Rihanna - Disturbia



A bit of Rihanna's "Disturbia" for us all! It fits in nicely for my Halloween Special! This was possibly the turning point that put me off Rihanna. I didn't like the direction she was going down with this song and her subsequent songs never matched up to the love I had and still have for "Don't Stop The Music". Besides this entire music video freaked me out back in 2008. Rihanna is pretty much possessed in this "Disturbia" music video. Freakish dancing, disturbing themes and it still chilling to this day.

Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, is a worldwide global superstar. Everyone practically knows who she is and at least one of her songs. She's iconic and has really built a name for herself. She's at a point in her career, much like Beyoncé, where she can create the music she wants to and it'll still be a hit, regardless of whether it's likeable or not. She's worked her way up to this level and she isn't coming down from it whatsoever. This song was released on a reissue of her 'Good Girl Gone Bad' album, titled 'Reloaded'. The song hit number three in the UK but became another number one hit single in the US for Rihanna. It was written by Brian Kennedy, Chris Brown, Robert Allen, and Andre Merritt.

Directed by Anthony Mandler and Rihanna, the music video is extremely haunting, it freaks me out. It makes me think Rihanna is possessed by something.

The whole concept is intriguing with various scenes depicting the same idea. If anything, it really proves Rihanna's acting ability, because she pulls this off perfectly.

There are many scenes that will take me ages to comment on, although there is something freaky about the blonde wig and the contact lenses she is wearing when she is behind the bars. I also love the chamber where she's tied up via handcuffs; the way she struggles to get out is full of panic.

The spider scene is spine-chilling, I don't like spiders all that much, but those are tarantulas. I don't know how Rihanna kept her cool. Well, she was possessed.

The dance scene is flawless; great, relatable choreography that is totally on point throughout. The only problem I had was that not enough of the dance sequence was shown.

This music video is jam-packed full of everything. It's so disturbing, it works effortlessly and as much as it freaks me out and as much as I don't like it, the music video is relatable, brilliant and total perfection.
Buy on iTunes

Ashlee Simpson - Bat For A Heart



This is for sure one of Ashlee Simpson's most underrated songs, most people don't even know about it. It's definitely one of my favourite Halloween songs, probably next to the other Halloween songs I choose for my Halloween Special! This is freakishly good, the song is so personal and although may come off a bit bland on first listen, it becomes an emotional party banger, on second listen, that will be perfect for all those spooky playlists out there! Trust me, this song is fire for any Halloween themed party. Raw and emotional, the song and the video work well together, Ashlee Simpson is in pain because of a guy who has a "Bat For a Heart".

Ashlee Simpson is probably best known as the sister of Jessica Simpson, yet she has established a career for herself both in the music industry and in the acting world. She has more a rock-edge to her tone, that definitely fuelled her chart success in the 00's. She is apparently working on a new album with her husband. Since this single was released back in 2012, I doubt it will be included in the said album. This single was apparently written by Linda Perry & Ashlee Simpson.

The music video is incredibly basic from start to finish. A consistent theme throughout as Ashlee Simpson pours her emotions out in a chaotic way.

Filmed totally in black and white, which definitely gives this an eerie feel, the video is quite quirky, to say the least. Ashlee Simpson has unlocked some sort of possessive beast from within, possibly a bat-transforming vampire.

At times we see her in a vocal booth or displaying dysfunctional dance moves, which doesn't fit singularly, however, would work fluidly with a full-set choreography, but then again something clean and perfect wouldn't work.

As a whole piece, it's quite unnerving yet interesting. Definitely haunting and perfect for my Halloween Special. On the other hand, I feel it doesn't quite relate to the song, and by itself, it's nothing special.
Buy on iTunes

Sylosis - Empyreal

Sylosis are a British metal band who followed me quite early on, making them the second artist to be a part of my Twitter Followers Special. I think they're the only artist who I'll be reviewing this week who has a 'Verified Account' twitter tick. They have released three albums, one of which 'Edge Of The Earth' charted at number 139 on the UK chart. They are a four piece band consisting of Josh Middleton, Alex Bailey, Carl Parnell and Rob Callard. This song is on the 'Edge Of The Earth' album, and this video is the only video made for the album.

The video reflects the album more than anything else, the idea of forming a more real version of the album cover, is very unique, and manages to engage the audience into watching it, to see where it will go on to.

The video is both narrative and performance based, but there is more scenes of the performance side. This is typical of most metal music videos I have watched. As they want to show what they will be like lived to try and sell tickets to their gigs.

This performance piece is powerful, you know that you'd have a good time at one of their tours, although it's not my sort of music, I can see why people would go and see them live.

The narrative side of things features a guy who looks like a caveman, walking through tunnel caves. He has a candle ruling out the whole caveman thing since candles wasn't around back then. He finds images on the wall and also becomes possessed in the last half of the video.

It's different, it's surprising and actually really works. It may not be my sort of music but I can appreciate it for what it is. The video is dark and perfect for this music.