy dead vampire. And it worked to some extent, I always feel confident in my Magic Mike outfit, and yet Nightingale was packed, and it was just me and my friend, drinks were expensive, which I totally expected, and the music was great as usual, but as I failed to have a good time the night just went from bad to worse. Oh well, some nights are amazing and others just aren't, can't always have the best night, even when you are dressed up as a dead vampiric Magic Mike.


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