Chart Mondays: Stormzy - Big For Your Boots


Big For Your Boots - Stormzy |

Stormzy is in the top ten of the UK chart, again! Can you believe it? We all thought this wouldn't ever happen, a grime artist in the UK top ten singles chart for the second time, but he's here! He grabs my Chart Mondays review today due to Ed Sheeran still being at number one with "Shape of You". This definitely is catchy, and it's no surprise it is in the top ten. Watch Stormzy sing about being too "Big For Your Boots" all the while including controversial issues in this brilliantly crafted music video.

Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, has really turned into a defining artist and rapper amongst the grime music genre that has been popular for years in the UK. However, it's very difficult to chart, let alone get a second single in the UK's top ten, which just goes to show how big Stormzy has become. He previously got to number eight in the UK with his song "Shut Up". Now he's peaked at that position again with "Big For Your Boots". This song is his first single from his official debut album. It was written by Michael Omari.

The music video was directed by DAPS. It's mainly a performance piece set within a narrative that is strong nonetheless.

He totally brings it on the visual, we expect nothing less of Stormzy. He can rap in style with so much energy that you just want to see him on stage doing his thing. His music videos always have this energetic vibe about them, that it's no surprise it turns up in this one too.

There are some great profile shots of additional characters, although the scenes aren't fully fleshed out into the narrative. We don't know why he is chilling in the sunroof of a cop car, but he does sing 'Drug money in my shoebox' at that point so maybe they lyrics explains it all.

Either way, this is a killer music video. It's full of energetic vibes and great profile scenes. The first half is way better than the second half, but that is due to camera angles and the settings of each scene rather than anything else. The music video is progressive and totally relatable to the song. It works.
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Wiktoria - Unthink You


Unthink You - Wiktoria |

I had no idea what to review today, so I let YouTube recommendations decide. Now, Wiktoria first came to my attention when she performed in Melodifestivalen 2016. She is performing once again in Melodifestivalen 2017, and maybe she'll do better. Her song last year was "Save Me" which definitely was catchy. Hopefully, her new one will be just as good. This song was released recently, as a little bit of promotion for her before she graces the Melodifestivalen stage. Her voice is phenomenal as always and I cannot wait to see how she does in the contest, can she go all the way and represent Sweden at Eurovision 2017? Wiktoria brings all her stage presence in the performance music video "Unthink You" that also introduces a talented dancer who interprets the song into dance effortlessly.

Wiktoria, full name Wiktoria Johansson, is fairly new to the music scene, with only a few singles, but she has already made her name known. "Save Me" was quite the banger of Melodifestivalen 2016 and it charted well in Sweden, managing to get to number three and going on to achieve a platinum status. She has released a few singles since, including this one; but her main focus is on Melodifestivalen 2017, where she will perform "As I Lay Me Down". She is hoping to win and become the representative of Sweden for Eurovision 2017. She also voiced Moana in the Swedish-dubbed version of the Disney film of the same name. This song is a banger of a tune and should've been big. She has a killer voice that just oozes future success.

Directed by Michael Sjösten, this music video easily displays Wiktoria's amazing performance vibes, all intercut with an amazing dancer who does look quite like Troye Sivan, but it's not.

The dancer takes on an interesting interpreted dance that is so intricate that it just goes to show how technically great he really is. He kind of takes the spotlight from Wiktoria, though. His moves are incredible and we just want to keep watching, which totally distracts us from the artist.

As for Wiktoria, she brings her usual flair to the music video, seriously giving the camera all the great shots, and performing the song with all she's got. It works well but if the dancer and Wiktoria met in a final scene, it would bring an unthinkable narrative that is clearly missing in this music video.
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Zara Larsson Featuring Ty Dollar $ign - So Good


So Good (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - Zara Larsson |

Another new music video in promotion of her newly released single, Zara Larsson is quickly becoming a full-on international Swedish star. Collaborating with Ty Dollar $ign, just shows how far in her career she is and we're still waiting on an album, but is she attempting to crack America before hand? Especially since she performed on Ellen the other day. Filled with sprinkles of glitter, Zara Larsson's "So Good" music video is a brilliant portrait performance piece with popular rapper Ty Dollar $ign.

Zara Larsson is a total household name in most of Europe; as for America, she's dipped in and out of their Billboard Hot 100 chart. Maybe this collaboration with Ty Dollar $ign will help her to become more well-known over there. Either way, her new album, her debut international album, will be released in March, with the same title as this song. She previously released an album back in 2014 in Scandinavia, but it didn't get released globally; as much as I need it in my life, along with all her other songs in the world - This is why I think they should also release that old album at the same time, because people will no doubt buy it as well. Ty Dollar $ign, real name Tyrone Griffin Jr., has become a rapper everyone wants to collaborate with. He has solidified himself as a popular American rapper and has totally launched quite a few successes. This song has done moderately well in many countries, but it totally hasn't lived up to the successes of her previous singles. It was written by Zara Larsson, Charles Otto Puth (Charlie Puth), Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Gamal Lewis (Lunchmoney Lewis), and Danny Schofield.

The glitter-filled music video was directed by Sarah McColgan. It is a pure performance visual, with a few dance sequences and choreography throughout. Unfortunately, Zara Larsson is missing her stage presence spark that we are used to seeing in her music videos.

We watch Zara Larsson sprinkle glitter on her face in the opening scene. Other scenes follow where she is looking sexy throughout, but there's not much movement or involvement. In the dance scenes, we see her just do the moves, but she doesn't pull them off like in the original "Lush Life" music video. There's just no feeling behind them.

It feels like she hasn't connected to the song at all. She's not bringing any substance to this as a whole.

Ty Dollar $ign brings it like he always does, but again the style of the music video just doesn't work and although the spotlight brings him out more, the emotionless vibe coming off Zara Larsson totally taints the video as a whole.

It's definitely a disappointing music video, one that I don't want to watch again, regardless of the fact that I'm a Zara Larsson fan. I'll be going back to watching her other music videos and leave this one be. I'm hoping she releases a new single in promotion of her album in March, hopefully it'll have a much better music video. The song itself isn't something that I would've thought Zara Larsson would record. It feels like it's going to be a stand-out track on the album for all the wrong reasons. It's certainly a new direction and one that hasn't worked out well in her favour, considering the chart positions.
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New Release: Aura - Can't Steal The Music


Can't Steal the Music - Aura |

So many new releases today, some of which are from some big names, and yet no music videos, which means I have to discover a whole new artist. This is Aura, who has an incredible voice. Slightly cheating with this because the EP to this song isn't out until March, however if you pre-order the EP you will get this song and a remix as an instant grat download, although I don't see why they have it as pre-order as it just stops two remixes of this song from being released, which people aren't all that fussed about. Nonetheless, you can actually download this song, and with vocals like that, how can you not? Aura stuns us all with this emotional performance music video of her new song "Can't Steal The Music". You can't take it away.

Aura, real name Maria Joensen, has already established herself as an artist amongst Europe, most notably in Scandinavia, especially her home country of Denmark. She previously went under the name of Aura Dione, and had a trio of hits: "I Will Love You Monday (365)", "Geronimo", and "Friends", the latter of which featured Rock Mafia. Now going with a monotonous name of Aura, she is set on releasing more music and a third studio album, named after this track. The album itself will also feature previous singles "Love Somebody" and "Indian Giver". The song was written by Aura and Jamie Hartman.

Directed by Michael Sauer, the music video shows off Aura brilliantly. She easily gets into her role proving that no one can steal music away from her.

She brings a natural stage presence to the video in the various scenes. She's completely emotional throughout, clearly thinking of her past relationship that stripped her of who she was. But music was the one thing that got her through it, hence the song and her amazing acting skills in the video.

Passionate and effective, there's also some dance sequences mixed in. Aura shows that she can dance, interpreting the lyrics amazingly into a few slow steps that accentuate this music video as a whole. There's also a possible love interest, as Aura cuddles up to a hooded person; is this the person she has been singing too, telling them that they can't steal the music from her? Who knows, but he or she looks quite shady to me. Great music video, I'm glad I chose it for my New Release music video review, and I can't wait to see what the future brings for Aura because that voice is incredible.
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Basshunter - Saturday


Saturday - Basshunter |

We have to admit, this is definitely a catchy song, it's just a shame that they didn't continue the love triangle narrative found in Basshunter's previous music videos. However, I can totally make this music video fit in with the narrative, slightly - but more on that later. I actually thought this song and music video would've been a feature, and an attempt to promote a whole new sexy girl group, however, the female vocalist or vocalists were never revealed and went on as uncredited. Watch Basshunter go clubbing, he gains supernatural powers that enable him to control scantily-clad girls in this "Saturday" music video.

Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, hasn't released anything new for years now, and he is practically just promoting himself by doing clubbing tours. We need new music from him, to speak the truth. This song in itself was his last biggest hit in the UK, and I very much doubt he could make a comeback unless he actually releases something amazing. This song was written by Erick Morillo, Mark Quashie, Mich Hansen, Thomas Troelsen, and Engelina Larsen. It contains a sample of Real 2 Real's "I Like To Move It".

Directed by Alex Herron, the video has more to do with Basshunter's love for video games, hence the whole reason why he can control the women in the club. However, I know exactly how this can fit into the whole narration, even if it's actually stepped aside and like "Walk On Water", it's its own music video.

So let's RECAP! "Now You're Gone" gave us Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text yet they both go clubbing with their respected friends and end up in the same club and get back together. "All I Ever Wanted" shows them on holiday in Spain, they have fun and go clubbing, but Lucas finds a 'mate's cousin', is it the end for them? "Angel In The Night" broke Aylar & Lucas up via text again, and Aylar finds Jonas Altberg (Basshunter) and after impressing her with his street racing and singing, they kiss... "I Miss You / Jingle Bells" brings Christmas in Norway; there's snow, presents and a dip in the hot tub, as well as Jonas having to fend off a guy from coming on to Aylar. "Walk On Water" breaks the story as we're shown the touring life of Basshunter. "Every Morning" saw Jonas building up the courage to propose to Aylar, but the right moment never happens, and then the water takes her and she disappears. "I Promised Myself" revealed that Aylar had been found and is being treated at hospital, Jonas hops in a taxi and goes over his past memories; however, when he arrives Lucas is the one next to her bed.

So how does this music video fit in? I hear you ask... Well Jonas is clearly upset at what he's seen, and instead of talking it out, he leaves the hospital in search of the nearest club so he can get a drink. He just happens to come across a new-age strip club that allows you to control the women. There's my link, and it does fit, but the video itself should still be treated separately even if it does fit within the narrative.

As a whole, the video is clever and incredibly sexy. It's fully relatable to the song and Basshunter is definitely looking hot throughout. There isn't a lot of substance to the video, but it's intricate in the ideas.

Overall, it works well with the song, but I would've liked to have seen the female vocalist fully credited. It's more her song than Basshunter's, especially since he didn't write or produce this song, so I'm not quite sure what he did to this song himself, apart from his own vocals. Regardless, it works but I kind of wished the girls could control him at the end as a role reversal.
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Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa - Scared To Be Lonely


Scared To Be Lonely (Official Video) - Martin Garrix |

Here is Martin Garrix again, doing another solid collaboration that will surely gain momentum soon. He is one of those DJs who just bring hit after hit after hit, and he's doing so solidly. It's an interesting team-up, especially with Dua Lipa having her own style with those amazing vocals of hers. Upbeat and sexual there is so much passion in the short clips shown throughout this music video for "Scared To Be Lonely" by Martin Garrix and Dua Lipa.

Martin Garrix, real name Martijn Garritsen, was ranked the number one DJ in 2016 by DJ Mag, out of 100 DJs. That's quite an accomplishment to live up to. Especially since he is only 20 years old, that is totally mad, isn't it? He's had a whole range of hits, and after leaving his record label - which is usually a bad move for anyone in the music industry - he has totally come on top and is bringing pure fire with all his releases. I cannot wait to see what he brings out next. He's teamed up with Dua Lipa, who is one of the rising stars of yesterday. She's had a number of hits but has yet to have a stand-out hit, but I reckon it's on the horizon. Nonetheless, she's doing well and bringing it when it comes to chart positions and promotion. Expect a massive hit very soon. This song was written by Martijn Garritsen, Giorgio Tuinfort, Nathaniel Campany, Kyle Shearer, and Georgia Ku.

Directed by Blake Claridge, this music video feels quite chaotic - that's my new favourite word. It has a lot going on, regardless of the fact that each scene is similar.

There's a major performance piece from Dua Lipa, who is totally looking sensual and passionate throughout. Her images work well within the scenes shown. As for Martin Garrix, we see him in scenically beautiful scenes, that totally makes him stand out.

There are many romantic scenes showing different couples. I would've liked to have seen a mixture of couples for some LGBT+ support (we can be scared to be lonely too), although kudos for the couples that are shown. However, there are no continuation scenes. It's hard to follow any sort of narrative, although it's clear that the scenes are showing people who are scared of being lonely.

Overall, it both works and it doesn't. I feel the music video, in itself, fails to attract the audience and keep the viewers' attention. The performance piece is less dramatic than what we've seen before, and definitely could be better. This video just comes across average and would probably get lost amongst many others.
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Basshunter - I Promised Myself


I Promised Myself - Basshunter |

This is always my go-to artist for when I can't think of anything to blog about, purely because Basshunter's music video continue on from one another, and so, I feel like I need to do them in order. Even if some of them don't belong as part of the overall narrative, they can be made to fit in. This one, in particular, has a heart-breaking cliff-hanger after the phenomenal storyline found in "Every Morning". It's been a long time since we've seen a Basshunter music video, and we definitely need a follow-up since "Northern Light" was the last one that continued the storyline. Watch Basshunter rush to the hospital after Aylar Lie disappears in the water just as he was ready to propose, only to find someone else by her side in the music video for "I Promised Myself".

Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, has practically dwindled in popularity. The once popular DJ hit both the UK and Swedish charts hard, but he hasn't done much recently. He has been doing club tours and what I would call trying to get his name out there more using the popularity he has already gained, I saw him do a DJ set at a local club, but from what I remember, it wasn't all that memorable. He needs to focus on music once again because we are in a world where DJs are doing incredibly well, but he made it before they all did and could come back with a hit if he gave it a good shot. This song only charted in the UK at the low number of 94. It is a cover version of Nick Kamen's "I Promised Myself", written by Nick Kamen.

Directed by Alex Herron, this is the fifth/sixth music video that continues the narrative between Basshunter, Aylar Lie, and Lucas Thorheim. So, let's RECAP! "Now You're Gone" gave us Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text yet they both go clubbing with their respected friends and end up in the same club and get back together. "All I Ever Wanted" shows them on holiday in Spain, they have fun and go clubbing, but Lucas finds a 'mate's cousin', is it the end for them? "Angel In The Night" broke Aylar & Lucas up via text again, and Aylar finds Jonas Altberg (Basshunter) and after impressing her with his street racing and singing, they kiss... "I Miss You / Jingle Bells" brings Christmas in Norway; there's snow, presents and a dip in the hot tub, as well as Jonas having to fend off a guy from coming on to Aylar. "Walk On Water" breaks the story as we're shown the touring life of Basshunter. "Every Morning" saw Jonas building up the courage to propose to Aylar, but the right moment never happens, and then the water takes her and she disappears.

This video focuses on Jonas and him rushing to the hospital after Aylar has been found. He can be seen in the back of a taxi throughout most of the video. He performs the song with all the passionate emotion that you can possibly give in the back of a taxi.

We watch memories of Aylar and Jonas' relationship from their past music videos, as well as recent memories recorded specifically for this music video. There is clear promotion of the Nintendo Wii, and there's a cake fight too. It's nice to see how much Jonas has changed since "Angel In The Night". There are some lovely couple moments in his memories, ones that I would love to have myself at some stage in my life - here's jealous Jonni again.

He arrives at the hospital and searches every room for Aylar. The last door he comes to, he sees her. He builds up the courage to walk in, and when he opens the door again; next to Aylar, is Lucas. Then the video ends. It's a critical ending, one that shocks the audience, and can you believe we didn't have a follow-up video until three years later; talk about keeping us in suspense.

Overall, this is a great narrative music video for a cover version of a great song. I feel like there isn't enough to it, I think the memories aren't that substantial and could've been more, but the ending just wraps it all up in a chaotic twist like we weren't expecting. I remember watching it for the first time on the music channels, and I couldn't believe they ended it like that.
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Chart Mondays: JP Cooper - September Song


September Song - JP Cooper |

I reviewed the current number one, Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You", last week, and so it opened the top ten of the UK singles chart to my music video Chart Monday review. So I chose this one as it's slowly dropping out of the top ten and I truly believe it will not be there this Friday. I was planning on reviewing it a few weeks ago, but I saw it was heading into the UK top ten, so I chose a different video instead and watched this climb up. The music video for "September Song" is completely sweet as we watch a guy and a girl completes a sign, all the while thinking about their past as JP Cooper's amazing vocals sing throughout.

JP Cooper, real name John Paul Cooper, has been fighting for a career in music for many years, having dropped his first EP back in 2012. Finally, at the end of 2016 and now in 2017 he is getting the recognition he totally deserves. His vocals are stunning throughout this music video, just they are in his previous featured song, by Jonas Blue titled "Perfect Strangers" which totally helped to make his name. This certainly isn't going to be his last hit, and I cannot wait to see what his future releases are like. The song was written by John Paul Cooper, Ben Hudson, Jon Hume, and Teemu Brunila.

The music video was directed by ARNE + KINSKI. It stars James Short and Madeline Ross, who play the main two characters in the sweet storyline.

Both a narrative and a performance piece to this, although the latter is hidden in slight shots behind the narrative itself. JP Cooper oozes charisma, his subtle and simple performance comes off totally intricate and emotional. Give this guy a stage and he'll impress everyone, no doubt about it.

The narrative is the most important part of this music video, though. Actor James Short totally works the camera, you can see how much longing is in his body language and the way he acts. He looks out the window, watching actress Madeline Ross start to paint on the gate, but she only manages to paint: "Be realistic plc", the 'c' is clearly unfinished and she runs off at the sounds of sirens with blue flashing lights appear. James Short follows her with his eyes.

We see some brilliant flashbacks of when they were young, we guess from the song that they were fifteen in these clips since the song is about being young and in love. It's clear it didn't work out in the past, but James Short still has those same feelings.

He looks at her word art during the day and later follows the steps she took that night, reliving his experience with her. His ultimate longing shot is when he's lying on top of the building, basking in her presence from the night before. He later returns to the gate and finishes off the word art, although whether the words he ended it with were the ones she planned on writing, is something we'll never quite know.

The cute ending scene is during the night when she returns to the gate and sees that he has completed her words, now it reads: "Be positive plan for a miracle". Which is slightly tongue-in-cheek since he finished off her plan. They stare at each other in a lovely connection moment. What goes on next is anyone's guess.

Overall, this music video is a brilliant interpretation of the song. It's realistic with no gimmicks, just lovely, passionate, memorable longing that we all have probably felt, now and again. I would've liked to have seen more shots of JP Cooper performing the song, but this storyline is so beautiful that I'm glad we got to see it as a whole.
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Ansel Elgort - Thief


Thief - Ansel Elgort |

Decided this week I'm going to focus on reviewing male singers, purely because I feel like I'm flooding my blog with female artists, and I need to switch it up a bit. This song and video has been talked about a lot over the last week or so, so I thought I might as well review it on here. The song is amazing and the music video is pretty sexy too! Watch Ansel Elgort topless and kissing someone, looking toned throughout this music video for "Thief" all before he leaves her all alone because he believes he isn't good enough.

Ansel Elgort is mostly known for his acting roles, especially in the Divergent series, as well as The Fault In Our Stars and Paper Towns. He has subtly focused on a musical career with a few releases under his belt as well as remixes. However, this song acts as his debut music video, and it is as hot as hell and has gained phenomenal promotion in the last few days. No wonder his name is on everyone's lips. The song was written by Ansel Elgort, Kyle Trewartha, Tom Norris, and Christopher J Baran.

Directed by Warren Elgort, the music video sees Ansel Elgort relaxed throughout, he clearly has no problem showing off his body, to which we totally love seeing.

There is both a performance side and a narrative side. Some people have described the whole thing cringe-worthy, and you can see where they are coming from; the dancing is totally freestyle during the performance piece, suggesting that even though he can move, he really needs guidance and choreography. Otherwise, the performance is on point, and he shows off his body during that part which is completely fine with us.

The storyline sees Ansel Elgort get it on with a woman in what could be a hotel room. They undress, he does a few push-ups in his boxers, she just lies sultrily on the bed. They do an upside-down kiss, a slight ode to spiderman obviously. The story gets sexier and sexier until we see Ansel Elgort clothing himself and leaving her in the bed.

Overall, this totally relates to the song, it's full-on sexy and hot, there are no other words to describe this. I would've preferred to have seen a choreographed sequence rather than his freelance 'cringe-worthy' dancing, yet he exudes confidence so totally pulls it off, along with his clothes. This is totally the right step in his musical career.
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Troye Sivan Featuring Betty Who - HEAVEN


Heaven (feat. Betty Who) - Troye Sivan |

This was bound to appear on my blog soon, so why not now? Hello Troye Sivan, who is totally my top LGBT+ singer out at the moment, whilst Steve Grand works on his new album and, my newly found, Rayvon Owen is probably also working on new music. Regardless, Troye Sivan pretty much found me, and I will not stop being grateful for the imprint he is leaving online, for the world. I just wish there was someone like him to influence me when I was younger. Troye Sivan shows the troubles and tribulations people have gone through to get to this point for LGBT+ people, the "Heaven" video is more than just a tribute, it's defining.

Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, the YouTuber turned singer who has hit the world by storm. His music has already touched millions with his songs and impacted many within the LGBT+ community with his stunning confident music videos. His debut album charted well globally, although his singles have done all right. It's a tough market to crack, but if there's anything about Troye Sivan, it's that he never gives up, and he totally believes that he is doing what he needs to do, and it is definitely paying off. This is his new single in collaboration with Betty Who, real name Jessica Newham. She is signed to RCA records and made her name because Spencer Stout uploaded his flash mob proposal to his boyfriend on YouTube with her song. Now she's collaborated with Troye Sivan, and what a song this is! It was written by Troye Sivan. Alexandra Robotham, Jack Antonoff, and Claire Boucher.

Directed by Luke Gilford, the black and white music video sees Troye Sivan in a sexy performance visual where he is embraced by an unfaced shirtless guy. They clearly care for one another; unfortunately, Troye Sivan is clothed throughout.

There are many monumental clips shown throughout including a scene of assassinated gay rights leader Harvey Milk, various gay pride parades and same-sex marriages.

What makes this video inspirational is that both artists are Australian, and the country has yet to pass the same-sex marriage bill. The video completely shows how far we have gone, but it still makes people think how much further we still have to go. It works completely, and it's totally relatable to the song. I do hate black and white music videos. though I can understand it suggests the past with the footage used, but I would've liked to have seen Troye Sivan's performance and cuddling in colour - and topless.
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