It's Monday, and Clean Bandit is still at the top with "Rockabye" featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie. So that opens the top ten to my Chart Mondays review. There are two reasons I've picked this music video: one, this song is set to drop out of the UK top ten next week, especially since it's been dropping week-on-week and it's currently sitting at number 10; but, also, two, I'm going to see "The Edge of Seventeen" tomorrow, as I won two free tickets to the film, which Hailee Steinfeld stars as the lead character. Considering what films I have seen her in, she's going to be perfect in the film, yet it's her music videos and songs that really impact me as they are so different from her characters. Sexy, confident and full of fire, Hailee Steinfeld dances away whilst eyeing a guy in this music video for "Starving" which is in collaboration with Grey and Zedd.
Hailee Steinfeld is a singer and actress, who is totally proving that you can do both and make it big. Her film roles have been completely incredible and as she starts on her musical career she is releasing solid songs everyone is loving. She's practically the next Hilary Duff, for sure, and yet encroaching on the brilliance of Jennifer Lopez. In the next decade or so, Hailee Steinfeld will be one of the greats, she's already halfway there and it's not going to stop now. This song is a collaboration with Grey. They are an American electronic brother duo consisting of Kyle Trewartha and Michael Trewartha. They have remixed some pretty well-known tracks, and has released two collaborative tracks, including this one, the other being "Adrenaline". Zedd features on this track, real name Anton Zaslavski. He has worked with Grey on both of the aforementioned tracks. He is definitely one of the biggest DJs in the whole world, and I am a fan. This song was written by Michael Trewartha, Kyle Trewartha, Robert McCurdy, Christopher Petrosino, and Asia Whiteacre.
Darren Craig is the director of this mainly performance-based music video, which envelopes a slight narrative. Grey make a cameo appearance in the music video, although no sign of Zedd. Hailee Steinfeld is a vision.
There are a few scenes to point out. The opening scene is emotional, really impacting the audience making them think she's serenading us. Then a shirtless dancer comes in the choreography scene, he's obviously the love interest. The scene is fire, with Hailee Steinfeld completely showing she can dance as well as sing and act; totally a triple threat!
Then there's the fading into the wallpaper scene, where her outfit matches the wall behind her, this totally messes with my head, and I find it difficult to focus. Luckily, I'm not the only one, though. It's a slight insight into the sort of characters I've seen her play in the films I've seen, although the outfit in question totally pushes that idea out the way because that outfit is sexy, sultry and completely works for her.
The video's great, although a more-developed narrative would've made this brilliant. There are a few undeveloped scenes, that I wish I could see more of; the ending scene, in particular, is gorgeous but not long enough. There's not a lot else I can say, but it's one of the good performance-based music videos I've seen!
It's Chart Mondays again, and we have a new number one! Once again, Clean Bandit remain supreme on the UK Charts. This marks their second number one after "Rather Be", and it is their sixth top ten hit. It was released a few weeks ago and had stalled at number three, before jumping to the top spot. Sean Paul racks up another number one; but, finally, Anne-Marie has scored her biggest hit, her vocals are pure fire on this track and I knew she was destined for success! Clean Bandit, now as a three-piece, perform in a bar with Anne-Marie and Sean Paul whilst the narrative shows a mother doing what she has to do to support her child in the "Rockabye" music video.
Clean Bandit are now a three-piece band consisting of Grace Chatto, Jack Patterson, and Luke Patterson. Recently Neil Amin-Smith left the band but that doesn't stop Clean Bandit releasing killer hits. They are definitely one of the biggest bands out at the moment, with everyone watching to see what is next for them. They will always be a massive influence in music, there is no stopping Clean Bandit. Featuring on this track is Sean Paul, full name Sean Paul Henriques, and Anne-Marie, full name Anne-Marie Nicholson. The former has worked with some of the biggest stars, managing to help them reach number one, most notably with The Saturdays on "What About Us"; however, he's never had a solo number one yet. He is definitely one of the biggest reggae/hip-hop artists around at the moment. Anne-Marie isn't exactly new to the music industry, having built her career up from no chart placements to hitting number one with this song, talk about never giving up; you go, girl! This song was written by Jack Patterson, Steve Mac, Ammar Malik, Ina Wroldsen, and Sean Paul Henriques.
The music video is directed by Grace Chatto and Jack Patterson. It features a number of actors and dancers as well as a pole dancer. Dancers are Siriana Mecca, Rita Maria Conte, Nife agunbiade, Alicja Blachut, and Joanne Elizz. The young boy is played by Elijah Dallen.
In the video, there is both a narrative and a performance piece. The narrative focuses on single mothers, and how they end up being someone they never thought they would be to support their child.
The woman is a pole dancer, although she makes it look effortlessly sexy, turning it more into an art-form than that of what our perspectives of pole dancing are. She is a total expert.
Anne-Marie shines throughout in the performance piece, nothing we wouldn't expect because she manages to nail it every time in every music video. She was amazing at Birmingham Pride, when I saw her perform. Sean Paul adds some comedy as the pub punters lip-sync to his lyrics in his performance piece.
There's an amazing dance scene, with Grace Chatto proving her dance ability; totally in sync with the backing girls, it's nice to see her doing something different. She also took to the stage at Wembley at the Kiss Haunted House Party 2016 and danced her way through this song to massive cheers!
There's not much else to comment on, this video is jam-packed with a flawless performance piece and a stunning narrative that is endearing to watch. There is not one problem with this music video. It's completely beautiful with high emotion that makes an intended impact.
It's a Monday, and Little Mix is still at number one with "Shout Out To My Ex", which is amazingly catchy. This opens the top ten to my Chart Monday review. I've chosen this one because it was at number one for many weeks without a music video, but finally it has one just as it's dropping out of the top ten. Sexual tension between The Chainsmokers' Andrew Taggart and Halsey at a party is completely visible, as flashbacks of a past night where they slept together is reminisced over.
The Chainsmokers are a duo consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. They made their name known when they released "#SELFIE" but it wasn't until a few years later, through a reinvention of their music, that they once again hit fame, but this is clearly their best-selling single. I am hoping they will reinvent themselves once again, something we aren't expecting and it'll be even bigger than this was. Featured artist is Halsey, real name Ashley Frangipane, who has made quite the name for herself in the media, but has yet to have a hit song. Then again, this one is totally her best yet. This song was written by Andrew Taggart, Ashley Frangipane, Shaun Frank, Frederic Kennett, Isaac Slade, and Joe King. Highly compared to The Fray's "Over My Head (Cable Car)", the latter two songwriters were added for credit.
This music video was a long time coming, but it's here now, directed by Dano Cerny, it's a great concept. An elaborate performance piece situated in quite an awkward narrative.
Sexual tension is obvious between these two singers. As they lock eyes at a party, Andrew Taggart and Halsey remember what happened between them some other night in the past. This is where things get even more steamy.
They start making out in the middle of a different party, which is then taken back to a bedroom, where both artists are in a state of undress. They both look incredibly sexy. Full of sexual chemistry, with tantalising quirks that we all wish we were doing with another person in a bed instead of watching this video, which is totally making us jealous; or just me.
The ending sees Halsey walking out of the party, not being able to deal with her ex being at the same party as her; I know exactly how she feels. Yet, this is where our similarities end because Andrew Taggart follows her outside, and it's clear there's still an attraction between them. Some sort of unfinished business.
A fully fleshed narrative that everyone can relate to, with a sexy performance piece during a gorgeous bed scene. We've waited so long for this music video, yet it was so worth it especially since they have knocked it out of the park!
Going down a more country house music route, Calvin Harris' "My Way" is being reviewed as this week's Chart Mondays. He is throwing quite the spanner in my Halloween Special unless you supposed the love interest in this music video is a ghost, a pixelated one at best... Let's run with that, although, she is a robot. The song has been in the UK top 10 for a while, but the video has only just been released. With Little Mix's "Shout Out To My Ex" happily sitting on top, I'm reviewing this music video instead. Calvin Harris has stated that this song isn't about Taylor Swift, the song is about an ex-girlfriend being in his way. The accompanying music video for "My Way" shows her appearing and disappearing in a set of pixels, is she even real?
Calvin Harris, real name Adam Wiles, is the Scottish DJ who has won numerous awards and has worked with some of the biggest stars. He has a string of hits that just don't stop coming. He's definitely the one to watch around the world, because he is one of the hottest DJ's going at the moment, and I don't just mean his looks, even though he is pretty damn fine (especially considering what he used to look like when he released his debut single "Acceptable In The 80s"). This song was written by Calvin Harris.
The music video was directed by Emil Nava, who has directed a lot of Calvin Harris' music videos. The love interest is played by actress Emanuela Postacchini.
There is a kind of massive narrative behind this which is hard to follow. At first, I didn't get this video one bit, but I'm slowly understanding it, from my own perspective. This concept of the video may not be the intentional theory behind the narrative from the director or Calvin Harris.
We start off in a futuristic world, where there is a tall building standing in a desolate destroyed Earth. The camera pans into a window where we see a person with a Virtual Reality helmet on.
In an extremely clever cut, we see Calvin Harris on the steps of a country home. Into the past we go. We watch as Calvin Harris sings about the one thing being in his way, it's clearly his robotic love interest, but is she even there? The one complete stable throughout is Calvin Harris himself, everything else becomes a pixelated mess.
As the story continues, we watch her appear everywhere, taking control, destroying things. Almost as if it's a virus amongst his computer system; definitely an atrocity for any producer in the world.
The video ends with no one in the futuristic building; instead, there's a stand-alone computer from the 90s, maybe earlier, and there's one in each window-room of the building. Has this futuristic person become a pixelated specimen to run away with this person who isn't even real? Or does this video just not make sense?
What I do know, is that there is an awesome dance break during the barn house scene, where the choreography is nailed completely. With laser lights and an upbeat melody, you really can't go wrong.
This video is confusing, it gets even weirder the more you watch it. The pixels mess with your brain, disengaging the audience, which is the point of the video. Amazingly futuristically brilliant. Yet, I still can't quite make sense of this.
Little Mix are at the top of the UK Singles Chart! And it has a music video! YES! So my Chart Mondays review is easy! They were slated for apparently releasing a similar song to G.R.L.'s "Ugly Heart" but as I stated in my review yesterday, these songs are DIFFERENT! Listening to both songs side by side, you can't hear similarities whatsoever. People really need to stop comparing them. Little Mix are pure fire in this music video for "Shout Out To My Ex" completely showing their stage presence, although would've liked a full-on dance scene.
This group won The X Factor series eight. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall.The only group to have won the UK version of The X Factor so far and they are still going completely strong. They now have four UK number ones and this single is the first UK number one single of 2016 with a female lead, which is definitely quite shocking! "Shout Out To My Ex" was written by Edvard Førre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, Camille Purcell, Iain James, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall.
The music video is a full performance piece with very little choreography thrown in. The visuals are hypnotic but once pulled apart you realise there isn't much to this at all. As others have stated, some scenes resemble other music videos, especially One Direction's "Live While We're Young" whilst the car scene reminds me of Booty Luv's "Some Kinda Rush".
They drive past a guy, but don't give him a ride. They are sexy by the pool; they have fun in the car driving past pretty purple trees. The ending scene splits the girls up, having them perform in front of different objects.
Overall the video is all right. It's a fierce song with a fierce performance visual, but there really isn't a lot going on. It feels more like a behind the scenes of a model shoot than an actual "Shout Out To My Ex" music video. Where's the dancing? Where's the energy? Where's the narrative? Where's the story? It's just missing the spark; this isn't the first Little Mix music video that has failed to impress me. However, they make up for it in the brilliantly catchy songs.
It's Monday, so it's Chart Mondays again! James Arthur is reigning supreme at number one on the UK Singles Chart with "Say You Won't Let Go", which opens the top 10 for my review. Luckily, Bruno Mars has jumped to number nine so I have a music video to review. Bruno Mars acts full of confidence, strutting around with his dancers in "24K Magic" music video. Classy, fun and slightly arrogant, what happened to Bruno Mars?
Bruno Mars, real name Peter Hernandez, is definitely one of the biggest male artists around at the moment. His lengthy career has really proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. He has so many hit songs behind his name, he literally has earned his spot internationally. This song is pronounced twenty-four karat magic. The song is retro, definitely bringing the incredible disco of the 80's and turning it into a 21st century song. No one can do such a thing apart from Bruno Mars, and he definitely pulls it off in the song. Perhaps not the video though. The song was written by Bruno Mars, Christopher Brody Brown and Philip Lawrence.
Directed by Bruno Mars and Cameron Duddy, it was filmed in Las Vegas at The Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Scenes includes a Bruno Mars party as well as him riding in a black Cadillac Allanté. Whilst Bruno Mars rides on a jet ski, Britney Spears' billboard advertisement for her Las Vegas show can be seen in the background.
The entire thing is over-the-top, this is not the way we picture Bruno Mars. It's a total step in the wrong direction from "Uptown Funk", it's like an extremely arrogant sequel to that music video.
The dancing is definitely disco 80's. But, unlike the song, there is no 21st century spin on the choreography, instead it looks out of place, as if we have gone back in time. However, it is in time to to the music and everyone is in-sync.
The party is definitely hitting it off, but Bruno Mars just doesn't look like he belongs. Personally, I think it's what he is wearing, especially when everyone else fits in. He stands out like a sore thumb, definitely not in a good way. He seems extremely cocky and the video just doesn't work.
Overall, the video is relatable, it's just not something we expect from Bruno Mars. The song is upbeat with party vibes, but the choreography doesn't work and Bruno Mars just looks too arrogant for the video.
It's Monday which means it's Chart Mondays, and with James Arthur reigning supreme at the top of the UK singles chart with "Say You Won't Let Go", it opens the Top 10 to my Chart Mondays review. In this case, it leaves me with no choice but to review this music video as I have either reviewed all the other music videos in the UK top 10 singles chart, or they don't have an official music video. Therefore I am reviewing this one which is currently at number two on the chart. The Weeknd kills his previous self and smashes his apartment up before jumping in a car with a cat that transforms into a panther. He is definitely a "Starboy", look what you've done.
The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye, has really come into his own in the past few years. Having done all right when he first hit the music scene, he has definitely built his name and had batted out hits left, right and centre. This one just proves how far he has come, and how much more he has to give. Recently he has changed his hair style, which definitely goes well with this whole new direction. Featured on the track is Daft Punk, an electronic music duo consisting of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. They have been going for years and years and have many hits. Most recently "Get Lucky" brought them back into the public eye and since then they have released hit song after hit song. They'll always be popular. This song has had international success and was written by Abel Tesfaye, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, Thomas Bangalter, Martin McKinney and Henry Walter.
Directed by Grant Singer, this video is The Weeknd reinventing himself. With a new album a new sound and this is definitely the start of something new, so why not say goodbye to the previous era and start a whole new one. He has changed his hairstyle, killed his previous self and smashed everything in his apartment that was a part of the previous era.
The narrative is interesting, watching him kill his former self through asphyxiation using a plastic bag; it's definitely surprising. He finds a pink neon cross which he uses to smash the place, before setting alight his wardrobe. It all a part of the previous album, saying goodbye to it.
He next goes to the garage and chooses a car and rides off into the night with a black cat in the passenger seat, which soon transforms into a panther. The entire video says goodbye to his previous album and the music that definitely made him popular.
It's clear The Weeknd likes his cars, his choices in the garage are the Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster, a Bentley Mulsanne and the McLaren P1. The latter is actually owned by The Weeknd himself, which is the one he chooses to drive away in.
Daft Punk appears only in a portrait of themselves which is hung on the wall. Otherwise, they are nowhere to be seen, which isn't really surprising. This usually is the case when DJs and producers are featured on a track.
Overall, this is a well-planned music video that is fully in-depth. It has a performance and a narrative built in one. The Weeknd pulls both off at the same time perfectly, while also killing his previous self. His performance vibes pour from him, and boy can he put on a show!
I do not support James Arthur whatsoever. But it's Chart Mondays, which means I have to review the music video to the number one single in the UK, It just so happens to be James Arthur at the top spot, and he actually has a music video! This makes a change since for the past few weeks the top spot on the UK singles chart hasn't had a music video. Anyhow, here we are and here James Arthur is, so let's get this done. James Arthur sings "Say You Won't Let Go" in a relaxed performance piece whilst we watch relationships and friendships during the narrative side of the video.
James Arthur, winner of The X Factor series nine, he went on to have a few hits before his attitude ruined everything. Twitter was James Arthur's downfall; after a homophobic comment went viral online he made an official apology on The X Factor stage, but it didn't stop there. There were more Twitter spats which soon had Simon Cowell dropping James Arthur from the Syco label, but in a controversial twist, he has once again been picked up by Syco and this song is at the top of the UK charts now. The song was written by James Arthur, Steven Solomon and Neil Ormandy.
Directed by Felix Urbauer, the music video has a narrative and a performance piece. It is completely in black and white.
The narrative is botched in places making it difficult to follow and difficult to understand, there are so many so-called memories throughout, but the overall picture is showing love and friendship. It's definitely sweet and lovely, very relatable to the song which is also upbeat and cute.
The performance side is lacking. James Arthur puts so much emotion into the song, that he doesn't quite show that emotion in the visual aspect of this music video. The song means a lot to him, you can really tell that in his amazing vocals, and yet he isn't giving the audience anything in the music video.
There's nothing else to really comment on. This just doesn't quite accompany the song the way we had hoped. The narrative is all over the place and totally difficult to follow and understand. The performance aspect isn't entertaining enough whatsoever.
I've been waiting for this one, seeing it rise on the UK Chart, and just hoping it would appear in the top ten. There were only two choices for me this week... James Arthur's "Say You Won't Let Go" was the other option. It was beaten to the top spot by The Chainsmokers & Halsey with their song "Closer", which doesn't have a music video. As much as I don't want to review a James Arthur video, I may have to in the next coming weeks if it stays in the top ten, or climbs up to number one. For now, I shall avoid it as much as possible as I am not a fan at all of James Arthur. Luckily, this is my Chart Mondays review. Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj work "Side To Side" in the sauna of a gym, amongst hot static guys. Ariana Grande even works out in sync on some bikes in this sexed-up music video.
Ariana Grande is the person on everybody's lips, the singer everyone is watching because she's batting out hit after hit after hit. She first appeared as Cat Valentine in Victorious. She has fully left acting behind as she has quickly made her name in the pop world. Now there's no stopping her, the future is bright for Ariana Grande. This song features Nicki Minaj, another solid singer in the music industry. Her real name is Onika Maraj, and practically everyone knows who she is. She labels herself as the 'Queen of Rap' in this song and she pretty much is, let's be honest. These two singers have worked together before, with Jessie J on the song "Bang Bang". This song was written by Max Martin, Savan Kotecha, Alexander Kronlund, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Ariana Grande and Onika Maraj.
Directed by Hannah Lux Davies, it's no surprise that this is a high-quality music video. It's so thought out and extremely suggestive, especially since the song is about soreness after sex, according to Ariana Grande.
We start off with Ariana Grande and her dance troupe on bikes after a slight scene of her staring into the camera. The girls perform on the bikes, pulling off the dance routine in-sync; the choreography is well thought out and is performed to perfection. They have put a lot of effort in preparing to pull this off and it works perfectly.
The other big scene is the sauna room, where Nicki Minaj has her rap. Her and Ariana Grande are stylish and are clearly having fun and a bit of a mess around, these two clearly get along easily. The male dancers are extremely static, and although that pushes all the attention to the two singers, more movement would've been much more interesting.
There's not a lot else to say, the shower room scene is extremely steamy, and Nicki Minaj knows how to capture the attention, but that's nothing new. As a whole, it's solid and relatable and definitely full fire. The song is a massive catchy song, that will no doubt continue to rise on the charts globally.
Finally, it's released and it's still in the top ten. Currently at number one is The Chainsmokers and Halsey with "Closer" which doesn't have a music video as of yet, so it's opened the top ten of the UK chart for my Chart Mondays review, and this time I've chosen this former number one. Four women dance in different serene locations along to "Cold Water", unfortunately, Major Lazer, Justin Bieber and MØ do not appear.
Major Lazer are an electronic trio consisting of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. Originally founded by Diplo and Switch, the latter left in 2011. Now Major Lazer is one of the biggest names in the electronic genre. Having worked with a number of prolific stars, there is no stopping this trio. Featured is the unstoppable Justin Bieber, who's new music got the world turning into fans. He dominated the UK chart, and he did it once again with his collaborations. As for MØ, real name Karen Marie Ørsted, she's been trying to make an impact on the world for a while, but with the help of Major Lazer, she's managed to come into her own. This song was Major Lazers' first and currently only number one, but I'm pretty sure it won't be their last. It was written by Ed Sheeran, Benjamin Levin, Karen Marie Ørsted, Thomas Pentz, Justin Bieber, Jamie Scott, Philip Meckseper and Henry Allen.
Directed by Matt Baron; the video features four dancers who are Helen Gedlu, Jaylene Mendoza, Sara Bivens and Andranita Smith-Shannon. This is a music video we have been waiting months for and this is the outcome? Like, really?
There is nothing to this video, I don't see how it's relatable in any way, the choreography is interesting, and yet doesn't interpret the song the way we hoped it would.
The dancers dance, but there's nothing special about the moves they are doing, the camera fails to draw in close enough to watch them properly, and occasionally the camera angle doesn't do the dancers justice.
Lighting effects are intricate and yet fails to engage the audience. This is not what we were expecting at all, especially when we've been waiting months for this, it totally doesn't make up for the wait.
This music video could be paired with any song and it wouldn't make much of a difference. The song is infectious, but the music video leaves a lot to be desired and although the setting is beautiful, there's nothing to this video.
Martin Garrix is back in the top ten everybody, finally! Since the number one spot is held by The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey with "Closer", which currently does not have a music video, it has opened the top ten up for my Chart Mondays special. Just inside the top ten is this song, a collaboration between Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha. It's unsurprising to see it up in the charts since it is infectiously catchy. Bebe Rexha and Martin Garrix watch a storm attack their pool before diving off the boards caressing one another amongst the water and the fish all "In The Name Of Love".
Martin Garrix, real name Martijn Garritsen, is mostly known for his number one hit "Animals", his follow-up singles didn't do so well and he soon disappeared. Now he's back with another hit song, filled with synths and raging beats that we can't get enough of, which is complemented by a wonderful female vocal, this song is fire! Bebe Rexha, real name Bleta Rexha, is a star in the making, slowly but surely working her way up in the music industry and the global charts, she's hitting out the bangers at the minute and featuring on all the important songs. A fighter makes her way to the top, keep your eyes on Bebe Rexha, because with a vocal range like this, she'll make it to the top. This song was written by Martijn Garritsen, Matthew Radosevich, Ruth Anne Cunningham, Stephen Philibin, Ilsey Juber, Bebe Rexha and Yael Nahar.
This is visually amazing, a stunning video throughout. It is completely well edited and definitely brilliant to watch.
The whole thing is mainly a performance piece of Bebe Rexha, with Martin Garrix appearing quite static throughout. As the storm rolls in, the amazing editors make the water splash in time with the musical synths, whilst the storm also rages in time with the music.
Bebe Rexha and Martin Garrix just stand there watching the storm rip away what should be gentle scenery, before jumping in and becoming one with the storm, all in the name of love.
The whole concept is beautiful and intricate, but there's just something missing, it isn't as engaging as it should be, and they don't quite manage to portray love towards one another, they seem like friends rather than anything more. There's not a lot else to comment on, apart from seeing fish in the pool, which is a unique twist.
Last week I had two options for Chart Mondays, or so I thought... And I chose Calum Scott's "Dancing On My Own", knowing full well that my other option would make it to the top of the UK Chart this week, and it sure did.
Little did I know that The Chainsmokers hasn't released a music video for "Closer" which features Halsey, This is the song that is currently sitting pretty on the top of the UK Chart.
Regardless, if I had known this last week, I wouldn't have seen it as a choice. My opinion may have been slightly different, that being said, we can't dip into the past and change things around to see what the outcome would be.
End of the day, this is the fifth time I've not had a video to review for Chart Mondays due to the fact that I have already reviewed all the music videos for the entire UK Top 10 Singles Chart, apart from the ones that haven't been released yet, obviously.
Time to reminisce over my past reviews as click the links to the UK's Top 10:
To finish off this blog post, here's a little question to think about...
Is streaming services wrecking the UK chart?
Just a quick glance at the UK iTunes Chart tells an extremely different story... They said streams won't affect songs near the top of the chart, but it clearly has. In America, they count YouTube plays and various other things towards the Billboard Chart. Things are going to have to change, mainly because the chart is supposed to show what music is most popular, and although that may be the case, slightly, I'm sure that top 10 isn't the current most popular music in the UK.
What do you think? Let me know below or on my social channels.
Still at the top is Major Lazer's "Cold Water" which features Justin Bieber and MØ; it still has no music video. So the UK top ten is open for my Chart Mondays review and there's only two songs I can choose from... One is expected to hit the top of the charts this Friday, and so I have to go with this one! Calum Scott found fame from Britain's Got Talent, in which he auditioned with this song, now he has released it and it has been solidly charting in the top ten week on week. Strong throughout, this music video looks lifeless as it purely focuses on Calum Scott's amazing vocals on cover single "Dancing On My Own".
Calum Scott took part in the ninth series of Britain's Got Talent, and even auditioned with this song. He made it all the way to the final, where he came sixth overall. He went on to score a record deal with Capitol records back in May. This song is a cover version of Robyn's song of the same name. It was originally independently released back in March, and after the song gained momentum on the charts, it was re-released under his new record label. The song has been a chart success because of his amazing vocals and managing to change the lyrics into an emotional ballad. It was written by Robyn and Patrik Berger.
Directed by Ryan Pallotta, this simple music video has hardly anything going for it, totally focusing on Calum Scott's voice and visual.
There is a slight narrative involved, yet it never fully develops into anything. They find each other in the crowd, and it's obvious that they want to be together. Which is totally confusing because it's not at all relatable to the song.
Regardless of whether this is Calum Scott's emotional ballad or Robyn's upbeat club track, this so called story line does not fit with the song whatsoever. Whether there was a developed narrative, that got cut, is something we may never know.
As for Calum Scott's performance segment, it's very static, as was the guidelines for this music video; yet he can perform on stage, we saw it during Britain's Got Talent but he's just standing there amongst the crowd, and occasionally it looks like we're playing Where's Walley, or should I say Where's Calum?
This is not fully developed, like what are they staring at? Why are they there? This music video makes no sense to me, and although some things are explored, it fails to relate and it fails to promote Calum Scott all that much. So many questions with no answers and a video that doesn't make a lot of sense.
At the top of the UK singles chart this week is still Major Lazer with "Cold Water", that features Justin Bieber and MØ, which still doesn't have a music video... When was the last time a UK singles number one had a music video? It's been way too long. Anyhow, this opens up the Top 10 to my Chart Mondays, and so I chose this one since it's been in the Top 10 for two weeks now, and there are no signs of it dropping out. This group is a part of Fueled By Ramen, who has various big names on their record label, and for the past few years have been hitting charts globally. twenty one pilots sing in a prison, even putting on a show whilst clips of the film Suicide Squad is incorporated between this "Heathens" music video.
twenty one pilots are a musical duo from America, consisting of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Originally a three piece band, which included Tyler Joseph, Nick Thomas and Chris Salih, the latter two had to leave the band due to busy schedules. Tyler Joseph was then joined by Josh Dun and have since gone on to have global success. This song is their highest peaking single in the UK, and it being a part of the Suicide Squad soundtrack has definitely helped. The song was written by Tyler Joseph.
Directed by Andrew Donoho, the video is set in the fictional prison of Belle Reve in the DC Universe. Clips of Suicide Squad can be seen throughout, which adds relatable content to this music video.
Clearly Tyler Joseph is imagining things, as he sees Josh Dun playing drums in the prison, but it's not really happening. He's in a cell in a bright orange jumpsuit, what he's doing there is anybody's guess.
The cell opens and he walks to a stage, where the jumpsuit disappears and he performs alongside his band mate. Soon enough the other prisoners come to watch and enjoy the live performance. But it's all in his head, as at the end, he's sitting on the ground surrounded by prison guards.
This music video can be quite confusing and yet it's totally relatable to the song, with perfect scenes of the film shown throughout. This is probably one of the best soundtrack music videos I've seen so far, although I am not so keen on the song. It's quirky and different and definitely works well with the said film, and yet it's not to my taste.
Jonas Blue is back with this banger of a song which is in the UK top 10. So as you probably guessed the UK number one does not have a music video, "Cold Water" by Major Lazer featuring Justin Bieber and MØ is sitting at the top. There's very little choice in the top 10 to choose from, as most of them I have already reviewed, or they don't have a music video. Jonas Blue and JP Cooper do not appear in this lovely music video that shows a couple's first meeting and how they're perfect strangers, a clear connection that develops further after a bit of confidence.
Jonas Blue, real name Guy Robin, is a British music producer who hit it big last year with vocals from Dakota in his debut track "Fast Car", a cover version of Tracey Chapman's original "Fast Car". This time it's an original song and it's even better than we can imagine. Featuring vocals from JP Cooper, real name John Paul Cooper, who is slowly making a name for himself, will be one to watch in the coming years. This song will definitely help him no doubt. The song was written by Guy James Robin, John Paul Cooper and Alex Smith.
Directed by Sashinski, the music video is serene and beautiful, with the high concept of two people meant to be together, randomly meeting again and again. It features male actor Devin Dollery and female actress Victoria Scholtz as the love interest.
They visit various places where they bump into one another, definitely perfect strangers. Then they join hands and go and explore things together. It's sweet and innocent, in such a fiercely emotional way.
This is the kind of thing we all yearn for. We all actually want a story like this to tell people, but it never really works this way, so we can keep on dreaming and keep it for TV and films and music videos, and one day we will all have our own story to tell, but it won't be this one.
Overall, a very lovely relatable music video that goes well with the song; However there's nothing interesting going on, no exact moment where it piques the audience's interest. Not like Matoma and Becky Hill's "False Alarm". This is what this song is missing, regardless of the fact that the song itself is sweet. I was just waiting for something to happen, and nothing did.
The DJ duo that just keeps coming back and back and back, with hit after different hit after completely different hit. This is nothing like the "#Selfie" song that we experienced a few years ago. The Chainsmokers are on a roll with their most-recent songs and the way they are going, they're not going to go down. With Major Lazer still happy sitting at number one on the UK chart with the "Cold Water" track which features Justin Bieber and MØ and still no music video, it opens my Chart Mondays up to the UK Top 10. This song looks like it's going to be in the chart for some time. Bouncing up and down in a hydraulics car, The Chainsmokers are not allowed to let Daya down, so instead they become stranded in the air, whilst Daya steels the car in this weird video for "Don't Let Me Down".
The Chainsmokers consist of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. They have had various hits over the years and various not-so hits that definitely should've been. Every chart hit has been different from the rest, and they really are proving themselves as one of the hottest DJ duos around. These two definitely don't mess around, or maybe they do in the studio. Featuring on this track is Daya, real name Grace Tandon; she is the new girl on the scene. At just 17, she's already had a global hit called "Hide Away", which didn't quite make the UK chart, but got on the UK indie chart. her follow-up didn't fare so well. She released a self-titled EP. With this song blowing up worldwide, and her vocals killing it, she is definitely one to watch! This song was written by Andrew Taggart, Emily Warren and Scott Harris.
This video was directed by Marcus Kuhne, and it is definitely a low budgeted music video, that or they just spent the entire budget on a car that has awesome hydraulics.
A lot of editing clearly went into this, however the story line really isn't thought out, like why are The Chainsmokers walking into the car in the first place... If they were exiting a building or a house, fair enough, but it looks like they've just been out for a stroll and they've seen this car all by itself and decided to take it for a ride. Or they really did park there and stood around looking at the trees before hopping back in the car... Maybe, just maybe, they were playing Pokemon Go and had found a Mewtwo, we all would pull over to catch that.
Daya is just wondering through the forest with her girls. She's clearly not a dancer, but she is one hell of a performer, I mean this girl was meant to be on screen, although she seems totally out of place as the girls dance around her; it adds a bit more dramatic effect I suppose.
This entire video doesn't make sense whatsoever, apart from launching The Chainsmokers into the air so they are stranded and can't possibly let anyone down. Maybe they did let Daya down once upon a time and this is her revenge, whatever the meaning of this video is, it's something we'll probably never understand. Regardless Daya performs amazingly, whilst The Chainsmokers practise their stability in an extreme hydraulic car.
Drake's "One Dance" has finally been knocked off the top spot after 15 weeks. Of course, it just had to be Justin Bieber that did it, he features on the number one song from Major Lazer called "Cold Water" which also has vocals from MØ. Yet trust it to be another song without a music video, and therefore opening the top 10 of the UK singles chart to my Chart Mondays. This song stayed at number two for a few weeks, and rivalled Drake's "One Dance", grabbing number one during the mid-weeks only to officially hit number two. The song is the number one that never was, but totally should've been, which reminds me of Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger". Focusing purely on the girl in a relationship, Kungs Vs Cookin' On 3 Burner's video for "This Girl" is slow but mesmerising,
Kungs, real name Valentin Brunel, is a French DJ who will definitely be releasing hit after hit. His exotic sounds takes us all back to a different time period in the sunshine, yet he is just 19. I am extremely excited to see how bright his future will be, because music like this is very popular, so he definitely won't be disappearing anywhere soon. Featuring is Cookin' On 3 Burners, an R&B, soul and funk trio consisting of Jake Mason, Dan West and Ivan Khatchoyan. This is originally their song with vocals from Kylie Auldist, which was then mixed by Kungs to create this awesome song, it's not the first time a remix has boosted a song's popularity and I'm sure it won't be the last time. The song was written by Jake Mason, Lance Ferguson and Ivan Khatchoyan.
Directed by Matt Larson, the music video features models Louïs Rault Watanabe and Irina Martynenko.
Not a lot goes on in the music video, just mainly focusing on the developing relationship between these two lovers. The camera focuses more on Irina Martynenko, understandably since the song is about a girl.
However they have totally sexed her up and included more visuals of her being sexy than even attempting to make Louïs Rault Watanabe comparably similar in his visuals.
They could be a model couple, and yet they fail to focus on the guy in the relationship as much as they have with the girl.
On the other hand it's sweet, and fills me with jealousy since I want that one day, to escape with someone and be in love, even if we never truly escape to a remote place to ourselves. This is sweet, innocent, well maybe not so innocent in one of the scenes, and definitely loving. It goes well with the bright upbeat song, definitely one of the summer anthems of 2016, and one that never quite reached the UK top spot.
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.
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!
"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.
