Vengaboys - We're Going To Ibiza!

March 31, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



The Vengaboys are my revisit this Thursday, purely because they are one of the Birmingham Pride 2016 acts that I'm most excited to see perform live, bringing back tonnes of childhood memories! This song was their second number one single after "Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!" and I much prefer it. Transformed into animated characters that were common at the time, the Vengaboys fly us away on holiday to Ibiza, showing us all the places we need to come back to and visit some other time.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! WE LIKE TO PARTY... and so do our latest reveal! It's none other than The vengaboys who...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
The Vengaboys have reformed, and with enough promotion I can imagine them doing well in the UK. They are the epitome of any late 90's childhood, we were all singing their songs, playing their songs, dancing to their songs. At the time of this release, the Vengaboys consisted of Kim Sasabone, Denise Post-Van Rijswijk, Roy den Burger and Robin Pors. In the reformation, Roy den Burger has been replaced by Donny Latupeirissa. I will not be missing them at Birmingham Pride 2016, not for anything or anyone. I can't wait to hear this song live. It was written by Jeff Calvert and Max West. The song was based on Typically Tropical's "Barbados".

Many artists have transformed themselves into animated stars, Britney Spears with "Break The Ice" and "Kill The Lights" is the main star that comes to mind, although there are undoubtedly many others.

The Vengaboys start their in what looks like America, they fly past several landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, the city of Toronto, The White House in Washington DC where a piano is being played, amongst others. They are also travelling by bus, that definitely doesn't look safe, but it's definitely an ode to their previous single "We Like To Party (The Vengabus)".

The most surprising thing is when they visit Switzerland and it seems Denise Post-Van Rijswijk has fallen off the wooden decking, and instead of splashing into the water, she is dancing on water!

There is a massive performance side, because this is what the Vengaboys are all about. There's massive choreography that looks easy to pull off but we'll see if the Vengaboys at Birmingham Pride 2016 will perform just like their animated versions of themselves.

Scenic, beautiful and clever, this video is on point, especially for the era it was released. It relates perfectly to the song and links in with the lyrics. There's only one thing wrong with it, and that's when Denise Post-Van Rijswijk is dancing on water in Switzerland. Everything else comes together and works out perfectly. If an artist is going to turn themselves into an animated character, they have to pull it off like the Vengaboys have in this video.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Freemasons Featuring Amanda Wilson - Love On My Mind

March 30, 2016 Critic Jonni 1 Comments



Honestly, I wasn't that interested at this announcement for Birmingham Pride 2016, until I looked at some of her songs, and then I got excited that she was the vocalist on Tim Berg's "Seek Bromance". But I doubt I'd go out of my way to watch Amanda Wilson perform, especially since I only really know "Seek Bromance", although I'm pretty sure the remixes of this song and her other hit "Watchin'" is currently doing the rounds in the clubs at the moment. Amanda Wilson performs this song to the best she can, whilst the dancers out-do her in every scene.

YET ANOTHER CONFIRMED ARTIST!We're looking forward to seeing the fantastic Amanda Wilson perform on our Birmingham...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
The Freemasons are a DJ duo consisting of Russell Small and James Wiltshire, they are also members of the group Phats & Small, which has had better chart placements, but aren't as successful. Featured on this track is Amanda Wilson who will be hitting the Birmingham Pride 2016 stage. She has released quite a few singles, although the ones with the Freemasons are her most successful, as well as "Seek Bromance" which she isn't credited for, so I'm presuming she won't be singing "Seek Bromance" at pride. The song samples Jackie Moore's "This Time Baby" and Tina Turner's "When The Heartache Is Over". It was written by Graham Stack, John Reid, Russell Small, James Wiltshire, Leroy Bell and Casey James.

The video is simple, a pure performance based video that doesn't have much going on in it.

The dancers out perform Amanda Wilson, they are the main feature of the video, they're all in-sync and are definitely professionals, pulling off the choreography amazingly. Amanda Wilson either can't dance or they didn't want to include her in the choreography, she pretty much does the same three moves over and over again, and it's totally sets her up because the dancers aren't even doing those dance steps. She looks awkward and on her own.

This video exposes Amanda Wilson as a good singer but not the best performer. I bet she is a lot better now, but this video really makes her stand out, but in a very bad way. The choreography relates to the dance track rather than the actual song, and the only good bits I can find is the verses because you can see Amanda Wilson for herself, and yet it's too simplistic and with next to no performance in it. Was her heart even in this video?
Buy on iTunes

1 comments:

Fleur East - A Day In LA (More and More)

March 29, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I am breaking the rules, once again, since this is not an official music video for this song, this is more of a promotional video, as Fleur East has confirmed there will be an official music video released soon, however it's been a couple of months now, and there's no sign of an official music video any time soon, it especially didn't help with this song not charting. I have broken the rules a few times before, examples includes Justin Bieber's entire promotional videos for his album, titled "Purpose: The Movement", as well as Revisit Thursday Nathan Sykes "Born To Dance". Fleur East brings the summer with this tune, and this video is some fun in the sun, which we definitely need in this cold UK weather. Everyday we love you more and more Fleur East

WHO WOULD LIKE A BIT OF SAX?We would! We love the fact that the amazing Fleur East will be one of our headliners on...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Fleur East has been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2016, as one of the main headliners. After supporting her throughout The X Factor, I am so excited to see her perform and hear her sing "Sax" live, her dancing will be incredible, undoubtedly. She came second behind Ben Haenow, but it seems that Fleur East has won overall, because of her chart hits. This song was released with very little promotion, no official video and no release date announcement and no performances around that time. Whether they were relying on radio to pick it up, I don't know, but the radio didn't pick it up that well, and the song failed to chart. Maybe the release of the official video might push sales. The song was written by Fleur East, Edvard Førre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, James Abrahart and Camille Purcell.

Directed by Robin Fenlon, the video was released as a promotional video for the song. It shows Fleur East in Los Angeles, having a sun fun day, which we all love to do now and again don't we?

This could slightly work as an official video, since Fleur East is dancing and singing to the song, the performance side is subtle, but interesting, it's nice to see her relaxed and just having fun, maybe a bit of freestyle would have made this performance side a little more interesting, but I guess we all need to wind down after the full dance choreography of "Sax".

Fleur gives us fun fun fun, fun in the sun! She has fun on the beach, on the pier, in an arcade/amusements (Dance machine, oh yeah!), at a funfair, in a red convertible car, in a funky clothes shop and at a basketball court. She makes me want to go to LA on holiday, in this exact place.

Overall, as an official music video, it works slightly, but it's only a promotional video, and so it works well. The song is a grower, one that may eventually chart as it's getting more and more catchy, but it needs more and more promotion... Definitely needs a remix, which would definitely help it to chart better. Overall, fun, sun and confident.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Chart Mondays: Tinie Tempah Featuring Zara Larsson - Girls Like

March 28, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Mike Posner is still at number one with "I Took A Pill In Ibiza", so I'm excited to choose a song in the top ten, and I'm so happy that this is in the top ten this week! Finally it has a video, although we're all completely disappointed Zara Larsson is not in it whatsoever, why tease it so much if it was apparently shot last minute? They could've included her one way or another, regardless of how busy she might've been. This totally ruined any chance of me enjoying this video, which totally makes it difficult to review. Full of grinding, twerking and confidence, this video relates to the song, but whereas the song is amazingly catchy, more thanks to Zara Larsson than Tinie Tempah, this video falls dead to the water.

Tinie Tempah, real name Patrick Okogwu, has made quite the name for himself, all of his solo songs have been hits, so it's undeniable that he will forever be in our charts. He has seven number ones under his belt, and I reckon he will be getting a lot more in the future. Featuring is new star Zara Larsson, who definitely won't be disappearing any time soon, although saying that... Not appearing in a music video with Tinie Tempah might not do her any favours. "Lush Life" is one of my favourite songs, and she has a killer voice on "Never Forget You". She shocks everyone with this, because it suits her perfectly, and yet... No sign of her in the video. The song is a hit, but maybe it would've performed better if the video had Zara Larsson in.

The video was shot in Cape Town, South Africa. Filmed whilst Tinie Tempah took a long stay over there. Clearly Zara Larsson didn't have time to fly over there and film it. It's saddening to think that she wasn't featured in the music video, especially since she makes this song, although Tinie Tempah's rapping is on point.

Tinie Tempah hosts a street party, and it's all fun and games. He performs well in this, although he doesn't do much, he looks relaxed, like he's at home in Cape Town.

The dancers can dance, that's undeniable, and yet they aren't given much choreography, just a few booty shakes, a bit of twerking and grinding. These dancers can do so much more, yet there there to look sexy.

Zara Larsson's verse is done quite cheap and nastily, although I love the idea behind the bathroom scene, as girls' chatter in bathrooms; the scene isn't shown as how I would imagine. It paints a bad picture both generally and culturally. And although they have someone who looks similar to Zara Larsson in the background, I feel that this not only erases her from the song and video entirely, but having other women lip-sync to her lyrics kills her off. This reminds me a lot of Ms. D in Wiley's "Heatwave", who never appeared in that video. Difference is Zara Larsson is a chart success with her own songs, you don't just not include her and expect people, to not only not notice, but also not want answers. Where is she?

Overall, Tinie Tempah does he's best to perform, but without Zara Larsson it was never going to work. The video relates well, although could've been so much more. With all the hype created about this video, it should've been a stunner, since the song is amazing. The song would get five stars from me, but since I'm purely basing the rating on the video, I have no choice but to give it this rating.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Vengaboys - Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!

March 27, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I totally screamed when this act was announced for Birmingham Pride 2016, if there's one act I will not miss, it will be the Vengaboys. They were a massive hit in the 90s, gaining two number one hits and seven top ten hits in the UK. They are the dance group of my childhood, we were all singing their songs and watching their music videos. The Vengaboys tell us they want us in their room in this boom of a track. Relatable, entertaining and surprisingly explicit, this video is well ahead of it's time with the technology idea, yet the costumes and style is stuck in the past.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! WE LIKE TO PARTY... and so do our latest reveal! It's none other than The vengaboys who...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
The Vengaboys consisted of, at the time, Kim Sasabone, Denise Post-Van Rijswijk, Roy Den Burger and Robin Pors. The group are currently back together and have released a Christmas album and a couple of singles, with Donny Latupeirissa replacing Roy Den Burger in the line-up. With Birmingham Pride 2016 coming up, I am expecting them to announce a new single, with enough touring in the UK and enough promotion, I can see this group making one of the biggest comebacks we have ever seen, their new singles should've been hits, I admit, I do like "Hot, Hot, Hot". This song hit number one in the UK in 1999, and was written by Dennis van Den Driesschen, Benny Andersson, Wessel van Diepen and Björn Ulvaeus. The first verse interpolates Abba's "Lay All Your Love On Me".

This video is both sexual and explicit, unsurprising due to the song's meaning, how this was shown on music channels in the 90's when I was young, I do not know, but I guess age ratings wasn't given to videos back then, whereas nowadays this would've been banned until curfew time.

The choreography is on point, the Vengaboys sure know how to move and it excites me to think that I'll be seeing them perform live in the next few months at Birmingham Pride, and if they perform as in sync as they do in this video, they will be more than amazing.

This is mainly a performance piece, although there is a slight narrative, it seems the Vengaboys are performing in a strip club. There is quite a lot of girl on girl action in this video suggesting that the Vegaboys have been gay idols since the moment they started. The LGBT+ group have welcomed them from the beginning.

There's not much else to comment on. Perfect vocals, catchy songs and undeniably in-sync dancing that put other artists that released music during this era to shame. I can't wait to see them at Birmingham Pride 2016, and I hope that they manage to make a big comeback in the next few years.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Karen Harding - Open My Eyes

March 26, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Karen Harding has also been announced for Birmingham Pride 2016, I have to admit I was expecting her to be a big name by now, because of how successful "Say Something" was, and yet this follow up single fails to meet expectations, it's too similar to "Say Something" and regardless of the promotion on musical.ly app, it failed to chart, unsurprisingly. Today is the first time I've heard the song and watched the music video. Karen Harding definitely has presence and can perform, which she pulls off perfectly in this music video, as there is nothing else going on. Bland, unimaginative, and unengaging, Karen Harding does the best she can with what she's been given.

AND HERE'S OUR NEXT EXCITING REVEAL...After storming the main stage last year the fantastic Karen Harding returns to...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Karen Harding has appeared on The X Factor and the UK national selection for Eurovision. She proved both of them wrong by getting a hit single with "Say Something", she just needs to follow through and prove the judges wrong by getting more hit singles and a hit album. Her vocals are to the right standard, she just needs the right songs and this one isn't one of them. This song was written by Sophie "Frances" Cooke, Josh Wilkinson and James Reynolds.

Directed by James Partridge, this video is very visual, almost art-worthy, and yet bland and unexciting, without meaning.

There's not much to comment on. There's one scene that is relatable to an extent as Karen Harding is singing and dancing in front of a pink board with a pair of eyes. However the other scenes don't make sense, the flamingoes especially.

Karen Harding exposes her natural beauty, she works the clothes she is wearing, and her hair looks amazing both curly and straight. She clearly has on-stage presence which will be perfect for when she performs at Birmingham Pride 2016, I'm just sad that I missed her last year.

Overall, the video follows "Say Something", as in that she can perform well, but she hasn't had a great music video, that I've seen, so far. I feel that she needs a good music video under her belt, one that the music channels will play again and again, one that will make people watch on repeat on YouTube, because a music video is good promotion for a song, and she has the vocal talent of a superstar, she just needs the hit songs.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

New Release: Nick Jonas Featuring Tove Lo - Close

March 25, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



What have I just watched. This literal translation of these lyrics is weirdly entertaining to say the least, and yet it doesn't entice me to watch it again. Full of contemporary dancing and visual interpretation of the song words, Nick Jonas and Tove Lo scrape forward and backwards closer and distant from each other, a battle of feelings.

Nick Jonas was originally in The Jonas Brothers and in Nick Jonas And The Administration. He has set out all on his own and has definitely made a solo career for himself. I am not so sure on this song, myself... I absolutely loved "Levels" and I have found Nick Jonas a very hit and miss kind of singer, so I was hoping for more songs like "Levels" but this one isn't as good, which probably explains why it's not doing so well on the iTunes chart today. Tove Lo has also been a hit and miss kind of singer, real name Ebba Nilsson, and yet she's doing all right for herself at the moment. This song was written by Robin Fredriksson, Mattias Larsson, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter and Tove Lo.

This video could've been sexy and it just isn't. Directed by Tim Erem, it's clear a lot of effort went into creating this allusion and both singers' acting and dancing skills were put to the test, however both singers look totally undesirable.

They move forward and backwards on their seats, as if there is a magnetic force repelling and attracting them, and it isn't until their clothes get removed that they're able to touch each other.

Not only is it a good literal translation of the song but there is perfect hidden meaning behind it. As much as I'm not so keen on the song and as undesirable as this music video is because Nick Jonas isn't sexy whatsoever in this video compared to "Levels" and let's not even start on Tove Lo, but she does look better in her feature with Years & Years on song "Desire" than she does in this; I have to congratulate the video on the idea of it all and pulling it off perfectly.

Such an off-putting video, one I both want to watch again and I don't want to watch again. Regardless of that fact, it is technically brilliant, perfectly relatable and an undeniable translation of the lyrics. As much as this may not be appealing, it works well and it fits the song.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Booty Luv - Shine

March 24, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Keeping to the style of my blog, regardless of the fact that we're in the middle of Birmingham Pride 2016 Special, since some of the acts have been announced. I've decided to continue to do Thursday Revisit, and so Booty Luv is my revisit today. This is THE song that made ma a fan of Booty Luv. a cover of Luther Vandross' "Shine". Booty Luv are dancing with a dance group in this video, it's clear they can't dance very well and not enough effort went into this video, although it's clear that they can stand there and look pretty whilst singing.

AND OUR NEXT REVEAL IS...The fantastic Booty Luv who return to Birmingham Pride after storming the main stage...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Booty Luv consists of Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd, they were originally in group Big Brovaz before they split. They are one of my favourite acts that got announced for Birmingham Pride 2016,. however with no new songs, I'm a little worried that I am hyping them up too much, especially since these videos I have reviewed hasn't shown them as great performers. This is a cover of Luther Vandross' "Shine", I definitely prefer the cover version, although Luther Vandross is an undeniably incredible singer, this song was meant to be played in the clubs. It was written by James Harris III, Terry Lewis, Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers.

Once again a Booty Luv video has failed to interest me. Like seriously, what did Hed Kandi do to these girls? Hed Kandi was the record label they were assigned to. They could've put them through dance lessons, and made this video much more explosive.

That is not what we are getting, these girls have learned the routine but not how to pull it off, they do the steps and the moves without any eagerness, they've been told they can't do it fully and they stick out like a sore thumb compared to the dancers behind them.

There's not much else I can comment on, to be fair. This video could've been much much more, but I guess Hed Kandi was attempting to earn as much money rather than exposing the girls to enough promotion. Another fail of a music video for Booty Luv, even if produced perfectly it wouldn't have worked, we needed a narrative storyline, or at least a brilliant jaw-dropping performance, this just isn't it, and commonly found in dance tracks that were popular back then.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

MNEK - The Rhythm

March 23, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I think I've just let The Rhythm get to me and I've just lost my mind. As if I've never seen this video before now, it's amazing, and with a song that so should've charted higher than number 38, but I guess MNEK is definitely in the limelight now, what with his collaboration with Zara Larsson on the song "Never Forget You". He has been announced as one of the headline acts at Birmingham Pride 2016, I just wish Zara Larsson was appearing too. MNEK tells you that The Rhythm will lose your mind, and he is totally right with this freaky music video, it seems MNEK is the only person not to lose his mind in this supermarket.

AND HERE'S ANOTHER BIG HEADLINER...Birmingham Pride are proud to announce that Grammy-nominated British singer,...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
MNEK, real name Uzo Emenike, has had an established career as a song writer, he has had three number ones and plenty of top ten hits. Now he's creating a career as a solo singer and he is doing a fine job of it, although he isn't exactly a strong singer, he has a perfect soul in his vocals, enough to give him his own number ones in the future. I'm excited to see what he releases next after the amazing hit single "Never Forget You". This song was written by Uzo Emenike and Kersha Bailey.

Directed by Clemens Habicht, the video is once again set in a supermarket, this seems to be a common setting in dancing music videos. I think it's because we've all been in one of them, it's part of everyday life and I think that's what makes it a good setting to put something unnatural. Other videos that have recently been set in a supermarket is Galantis' "Peanut Butter Jelly" and Skrillex & Diplo & Justin Bieber's "Where Are Ü Now".

MNEK is working at the supermarket and he changes the music to his own song The Rhythm. Once the customers hear the song they start to lose their minds just like the song suggests.

They start to dance to the track and then the dancing gets really crazy as special techniques are used that even makes the viewers lose their minds, throughout I was like: is this really happening?

Trampolines were definitely used in the video and other visual transformations. It works really well, although the supermarket would definitely be wrecked by the end of the video, however it's only slightly untidy.

Overall, a great video that relates perfectly with the song. MNEK is a star that much is obvious. I love the video, it's freaky, it's weird, it makes me lose my mind just like the customers. I was a little unexcited when MNEK was announced as one of the acts at Birmingham Pride 2016, now I'm excited to hear him live.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Lucy Spraggan - Unsinkable

March 22, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Never heard or seen this before today and now it's stuck in my head. It annoys me that credible artists don't get a look in when it comes to the radio, since that is the biggest promotion. A complete step up since she appeared on The X Factor, I truly believe Lucy Spraggan is one of the most underrated British singers we have. She has been announced for Birmingham Pride 2016. Lucy Spraggan proves she's a fighter in this music video, she's unsinkable within the music industry and she will continue to get soaked, yet no matter how damp and down she gets, she'll never be beaten, because British music isn't the same without her.

AND OUR NEXT REVEAL IS...The brilliant Lucy Spraggan returns to Birmingham Pride after storming the main stage in...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Lucy Spraggan hit our TV screens on the ninth series of The X Factor, where James Arthur was crowned as the winner. Personally, the ninth series is one of the worst series because the acts I loved didn't go as far as I wanted them too, two of which were out in the first two live shows and Lucy Spraggan had to withdrew, therefore not allowing me to become a fan of her music. It was a shamble of a series and although some acts are well known, such as Rylan Clark and Union J, the star was Ella Henderson who undoubtedly should've won, but didn't. She's definitely the one who's had the biggest career out of all of them from this series. Back to Lucy Spraggan, before The X Factor she released an album independently, then released a second album under Sony. Her most recent album, We Are, was released last year under a new label. All she needs is more promotion, because this girl has got it! This song was written by Lucy Spraggan, Martin Brammer and Adam Argyle.

The music video, directed by Damien Reeves, is mainly a performance based music video that really captures the lyrics of the song.

I love the performance side, Lucy Spraggan proves that she's all grown up, and she really means business with this song, unfortunately it charted at number 78 here in the UK, but it should've done better.

I like the visuals. When she sings 'I should be broken drift wood on the beach', we're transported to a very cold beach. Pathetic fallacy is played to the fullest as it rains inside, where she is performing.

Yet she fights through and the rain finishes as the song finishes.

Beautiful, inviting and full of emotion. Lucy Spraggan has grown up, and I am hoping 2016 pushes her out to be more of a star, because that is definitely what she is.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Chart Mondays: Mike Posner - I Took A Pill In Ibiza (SeeB Remix)

March 21, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Mike Posner has done it, he has knocked Lukas Graham off the top spot with this amazingly catchy song. Whoever said you can't make a good comeback was wrong. Mike Posner's biggest hit used to be "Cooler Than Me", but guess he becomes the cool one since he has hit number one in the UK with this song and he has made it a global hit. Mike Posner doesn't appear in his music video, although the actor plays out his story, which is definitely stretching the truth, although it seems real enough, you can imagine this happening, but that massive head would knock a few people out in a club.

Mike Posner is only really known in the UK for his previous hit "Cooler Than Me", although his writing credits are substantial, and some may remember him featuring on the UK version of Cher Lloyd's "With Ur Love". Now he's back with another big hit, but will his follow-up singles follow in this one's footsteps or will they under perform again until he brings out another standalone hit? Time will tell as it always does. This song was written by Mike Posner, Martin Terefe and SeeB. The song came about after Mike Posner took a pill in Ibiza while at an Avicii concert.

The music video, directed by Jon Jon Augustavo. It's very scary, especially if you switched over halfway through on a music channel.

It kind of reminds me of the early 00's music videos when these sort of weird videos were all the range. I like the idea of the pill blowing his head up, although I wish they had used animation to literally blow his head up.

It sort of suggests that taking pills/drugs are a good thing. He becomes more confident, more drunk, more girls are interested hell he manages to pull and has sex in a toilet cubicle; there isn't enough emphasis of the ending and how drugs and pills are bad for you.

Pills and drugs are not good! NPS legal highs are to be banned in the UK in April. There's argues for and against them, and most don't know enough about them to make valid concrete opinions on them, whatever your feelings on them, they are there and you always have to be careful, as with anything you accept from a stranger.

Overall the video fails to show the risks of taking pills, and instead reflects on how much of a good time you could have by taking them. Behind the scenes you can tell that he isn't living the life, especially when he takes the pill, it doesn't change his life, it blows his head up and it's not as great as he thinks it is. It sticks to the story of the song and relates to it, although I do think it gives a slightly wrong message out to young people.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Booty Luv - Boogie 2Nite

March 20, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



This has to be the act I'm most excited about. I was a massive fan of Booty Luv when they were on the scene getting chart hit after chart hit. This was their first ever song, and currently their biggest hit, they formed after the split of Big Brovaz which they were previously in. They were second to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2016 and I have to admit, I did scream, they are the act I shall not be missing! And I won't be surprised if Birmingham Pride announces Big Brovaz soon, as they have reformed for appearances in the past, and they plan to perform at CC Summer Ball in June, so I am expecting them to appear at Pride a month before. Booty Luv does their best in this low-budget performance-based music video that not only doesn't relate but just fails to engage.
AND OUR NEXT REVEAL IS...The fantastic Booty Luv who return to Birmingham Pride after storming the main stage...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016

This is Booty Luv's debut single, although their following singles all charted in the UK top 20, apart from their most recent single "Black Widow" which is most definitely underrated. Booty Luv consists of Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd. They were big back in 2007, and would be one of the bigger star at Pride, hell they are in my eyes, but they haven't released anything since "Black Widow" in 2012, and there's no sign of any new music... They could easily make a good comeback if they gave it a really good go, maybe Birmingham Pride 2016 will help them to get back together. Boogie 2Nite is a cover version of Tweet's "Boogie 2Nite" which was originally a promotional song and was never released as a single, despite it becoming a club hit. Then Booty Luv comes along and proves it was meant to be released. It was written by Charlene Keys, Nisan Stewart and John Smith.

This music video is extremely low budget, they clearly wasn't expecting this to be much of a hit. However, it's obvious that the success of this song brought more singles and much better music videos, which I'll no doubt review as it gets closer to Birmingham Pride 2016.

There isn't a lot going on, there's some dancers dancing to the song, there's a lot of visuals and text which doesn't link with the song in time so doesn't work as lyrics.

Booty Luv performs perfectly, as they no doubt will on the stage. They are sexy, sultry and teasing, which works well with the song and they do their best with what they have been given.

I am definitely excited to see them perform this song as well as their many other hits, however this music video doesn't work well enough. This single got to number 2, failing to knock Take That off the top spot with "Patience". This song is a banger, but the video fails to interest and I really don't want to watch it again.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Lisa Stansfield - All Around The World

March 19, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Lisa Stansfield was the first big name to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2016. At first I was excited because everyone has heard of her name at least, but after researching her songs I've come to realised that I only really know and like this one song, which begs to question whether she is a big enough star to headline Pride. As much as I want to hear this song live, I would rather be getting ready to go out clubbing, or chilling in one of the bars, or be at the funfair, or be in the dance arena, than be at the main stage listening to her sing songs I don't really know. Lisa Stansfield sings this powerful and highly emotional song, which guaranteed her a place at the top of the UK charts back in 1989. A total performance piece she sends her emotion out to the viewers.
WE'RE SO EXCITED TO REVEAL!The awesome Grammy nominated Lisa Stansfield is confirmed as one of our BIG HEADLINERS at...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016

Lisa Stansfield has had her day, the 90's was her decade, and although I totally believe an artist should be able to constantly chart, only the best manage to do that across decades, there's the Madonnas, the Britneys, the Christinas, the Rihannas, the Justins. Lisa Stansfield might be a big name, but she isn't current any more. A collaboration with a DJ might get her to chart, it worked for Mary J. Blige, but I don't think it will give Lisa Stansfield more fans, which she inevitably needs to become current. She'll be forever known for this one song, and I don't see why Birmingham Pride chose her as a headliner, when the younger population at Pride, which is usually the majority of attendees, won't be watching. This song is her biggest hit, it got to the top of the charts in 1989, and her other songs failed to climb as high. It was written by Lisa Stansfield, Ian Devaney and Andy Morris.

The video is extremely basic, but we totally expected that since it was filmed in the very late 80's.

Some of the clothes she is wearing is shocking, but they were fashionable back then. What is surprising is that her blue jacket is definitely back in fashion now, she should so find it in her wardrobe and wear it for Pride as it is stylish and would still look great no matter what she paired it with.

A total performance piece, this video displays her voice to the audience. She puts her all in some of the lyrics, fully meaning every single one of them. However, at times, she is too relaxed, enough to suggest that she is holding back.

The black and white filter fails to keep me interested, although it signifies that she's thinking of the past, there is no intercutted scenes and a narrative is only hinted at.

The video, overall, looks like a display video to show people some camera tricks. It fails to engage and although Lisa Stansfield does her best to portray the feelings needed for the video, the camera tricks falter the entire performance.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

New Release: Sigala Featuring Imani & DJ Fresh - Say You Do

March 18, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Sigala is bringing hit after hit, he is the one to watch, he is the one on everyone's lips, he is the one getting the chart numbers and he is the one who is bringing summer anthems to Britain while it's dreary and cold! He is also bringing fresh talent to the table, which is definitely helping him chart well, as well as collaborating with big names which brings crossover fans, I just want him to collaborate with one of my favourite artists. Summery and fun, this music video pushes Imani into the spotlight, whilst Sigala and DJ Fresh creates the amazing sounds behind the scenes. Hot, sexy, calm and full of life, this video is the fun summer anthem during spring!

Sigala, real name Bruce Fielder, has released two singles that has had global success "Easy Love" which hit number one here in the UK, and "Sweet Lovin'". This third single is going to follow in the previous hits' success, no doubt. He is bringing the summer throughout the year, and this song does exactly that. Imani, full name Imani Williams, is new and fresh, this is her first single and she has an incredible voice, if this song doesn't prove it enough, I suggest you listen to her acoustic videos on Instagram here, just wow! DJ Fresh also features on this song, real name Daniel Stein, he used to easily chart well, but his singles haven't matched up to his number one hits, and it seems this song might just push him back into the limelight. This song samples Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby", and was written by Sigala, DJ Fresh, Imani Williams, The Invisible Men, Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal. The song reminds me of Cover Drive's "Twilight", it has the same feel and summer vibe, and I guess Imani reminds me slightly of Amanda Reifer.

Directed by Craig Moore; the video was set in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Imani is central figure in this music video, the spotlight is on her and no one else.

She's full of life and fun, releasing the summer vibes for this summer hit, her performance is meaningful and joyous.

She nails the choreography given to her, she captures the audience in her dancing, her relaxation and in her singing. She not only means every word, but she is having one of the best times in Jamaica, and we all want to be there to enjoy it with her.

Imani is just so excited to be in this video, you can tell that she was meant to do this, as she is enjoying every moment of this, and in doing so she releases those feelings out to us allowing us to feel what she's feeling, giving us a joyous viewing.

Sexy and hot, Imani is a soon-to-be superstar, the video extras fail to grab the spotlight from her, apart from the kid breakdancing on the shoreline, however no one else manages to shine as Imani proves she was meant to do this. I can't wait to see where she'll go next, hopefully a solo hit is around the corner, she has the voice for it.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Christina Milian - When You Look At Me

March 17, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Now this is how you do it! Today is my revisit day, and this song has been stuck in my head all day yesterday. My phone plays my music on shuffle and this one came on as I was on my way to work. It's such a banger of a ballad that it's definitely a classic, one I absolutely adore. Christina Milian pulls off the perfect performance, sexy, sultry and simple; this is a video that would make me want to see her live.

It's almost as if I've just watched someone else, comparing this to "Rebel", I'm kind of unsure I like the direction Christina Milian is heading, although she pulled it back with the release of "Like Me". Her real name is Christine Flores, and currently owns a clothing line, a range of wines and has her own TV show. She is attempting a come back to music to which I am hoping will be the come back that everyone is talking about. Although, I think JoJo has that title at the moment. This song was Christina Milian's second single, charting at number three in the UK. It was written by Christina Milian, Christin Karlsson, Nina Woodford, Fredrik Odesio and Henrik Jonback.

The video has four rooms, in which Christina Milian has different styles and colours to work with. In every room she pulls off the outfit perfectly, and performs on point. The video was directed by Billie Woodruff.

The choreography is performed in sync, which is exactly what we come to expect when it comes to Christina Milian. She looks relaxed and she's prepared to give this song everything she's got because this is a song she really cares about and loves.

It's totally relatable to the song, and although there is no narrative, we don't need one. She's a different person in every room, style wise. It works brilliantly, and although there doesn't seem a lot to comment on, it's because it's a pure performance piece directed amazingly. This is why Christina Milian used to be on top form before, and if she revisits this type of energy, she will get back to having chart hits.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Christina Milian - Rebel

March 16, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Christina Milian is looking for a comeback to music with this EP she has released called 4U. I'm kind of hoping that this is a snippet of what her next album will be like, without using any of these songs, because "Like Me" is the only one I've liked so far, and that song alone should've been a worldwide hit. Christina Milian needs to come back harder than ever, she needs to prove she deserves chart hits once again, because this R&B ballad isn't doing a single thing for her. She over performs and exposes herself a slight too much in this provocative video, which doesn't suit her at all.

Christina Milian, real name Christine Flores, has literally made her money. She now has her own clothing range, TV series and wines, believe it or not. Yet no number ones. If anyone can do it, she can. She's an actress and a singer, she had it all, now she just needs to be back on top form once more. Getting chart hits left, right and centre used to be easy, she was born to be a celebrity with everyone talking about her, and she has the voice, has the acting skills, she just needs a killer track, an amazing music video and the right amount of promotion. This ballad doesn't cut it. Rebel was written by Christine Flores, Matt Cash, Ocean Marciano and Supa Nova.

Directed by Alton Glass, this was the first song off her EP to get a music video. All of her songs from the EP 4U has an official music video released, so it makes me question how long we're going to have to wait for this new album.

The video is not engaging enough, Christina Milian uses all her acting skills to show us the emotion of the song, sultry and sexy, she does her best, but because of the video it doesn't work overall.

The entire set is trying too hard, she almost exposes herself completely in the first few minutes as she nearly falls out of the white shirt she is wearing, which is much too loose for her.

The clothing in the video is nothing exciting or dramatic, nothing quite suits her, other than the ripped jeans. The imagery isn't imaginative, there's nothing that relates to the song, and I definitely don't understand the parachute and Christina Milian's burgundy hair. This is not the Christina Milan we all know and love. I was hoping this video would've been much better. But the only thing I can draw from this is that Christina Milian does her best with what she's been given. Sultry and sexy, she attempts to pull it off as best as she can.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Nick Jonas - Chains

March 15, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I've had this song stuck in my head all day, so I thought I might as well review it's music video, especially since I haven't seen it before today. Quite dark for Nick Jonas, but I truly believe he is trying to find his sound, which I feel like he has done with the release of "Levels". Nick Jonas brings out this dark handsome side of him. The colour tone of the video is influenced by the colour of chains. His love for this person is real and isn't replicated.

Nick Jonas, Nick Jonas, Nick Jonas. He was once one third of boy band The Jonas Brothers as well as lead singer of Nick Jonas And The Administration; now he has a successful solo career with hit singles like this one. He is currently co-headling a tour with Demi Lovato called Future Now: The Tour which, unfortunately, only has dates in North America, and no sign of it hitting Europe or any other continent. If there's a date for the UK, I will definitely be getting tickets, this is one tour I wouldn't want to miss. This song was written by Jason Evigan, Ammar Malik and Danny Parker. The song is about being chained in love for a person, and how it can break you if the person doesn't feel the same.

The video continues the dark theme of the song, I love how the colours represent the colours of chains, little hues as if the chains have infused with Nick Jonas.... Ahhh to infuse with Nick Jonas.... The video was directed by Ryan Pallotta and features Dylan Penn as Nick Jonas' love interest.

Deep and dark, there is a lot going on, a lot of fighting, which Nick Jonas is doing in the song, he's fighting for the love, because he truly believes he loves this person.

Don't really get the police barricade, however it's another obstacle in the way for Nick Jonas, another thing he has to overcome just like everything else.

Overall it's a simple video and yet it's in depth and very dark, quite haunting too especially with the ending. It works well, although can be considered confusing and quite choppy. It connects with the audience rarely, failing to deliver something we want to watch again and again, yet it manages to relate to the song perfectly.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Chart Mondays: Major Lazer Featuring Nyla & Fuse ODG - Light It Up

March 14, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I have been waiting for this music video, and I'm so glad this song has jumped back into the top 10 to allow me to review it for Chart Mondays. Lukas Graham is still at number one with "7 Years", hence why I'm reviewing this music video. Major Lazer take us to Ghana and documents their traditional funeral, educating us through the music video medium. Inspirational and enlightening, bringing something new to the music channels, along with artists Nyla and Fuse ODG.

Major Lazer are a three piece group consisting of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. They have had a number of hits, more so lately than early on in the career of this group, as it was first founded by Diplo and Switch, the latter left the band because of creative differences. The group's biggest single to date is a collaboration with MØ with "Lean On", which got to number two in the UK. It seems this single is attempting a shot for number one, although with so many amazing songs higher up the chart, it doesn't seem like this will climb much higher. Nyla, real name Nailah Thorbourne, is from Jamaica, this is her biggest single to date, although she has released a few other singles, both as a solo act and as a featured act. Will she be pushed into mainstream success with this song? Or will this be her only hit? As for Fuse ODG, real name Nana Abiona, he's already made his name for himself here in the UK, no number one as of yet, but I bet he's not far from hitting the top of the charts, This song was written by Thomas Pentz, Philip Meckseper, Nailah Thorbourne, David Malcolm, Sidney Swift, T-Baby and Nana Abiona.

Directed by Sam Pilling, the music video is a documentary showing us the traditional funeral in Ghana. There is also a Twi poem quoted at the start and the end by Kwado Nkita-Mayala called Kae (Remember).

Showing Ghanaian culture makes this documentary music video educational, showing us something we've probably never seen before, managing to convey the meaning of the song over beautifully.

The traditional Ghanaian funeral ceremony includes the entire community, they firstly mourn together, and then they celebrate the life that was lived.

The black and white visual effect doesn't help the music video, although it does bring sadness. I hate black and white music videos unless the effect is used for a specific reason, since the music video and song isn't about dwelling on the sadness of the funeral, it should've switched to colour as the community celebrated the life that was lived.

Overall a nice educational music video, giving us something new to watch in a new media. However it's not entertaining enough, compared to the song, and it doesn't inspire me to watch it again. The poem brings something beautiful to this okay music video, allowing us to understand the words of the poem, the lyrics of the song and the meaning behind the whole music video. As a whole it is beautiful, and yet not amazing.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Era Istrefi - BonBon

March 13, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



I'm claiming this right now, she is the new Inna or Alexandra Stan, she'll have one big global hit, and then will disappear from the limelight, much like many stars before her, only her true hardcore fans will buy her new music after her big hit. This music video has blown up on social media sites where they've compared her voice to Sia and Rihanna. Her vocals are amazing, and this video originally got over 30 million hits before the video got set to private as she has signed to Ultra music (a record label that was associated with Inna and Alexandra Stan, once upon a time). Era Istrefi shows off her voice and her body in this wintry music video. Encompassed by a fluffy pink and green coat, Era Istrefi struts her stuff, dances her way through the song and acts sultry towards the camera.

Era Istrefi, who is sometimes known as just Era, is Kosovo Albanian and has been releasing music since 2013. Her mother, Suzana Tahirsylaj, was a well known Albanian singer in the 80's and 90's, she stopped singing when Era Istrefi's father died. She clearly passed on her vocals to two of her daughters as Era Istrefi has an older sister, Nora Istrefi, who had a short but popular stint in the music industry, but it seems Era Istrefi will be the one who has international fame. Era Isterfi sings in Gheg Albanian, but she often uses English phrases as well. This song was written by Era Istrefi, Ergen Berisha, Cricket, BigBang and Toton. BonBon means It's Okay, It's Okay in English.

The music video was filmed in one shot, it's an extremely basic performance piece that demands the attention of the audience.

Set in a beautifully snowy road, Era Istrefi has a colourful bright pink fluffy coat on that definitely highlights her against the grey setting.

Her choreography is sexy to say the least, and she pulls it off with so much sass that it looks like she's totally freestyling; yet, as we all know, it's not that simple in the music video world.

Her style, her image, her make-up, her hair; it's all on point in this video, it makes us ignore the entire setting, we are exclusively interested in her singing this song. The song of which is in a different language, and yet nowadays we no longer complain; many songs in different languages have been worldwide hits, it's mainly the vocals that are most important, and it's refreshing to see music sung in foreign languages become popular. However this video is too simple for my liking, and yet it shows her as an independent woman, she doesn't need anyone beside her, she can do it all by herself, and she sure has with this song and video, Era Istrefi's time is coming, and it's coming now, just like she predicted at the start with these lyrics.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

Power Francers & D-Bag - Pompo Nelle Casse

March 12, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



A total random for me, this was first played on my iTunes a few minutes ago, it is part of a compilation album I have called Музыка В Дорогу, which I bought purely because it had quite a few Inna and Alexandra Stan songs on it, and it was a cheap price. Surprisingly, it is no longer available on the British iTunes store. I instantly liked this song, and had to see if there was a corresponding music video, which leads me to this post. I love it when my iTunes chooses a song and music video for me. Enter a club where this song would be played and everyone will be raving it up, singing along to Pompo Nelle Casse, easy lyrics although we would have no idea what we are saying, but it's all fun, clubby and sexy!

Power Francers are a three-piece Italian hip-house band consisting of Davide Di Martino, Antonio Pelusio and Caterina Di Sciascio. They each have names within the band which are Pacchiani, Goldentrash and Katerfrancers respectively. This is their biggest hit, although they have had plenty of other singles as well as released two albums. This group is bringing something new to the table and it is refreshing to see something new, with more hard work and plenty of promotion, they could make it big, if they pushed. D-Bag, real name Riccardo Marchi, has released a number of EPs, singles and remixes under this pseudonym, nowadays he can be found producing under the name Reech. He claims to be the producer behind many of Power Francers' hits. This song, as I previously mentioned, is their biggest hit to date. It's catchy and would definitely get people on the dancefloor and could easily be played in the UK clubs.

The music video takes us into a club where this song is really hitting it off. Perfect mouth movement line up, so much so that any one of them could be singing the song, although it's obviously Katerfrancers who has that amazing voice.

The camera makes me remember all those times I'm drunk on the dancefloor singing my heart out whilst dancing like the spotlight is on me, I'm pretty sure this hazy music video is exactly what I see when I'm in that state.

The video is sexy, sultry, full of alcohol, clubbing, raving and people clearly having a good time! Pompo Nelle Casse indeed, which doesn't translate well in English. The rest of the lyrics is about being in a club, so I'm guessing it's something that relates to that. Overall, it's relatable and goes well with the song. I'm actually interested in where these guys will go, Katerfrancers has started a solo career whilst still being a part of the group, but what the future brings for all of them is anyone's guess.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments:

New Release: Martin Garrix Featuring John Martin and Michel Zitron - Now That I've Found You

March 11, 2016 Critic Jonni 3 Comments



Martin Garrix makes his debut on my blog today with this song that should be a hit around the world. but according to iTunes charts, it doesn't seem likely. This is the sort of song I would expect to climb the chart much like Shawn Mendes' "Stitches" and Zara Larsson's "Lush Life". Martin Garrix is back with a hit I love, although many prefer the original song without the vocals. The video is independently strong and yet confusing all over.

Martin Garrix, real name Martijn Garritsen, had a global hit with "Animals", since then he hasn't come close to getting another number one in the UK, but he has recently split from his label Spinnin' Records and so he isn't being promoted as much, although this song definitely deserves to be a worldwide hit. This song features John Martin, real name John Martin Lindström, who has had a number of hits both solo and as featured, he is definitely one to look out for when he sets off on his music domination, because he will be a global sensation, he pretty much is already. As for Michel Zitron, he has had lots of uncredited vocals on tracks we all know and love, will he always be behind the scenes? Or will he take the risk and enter the spotlight? Only time will tell. The song is definitely catchy, one I love. It was originally known as "Don't Crack Under Pressure" before the vocals were added.

The video was directed by Peter Huang, and is a full narrative video. It features main character Jules, who is a backpacker travelling from one place to another. I don't know who the actress is, if anyone knows feel free to let me know by commenting below.

Whilst on her travels alone she bumps into a guy, who she falls in love with, I also don't know his actor's name, so comment below if you do. They clearly enjoy their time together, and have plenty of fun experiences.

However the ending is more sad than anything, he clearly did something wrong because in the voice mail he mentions that he 'made a big mistake', the only thing that comes to mind is that he cheated, although there is no suggestion of such a thing in the video, nothing to suggest he made a big mistake.

Jules goes back to her old life, backpacking and exploring, and she clearly enjoys it.

It relates to the song because she is practically taking on the world, going solo and visiting different places. There are clips of them doing things together which is what the song is about. I totally relate to this as I want to be with someone, I want to go and do things with someone, but I know that isn't going to happen any time soon, and I also feel like I'm going it alone just like she is, my plan is to get to London this year, and I'm sure I'll feel just like she does in this video, as I start my life in London, that's if I get there sooner rather than later.
Buy on iTunes

3 comments:

Fast Food Rockers - Say Cheese (Smile Please)

March 10, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Thought I'd put my Thursday Revisit review to use and review the second single from the Fast Food Rockers, because the chance of this group making it on my blog again is next to none, and I can't believe what I've just watched... I could understand the "Fast Food Song", but this follow up single is just bad, and not in a happy smiley good way. The Fast Food Rockers attempt to spread cheerfulness and happiness in this cheesy song that even has cheese in the title. Too happy, too cheesy and way too over the top for my liking, just not good overall.

I very much doubt this group will ever reform, they're pretty much look and sound like they've walked right off a holiday camp site such as Butlins, they do act like they're redcoats and they've even got their mascot with them at all times, who is called Hot Dog. The Fast Food Rockers consisted of Martin Rycroft, Lucy Meggitt and Ria Scott. This is their second single, the follow up to the "Fast Food Song". This song, surprisingly, peaked on the UK chart at number 10. It was written by Mike Stock, Steve Crosby and Bob Patmore.

To say this music video is cheesy is an understatement, this has extra cheese on top, if that's even possible.

Filled with dance routine that is a little bit more complicated than the previous one for the "Fast Food Song", as well as showing off slightly, this music video just fails, it feels totally fake, and extremely annoying.

The song isn't that catchy so I have no idea why it charted so high. Some scenes are just dire and fails to keep me entertained, let alone anyone else, and although it totally relates to the song, it still fails as a video, because I definitely won't be watching this again.
Buy on iTunes

0 comments: