New Release: Foxes - Amazing

December 26, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I have kind of cheated with this. Like seriously, who releases a song on Christmas Day? No one, clearly. So, after a lot of searching, I've found out that a remix of Foxes' Amazing is released on Christmas Day which is a Cahill Club Mix, which can be bought here. Since I cannot find any other songs for my new release, I have chosen this music video. Foxes is probably one of the most underrated singers I know. She is getting ready to release her second studio album, and this is the third single from that album. Foxes goes on a road trip and has an amazing time with her friends in this video, showing that all you need is your best friends in your life.

Foxes, real name Louisa Allen, is one of those singers who are totally unique, usually at first listen her songs aren't instant hits, but they're always one of those songs that gain momentum because they become ever so catchy after hearing them a few times. As previously stated, she is definitely underrated. I think she's quirky in a good way, and I will always support her music because she's vocally talented and means every word she sings. This song is written by Louisa Rose Allen, Martin Brammer, Jonny Lattimer and James Newman. Personal and emotional in a perfect pop song, that should've been a hit. The video isn't as great.

Directed by Johny Mourgue, the music video shows Foxes and two of her friends going on a road trip. As per usual, the normal hassles appear, such as getting lost, the map not being any help at all, and the car breaking down, well in this case a minivan.

Foxes cuts her lusciously long hair into a bob in this video, it's a new her, a new style and new direction for her music, but it's still her, and after a while I started to like her hair, just like I started to like this song.

I love the idea behind this, and the old style clips from the home video, shows that she is having a great time and doesn't need a man beside her, even though she is doing the typical things to get over a break-up, eating both ice cream and cake is a sure winner in my books.

The ending is interesting, and also relates to where she is, many people believe she should be charting and her singles are definitely worth better chart placements than what they are getting, however the ending suggests that this album is all about releasing music for her fans, giving them something, almost like a present, to say thank you for being with her. The ending replicates that perfectly, Foxes is just having a great time at the moment, and she'll chart when she needs to, because that amazing voice isn't going to disappear.
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The Lewisham And Greenwich NHS Choir - A Bridge Over You

December 25, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Quite the battle for Christmas number one this year. It was this choir vs. Justin Bieber. In one of the closest battles for Christmas number one, The Lewisham And Greenwich NHS Choir beat Justin Bieber to the top spot, thanks to a performance on TV, as well as a tweet from Justin Bieber in support of the NHS choir, which can be seen below. This single was released for charity in 2013, however it wasn't until 2015, it achieved its bid for Christmas number one. The video is a typical charity music video, showing what they are representing through clips as well as a performance piece.



This choir first appeared on Gareth Malone's BBC Two spin off show The Choir: Sing While You Work. They placed second in the competition. This single is a mashup of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and Coldplay's "Fix You". The former is one of my favourite songs, when sung perfectly, effortlessly and by someone who is vocally talented. The latter is a song I avoid, when possible, it's no secret that I don't like Coldplay, I personally think they're overrated, however I applaud them for how far they have come and how popular the band is. The song isn't something I would listen to myself. I'm not into choirs all that much, but I have to congratulate them on reaching number one in the UK, and gaining money for their charities.

As I previously stated, this is a typical charity music video. Exactly what we all expect: A performance piece, various clips of what charities they are supporting intercut throughout, and a piano.

This isn't really a Christmas song, or a video at all. This has happened often, the Christmas number one is rarely a Christmas song nowadays, and when possible, it's a charity song. This is because during this time of the year, music sales rise higher than any other time of the year.

The video doesn't make me want to watch it again. The video fails to make me want to buy the single, it's not something I would listen to, although the NHS has helped me out a lot, with my asthma, my coeliac disease and my kidney problems, as well as all the other times I've ended in hospital. However I'd rather give money to charity myself rather than spend it on a charity single, unless I actually like the charity single.

Overall, well done to this choir on reaching the top spot on the UK singles chart. However the video is a typical charity music video, just different scenes we're not used to. I have to admit, I do love the connection to wedding vows. This is honest, pure and typical, but something that will get people backing the NHS workers. But as a music video, there isn't a lot to comment on.
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Boney M. - Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord

December 24, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Every year I hear this song around Christmas time. My Mother used to be obsessed with this group when she was younger, and every year this is played on the music channels, she sings it. I actually can't believe this was released in 1978, and it's still included on Christmas albums. It's one of the UK's biggest selling Christmas singles, yet it doesn't continue to chart every year like other Christmas songs. Boney M. have donned Eskimo coats in front of a white screen for this festive Christmas music video.

Boney M., for those of you who don't know, were a group formed in Germany consisting of, at the time, Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell. The latter's vocals was rarely used in the groups songs, and instead, producer, Frank Farian's voice was used, with Bobby Farrell lip-syncing in performances. They were an international hit, charting well in Germany, Sweden and the UK. They didn't do too well in the US, but that is one market many fail to break. This song was written by Jester Hairston, Frank Farian, Fred Jay and Lorin. It is a cover version of Harry Belafonte's hit song "Mary's Boy Child", only with a new melody, hence the mashup with Oh My Lord, which was a song written for Boney M. It hit number one in the UK, and stayed there for four weeks.

The music video isn't all that interesting, and the simple lyrics makes it obvious as to why it charted so high in that year.

The video is a pure performance piece, but if all they are going to do is sway from side to side, who would want to see them live?

It is a ballad type of song, and by the looks of things they didn't have much time to create this music video. On the other hand, there is nothing to this video, I feel that this could be easy to replicate and none of the singers perform as if the song means anything to them. They look like carol singers, or people performing at a karaoke competition. Their vocals are good, but this video doesn't do the song any justice.

Overall I feel nothing for this music video, there's just nothing to it. As for the song, it's simple, but catchy, and their harmonies are perfect. It's not surprising that they became an international hit.
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Steve Grand - All I Want For Christmas Is You

December 23, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Okay, so I've recently reviewed Fifth Harmony's version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" this week for my Christmas Special 2015; which is also a cover version of the original also titled "All I Want For Christmas Is You", by Mariah Carey. However this sounds so different that it's possible people won't recognise it for the same song. This one is inspired by Michael Buble's version of the song, which does not have a music video. This has only recently been released, and it took a total of five days, the first of which Steve Grand had some sort of brainwave and decided to just make it happen, out of the blue. An extremely sad narrative with a perfect performance piece, Steve Grand has captured the hearts of the LGBT+ community once again as well as many straight people in the world too, many tears have shred thanks to this video.

Steve Grand is one of my favourite gay singers, there isn't that many of them out in the world, and it's refreshing to see gay music videos doing well. Steve Grand may not be some sort of superstar, yet, but the way he's going recently, he is definitely proving himself as a successful artist. I am hoping that a second album is around the corner, and if it's via Kickstarter once again, I shall back him all the way. With Troye Sivan just hitting out in the music world, it's interesting to see how many more will follow in these two footsteps and make an impact on the charts across the world. The song is available to download on Steve Grand's bandcamp here, I don't know how long it will be available to download, so buy it while you still can.

John Levin directed this sweet loving music video. It's cute, it's refreshing, and a totally different interpretation to this fun-loving song as we know it.

Steve Grand's on screen boyfriend is played by Trevor LaPaglia. They make a perfect couple, and they are clearly on a mountain holiday of some sort, according to the start of the video.

The music video continues with cute little Christmas traditions, such as kissing under mistletoe, decorating the Christmas tree, spending time in bed, cuddling, putting the star on the tree, and Steve Grand's music in the background... Wait! That's not a Christmas tradition? Oh... Okay then... We'll make it a Christmas tradition.

The ending nearly made me cry. I didn't understand it at first, I was so shocked, I had to just watch it all over again. It's so sad, why does Steve Grand do this to us? First it was "All American Boy", then he made us sad in "Time", now it's this Christmas song. Can we have another fun music video like "Stay", please Steve Grand, we all need to know it's not all heartbreak in the gay world.

Overall, this is more than perfect, and I just cannot comment on this any more. Although the ending isn't as bad as we all think. That is one less person I have to battle it out with to capture Steve Grand's heart.

Nice job guys, shot in just one day, and released in five, the first day being the day the idea came into Steve Grand's head. I cannot fault this video one bit, well apart from that white onesie; just no.
Buy on Bandcamp

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Destiny's Child - 8 Days Of Christmas

December 22, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I had forgotten about this song, until I heard it today. Destiny's Child is probably one of the biggest American girl bands ever. So naturally, we expected a Christmas single or album, I pretty much can't name a big artist that hasn't released a Christmas song of a sort. This video, Destiny's Child are looking sexy as they sing about the presents their lovers have given them on each day of Christmas, who knew there was only eight days of Christmas?

Destiny's Child, consisted of, at the time, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, this is the most recent line-up. The girl group disbanded in 2006, with all three girls venturing for a solo career. Beyoncé has become one of the most internationally-known superstars, with Kelly Rowland jumping on the bandwagon, not so far behind. The other girls and the past members have not done so well internationally, and it'll be interesting to see if they ever will. This song was inspired by the 12 days of Christmas song and instead references Hanukkah, which is a Jewish Holiday, and was written by E. McCalla Jr., Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles.

Directed by Sanaa Hamri, the video shows all three girls dressed in sexy Santa outfits. The girls are shopping in a toy store, with product placement of their own dolls on sale.

The video is very unexciting, it's like they made this video on a whim. I don't quite understand why they are singing about what their lover bought them for Christmas whilst they are shopping for presents themselves... Shouldn't they be opening the presents that they so-called got?

At the end children rush into the toy store and the girls show the toys to them, whilst still singing. There is also a carousel which all three members ride, although there is only a snapshot of Michelle Williams and her guy. Throughout the whole video the scenes are cut between Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland, making Michelle Williams look more like she's in the band for a ride. However she sure as hell proves herself in the more recent music videos.

Overall, there's snow, there's Santa outfits, there's presents and there's toys, what more do we expect for a Christmas music video? Maybe some sort of narrative that relates to the song, maybe some understanding of why there is only 8 days of Christmas, even though we all should know that the eight days of Christmas represents Hanukkah. And maybe something much better than this.
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Fifth Harmony - All I Want For Christmas Is You

December 21, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



This has to be one of my favourite Christmas songs of all time, originally sung by the vocally talented Mariah Carey, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" practically becomes the highest charting Christmas single every year, it is such a national treasure of a song, and really shows how talented Mariah Carey is. Many artists have covered this song, but finding an artist who does it justice, is next to impossible, Fifth Harmony, however, has the vocals and the perfect harmonies to create a just as beautiful cover version of this very much loved Christmas song.

Fifth Harmony formed on The X Factor US, and came third, however they have had international hits and have totally become the overall winners, in theory. They consist of Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Lauren Jauregui, Camila Cabello and Dinah Jane Hansen. After a long wait they finally came over to the UK and have done well for themselves over here. I also saw them live in London a few months ago. They are currently working on a second album, which I cannot wait for!

The music video, directed by Nigel Dick, is simple but relatable to the song, various scenes relate to certain lines, and I love the window scene where they are waiting for their guy.

There is a lot to like about the music video, but it's obviously done quickly, and they manage to perform it perfectly, as if they are waiting for a guy. It's what we expect of Fifth Harmony, they are on form in every music video, live performance and even on their social media accounts. They will become the female version of One Direction, and I cannot wait to see where their career is heading.

Their cover is perfection, and although the video doesn't really have either a performance or a narrative side, it's really nice to see the girls interact and it definitely brings the Christmas atmosphere.
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Chart Mondays: Stormzy - Shut Up

December 21, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Chart Mondays again, I'm currently in the middle of my Christmas Special. At the moment, Justin Bieber is STILL at number one with "Love Yourself", which only has a promotional video. As for this one, this is a freestyle video, and although technically not a music video, I'm counting this as an official music video. Not only that, but I really do not like Coldplay, and that is my only other option to review in the top 10, so Stormzy is so much better, in my opinion, to review. Stormzy raps perfectly and on point, never missing a single beat, very rehearsed, and faultless!

Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, is literally someone I hadn't heard of until today. He's name rang a bell, but I wasn't quite sure where. After searching on Google, I found he featured on a remix of Nick Jonas' "Chains", which was released on iTunes. He seems to be doing well for himself, chart wise, and with those skills, I don't blame the high charting positions! This song was written by Michael Oman as expected, and was used as a bid to claim the Christmas number one in order to rival The X Factor winner's single, which was Louisa Johnson with "Forever Young", instead it charted at number 8, just one place in front of Louisa Johnson's song. This wasn't technically released as a single, more like a b-side on the "WickedSkengMan 4" single.

The video was directed by Jaiden Ramgeet, who is the one behind the camera, we expect, who encourages Stormzy to state his name. Stormzy seems embarrassed at the start of the video, as if he's nervous or not comfortable at all.

He loosens up as soon as he starts to sing, and really gets into spitting those bars. This is totally raw, and fresh, it works well as a music video, performance wise. He clearly means everything he is saying.

What is there left for me to say though? No narrative, but that was to be expected. The camera flits to various people behind him, in reference, occasionally, which piqued the viewers interest ever so slightly, but apart from that, there isn't much more to this video, as a music video. As a freestyle video, however, it is one of the best I've seen.
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Inna - I Need You For Christmas

December 20, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I have been playing Inna's cover version of "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber all day. The song has really grown on me, unfortunately it probably won't be released on iTunes, and nothing will come of the version, apart from the YouTube upload. Since there's no music video to it, and it not being a Christmas song, I decided to review Inna's only Christmas single to date. It's not the first time we've had a club artist release a Christmas song, Cascada released "Last Christmas" as well as "Let It Snow". Inna not only shows her amazing vocals in this track, she proves that she can be cute as well as sexy, ice skating and being fun and festive, this is a side of Inna we rarely see, and it's a joy to watch.

Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has pretty much dropped off the radar in the UK, only her die hard fans, who call themselves club rockers, know what she's up to and when she releases a new single. However in her own country and in some other eastern countries, she has been charting well. This song was released in 2009, and against popular belief, it was never officially released in the UK and so subsequently didn't chart. Instead, it was released on iTunes in 2014 on a compilation album consisting of Romanian artists singing Christmas songs, called "Buna Dimineata La Mos Ajun". It was written by Marcel Botezan, Radu Bolfea and Sebastian Barac.

The music video was directed by Tom Boxer, it was done in no less than five hours, in the ice skating rink. It makes it seem more like a high quality home video, and yet it's not as great as her other music videos.

The song isn't one I'd normally attach to Inna straight away, and I suppose the video follows suit in that way. Inna shows herself to be having fun with Santa.

I've still never been ice skating, definitely going to have to try it sometime. There isn't much more to this video, Inna and Santa on an ice skating rink with a bunch of other people, adults and children alike. There's a small relation to the song as she sings to some male actors now and again, but it's more about spreading the Christmas fun and cheer.
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Leona Lewis - One More Sleep

December 19, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



There is a multitude of singers who have released Christmas singles and albums, and this X Factor winner is no exclusion. This has grown on me a lot every year, and I truly believe it will be one of those all-time Christmas songs that are guaranteed to chart every year. Leona Lewis shows that she has a fun side of herself, in this festive video, where she has a close friends only party, and has a wonderful time.

Leona Lewis has recently parted ways with Syco Music and Simon Cowell after seven years. She has not had much recent success on the singles chart lately, and her most recent album just missed out of the top 10 here in the UK. Is this what is left for Leona Lewis? Or will she make a big comeback? Her performance with Ben Haenow on The X Factor final was awesome, proving to everyone that she was a worthy winner.

The video reminds me a lot of Basshunter's "I Miss You / Jingle Bells". It's party time, and one more sleep until Christmas, obviously.

The opening starts with snow as Leona Lewis' song talks about snow, a great literal take on the song, it continues with fun, games and partying. It looks relaxing as well as enjoyable. Leona Lewis, invite me next time please.

The video features her boyfriend, Dennis Jaunch. The video doesn't excite me, although festivities is clearly being shown. It's the sort of party I'd like to experience, but only once and never again. Not capturing and not something I'd be interested in viewing a second time. Awesome song though, that should've hit the top of the charts.
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New Release: Scouting For Girls - Christmas In The Air (Tonight)

December 18, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Well look who is back, bringing the festive cheer... Well technically they never went away, they've still been releasing music, yet they haven't charted since 2013, and even then it wasn't inside the top 40... So in theory, they are back, but probably not back to the UK singles charts, since this isn't doing particularly well on the iTunes chart. Although I don't know why as I'm loving this song, it's ever so catchy. This becomes my New Release this week under my Christmas Special 2015. Scouting For Girls show us what Christmas is all about in 2015, with this amazing, laid back, relaxing type of music video.

Scouting For Girls are making their debut on my blog today, surprisingly. They are a three piece band consisting of Roy Stride, Greg Churchouse and Pete Ellard. They have had a string of hits including "She's So Lovely", "Elvis Ain't Dead", "Heartbeat", "Love How It Hurts" and number one single "This Ain't A Love Song". Despite that, they have been dropping off the radar on the singles chart here in the UK, however their albums are consistently doing well on the albums chart, despite people unaware of new singles. The song is worthy of being in the UK chart, it's instantly catchy and I was singing the lyrics before I even knew them. This song needs a lot more exposure, if it's got any chance of charting on Friday.

The video, directed by Damien Reeves, is gentle to say the least. Filmed in Marlborough, the whole scene has the feel of Christmas.

This band doesn't need any gimmicks, no reindeer, no snow, just a simple town celebrating Christmas. This is usually what happens when people go to city centres, there is no snow or reindeer. It captures the viewers sense of Christmas, and you could just imagine being there.

A performance piece is set into this literal narrative piece. The crowd seems to be enjoying their stage presence, and their connection as they walk down the road is very clear. This is a band that you definitely wouldn't be disappointed to see live, especially outside in a winter's air.

Overall, a great video, that relates perfectly, almost too perfectly, taking certain sentences of the lyrics and creating a scene because of what has been sung, and then paired them together. Too literal, but in a sweet Christmas kind of way, one that isn't as bad as I'm making it out to be. Definitely a catchy Christmas song, that has definitely became one of my top Christmas songs, and a video I wouldn't mind seeing again and again, well done on capturing the Christmas spirit in a music video.
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Jennifer Paige Featuring Nick Carter - Beautiful Lie

December 18, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I have been exploring Jennifer Paige music videos so I could decide to review one tonight, and although there was a lot of music videos to choose from, since most of her songs that have charted have all been before 2010, this one stood out, mainly because it reminds me of a High School Musical song called "Gotta Go My Own Way", as pointed out by a YouTube commenter. Nick Carter stands out both vocally and visually compared to Jennifer Paige, but their performance is atrocious as they have no chemistry whilst performing together, luckily the narrative side of the video makes the video stand out.

Jennifer Paige is attempting to kickstart her career with the help of ironically named website kickstarter, and it doesn't look like she will gain the money she is hoping to raise. Her debut single "Crush" was a massive global hit, and has been stuck in my head for the past week, still for the same reasons... I think I'm going to have to deal with this problem of mine at some point. Her vocals are stunning on "Crush", but on this single it isn't as great as I was expecting, and even with the help of Nick Carter, this single never hit it off. Nick Carter has recently been brought to my attention because he has released his third solo album which features Avril Lavigne on the track "Get Over Me" which is set to be released as his second single from this album, which I'm so excited for. For those of you who thinks his name rings a bell... Well he is best known as one fifth of the Backstreet Boys, as well as being the older brother to Aaron Carter, who sung "I Want Candy" amongst other hit songs.

Usually a video that is split into two parts, a performance and a narrative, scores highly with me, however the awkwardness in the performance piece lets the entire video down. Jennifer Paige and Nick Carter clearly don't work well together, it's like they had an argument before shooting, or they just didn't get on. This really didn't help as they aren't performing at their best and their hearts aren't into the song, let alone the music video.

As for the story line, it's perfect. Performed by Miles Ramsey and Ciara Miller, a couple robs a jewellery store, they then pawn off the jewellery and gain money in cash, which they spend on new clothes and going out partying. She ends up drugging him and leaving him in a room, whilst she goes out and attempts to rob another jewellery shop with someone else. It's an amazing music video, and relates to the song perfectly.

Half of me wishes that there wasn't a performance piece, as the narrative works well all by itself. Unfortunately there is no ignoring the dreadful attempt at passion by the two talented singers. Luckily Nick Carter redeems himself in his new song "Get Over Me" which features Avril Lavigne. I'm hopeful a video will appear soon, one much better than this one.
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Beyoncé Featuring Bun B & Slim Thug - Check On It

December 16, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



This is one of my favourite Beyoncé songs of all time, a guy at work was singing it today, and it instantly got stuck in my head. I even remember watching the music video when I was younger. Beyoncé looks stunning as always in this video, asking a guy she likes to check on her tonight. She's not the only one hoping that will happen, there's this guy I like, as I've previously stated in other blog posts, but I just know he won't make a move on me, so again here is another song to describe exactly how I'm feeling.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has had a career that could already last a lifetime. She was one third of girl group Destiny's Child, and now as a solo star she has become one of the biggest female artists in the world. A total of five number ones in the UK, she is probably guaranteed a lot more. This song features Bun B, real name Bernard Freeman, who was part of rap duo UGK, and has done all right for himself over in the US... The same goes for her other collaborator Slim Thug, real name Stayve Thomas, who is currently a part of Boss Hogg Outlawz, and who's career is doing all right too. Of course, this single totally pushed both rappers into the limelight. It was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kasseem Dean, Sean Garrett, Angela Beyincé and Stayve Thomas. Beyoncé was once reported as saying she isn't a fan of this song because it's too simple, and I definitely agree, however it's catchy chorus is undeniably dance-worthy, and it gets stuck in my head easily. The song was planned to be on the Pink Panther soundtrack, however it was dropped last minute.

This pink filled video was directed by Hype Williams. The song features a remix of The Pink Panther Theme.

There is a lot of pink in this video, to bridge the link between the song and The Pink Panther movie. The video is unique as pink curtains appear where black bars are normally when things are shot in a 4:3 full screen. This was a common theme with the videos that Hype Williams directed back then, including Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable" and Ne-Yo's "So Sick".

The choreography is on point, as expected when it comes to Beyoncé, however there isn't many dance sequences to the choreography, and it's not complicated at all, Beyoncé is so much better than this. It's clear that they wanted to show off a few dance moves more than others, mainly twerking.

This is all a little too pink for me, it's over the top, although quite good, making sure she's looking amazing and that her man better come over and check on her. Yet it feels too simple, both the song and the music video relate perfectly in that way, and definitely not something that eagerly makes the viewers watch again and again, a few times is more than enough, if that.
Buy on iTunes

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Jennifer Paige - Crush

December 15, 2015 Critic Jonni 4 Comments



As mentioned in previous posts, I kinda like someone and there's nothing I can do about it. Today I told myself that it's just a little crush and I'll get over it... Then this song just appeared in my head, and I've been singing it to myself ever since. I have no idea where this came from, I haven't even heard it for years! Such an amazing song, unfortunately this was Jennifer Paige's only hit, making her a one hit wonder, yet she's been attempting a comeback for a while now, and with that voice who can blame her. This video is so subtle it hurts to watch, but super sexy at the same time, Jennifer Paige is eyeing up a friend's boyfriend and he's doing it right back, or so it looks like, but is it all a daydream? I am not even sure myself.

Jennifer Paige... Who is she? And with this stunning voice, why didn't she become a big hit? Well this song sure did, and she charted below the top 40 in the UK with her other songs. As for recent music, she has launched a kickstarter campaign, but with only eight days to go, and only just over half way towards the goal, it doesn't seem likely she will hit her target. This is so sad to see, a brilliant hit of a song, and then the rest of her career isn't doing that well. I wish her the best of luck, as I reckon her other songs are just as good as this one, and unfortunately, this is the only one that hit hard around the world. I truly believe people can make a comeback, you just need the right song and the right backing team behind you, and sometimes all it takes is the song.

This was directed by David Hogan. The song was written by Andy Goldmark, Mark Mueller, Berny Cosgrove and Kevin Clark. It's one of those classics you can't help but love... Not many people have covered it though, surprisingly. It's one of those that you beg a contestant on The X Factor or The Voice to sing, as you know how amazing this is and it will chart once again if it was performed on one of these shows.

A perfect video was created for this song. So subtle in flirtation, and I swear this is currently happening to me, this flirting that you just can't help with another person no matter how much you try to control it and stop it. You can tell Jennifer Paige has got this guy on her mind constantly, but just like me, she will be a good girl and not pursue it. In her case it's much worse since she has a boyfriend and the guy she likes has a girlfriend, who she is mates with. A really difficult triangle, well actually it's a square. In my case it's age difference that is the problem, hence why I won't pursue him.

If anyone knows the actors' names then please comment below. All I know is that Brandan Williams plays the actor of her love interest in this music video, not her crush. He also spins her round on the swing. Such a sexy video without being sexy at all, so subtle and amazing and I love the wink at the end, it's so quick can we even be sure it's there?
Buy on iTunes

4 comments:

Chart Mondays: Jess Glynne - Take Me Home

December 14, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Again, Justin Bieber is still at number one with "Love Yourself". and still no official music video. Which means I review any song in the top 10 of the UK singles chart... Unfortunately this leaves me with two songs. I have practically been avoiding this one, as I am not that interested in Jess Glynne, as well as this being the official Children In Need song of 2015. The song is performed beautifully and effortlessly. Jess Glynne is stripped back in this music video, as well as stripped off, naked, vulnerable, exposed and innocent, she shines through with her vocal, asking a guy if they would take her home.

Jess Glynne's career has only just started, but it will continue. She is currently the British female artist with the most number ones, slowly followed by Cheryl, who also has the same amount of number ones, only Jess Glynne has achieved this in the less amount of time. I am interested in what Jess Glynne will come out with next, she has stiff competition to keep her title, especially with Rita Ora being third in this list. She is going to have to come out with a banging tune that will smash the charts. Unfortunately, with the backing of Children in Need, this song only hit number six. It was written by Jessica Glynne, Wayne Hector, Steve McCutcheon and Nick Tsang.

The music video, directed by Declan Whitebloom, it's extremely personal. A perfect performance piece, with a lot of emotion entailed. As previously mention it shows her at her most vulnerable. Totally exposed. And so so so brave.

However, it feels low budget. This is a star, right here before us, and even though it's emotionally impacted, she still fails to make me excited by her song or the video. I just want to shake her and make her connect to the song through the music video, it's just not working.
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Britney Spears - Circus

December 13, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Britney time! I've had this song stuck in my head for the past week, maybe even longer, because there's this guy I really like, but there's nothing I can do about it... So naturally music is there to describe exactly how I'm feeling. Now I used to just think this was a normal Britney Spears single, until the Twister Rave Remix came out, now it's my TUNE! And it totally describes me, I am a ringleader when I'm on the dancefloor with my friends. "Born To Make You Happy" is also about me, according to my friends. Britney Spears outshines herself in this video, relating totally to the song allowing connotations with circuses into the song and video, which is just perfect.

Britney Spears is currently in Las Vegas doing her show Britney: Piece of Me. She has confirmed she is working on her ninth studio album, which has definitely excited me. Her most recent single was a collaboration with Iggy Azalea which wasn't exactly a hit, but did get people talking. Her show has been selling well so far, including sold out shows in the first few months. I'm hopeful her ninth studio album will allow for a world tour, as I've been wanting to see Britney Spears live since I was little, even if she's always criticized for not singing live, it'll be a show I'll never forget, just like this music video.

This video was directed by Francis Lawrence, while the song was written by Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), Claude Kelly and Benjamin Levin. Some popular names there, unfortunately it only hit number 13 here in the UK. She is looking stunning in this circus-themed video, which includes a lion or two and an elephant!

A perfect dance sequence is also used, her choreography, as always, is on point. Her dance ability is out of this world and this definitely proves that.

The start includes product placement from Bugari, as well as her own fragrances. This so reminds me of when Avril Lavigne does the exact same thing in her "What The Hell" music video, which I've just realised. The jewellery by Bugari is beautiful and looks stunning on Britney.

I love the circus acts, with Britney Spears being the ringleader, because that's what the song states and that is what she is when she dances, along with me. Unfortunately she doesn't have a bat at being a fire breather, although they are included in the video along with a mime on stilts, clowns, contortionists and ribbon dancers.

Overall, this is a perfect video, that I can't fault in any way.Even though Britney Spears was currently not well during these years, you can't tell much, if at all. Dancing is in sync, her performance and acting skills is more than good, she looks like the Britney we all know and love, especially at the end when she catches the hat and is laughing. I would never have thought she wasn't well. But I totally believe we now have the old Britney back, and hopefully with her ninth studio album, she'll finally hit number one on the UK album chart, it's outstanding how she has never got to the top spot yet.
Buy on iTunes

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Miley Cyrus - BB Talk

December 12, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



What have I seriously just watched. Miley Cyrus what are you doing to me? What are you doing with your life? Is this for real? Is this even serious? If this is who she is now, then please change soon. I just can't deal with this music video, although I have to admit the song isn't as bad. Collaborating with The Flaming Lips front man, Wayne Coyne; Miley Cyrus has turned herself into an adult baby, taking a few of the lyrics seriously and creating a wild, stupid, unforgivable and yet extraordinarily out of her friken mind of a music video. A round of applause, she has once again got everybody talking about her and her music videos, way to jump back into the limelight.

I have been a fan of Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, since "See You Again" first got released, since then I have followed her career, and I commemorate her and Justin Bieber. They both know exactly what they're doing, creating headlines here, there and everywhere, which is soaring their popularity. There is no such thing as bad publicity right? Especially when it helps these stars rake in at number one over and over again. This song was written by Miley Cyrus herself, and I actually like it, it's quirky different but works well as a song, surprisingly. It's off her fifth studio album called Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, which she released on her website for FREE streaming, whether it will finally be released on iTunes, is a whole different matter, since this is a side project that she worked with with The Flaming Lips. You can listen to the album by clicking here.

First off, this has had a lot of criticism to claims that it is a copy of Melanie Martinez's "Dollhouse". Personally, I can see similarities, yet similarities are in nearly every music video created, and yet they are totally different, this is a pure performance piece, and is more of a weird Alice In Wonderland sort of video.

Miley Cyrus is dressed as an adult baby, and does baby things, well, sort of. I wouldn't say smoking out of a dummy is high on list of priorities for babies. Although I have to love the choreography sequence, which Miley Cyrus performs perfectly and in sync at the right times. It reminds me of the teddy bears used in the "We Can't Stop" music video.

Overall, out of the ordinary weird, so much so I can't cope. I will hopefully never have to watch this again due to it's bizarreness. Miley Cyrus fails in making me want to see her live, especially if she's dressed up as a baby, not my sort of thing. However a true vision of a representation of the lyrics, taking and using them literally. Leaving me indecisive on a rating, so let's go down the middle.
Stream off her website
(Photo from Miley Cyrus' Instagram)

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New Release: Wretch 32 Featuring Anne-Marie & PRGRSHN - Alright With Me

December 11, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



NOW this is a TUNE! First time hearing it, and first time watching this music video, and it's a HIT! But will it chart? That is the question, according to iTunes it's not looking so well. Could this be due to not enough exposure and promotion? A catchy chorus performed beautifully by Anne-Marie, a Wretch 32 song that is worth listening to over and over again, PRGRSHN makes the track perfect, and a brilliant video to boot, that should be shown everywhere to stop people stereotyping others because of their race and the way they look.

Wretch 32, real name Jermaine Sinclair, has had hit after hit here in the UK, he got to number one with "Don't Go" which features Josh Kumra, as well as number two with "Unorthodox" which features Ed Sheeran. He has shown versatility with this song, and having it next to his other most recent singles on his new album will definitely make him shine. Anne-Marie provides the vocals for the chorus, she is one to watch for 2016, having toured with the likes of Rudimental, she is ready to hit the world. This collaboration should be getting her name out there, but if it charts low, she'll have a lot of work to do to get a charting hit. Ed Sheeran is apparently a fan of her. As for PRGRSHN, real name Ras Kassa Alexander, he has quite a lot of followers on his soundcloud account, he's a producer and he's worked with Rudimental and Josh Record, again he is another new star, is he one to watch? With a song like this? Quite possibly. This song was co-written with Emeli Sandé. I could so imagine her vocals on this, however Anne-Marie was definitely the better choice, although I would like to hear an Emeli Sandé version, who's vocals would definitely have made sure this song charted. Hopefully the song will advance on iTunes soon and get a good charting position as it clearly deserves it.

I love this video, I love everything about it. I love how it's misleading in the first few scenes, making the viewer stereotype the people in it, it's awful how we can just presume something like this without even thinking it through. Anne-Marie shines, she has a super sexy look, and she is a vision, what a way to make an impact, she has definitely gained a lot more fans thanks to this video. Wretch 32, doesn't fade into the background either, and doesn't let Anne-Marie be the spotlight. Such a perfect collaboration.

The narrative is amazing, it tricks viewers into thinking something bad is either happening or about to happen. I feel some scenes were cut out, and I don't get the man and the child bit. I love the fact that the guy is running with a bag and a police woman is running after him, later we find out he was late for his graduation, hence why he's trying to get there on time, the policewoman is his lover. Then there's the kids with the old woman, it's the cutest, most adorable scene that I fell in love with from the first viewing, it makes me question how many kids actually would do such a thing.

This song should be a charting hit, but it doesn't look like this will happen. The video is amazing, brilliant and perfect. It's surprising and fits with the song effortlessly, these guys are misunderstood by many people, including the viewers watching, without a full story we normally fill in the blanks; this video tells us how wrong we can be, and it's a video I'll keep on remembering. Watch out for Anne-Marie, she's a star in the making!
Buy on iTunes

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Hilary Duff - Come Clean

December 10, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Hilary Duff is my revisit this week, after I reviewed "So Yesterday". This was one of my favourite songs by her, and it has a relatable music video to go with it. Hilary Duff looks stunning in this video with candles lit around her and the rain pouring outside, she's alone and wishing she could go back to the beginning of a relationship, because you can never fit "a square into a circle".

Hilary Duff has come a long way since this song, and even though her most recent album didn't do very well in the UK, I am grateful that her music has became something better and the lyrics are a lot more normal than these cheesy unforgivable lines. Her vocal ability has come a long way too, but I think that is more to do with the fact that a few songs on her fifth studio album was written by herself, and she has definitely connected more with those songs. This one and a few of her back-catalogue feels like she didn't connect, this just sounds like she sung the song rather than emotionally singing, although the studio version is much better than the one used in the video. This was written by Kara DioGuardi and John Shanks.

The video is sweet and innocent, perfectly relatable to the song and reminds me a bit of JoJo's "Too Little Too Late". It was directed by Dave Meyers.

The video has snapshot scenes of a guy, who's name I do not know if anyone knows please comment below. Is this an ex? Or just a friend, we never actually find out. But Hilary Duff spends her time in her rather large lonely house, waiting for the rain to pass. She's very serious and numb, very numb.

It's one of those times where you don't know how to feel, you're just numb. I'm feeling that right now, and I'm so glad that I saw this video today, because that is exactly how I'm feeling. Yet it looks like Hilary Duff gets her happy ending, which doesn't seem to be coming my way any time soon.

Overall, a great music video, I love how she chills out with her friends watching TV whilst singing along to her own song haha, I wonder if other artists do that. I like seeing how old the technology is, and what? It's only been 11 years, it's shocking how advanced technology has come. This is a perfect video, and it's nice to see Hilary Duff much more serious. I admit I much prefer Master Blasters' cover version also called "Come Clean".
Buy on iTunes

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The Vamps - Rest Your Love

December 09, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Time for The Vamps new song, well that's if I don't die before hand since the light in my room is flickering and scaring the hell out of me. This is their new song, and the music video has only just been released. Unfortunately it's not a scary music video to go with my scared mood at the moment due to the flickering light above my head, yet this is more of where's-the-celebrity music video, or spot-the-star video. Ahhhhhh, my light has just gone out! My laptop is my only source for light, and the wind is making scary noises outside my window... DEEP BREATH. The Vamps show how their image has matured, and yet they are still children inside, throwing parties and having fun, but where's the fun song to go with it?

The Vamps consist of Connor Ball, Tristan Evans, James McVey and Brad Simpson. They have yet to reach number one on the Singles chart here in the UK, coming a close number two with "Can We Dance" which was slightly beaten by OneRepublic's "Counting Stars". As well as that, they got a number two with "Last Night", which was beaten to the top spot by Sigma's "Nobody To Love". They are after that all important number one, but will it take them as long as it did for The Saturdays? We'll have to wait and see. This is their new single, written by Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk, Savan Kotecha and Johan Schuster; names we hear and I type again and again. Doesn't sound much of a hit, and totally surprised The Vamps haven't written it, they also haven't wrote most of their songs on their album, which is totally different compared to their first album. Could this explain why their first single from this album, "Wake Up", didn't hit the Top 10? They need a hit single next, and this surely isn't it.

The video shows a different side to each person in the band, where they host their own parties. Yet I can't help but think that for some of their parties, they aren't being their true selves. It kind of reminds me of Jessie J's "It's My Party". Yet whereas that is a fun song that relates to the video, this one really doesn't.

I like the ending, creating one big manic party. I also like how there are many different stars at each of the parties. This has been done a few times before, especially in New Found Glory's "Kiss Me". The stars that feature in this music video includes: Conor Maynard, Oli White, Dynamo, New Hope Club, Nina Nesbitt, Cel Spellman and Maisie Williams. If you spot anyone I've missed, include it in the comments below.

Overall a star studded cast in this fun video, yet it doesn't relate to the song all that much. Fun, wild, crazy, manic, all the words to describe the perfect party, with product placement of the Wizboard, these are everywhere at the moment, and I think it's going to stay that way. Unfortunately this video could have linked to any song, it wouldn't have mattered.
Buy on iTunes
(official artwork to come)

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Hilary Duff - So Yesterday

December 08, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I've had this song stuck in my head. Yes I admit, I am a fan of Hilary Duff and comparing this song to her most recently released album, which includes "Chasing The Sun", "Sparks" and "All About You", it really shows how she has changed to adapt to the music industry. This video is definitely reminiscent of my childhood and Hilary Duff is looking a bit like Avril Lavigne and Ashlee Simpson, with her rocker chick look and backing band, as well as getting her own back on her ex.

Hilary Duff's new album isn't as much as a success as it should have been. In the UK, it only just charted inside the top 100, yet in America it peaked at number five in the Billboard 200. There was little promotion over here, and she has disappeared from the UK's public eye. When you mention Hilary Duff in the UK, people automatically think of Lizzie McGuire and maybe her hits, this song, and "Wake Up", maybe "Come Clean" if you're lucky. I am glad she has returned to music, and hopefully she can get back to being as popular as she once was. She totally deserves it. This song was written by Lauren Christy, Scott Spock, Graham Edwards and Charlie Midnight.

The video is fun to watch, it's getting back on your ex, and yet she's singing a song saying that she's over him, it's a bit contradicting. Yeah, some could say she's doing it to get over him, but I personally think she's still obsessed with him. To be fair, one of my ex's could do this too since he still has a t-shirt of mine which he wears regularly. Oh well, at least it was a couple of quid from Primark, and not one of my expensive tees.

Directed by Chris Applebaum, the performance side is perfect, definitely sending me Avril Lavigne vibes in every way. The narrative is a little weird but works with the song. He is definitely So Yesterday. A typical video narrative and performance for the year it was released, and it totally works.
Buy on iTunes

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Chart Mondays: Grace Featuring G-Eazy - You Don't Own Me

December 07, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



With Justin Bieber still dominating the Top 10 in the UK, he currently is number one with "Love Yourself", which has no official music video just yet; I have extremely little choice of music videos to choose from. This song has shot in at number five, thanks to the help of the House of Fraser TV advertisement as well as Lauren Murray's performance on The X Factor the weekend before. Personally I can feel the Christmassy vibes, which makes it perfect for the House of Fraser Christmas Advert, and yet it's not that great of a cover. Performed in a studio, chemistry passes between the two singers, subtle meanings go a long way, but does the video fail as well as the song?

Grace, real name Grace Sewell, has recently only just came on the scene, with this collaboration. This single is a cover of Lesley George's "You Don't Own Me", and her vocals are amazing, she can really sing. But will this be her only hit? This is a collaboration with G-Eazy, real name Gerald Gillum, who is an American hip-hop singer and producer, hence why he's producing in the music video. This is his first hit here in the UK, although his third album charted in the top 200 in 2014, he is one to watch out for, as he is coming into prominence, yet his rap doesn't help this song all that much.

The music video was directed by Saul Salmonman. There's a bit of flirtation between the two singers, which suggest a slight link with the song, where she wants to be independent and he wants to be with her. Although it's set in a recording studio, which takes a big impact away from everything. Their performances are great though, I would definitely see these singers live, full of passion Grace performs the song emotionally. G-Eazy's rap is performed on point, he means every word.

It's not wow, it's not amazing, it's more like a behind the scenes video about recording the song, it's kind of lazy, let's be fair, and there clearly wasn't much of a budget behind the video if it was this relaxed. Yet it's interesting how a song is made, but we've seen it all before.

Nothing new, nothing exciting, a song that doesn't exactly match, G-Eazy's rap is great, yet doesn't go with the song, Grace's voice outshines the entire song, and is full of emotion, yet it's not on point. The video is just as bad; lazy, unsurprising, and nothing to make me watch it again and again.
Buy on iTunes

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New Release: Sigala Featuring Bryn Christopher - Sweet Lovin'

December 04, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments


Sweet Lovin' (feat. Bryn Christopher) - Sigala |

Sigala is on form lately isn't he? Number one in the UK with "Easy Love" and now he's follow-up seems to be racking up the charts. This has pretty much come out of the blue, earlier today I was listening to it and I looked at it's iTunes position and it wasn't looking good, a summer club anthem released in winter... Not something you would expect. Then tonight I saw it in the top 10, like where has this come from? Catchy and definitely so much better than "Easy Love", this song is a summer tune to help us escape this cold winter, Sigala with Sweet Lovin' spreads the sun and the fun.

Sigala, real name Bruce Fielder, is a British DJ and has only released the two singles I have mentioned. He has definitely hit the UK by storm, but will he continue his success, or just dwindle away? Guess that's something we'll have to wait and see, but with songs like this, he will be around for some time, getting those all important chart numbers.

The music video is unsurprisingly similar to "Easy Love", which, at first, made me think it was too similar, but after second watch I kind of started to enjoy it, yet it isn't something new, and has been done plenty of times before. The roller skater is Candice Heiden, who have previously been in Moby's "The Perfect Life" and Chet Faker's "Gold".

The video reminds me of a cross between DJ Fresh's "Louder" and David Guetta Vs. The Egg's "Love Don't Let Me Go (Walking Away)", it's like they've been fused together yet not outstanding us, and more like failing to entertain.

Nothing that interests me, I do think it kind of relates to the song, her sweet loving sending vibes out to everyone she passes. Everyone has one of those days, where they're having such a good day and no one can bring you down, and then you don't even realise that you've made everyone's day automatically. Energy is always sent out in vibes, and sweet loving vibes can be sent all the time.
Buy on iTunes

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Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello - I Know What You Did Last Summer

December 02, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



One of my favourite new songs this year. One that has a killer backing track and vocal, along with perfect lyrics, I just can't help but sing out loud. The song easily gets stuck in my head. Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello create a stormy relationship in this amazing performance based music video which is set in a theoretical storm to which is about to ensue.

Shawn Mendes is one of my favourite new singers I've come across. His hit single "Stitches" is vocally brilliant and has a cracking video to accompany it. I recently bought his album, which got to number 12 on the UK albums chart and it definitely has some brilliant tracks on there. Camila Cabello is one fifth of pop group Fifth Harmony, who are currently working on their second album. They have admitted that they can't promise they won't eventually break up, leaving harmonizers everywhere sad as they await the eventuality. I am a fan of all five girls, from when they first appeared on The X Factor US. And in the event of a break up, I'd end up buying each of the girls future releases as I don't have a favourite and I like all of them equally. This is Camila Cabello's first single without her band mates with her, and her vocals are stunning. The song was written by Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Ido Zmishlany, Noel Zancanella and Bill Withers. It has yet to chart in the UK, and it doesn't look promising. Both artists sing the song perfectly and I really wish more people would hear this, as it definitely deserves a high charting position.

Directed by Ryan Pallotta, simple but effective. I love the idea of the backing storm that builds and builds and the two singers walking towards each other but never breaking the distance between them. It really adds to the background of the song, and interprets the song well.

If a guy knew what a girl did last summer, where she probably cheated on him, he would be furious right? Hence the storm, it would be a stormy argument.

The real question is whether they are officially together or not, rumours of them dating and various social media photos has got both their fans queued in ready for their announcement.

Overall a perfect video for a perfect song, and they definitely look very sexy and steamy in this video, surprising what a little bit of rain can do. This is officially stuck in my head now, but was totally worth reviewing to see this perfect performance based video.
Buy on iTunes

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David Guetta Featuring Emeli Sandé - What I Did For Love

December 01, 2015 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I've had this song stuck in my head all day, so naturally I would review it. It's great to hear Emeli Sandé's voice again, we're all awaiting for new songs by her, radio is missing her voice, and with her killer vocals, anything she releases is going to be amazing. Surprisingly enough, this song is still being played on the music channels. David Guetta and Emeli Sandé doesn't appear in this video, yet their animated characters are wonderfully different and could possibly give people nightmares, that monkey is risking his life for love, and it totally was worth it.

David Guetta, real name Pierre David Guetta, is a Frech DJ who has had global success. He's got six UK number ones behind him, and I can definitely see him gaining a lot more in the future. As for Emeli Sandé, who is from Scotland, she has had two number one singles, both of which are collaborations. She has had four solo singles enter the top five, she just needs to hit the top spot, which may be the reason why she is taking her time for her next album, as her first single need to be a massive hit. I'm sure she can get her first solo number one. This song only got to number six and was written by David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, Breyan Stanley Isaac, Jason Evigan, Sam Martin and Sean Douglas.

This video is apparently a tribute to Cadbury's Milk Tray Man, surprisingly I vaguely remember these adverts on TV, but didn't connect the video with it until after researching it. Cadbury's is looking for a new milk tray man apparently, who will undoubtedly be revealed next year. The adverts were based around James Bond, in which the tray man delivered a box of chocolates to a woman, through verifying stunts.

Not only does the colours, in this animated video, correlate to Cadbury's, but the gorilla saves the woman every time she is in danger, until they end up asleep together in a cuddle. He reminds me of a bit of King Kong, especially since he catches her in his hand.

Personally, I don't think there's much to this video, and perhaps it was more of a promotional video rather than an actual music video. However an actual music video never materialised and therefore we were left with this. I love the narrative, although I think she is selfish, as it reminds me of Bruno Mars' "Grenade", she definitely wouldn't have done the same for that monkey.
Buy on iTunes

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