Lindsay Lohan - Rumours

July 31, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

YouTube suggested this music video on the home page, so why not include Lindsay Lohan into my blog? She is working on new music material, according to an announcement which she made, but since she doesn't want to clash with her younger sister Ali Lohan, she can't confirm whether a third album will materialise. It was supposed to be released back in 2008, when most recent single "Bossy" was released, but work on that album ceased. Starting from scratch, we might see Lindsay Lohan make a great return to the music industry, or it might just not work out yet again. The paparazzi are once again at blame in this video, as Lindsay Lohan fights back against the media in this music video for debut single Rumours.

Lindsay Lohan is mostly known for her acting roles rather than her music. However her music career isn't as bad as you might think and it is certainly nothing to be snubbed about. She's hit charts around the world, including the UK with single "Over". Most recently, she collaborated with Duran Duran on "Danceophobia" for their 2015 album Paper Gods. Whether her comeback to music will make an impact, is something we may never find out about, but as long as she releases the music she wants, all will be fine. She currently owes her record label one more album, which is why she is recording new music. This song was her debut single and was written by Cory Rooney, Lindsay Lohan, Taryll Jackson and TJ Jackson. It feels like two Britney Spears songs combined together: "My Prerogative" and "Piece of Me".

As for the music video, it was directed by Jake Nava, and must definitely have been the inspiration for Miley Cyrus' "Fly On The Wall" and "Can't Be Tamed" as many scenes and features look and feel too similar.

It relates to the song as it revolves around the media's attention of Lindsay Lohan at the time. This has been done plenty of times, and it proves how much paparazzi was a problem back then for these stars, and to this day it still is a massive problem that isn't really dealt with, and I don't think it will be, which means singers will keep releasing these types of singles and music videos for years to come.

Lindsay Lohan looks completely stylish, as she avoids paparazzi in this video. She also gets with a very gorgeous guy, who happens to be her on-screen boyfriend. At the end there is photos of them kissing on a camera which she later drops out of the helicopter.

There's many different scenes, including Lindsay Lohan being trapped in a bird cage, I wonder who copied this later for their music video... Miley Cyrus' "Can't Be Tamed" anyone?

The dance scene has great choreography that is performed to perfection, Lindsay Lohan proves she's more than just an actress and she really can perform.

Overall, this music video deserves to be watched, it's more than what everyone first expected and it's not surprising since back then she was an amazing actress. Nowadays people are rating her badly because of her problems, yet I will forever support her like I did as a child. I hope Lindsay Lohan makes an astonishing comeback to the music industry, because I shall be backing her corner every step of the way.

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Shawn Mendes - Ruin

July 30, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Here comes a prolific ballad sure to melt our hearts, not quite the pop ballad we expect to hear from Shawn Mendes, and one that is totally a different direction. It manages to show versatility, becoming a possible stand-out track on his new album (something we won't be able to be sure of until it drops in it's entirety later on in the year). Flooding it with emotion in both the song and the performance-based music video, Shawn Mendes releases frustration in Ruin.

Shawn Mendes, the Canadian superstar we just keep hearing about again and again, and for all the right reasons. He previously climbed the UK chart with "Stitches" finally grabbing number one, weeks after it was released. Now he just launches right into the chart and yet still climbs later on, just like he has done with "Treat You Better". This album is set to be one I won't be able to stop listening to, and as each new track is dropped I fall in love with his vocals more and more. This song was written by Shawn Mendes, Ido Zmishlany, Scott Harris and Geoffrey Warburton.

The music video was directed by Ryan Pallotta and was set in Madison Square Garden.

There is very little going on in the video, since it is a pure performance piece in this empty arena, although I bet it would be packed if Shawn Mendes' fans could've got tickets to see the filming of this music video.

Filmed purely in black and white, which fails to add any texture to the music video apart from heightening the emotion of the song, it feels like an insight in to Shawn Mendes' life.

This is the sort of arena he would play at, it's like it's being filmed before a big show and something has got under Shawn Mendes' skin, something that makes him want to release his frustrations by singing this song. Something that will calm him down before the show, and it's obvious that that is what this song does for him.

Although basic, this music video is inclusive and feels more like a gift to his fans, something to keep them going. This song is clearly personal to him, and he portrays that perfectly in his performance of the song. Yet there is so much they could have done with this video, only there's no point since it is just a promotional instant grat single, just like Fifth Harmony's "Write On Me" was. So mainly we can be thankful that this actually has a music video, because his other promotional singles might not get one.

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New Release: JoJo Featuring Wiz Khalifa - F*ck Apologies.

July 29, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This is my new banger and I am so glad that it has a music video for me to review too. It is a timeless anthem that will definitely be something I'd constantly listen to even if I am actually sorry for something I've done. This marks the return of JoJo, especially with her new album on the way, which will be called Mad Love, and will include this song as it is the first single from the said album. JoJo performs with her natural flair, she isn't apologising for no reason and especially when she doesn't mean it.

JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, has been finally making her comeback in the music industry, after a legal battle with her now previous record label. Finally out of her contract, she signed a new one and has been releasing new music since last year, including the incredible tringle of singles "When Love Hurts", "Say Love" and "Save My Soul". She's back and it's looks like it's going to be a solid return! Featured star is Wiz Khalifa, real name Cameron Thomaz, has dipped in and out of hits, most notable for number one single "See You Again", he will always be a prominent rapper. This song was written by Joanna Levesque, Taylor Parks and Cameron Thomaz.

Directed by Francesco Carrozzini, this music video is a pure performance visual with snapshots of extras who have nothing to apologise for, although society might think otherwise.

It easily relates to the song, removing shade and highlighting pride. Everyone is different in their own ways and they have nothing to apologise for, being different is not wrong whatsoever.

JoJo really takes a stance on this overall, working with the video and even getting into a pool naked. To do so is completely brave, and yet she has nothing to apologise for. She does what she wants now, especially after being released from her previous contract. She has freedom, and her fans are following her more than ever, helping to promote her any way we can.

As for Wiz Khalifa, he's rap shines in the song, and the visual does the exact same thing. Smoky and hazy, he puts on a performance that stuns, he means every word of that rap just like JoJo means every word of the song. This is why he will always have a career.

Overall, it's a great performance piece from JoJo, which is totally nothing new from her. As for the side clips, it's freeing to see so many people not caring and not apologising for who they are and what they do. Everyone should have the freedom to be themselves, to be able to show themselves to the world without hatred, without criticism and without apologies.

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S Club 7 - Reach

July 28, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Not an easy decision to pick between this and "Never Had A Dream Come True", but this was another favourite of mine and rolls nicely on from "Don't Stop Movin'" for my Thursday Revisit. This wasn't my initial plan but I didn't realise how much Reach meant to me, looking back on this song, I thought it was complete cheese with extra on top, but it really isn't, it's still a banger even if it isn't in my head. S Club 7 takes the party bus on the road, living it up large and dancing away on top of it, the group members have a blast as they Reach for the stars.

S Club 7 is a fond memory of nearly every 20-30 year old's childhood, they hit the charts hard in the UK, and their popularity never stopped, creating hit TV shows and TV movies as well as spawning a junior band. Yet all good things come to an end, and they ended up going their separate ways. The group consisted of Jo O'Meara, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Tina Barrett, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole and Rachel Stevens. This song didn't quite reach number one and had to settle for peaking at number two, behind Sonique's "It Feels So Good". It was written by Cathy Dennis and Andrew Todd.

The music video is a simple performance piece, the song served as the theme tune for L.A. 7, the next instalment series of the group's TV shows.

The video doesn't link back to the TV series, this time around like "Bring It All Back" did. Instead settling purely on the performance side of things.

There's a few possible narratives, especially with all the extras used in the video, where they have a sweet with the letter 's' on (which definitely reminds me of Skittles), which turns them into loving the group too.

The extras follow the party bus, which kind of copies the Vengaboys bus in "We Like To Party! (The Vengabus)", yet explodes it much more. It looks quite dangerous.

As for performance wise, they are on form as always, although no grouped dancing, all members are pretty apart meaning it's difficult to see any mishaps and so it looks more of a collective in-sync production.

Overall, there really isn't anything to this music video, it's pretty bland and totally simple with no narrative or an outstanding performance visual. It's remembered because of the party bus, yet it's easily forgettable compared to their other music videos.

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Booty Luv - Say It

July 27, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This was supposed to be the start of the return of Booty Luv, it was planned as the first single from their second studio album, yet the low charting position (number 16 is far from low if you asked me) suggested the end of the second album, which got cancelled and therefore scrapped. This was a new direction for Booty Luv and it's such a shame we didn't see how this could have developed. Booty Luv are sexed up and loving life as they finally have a high budgeted music video for "Say It" which became their last charting single.

Booty Luv, consisting of Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd, had a string of hits after their group, Big Brovaz, split up. Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be and although they tried to make a great comeback in 2013 with "Black Widow", it never pushed them back into the limelight enough to carry on their career. This song was written by Carl Björsell, Didrik Thott and Sebastian Thott.

Directed by Emile Nava, and set in a luxury hotel that literally has everything, the girls settle into a character role that seems similar to the young doppelgangers found in their previous music video "Don't Mess With My Man".

Crazy and over the top the video heightens on men's desire of Booty Luv and how they never build up the courage to say something. Not that they are giving these guys a chance to do so.

The song tells guy to go and say that they like them, to just come out and say it. But life is never that easy, especially in a club, or just in a corridor or at an event as this video suggests. However confidence gets you everywhere, even in my books. Pluck up the courage and just say it.

Fun and sexy the girls put so much energy into this video, however they look a little possessed, over acting everything which totally makes this video slightly off-putting. There's a lot to like and a lot to not like about this video, I am one of Booty Luv's biggest fans, but their videos rarely engage. This should've worked well, but it just fails completely, over done and overly emphasised.

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S Club 7 - Don't Stop Movin'

July 26, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Oh how this video brings back memories, I swear the music channels had it on repeat, so much so that I never stopped singing, dancing and watching "Don't Stop Movin'". If I had to pick a favourite song back when this was released, this was it, this was my jam! How embarrassing to think of that now, but I still know every lyric, every memory and every bit of this music video. S Club 7 dances in a club to "Don't Stop Movin'", with motion-blurring snapshots and a full choreography.

Still embarrassing to watch now, and what is with that choreography? S Club 7 consisted of seven singers who were: Bradley McIntosh, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearritt, Rachel Stevens, Paul Cattermole, Tina Barratt and Jon Lee. They had a tonne of success in the UK, but it soon fell as Paul Cattermole left the group. This song won them a few awards and hit number one in the UK. It was written by Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Paul Cattermole, Rachel Stevens, Sheppard Solomon, Simon Ellis and Tina Barrett. The verse of the song samples Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean".

Directed by Andy Morahan, the video is set in a club, with the group taking over the dance floor as they show off their moves.

At the time this may have been current, but it is totally embarrassing to watch and definitely makes sense as to why I was such a confident child with my dancing. I had this group in my life, with their choreography on my screen, no wonder I was like that.

Taking Bradley McIntosh and Jo O'Meara into the main vocals, this really pushed the other members back. Nowadays a song like this would be separated between each of the group members, but since there is seven of them, this would be possible but pretty difficult. The music video definitely showcases Bradley McIntosh and Jo O'Meara more than the other members, which must have been quite disconcerting for the other S Club 7 singers.

There is very little else going on, the choreography is sort of in-sync, but not to an exact point, and when looked into detail it seems kind of flimsy. This is not as tight as we've seen previous dance choreography from these guys. Overall this could have been better, but it just isn't and looking back on it nowadays, it looks worse than what I thought it was.

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Chart Mondays: Clean Bandit Featuring Louisa Johnson - Tears

July 25, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Once again Drake is at the top of the charts with "One Dance" which still has no official music video, come on Drake what are you playing at? So the UK top 10's music videos are available for me to review this week. I picked this song because I've been ignoring it for a while because of the stunning hit the song is. Clean Bandit makes a solid return with the most recent X Factor winner Louisa Johnson in this incredibly visual music video.

Clean Bandit are an instrumental pop band consisting of Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson, Grace Chatto and Neil Amin-Smith, They have had various hits especially with Jess Glynne on tracks "Rather Be" and "Real Love". They are always hitting the charts hard because no other band is doing what they are doing, it's innovative and all-so clever. They have made a massive mark on the music industry and they are not going anywhere. The featured singer if Louisa Johnson, who won the 12th series of The X Factor, which was the most recent series. She was one of the stars from the get-go, and her vocal talents are unbelievable, and this track doesn't show them off fully, yet adds to her versatility. Many have said it sounds like a Eurovision song, both as a winning song and as a catchy unnoticed song. I vote Clean Bandit as the next UK Eurovision representative! The song was written by Sam Romans and Jack Patterson.

Directed by Jack Patterson, yes that's right Clean Bandit's own Jack Patterson, this video is completely stunning with amazing visual effects and scenes that definitely captures the intensity of the song. It also features Hedwig, the snowy owl from Harry Potter, apparently.

This video has it all, flamethrowers, Hedwig, rain, water, smoke, dancing, singing, instruments and fire. What more can you want? Literally Jack Patterson threw it all in, and it really worked.

A stunning music video to match Louisa Johnson's stunning vocals. The choreography is in time with the music, and performed professionally. The band and the vocalist perform emotionally, who wouldn't want to see these people live? Even without all the effects going on around them, their energy is the electricity that fuels this entire thing.

There's a lot going on but little more I can comment on. Overall it's in-depth intensity with a visual concept that works fluidly with the song. They have literally captured the music and turned it into a conceptual art piece.

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Big Brovaz - OK

July 24, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Big Brovaz will be performing at a club near me (they already have done, I've just changed the date on this blog post), and they are bound to sing this song! OK is probably one of their least known and least catchy songs from their first album, but I totally understand why it was released as it shows them off more as a group. The music video coincides perfectly with it. We all want a Big Brovaz musical, and this is what this video does, puts on a Big Brovaz musical, and boy do we love it.

Big Brovaz were a six-piece group consisting of Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, Dion Howell, Randy Jackson, John Paul Horsley (J-Rock) and Tayo Aisida (Flawless). They later carried on as a four-piece and attempted to represent the UK at Eurovision. They split up in 2007, and Nadia Shepherd and Cherise Roberts became Booty Luv, who had a string of hits. Nowadays they reform for mini concerts and gigs, but they have no new material, as far as I know. I hope they have something coming soon, because the music industry need this group in the world. For now we'll have to deal with their old music, which can still be considered current. This song was written by Michael Mugisha, John Paul Horsley, Michael Brown, Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, Abdul Bello, Thelma Howell, Temi Tayo Aisda.

This music video is mainly a performance piece as Big Brovaz perform on a stage. Turning the entire song into a quick musical making us all wish we could buy tickets to see this said theatre production.

All six group members perform with their usual energetic vibes, taking us back to "Nu Flow", except this is on stage, with a great reaction from the crowd.

Interesting and engaging, this group never fails, with perfect dancing choreography, in sync with the professionals, they pull this off easily.

Overall, a great music video, that we hope suggests a future musical down the line, this is what we want. Well, we want the group to fully reform and release new music, but a theatre production is something we could all settle at... Yet that also seems just as unlikely, but we can keep hoping and dreaming!

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Imani Williams Featuring Sigala & Blonde - Don't Need No Money

July 23, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Imani Williams dropped her debut track a few weeks ago, which she later followed up with this awesome music video, that I can't stop playing. Having already published articles for Outlet Magazine, as well as CelebMix, as well as an article about the video, I feel like I haven't got much else to say about this video, let alone this song, however I am still loving it, this song will never get old. Especially with Imani Williams' outstanding vocals. Imani Williams don't need no money when she's got us as her fans, with full dance choreography and perfect performance vibes, this girl is going to go far!

Imani Williams is just 16, can you believe how young she is? She first came on to the music scene, with the help of Sigala on the awesome track "Say You Do", now she's released her own single, this one features Sigala and Blonde. Her vocals are on point on this track and the song is fire! We'll definitely be hearing more from Imani Williams, for sure! Sigala, real name Bruce Fielder, has had many hits, and pretty much launched Imani Williams' career. Having already had many chart hits, Sigala's future looks bright. And so does the other feature, Blonde, a producing duo consisting of Jacob Manson and Adam Englefield. They have had global hit after global hit. They've worked with the stars and the rising stars, and they will definitely continue hitting the charts hard. This song was written by Bruce Fielder, Patrizia Helander, Jacob Manson and Hampus Lindvall. It is currently stuck in my head once again.

Directed by Carly Cussen, the video is definitely high quality, with Imani Williams looking fresh!

With a full choreography, that is performed to perfection along with amazing technique, Imani Williams has the spotlight on her, and boy does she work it!

The choreography relates effortlessly with the song, whilst Imani Williams sends out performance vibes sure to make you want to see her live.

The visual scenes where it's just her, is stylish and sexy. I love the denim jacket she is wearing, and she totally suits it much better than I ever would.

The last scene is a shock, how the hell they managed to control her hair into a plait is unbelievable and proves that Imani Williams has an amazing style team behind her.

Overall what else can I say about this video, I've literally exhausted every comment I can make amongst all the published articles on Outlet and CelebMix. But Imani Williams is worth it, she deserves promotion and she deserves recognition, because a vocal like that going unheard in the world will mean the end of good vocalists in the music industry. Imani Williams is FIRE in every way, and I cannot wait for more new music, for now I'll just keep this and "Say You Do" on repeat.

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New Release: Jahméne - Is This The Time?

July 22, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Jahméne is back! With this new fire track that compliments his soulful voice perfectly. However with little promotion, and radio not really picking this up, he doesn't really stand a chance of charting next Friday. This X Factor runner-up has such a perfect voice, but it seems he's holding back on this track and the performance side of the video. Jahméne performs statically in this video for "Is This The Time", whilst the narrative excites and entertains by pausing a snapshot of life.

Let's be honest Jahméne Douglas should've won The X Factor series nine, and his vocals on this track just proves how much he deserves to do well in the music industry, yet his style and songs seem stuck in the past. This is not a current track, it's something that would've been released in the 90's or early 00's where this genre was popular. This is his first single from his upcoming second album, his first album hit number one on the UK albums chart, yet the singles from that album didn't fair well, with only his debut single charting titled "Titanium", a cover version of David Guetta & Sia's song "Titanium".

Directed by Mike Baldwin, the video has both a performance side and a narrative, as I mentioned earlier.

You would think his time on The X Factor would've boosted Jahméne's on-stage presence, and yet he is standing there like a statue. He has a slight confidence which he exposes during the big notes, but he goes back into his shy little self during the chorus and other parts of the verses. This is not what I'd like to see on stage. He needs to send out those all important performance vibes, but he doesn't seem to have any.

The narrative is detailed, taking a moment on the escalators where a man and woman cross paths, and there's an instant connection between the two. The escalators stop and he walks down them. A daydream state ensues where we watch his unsurety of whether to go after her, is it the right time or not?

I think it's clever, we've all passed a total stranger and considered them to be our future lover or a little bit of fun, but are they worth humiliation of rejection for? Confidence has always been a good thing in my book, and if you don't live for the moment, it'll never be the right time.

Personally, I think we pass many people who could potentially be 'The One', you just have to take the risk and find out. This  music video, however, does the complete opposite, encouraging people to carry on with their lives, and the right person will finally come along. Yet if we all did that, then it means they'll never come along, because someone needs the confidence to take the first step.

Overall, this video is a high quality visual, yet it fails to entertain, questions whether confidence is good or not, and totally makes Jahméne static. Although the basic idea behind this video sounds good, it just fails in the visual aspect of things.

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Big Brovaz - Favourite Things

July 21, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Not long until Big Brovaz, along with S Club and Booty Luv, will perform at The Nightingale Club in Birmingham, which I am totally excited for. This song is their biggest hit to date, and although I believe they could make a brilliant comeback if they tried, since this style of music is totally missing from the charts, especially since they were the gap in the music industry, and they totally still are; I doubt they will be reforming officially. So we are left to relive the good old days with their amazing singles! Big Brovaz ride a carousel as they describe their favourite things, what they want from a guy, and don't we all want expensive things?

Big Brovaz were a six piece band that consisted of Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, Dion Howell, John Paul Horsley (J-Rock), Tayo Aisida (Flawless) and Randy Jackson. They had various hits, but this is the one song that hit number two, just missing out on the top spot. The song is based upon the musical song "My Favourite Things" from The Sound of Music. In the original, Julie Andrews sings about simple things, whereas this one focuses on glamorous and expensive things, that the girls want. The song was written by Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, John Paul Horsley, Dion Howell and Randy Jackson.

The music video has a Victorian freakshow vibe to it, that doesn't really fit with the whole song, unless you part relate it to the fact that back then guys had to court girls, and they had to buy them expensive things, to take them out etc.

They don't do much, apart from dance, ride the carousel and they have a slight performance piece.

I am unsure of the meaning behind the masks, but they definitely freak me out.

I would love a guy to court me, to buy me expensive things. Maybe I'm expecting too much nowadays. This music video is engaging and interesting, yet it's quite weird and scary. It fails to exactly relate, they could've worked with something so much better, and there's not a lot going on. This song was fire, but the video doesn't live up to it. Compared to "Nu Flow", this falls completely, and even though it was their biggest chart hit, it might have started their downfall.

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Booty Luv - Don't Mess With My Man

July 20, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

As you can probably imagine, I literally cannot wait to see these live on 30 July. It's so close now, my childhood dreams will be coming true. This song is the sassy number that I loved. Booty Luv were releasing hit after hit after hit, unfortunately a second album never emerged, even though songs were released. This was their third single. Booty Luv attends an exclusive club, with their men. They add sassiness whilst on stage, as they watch their doppelgangers go after their boys. They soon see them off, don't mess with my man.

Booty Luv were created after the split of Big Brovaz. Consisting of Nadia Shepherd and Cherise Roberts, they covered some known songs and made them into club current hits, that slayed the dancefloors. This song is a cover of Lucy Pearl's song of the same name "Don't Mess With My Man". This version out-performed the original, chart wise. It was written by Raphael Saadiq, Dawn Robinson and Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

This music video, has a narrative with a performance piece enrolled within. Set inside a club, the girls play doppelgangers in this relatable but tongue-in-cheek music video.

This is classy, sexy, stylish, and over the top but in such a good and exciting way.

The narrative, follows Booty Luv as they attend a club, where they end up performing this song, leaving their men to watch in the crowd.

Then their counter-parts sneak into the club, they are dressed as if they have money but can't really afford anything, they're totally cheap.

They create a normal havoc, we've all been there, wanting to get drunk, wanting to be in the spotlight dancing on the tables and wanting the hottest guys to fall for us. But they're always taken aren't they?

This seems to be the case, and the girls come off their stage and soon see their doppelgangers thrown out of the club. In the last scene, the younger Booty Luv are sitting outside of a take-away, on the side of the curb, eating away. Definitely bringing back memories.

Overall, this fast-paced music video is definitely impressive considering their previous two singles "Boogie 2nite" and "Shine". I remember watching it repeatedly on the music channels, as the narrative was comedic. Although this video is dated, it is probably one of their best music videos. I literally can't wait to hear this song live.

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S Club 7 - Bring It All Back

July 19, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Yes, I am bringing it all back. I am going to see Jo O'Meara and Bradley McIntosh, two of the band members from this group, in just over a week, so I'm bringing it all back, but not just S Club songs. The other acts performing on 30 July will be Booty Luv and Big Brovaz. This song was S Club 7's debut single in conjunction with their TV series Miami 7. The music video features scenes from the TV series as they totally perform the hell out of the song on a beach stage.

S Club 7 were a seven piece group that started off in a TV show called Miami 7. They consisted of Hannah Spearritt, Jo O'Meara, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett, Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh and Paul Cattermole. They were just starting out with this debut single, but it got around and became an instant number one hit. The song was written by S Club 7, Eliot Kennedy, Tim Lever and Mike Percy.

There is apparently two official music videos released for this song. However, since this is the UK and Australian version, I'll leave the other one for the American's, and if I ever need to, I can always review that one at a later date.

This is a full performance-based music video with intercutted scenes of Miami 7 throughout. The performance is set on a beach stage in Miami, and at the very end we can see a small crowd of people watching them from afar.

The performance is a usual S Club 7 performance, full of confident dance moves that had kids copying them all around the world. The choreography is simple and relates to the song in detail. This was the typical manufactured pop dance moves that were around at the time.

Totally confident, all even members of this group nails the choreography, and although it is totally over the top, this was the style back then. It totally explains my confidence as a child.

The scenes of Miami 7, adds very little to the the music video, apart from breaking up the performance scene.

Overall, it works to an extent, but the scenes from Miami 7 distracts from the overall visual of the video, failing to capture any sort of narrative, and instead showing a collection of scenes to advertise the show. Which totally brings down my rating.

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Chart Mondays: Kent Jones - Don't Mind

July 18, 2016 Critic Jonni 1 Comments

Don't Mind - Kent Jones |

What have I just watched? Like how is this in the top 10 of the UK chart? Seriously? It is catchy, I have to admit. Regardless.... This makes my Chart Mondays because Drake has still not released his music video for "One Dance" which is still sitting pretty at the top of the UK chart, and has done so for 14 consecutive weeks now. This has popped out of nowhere, much like Desiigner's "Panda" did, and probably will be the only hits both acts manage to get over here. Kent Jones clearly spent the budget of the video on models, hence why he's just singing whilst girls parade around him.

Kent Jones is an American hip-hop rapper. This song is his debut single. He moved to Miami, Florida to work with LL Cool J and Dr. Dre, where he ended up signing a record deal with their company Epidemic Records. He has collaborated with many artists, before meeting DJ Khaled, who signed him to a joint record label, where he released his first mixtape. This debut single contains five different languages, which are: French, Spanish, Japanese, English and Haitian Creole. It was written by Kent Jones, Marcello Valenzano, Andre Lyon, Khaled Khaled, Barry White, Gerald Levert and Edwin Nicholas. It samples Barry White's "Practice What You Preach".

Directed by Eif Rivera, the video is nothing special, unless you count the model falling over as something exciting. The video has nothing going for it and is unrelated to the song. Something we've seen a hundred times before.

Luckily for us, we see a cameo appearance of DJ Khaled. Which also adds nothing to this video.

Totally a typical rap music video, there is always going to be a video, just like this one, in a rapper's career. Only this one isn't of a high quality, definitely budget blown on the models.

Camera work is dodgy, and the models don't even look like they're having a good time, apart from when they're on the swings and they're running around.

Overall this has no substance to it at all and is just another generic music video that gets lost in the thrall of models and rappers in a video. What makes this one stand-out though, is definitely The Powerpuff Girls jacket, that model works that pink overcoat perfectly, now I want one too!

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Big Brovaz - Baby Boy

July 17, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

2003 brought the battle of the Baby Boy's. Big Brovaz released this one in September, then a month later Beyoncé dropped her own "Baby Boy". This is the one key moment I remember two songs being in the chart with the same name at the same time. Beyoncé peaked at number two in October, whilst Big Brovaz was still in the chart at number 11. They peaked at number four, suggesting that Beyoncé won the chart number battle. Quite different from their debut single, this ballad song still included rap lyrics complimenting the soulful harmonies from the girls. Big Brovaz recreate hit TV show Friends in this stunning and hilarious music video for Baby Boy.

Whether Big Brovaz will be actually making a full-on comeback is something that is pretty debatable. Personally, I think they should, but it's doubtful, with one of them saying that they're only reforming to perform. They will be at The Nightingale Club in under two weeks time in Birmingham, and I can't wait to see them. The group, at the time, consisted of Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, Dion Howell, John Paul Horsley (J-Rock), Tayo Aisida (Flawless) and Randy Jackson. They released a string of hit singles and a hit album, but as they geared up to releasing their second album, they weren't doing quite so well. This song was the fourth single, and was written by Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, J-Rock, Randy Jackson and Dion Howell.

Directed by Vaughan Arnell, the video is a direct parody of hit TV series Friends. Introducing each of the group members, similar to their first song "Nu Flow" yet making it much more clearer in the video rather than the song.

So much thought went into this, it seems like a very short Friends episode created in a comedic way. Constant problems occur, which is something we obviously expected. What we didn't was the title screen.

Yes! They created a title sequence similar to the Friends' title sequence. Which then becomes the performance piece of the music video. Unfortunately, it's just them siting on the couch, nothing exciting and no vibes coming from them. This peaceful song with a great narrative loses all energy during the performance scene.

However, that scene can be overlooked as it's not included much. Overall, it works well, and it is totally sweet, but I feel the video doesn't really match the beats and the rhythm of the music, although it does translate the lyrics well. So I guess Beyoncé also wins the battle of the music videos with her "Baby Boy".

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Shawn Mendes - Treat You Better

July 16, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This music video has got everyone talking about it. It's fully emotional and engaging, Completely relating to domestic violence. I love the fact that the disturbing content is mentioned at the end, the person he likes is in an abusive relationship and the number for National Domestic Violence Hotline is shown at the end of the video. The song feels like an answer to Orianthi's "According To You", although I doubt Shawn Mendes has ever heard of it. Cute and sexy, Shawn Mendes suggests that he can treat you better than any other guy. The video portrays that perfectly, showing that the other guy is abusive.

Shawn Mendes became popular by sharing and uploading vine videos. his song "Stitches" soon became an obsession we all fell in love with, managing to climb the UK chart and grab that all important number one spot. This is the first single from his new album, expected to be released later this year. He recently dropped a second track titled "Ruin" which will act as a promotional single for the album. If these two singles are any indication on what the album is going to be like, it's going to be even better than the first one. Shawn Mendes is really making a mark on the music industry, and with vocals like this, he clearly deserves it. The song was written by Shawn Mendes, Teddy Geiger and Scott Harris.

Directed by Ryan Pallotta, this love triangle is shown on a visual, translating the lyrics perfectly. There is so much emotion displayed during the visual performance that it actually hurts.

I love the story line, as Shawn Mendes performs this song with such emotion (as well as seeing him shirtless, which is an added bonus), you can tell he means every single word of this song, and that he's been there.

The narrative side of things is performed by a woman and a man (who can also be seen shirtless at times, what's not to like?) showing an abusive relationship, and how simple change in moods can effect the way they interact with one another. Clearly he gets his frustration out of him by hitting things, but that later translates into hitting her, yet she believes she loves him. Girls like a bad guy.

Overall, this is another great music video from Shawn Mendes, it slightly tops "Stitches" because of the continuity and the great transition from song to visual, however I don't think it can quite compare to the awesomeness of his collaborative song with Camila Cabello on "I Know What You Did Last Summer".

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New Release: BB Diamond - Praying

July 15, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I have to be honest, I totally wasn't expecting BB Diamond to bring this much fire to an amazing track, but my God did she do just that, outstanding! This isn't just an everyday normal tune, it is ablaze with sparks flying everywhere. At first it may seem a mess, but you start to love the chaotic vocals and beats, mashing together to make such a perfect rhythm. BB Diamond shows off her performing skills in video for new song Praying, which should be a summer hit!

BB Diamond has been going for a little while now, she's been a backing singer for high-profiled artists, and she is now ready to take on the music industry. Having already collaborated with Shift K3Y, you would think that would've pushed her into some success, but "Gone Missing" only hit 93 on the UK charts, not really making any sort of impact. This single isn't even in the iTunes top 1000, so chances are it's not going to get a chart number, even though it is a banger of a tune.

There isn't much to this music video. BB Diamond is acting sexily to the camera, putting on a normal, but engaging, performance. One that definitely makes me want to see her live.

A lot of energy and looking sultry, with vocals that could totally out-do many singers she has sung backing vocals for. This one is a star in the making. She just needs that one hit, the one that will launch her career.

The blue filter is a little off-putting, and there's nothing major going on the video, but those are the only things I can pick up on. Overall, it's a typical performance-based music video, where the singer stuns us all with her vocals and stage-presence.

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Katy Perry Featuring Snoop Dogg - California Gurls

July 14, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I could've sworn I had already reviewed this music video, how the hell is my blog still going and I've never reviewed this video? Well it's time for me to correct this major problem. This is exactly why I like my Thursday Revisits, a perfect excuse to review past music videos that deserve to be a part of my blog. Katy Perry becomes a character in her own board game, which Snoop Dogg is playing. Later, Snoop Dogg joins the characters in the board game for a battle.

Katy Perry, real name Katheryn Hudson, hit big with this song, and it's accompanying music video is fire. The song hit number one in the UK and the US as well as many other countries. The featured star is Snoop Dogg, real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., who has had a major career as a rapper, jumping in and out of the charts. This song was an answer to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' song "Empire State of Mind". It was written by Katy Perry, Lukasz Gottwald, Max Martin, Benjamin Levin, Bonnie McKee and Calvin Broadus. It is an ode to the California state.

The video was directed by Mathew Cullen, and was inspired by the work by Will Cotton.who was the artistic director of the video. It takes inspiration from the Candyland boad game.

The board game for this music video is called Candyfornia, and also has an explanation stating "Face the Sugar Daddy's dice to free the Queens of Candyfornia" which sounds like some weird gay sex dream.

So much effort went into the making of this music video, like literally there is so much going on, so much to talk about, so much to see, every single minute detail is included, even the dice are real sugar.

Instead of looking at it in detail, I'm going to give the basics, since it is extremely developed. Katy Perry walks around the Candyfornia board game, coming across previous characters who fell at the hands of Snoop Dogg. She rescues them and collectively they defeat the Sugar Daddy.

Many scenes can be highlighted, such as the gummy bear who swears, I so hope he fell hard at the end. The gingerbread scene looked like fun, and the ending is pretty perfect, totally sexual and yet so awesome at the same time.

Overall, this is the sort of board game you want to be involved in, yet knowing it's not real. It transports everything you know about California girls and puts them in a Candy world. A perfect video for a brilliant song.

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Slovenia Entry: Tinkara Kovač - Round and Round

July 13, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This is Slovenia's Entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. Tinkara Kovač finally won the national selection process to become the representative for Slovenia. She made it through the Semi Finals and came 25th out of 26 countries in the Grand Final in 2014 with 9 points. This chilling music video shows Tinkara Kovač's powerful vocals, beautiful flute melodies and her lyrics translated into a gritty contemporary dance by two emotive dancers.

Tinkara Kovač has tried to represent her country in Eurovision three times before finally succeeding with her fourth attempt in 2014. To compete for Slovenia, contestants have to go through a national selection called Evrovizijska Melodija, usually shortened to EMA, which means Eurovision Melody in English. Tinkara Kovač has competed in the EMA contest in 1997, 1999 and 2001, before winning in 2014. Having released a number of singles and albums, as well as winning a few awards and performing with various stars, Tinkara Kovač is definitely a prolific singer and that definitely explains her amazing vocals. This song was written by Tinkara Kovač, Hannah Mancini and Tina Piš.

This music video was shot on Koper Harbour, on the Adriatic coast in Slovenia. It's chillingly beautiful, and serene.

A pure performance piece in both scenes, Tinkara Kovač looks stunning in both the outfits she wears, as she sings emphatically and emotionally to the song. She has amazing performance vibes that secludes the viewer into watching her and nothing else. Although very little energy, with some disappointing moves, she could engage the audience a tiny bit more.

The dancers totally overpower her. They are amazingly talented, grabbing the entire attention of the music video. The choreography is performed to perfection, and every minute detail is on point. These dancers make this music video.

However I am not so keen on them dancing in the murky water, not only does it look unappealing, but it doesn't relate to the song, they should've continued to dance where they originally were.

Overall, a great music video, that definitely helps to get the message across about the song. Although there are some slightly bad decisions made for the video, visually it works well.

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Destiny's Child - Bills, Bills, Bills

July 12, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Ever since Dove Cameron sung this song acoustically on Snapchat, which she later posted to twitter, I haven't been able to get her version out of my head. The clip is only ten seconds long, yet she has such an amazing technical voice that it stuns us all. I am hoping it's her next single release, but I think she was just singing it whilst she was on holiday. Destiny's Child's original is just as good though. Set in a hair salon, the girls from Destiny's Child sing about their problems whilst styling people's hair.

This song was released back when Destiny's Child were a four-piece band consisting of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett. This group, as a four-piece, were at the height of their career, sending out chart hit after chart hit. Now split up, but still on good terms, Beyoncé has quickly became a worldwide star, which was unsurprising since she was the lead singer of this group. Kelly Rowland has always been in her footsteps, ever since this group was formed, and to this day she's not a household name, although she has tried. As for LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett, they too tried to become big artists, but it just didn't work out for them. The song charted at number six on the UK chart, but number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song was written by Kevin Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Beyoncé Knowles, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson and Kelly Rowland.

The video, directed by Darren Grant, was set inside a beauty salon and was a tribute to Beyoncé Knowles' mother Tina.

A pure performance piece, with more focus on dancing and singing than actually styling people's hair. Although we all would love Beyoncé to style our hair, she'd probably end up singing and forgetting all about our hair style.

The opening is interesting in a robotic way, leading into the music video, it shows Beyoncé's love interest asking to borrow her keys, but she's had enough of him asking her for everything. This is a direct link to the song, which in turn connects the music video.

As per usual the girls are on form with their dancing, totally focused and the choreography is performed to perfection.

However this entire video seems way more dated than what it is, considering other videos released at the same time. There's not a lot going on in the video, and nothing that stands out apart from the opening. It just comes off a little bland, and considering the song is so catchy, the music video fails to live up to the beats and melody.

Chart Mondays: Justin Timberlake - Can't Stop This Feeling!

July 11, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

"One Dance" by Drake makes its 13th consecutive week at number one in the UK, and still no music video as of yet, so Chart Mondays is open to the Top 10 once again. Two videos have officially been released for this song, the first one was entitled "First Listen" which includes cast members of the animation movie that this song is the soundtrack to, entitled "Trolls". This is the second one and the official music video. I was kind of expecting the former video, as I thought that was the official video, guess I was wrong. Luckily I don't have to name all the stars in that video, and can save that for another day when I feel like reviewing it, if I ever do. This video is a pure performance piece, Justin Timberlake still looks young, less sexy more classy. This has definitely become the new Pharrell Williams' "Happy", only less annoying and less of a chart success.

Justin Timberlake, is practically one of the biggest male solo singers in the world. He performed this song during the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, and has managed to get this song spread globally on a massive scale. A household name indeed. This song has definitely turned into Pharrell Williams' "Happy" and the music video isn't so different either. The song was written by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin and Shellback.

The video was directed by Mark Romanek. The video has a feel-good element to it, and inspires everyday people to go out and have a good day.

Revitalising motivation and energy, Justin Timberlake turns his song into this year's "Happy", with a similar tune, a similar visual, a similar idea and just as bad dance moves.

The latter becomes a main problem since it is a choreography style that is totally dated. Even my choreographer, when I was young and in a dance troupe, came up with much better ideas. Justin Timberlake is supposed to be an amazing dancer, but his arms are flimsy and his moves have no rhythm, and yet he is in-sync with the backing dancers because their arms are flimsy and they have no rhythm.

This both works and doesn't, it's something we've seen a few times already, it's nothing new, not much of an advertisement for the film "Trolls" and no correlation to the animation, apart from them appearing in a TV store on TVs. This just isn't as engaging as we all expected it to be.

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Fifth Harmony - Write On Me

July 10, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

All day I've had Fifth Harmony's "All In My Head (Flex)" all in my head, literally the catchy tune had embedded itself inside my mind, definitely stuck in my head. It was because the girls performed the song on the Grand Finale of The Voice Australia which I wrote an article on for CelebMix. As I've already reviewed "All In My Head (Flex)", I thought I'd review this song, as it is one of my favourites. Fifth Harmony elegantly display their natural performance style in this Write On Me music video, for the promotional single.

Fifth Harmony are a five-piece american girl group, consisting of Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane Hansen, Normani Kordei and Camila Cabello. They formed on The X Factor US, and have gone from strength to strength as they release more and more songs. Worldwide domination is definitely on the cards for this group, but with stiff competition in other countries, it is slightly difficult. This ballad song strips back the club melodies and gives us their perfect voices. Technically great, this song is one of the best on their new album '7/27'. The song was written by Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll (Kygo), Priscilla Renea and Simon Wilcox.

Directed by Sam Lecca, this music video is a simple performance-piece, stripped back and classy. Although I usually don't like black and white videos, this one pulls it off.

I love the writing elements that is worked throughout, and it must've been a nightmare trying to edit in the finger clicks or finger snaps.

The girls are relaxed, looking elegantly sexy as they sing this very classy song. The video is a perfect performance piece, and it's so nice to see the girls in their natural element.

This is what they do, when they're on stage, when they're being themselves, when they're dancing freestyle. Perfect performance video! However a narrative would've been perfect for this song, they totally missed out on a good opportunity.

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Katy Perry - This Is How We Do

July 09, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This was playing on my iTunes today, which I have on shuffle, and it's been stuck in my head whilst at work, so thought I'd review the music video as we await her new album, which she is currently working on. It's been two years since this video dropped and it's still a lot to take in. This is how we do according to Katy Perry, this is how you do a studio-based music video, totally knocking it out of the park with this performance piece.

Katy Perry, real name Katheryn Hudson, hasn't released anything new since this song almost two years ago. She started in the music industry under her real name Katy Hudson back in 2001, but changed her stage name to Katy Perry to prevent confusion between her and the actress Kate Hudson. We are waiting patiently for her new music, which has been a long time coming for any KatyCat, or Katy Perry fan, Katy Perry has been a little bit busy, she recently became the most followed celebrity on Twitter, amassing 90.3 million followers. Her most recent single, this one, was written by Katy Perry, Klas Åhlund and Max Martin.

The video was directed by New Zealand filmmaker Joel Kefali. Relating to the song perfectly in this summer hit of 2014, adding in pop culture and exact translation into visual during lyrics, this is how you pull off a studio-based music video.

There's literally so much going on that even to document every minute detail, you're bound to miss something.

Twerking ice creams, pizza nails, Yves Saint Laurent's Mondrian dresses, Mariah Carey caricature, picture of Aretha Franklin, pop art to the max, karaoke, dancing, table tennis, this music video has it all.

The explosion of summery stuff in a studio-based music video makes this video tongue-in-cheek and so addicting. It matches the song's beat and style, and totally worked! Each lyric of the song has it's own 'vignette' according to the director.

However the song didn't perform well on the charts, despite the catchy tune and perfect music video. It isn't really a commercial song, too bubble-gum pop that would've really worked years and years ago, and although it attempted to make a comeback, it didn't impact the charts the way it should've done. However this will always become one of Katy Perry's classic tracks that we all know and love even if the charts say differently.

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New Release: Rizzle Kicks - Everyone's Dead

July 08, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Just recently released, this low budgeted music video from these boys has taken me right back to the music video for "Mama Do The Hump" and although not as well thought out, this one has a great theme none the less. Less than a translation of the lyrics than their previous single, "Everyone's Dead" music video is simple and classy, as Rizzle Kicks nail rap verses as they have fun performing in front of the camera.

Rizzle Kicks returned a few months back with a brand new single "Always Late", this follow-up dropped today, exciting many Rizzle Kicks fans. Consisting of Jordan Stephens (Rizzle) and Harley Alexander-Sule (Sylvester), the Brighton-based duo are prepared for their forthcoming album to be released soon. This song is the third single off the new album, after "Tell Her" and "Always Late". It was written by Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule and Ben Callum.

Directed by one half of the duo, Jordan Stephens. This video is an insight into their wacky world, especially with the camera effects that makes me feel as if I'm high.

There isn't a lot going on, it feels more like a home video than anything else, something they just felt like dropping. With flashing lights and pretend microphones, they are having a small party with a few friends.

They are playing their new track and singing along, nailing the rapping, and proving what great performers they are.

Overall, I find this video disappointing compared to their previous efforts, and the simple distortion effect of the camera leads much to be desired. On the other hand, this is more of a promotional video to promote this song, as a teaser of what is to come, and what we should expect off their new album. If these tracks are anything to go by, the new album will be fire!

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Fergie Featuring Ludacris - Glamorous

July 07, 2016 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I swear this is a music video I have already reviewed, yet it's not on my blog at all, so I'm guessing it's just one of those where it was so popular that I thought I had reviewed it, but clearly I haven't... So here goes... Time to go Glamorous with Fergie and Ludacris, a perfect hook and a catchy song, the music video is the embodiment of a glamour, sexy, stylish, money, power, stardom. What more do we want?

Fergie, real name Stacy Ferguson, dropped this amazing song in 2007, hence why I'm reviewing it as my Thursday Revisit, after her new release "M.I.L.F. $". The song charted well globally, but missed out on the top five in the UK by peaking at number six. This is the song that got me into Fergie in the first place, I already was obsessed with her as I was obsessed with the Black Eyed Peas, in which they were on hiatus at the time, but it was this single, this song that made me buy her songs, and I haven't looked back since. Ludacris, real name Christopher Bridges, features on this track. He hasn't exactly done well in the UK, two top 20 singles and a few songs in the top 100, yet featured wise, he's had a range of hits and two number ones. On this song, his rap is a bit before it's time, and is on point for the song. It was written by Stacy Ferguson, Jamal Jones, Will Adams, Elvis Williams and Christopher Bridges. Highly personal, and really hits home, she's made it big but she's real.

This jam-packed music video was directed by Dave Meyers and launches into a life in the world of Fergie, fictional and yet oh so real.

The video starts off at a party with Fergie and Polow da Don back in 1994, who produced the track as well as new single "M.I.L.F. $". We are then launched into the present where we see her life now as a high profiled celebrity and singer.

Various scenes follow: She's in a jet with a flight attendant played by Freddy Rodriguez, where she is seen watching the Black Eyed Peas music video for "Pump It"; then in a limo with some friends going through a drive-thru of Taco Bell (we presume from the lyrics), which she also did back in the 1990's only with a mustang instead; then a movie scene, reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, only it's called Glamorous, Ludacris appears in this scene and does his rap; Fergie goes behind the scenes of the movie shoot and thanks her fans in her lyrics for making her famous as the stylists get to work; one more scene of her as a young girl and her daddy telling her what the showbiz industry is like; before ending at the 1994 party, which has scenes that include Alfonso Ribeiro, Polow da Don, apl.de.ap and Cypress Hill.

The entire music video is a flawless example of how to get five stars from me. Perfect in every way. A performance piece turned into a complete narrative, linking in certain lyrics with certain scenes and some great translations from song to video. What is there not to like?

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