Chart Mondays: Julia Michaels - Issues


Issues - Julia Michaels |

Songwriter turned into an artist with a hit song, Julia Michaels has had support from internationally-known artists and now she's quickly becoming internationally famous herself. This week she reached number ten on the UK singles chart; with Ed Sheeran still at number one with "Shape of You", it opens the top 10 to my music video Chart Monday reviews, and this was literally my only option. I'm not exactly a fan of the song, but I admire her for her songwriting career, and it looks like she's made it as an artist too now. Watch Julia Michaels reveal that she and her lover has "Issues" and problems, yet there's an obvious attraction between the pair.

Julia Michaels has been a permanent mention within my blog posts since she has written some of the best songs by my favourite artists, people like Britney Spears, Fifth Harmony. Rita Ora, Little Mix, Nick Jonas, and Sofia Carson. Now she has the spotlight all to herself, and her song has gained momentum, It took some time, but "Issues" is a definite grower of a song, which is why it has now started charting well globally, months after it was released. The song was written by Julia Michales, Benjamin Levin, Tor Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen, and Justin Tranter.

Directed by Tabitha Denholm, the music video shows Julia Michaels singing to her love interest, who is played by actor Alexander Koch - who some may know him from Under The Dome, where he played James "Junior" Rennie.

The opening scene sees them both in bed together, under the covers. There's clear chemistry between the two, chemistry I wish I had with someone, but nope, I'm single; while snapshots show her singing in the kitchen. She walks to the bedroom, but he's no longer in her bed - where has he gone?

She walks outside to what looks like an outhouse, where he is talking with another woman, who turns out to be Julia Michaels all dressed up. As a party ensues, she watches him across the room as he flirts and connects with another woman. Julia Michaels sidles up to another guy, and Alexander Koch's jealous stare is all too obvious. It's clear that the party was the night before, and while everyone went to sleep, Julia Michaels gets up off her chair and dances all alone, as he sits back and watches.

Closing scenes see them in the bed together again. It's cute and goes well with the narrative of the song, but I feel a slight disconnect, to be fair I feel the same disconnection with the song itself. I think I kind of expect more from her because of her amazing songwriting skills, and I have the same feelings towards this as I do towards Ina Wroldsen's "Aliens (Her Er Jeg)". I just feel something is missing.
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Chart Mondays: Martin Jensen - Solo Dance


Solo Dance - Martin Jensen |

The global sensation has hit the UK, and I've been watching this rise on the charts for a few weeks now, and finally, it has cracked the top 10. With Ed Sheeran still at number one with "Shape of You", and every other song in the top 10 UK Singles Chart already been reviewed by me - or doesn't have a music video for me to review, this was my only option this week. The song is upbeat and catchy with a dance number of a music video. Watch a group of dancers act out a story narrative of attraction through amazing choreography for this exciting music video for Martin Jensen's "Solo Dance".

Martin Jensen is a Danish DJ who has been mixing for over ten years. He became virally known for using sounds from other viral videos and turning them into tropical house mixes. He started releasing singles in 2014, starting off with "Sí", which was a viral hit due to Martin Jensen incorporating Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration at the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or. As each single was released he became more and more popular, he's recent "All I Wanna Do" charted in a few countries; but now, this single has become a global sensation, and Martin Jensen has finally got the chart success he clearly deserves, he just needs to follow up and follow through with another awesome single. This was written by Martin Jensen, Lene Dissing, Mads Hjerl-Hansen, and Peter Bjørnskov.

Directed by Nicolas Tobias Følsgaard and choreographed by Tobias Ellehammer; the music video has intricate dance sequences throughout that are beyond perfection. Martin Jensen makes an appearance at the DJ decks, playing this song. The dancers in the visual are: Dylan Mayoral, Haeni Kim, Anders Deeno Nielsen, Sandra Brünnich, Remi Black, Enej Jurečič, Žiga Jurečič, Michel Patric Sian, Lianne Lee May, and Cilia Trappaud.

We open up watching two characters have an attraction as soon as their eyes meet, but when the guy gets ready to talk to her, another dancer sweeps in. Bad luck, or so we thought. As we go to the main floor, we see that it's all going off with amazing dance techniques.

Soon enough, our main character is centre stage, with all eyes on him. In perfect time with the music, he just stops. The silence feels like it lasts longer than it actually does as we wonder if he has done enough to impress the girl. It turns out that he has, and she appears behind him as they dance together, fully bringing it.

The choreography of this music video is completely incredible. This is what I would love to be involved in one day, but I'll just marvel at how impressive it is since my professional dancing career stopped years ago. The closest I come to getting that feeling back is on the dancefloors in clubs. Now, my career involves watching awesome music videos like this one that relates to the song perfectly and giving the best ratings out to the music videos that impress me the most, such as this one. Can't wait to see what Martin Jensen will release next!
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Chart Mondays: Anne-Marie - Ciao Adios


Ciao Adios - Anne-Marie |

Finally, the chart has sorted itself out, slightly; and I can finally get back to my Chart Mondays reviews, now that Ed Sheeran isn't dominating quite so much, he's still at number one with "Shape of You", though. I'm so glad Anne-Marie has got into the top 10 with this awesome song, she's been fighting for her career, and finally, it's paying off and people are noticing her like they should. She's been on my radar for over a year now and I have supported her ever since. I'm excited to see her progress and become someone everyone is talking about. Watch Anne-Marie perform with her girls in this music video for "Ciao Adios" that has got us all copying her dance moves.

Anne-Marie, full name Anne-Marie Nicholson, has really come into her own, and that was definitely with the help of Rudimental and Clean Bandit, especially the latter where she featured on "Rockabye" which became a UK number one hit for weeks on end. She's an inspiration to us all as she really has developed her own sound and kept true to herself whilst building a career for herself. She's managed to become someone everyone's talking about, and I'm so proud to see that she's finally at that stage. She just needs to hold on to her fame, but her genuine personality and her real songs are what will allow her to continue to succeed. This song is at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, hence why I'm reviewing the music video. "Ciao Adios" was written by Anne-Marie Nicholson, Tom Meredith, Jennifer Decilveo, and Mason Levy.

The music video is a pure performance visual with Anne-Marie totally releasing performance vibes, and she definitely gets kudos for the dancing, although it's a shame it's cut up so much by the editing team; I want to learn the chorus dance moves.

Following a perfect theme from "Alarm", it's clear her debut album is going to be complete fire! We see her giving this music video her all, whilst being relaxed and trendy at the same time.

The choreography is easy for people to copy and I can so see youngsters doing the "Ciao Adios" dance; I'll be there at her concert doing it myself! As per usual, she's a trendsetter, making her mark in the music industry with iconic but different songs. She is one to watch for sure, and she performed amazingly at Birmingham Pride 2016 - I hope she returns to that stage this year.
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Chart Mondays: Ed Sheeran Continues To Dominate The UK's Top 10 Singles Chart 17th March 2017 - 23rd March 2016

Ed Sheeran is still obliterating the UK chart, two weeks on the trot. It's all because he released his new album almost three weeks ago, yet it's still dominating the UK Singles Chart, with nine songs in the top 10.

As I explained last week, the inclusion of streams into the UK charts has become the most annoying this about the chart, since the top 10 rarely changes week on week, with some prolific stars not getting a look in at all. This has ruined the chart recently, and they really need to decide what they are going to do about it, as they can't keep going on as it is.

Ed Sheeran's Facebook Cover Picture

I reviewed the album for Outlet Magazine, adding my own streams to this chart, but my one stream of each track clearly combined with everyone else's which made this impressive album get an equally impressive chart record.

Here's the current UK Top 10 Singles Chart:

2) Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl
4) The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This
5) Ed Sheeran - Perfect
6) Ed Sheeran - New Man
7) Ed Sheeran - Happier
8) Ed Sheeran - Supermarket Flowers
9) Ed Sheeran - What Do I Know
10) Ed Sheeran - Dive

Chart Mondays: No Review. Ed Sheeran Has Taken Over The UK Top 20 Singles Chart 10th March 2017 - 16th March 2017

Let's be honest, we knew this was going to happen last Monday, as we saw; Ed Sheeran was dominating the iTunes and Spotify charts. It's not a surprise at all that his songs from his album charted in the UK, but what it was a surprise to see his entire album, including the bonus tracks on the deluxe version, chart inside the UK top 20.

Ed Sheeran's Facebook Cover Picture
Even if I changed my Chart Mondays to include the UK top 20 Singles Chart, I still wouldn't have a music video to review this week, since I've done "Shape of You" and "Castle On The Hill" by Ed Sheeran, and the other songs inside the top 20 either doesn't have a music video, or I've already reviewed it.

This is why I hate streaming at the moment, it's literally messed up the UK Singles Chart, and subsequently messed up my Chart Mondays review. Last year, Drake's "One Dance" dominated the charts and was never uploaded to YouTube which led to everyone listening to the song on Spotify or other similar streaming sites, therefore allowing him to stay at number one for 15 weeks. It's not even his best song, just saying.

So how has streaming done this? Well, someone decided that 100 streams are equal to a sale, they've changed that for 2017 to 150 streams, yet it's still affecting the chart majorly. However, one person can only contribute 70 streams a week towards the chart so it would take one person over two weeks of listening to the same song to contribute a sale, yet it clearly mounts up and affects the charts majorly.

Just take a look at the top 10 for the past few months, it's rare that there was a new entry, and on the occasion that there was, they stayed in the top 20 for far too long. The top ten rarely changes nowadays and the chart just isn't exciting.

The problem is due to Spotify playlists, people just listen to the UK top 40 over and over again; not only that but people create playlists that other people play, those playlists have many songs from the top 40 in them. It's not the same as someone going on to iTunes and parting with their money to download a song.

In America, they also count YouTube plays, could this be something the UK needs to do switch up the chart? We definitely need to change how the chart is recorded, and we need people to care about it again. It needs to be current and interesting; otherwise, it might as well be dead especially since someone like Ed Sheeran can dominate it, and other new rising stars can't get a look in edgeways.

Here is the current UK Top 20 Singles Chart:

1) Ed Sheeran - Shape Of You
2) Ed Sheeran - Galway Girl
3) Ed Sheeran - Castle On The Hill
4) Ed Sheeran - Perfect
5) Ed Sheeran - New Man
6) Ed Sheeran - Happier
7) The Chainsmokers & Coldplay - Something Just Like This
8) Ed Sheeran - Dive
9) Ed Sheeran - Supermarket Flowers
10) Ed Sheeran - What Do I Know
11) Ed Sheeran - How Would You Feel (Paean)
12) Ed Sheeran - Barcelona
13) Ed Sheeran - Nancy Mulligan
14) Ed Sheeran - Eraser
15) Ed Sheeran - Hearts Don't Break Around Here
16) Rag'n'Bone Man - Human
17) Katy Perry feat. Skip Marley - Chained To The Rhythm
18) Ed Sheeran - Bibia Be Ye Ye
19) Ed Sheeran - Save Myself
20) Stormzy - Big For Your Boots

Chart Mondays: Ed Sheeran - Castle On The Hill


Castle on the Hill - Ed Sheeran |

Literally had no choice but to review this music video for my Chart Mondays, purely because his "Shape Of You" is still at number one, and every other song in the top ten of the UK Singles Chart either has been reviewed already or doesn't have a music video. I have a feeling it will not go my way next week, and we'll have to skip Chart Mondays again, but let's hope that that doesn't happen. Ed Sheeran is currently dominating on an international scale, and can we blame him? Just listen to his recent songs, his album (which I reviewed for Outlet Magazine) titled "÷", pronounced "Divide", He's truly knocked it out of the park. Watch this awesome music video that has Ed Sheeran reflecting on his life, whilst we watch his childhood adventures over the "Castle On The Hill".

Ed Sheeran has literally made the biggest album masterpiece of his career. "÷" or "Divide" beats everyone's expectations, and every song is set to chart in the UK Singles Chart this Friday, which isn't a surprise at all. I reviewed it for Outlet Magazine, and I was honoured to be hearing this music because it really is a masterpiece. This song was released alongside "Shape Of You" as a duo single. It was written by Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco).

Directed by George Belfield, the music video was filmed in Suffolk, which is where Ed Sheeran grew up; making the scenes even more personable and relatable. The young Ed Sheeran is played by high school student - clearly turning actor - Hugo Fairbanks Weston, who also attends the high school that the artist once went to.

There's so much going on in this music video, so I'm going to try and keep it short. We see Hugo Fairbanks Weston hang out with his mates, doing various normal things that they get up to, all the while relating it to the lyrics of the song. Some parts are perfect translations of the lyrics, and it's clear they had a lot of fun on set.

There is also a brilliant performance visual from Ed Sheeran, who is clearly thinking about the past events mentioned in the song as he sings it. I hope he manages to express all the emotion into this song whenever he performs it live. This one is definitely close to his heart, and it's nice of him to share this with everyone else.

Overall, the music video is fully relatable to the song. It's fun, it's clever, it's interesting and a complete match. Although, Hugo Fairbanks Weston is going to be called Ed Sheeran for the rest of his life now, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. The music video couldn't have possibly been any better.
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Chart Mondays: ZAYN & Taylor Swift - I Don't Wanna Live Forever


I Don’t Wanna Live Forever (From "Fifty Shades Darker") - ZAYN & Taylor Swift

With Ed Sheeran totally dominating the UK Singles Chart, with three songs in the top ten at the moment, of which, "Shape of You", is still chilling at the top; ZAYN and Taylor Swift will be my Chart Mondays review today, instead. To me, this is an unlikely pairing, and yet the collaboration is total fire from start to finish. ZAYN and Taylor Swift's voices work totally well together and I sure hope this isn't the last song they collaborate on. This song was done for the Fifty Shades Darker soundtrack, although the music video isn't an obvious soundtrack video. Watch ZAYN and Taylor Swift perform this very sultry song in a hotel during this music video for "I Don't Wanna Live Forever".

ZAYN, full name Zayn Malik, is mostly known for being one-fifth of boy group One Direction before he left the band to focus on a solo career in music. He wanted to release music authentic to him, and he's definitely done that. His "PillowTalk" is still one of the most incredible debut singles that people are still talking about and covering today. As for Taylor Swift, she's brought country music to the world, and then made giant leaps into pop music, ones we totally forgive her for because they're amazing songs. She has a new album coming out sometime in the future, and I cannot wait for it to drop. This collaborative effort has had global success, as we expected. It was written by Taylor Swift, Sam Dew, and Jack Antonoff.

Directed by Grant Singer, the music video sees ZAYN step out of a car in the rain and enter a hotel, this is where he starts to sing and where the rest of the music video takes place.

The start of the video shows the problem stars face in their everyday lives. Paparazzi. These people have always been a problem for celebrities, and there are a lot of songs that cover this from Britney to Lady Gaga. Many stars have hit out at how annoyingly ruthless paparazzi are, and there have been several hundreds of music videos showing this. Now it's time for ZAYN to hit back at them.

Performing in their separate hotel rooms, Taylor Swift and ZAYN deliberate on their relationship, getting angry and smashing things up, while also having subtle lost moments. It really shows how powerful each of these stars are. They're meant to perform, they're meant to sing, and here they are doing just that. It's a great music video but it's just missing the wow factor.
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Chart Mondays: The Chainsmokers - Paris


Paris - The Chainsmokers |

It's Chart Mondays today, and anyone who has been following my blog these past two days will know that I've batted out seven catch-up blogs to get to this point, so I am totally feeling proud of myself right now. Ed Sheeran is still at number one with "Shape of You", and so, once again, it opens the top ten to my Chart Mondays review. It looks like The Chainsmokers may drop out of the chart next week so hence why I chose this song and music video to review. Both narrative and performance, watch a house fly up into the sky before our main character, Martha Hunt, jumps out and falls to Earth, in The Chainsmokers' "Paris" music video.

The Chainsmokers are a duo consisting of Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall. They have seriously proven themselves within the music industry, even though their musical style has changed a lot since they first came out back in 2014. Their progression has been phenomenal and just showcases their diversity and their ability to release hit after hit after hit. This song features uncredited vocals from Emily Warren. It was written by Andrew Taggart, Kristoffer Eriksson, and Fredrik Häggstam.

This music video was directed by Mister Whitmore and stars model and actress Martha Hunt. In the description of the music video, the duo explains what Paris is. '1: a sentimental yearning for a reality that isn't genuine. 2: an irrevocable condition for fantasy that evokes nostalgia of day dreams'. In this case, this music video and song has nothing to do with the French capital Paris.

Which is why the music video isn't set in Paris. We watch a house rise up high into the sky, whilst The Chainsmokers just look on as Andrew Taggart sings along to the song.

Inside the floating house is Martha Hunt, who looks out the window in bewilderment before sitting on the edge; pushes herself over and freefalls. We watch as she falls down and down, I kind of expected Andrew Taggart to run and try and catch her; but instead, she just keeps falling; until the end where she floats down into bed. If that happened to me, I'd be doing it over and over again, looks like fun.

Overall, the video works well, The Chainsmokers doesn't really give it their all during the performance side of the music video; however, there is a complete focus on Martha Hunt, who acts her character out perfectly. I guess she makes up for The Chainsmokers' lack of enthusiasm in this music video.
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Chart Mondays: Stormzy - Big For Your Boots


Big For Your Boots - Stormzy |

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

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

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

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

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

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


September Song - JP Cooper |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Shape of You - Ed Sheeran |

Of all the days to drop the music video to the number one single on the UK Chart, Ed Sheeran had to choose today just so he could claim my Chart Mondays blog post. Well, I don't think he actually knows about my blog, but can we pretend that it is all about me for a second and just decide this is the whole reason he released it today? No? Okay... Well Ed Sheeran is currently at number one on the UK Singles Chart with this song, and so therefore claims my Chart Mondays review. Watch Ed Sheeran fall in love as he trains to become a boxer, only for her to leave him to battle a sumo wrestler all by himself, in the "Shape Of You" music video.

Ed Sheeran is someone who fought to get to where he is now, and I can't deny how much of an inspiration he is to everyone around the world. That is why I listen to his music, why I buy his music, why I support him, because I am fighting for my dreams just like he was once upon a time. He has broken records around the world by debuting at number one and number two at the same time in many countries, including the UK. This is the one that hit number one in most countries. The song was written by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid.

Directed by Jason Koenig, the video also stars Jennie Pegouskie and Yama. The former, acts as Ed Sheeran's love interest, totally making me jealous because it's totally convincing and that is literally what I've been missing in my life. The latter is the sumo wrestler who beats up Ed Sheeran.

This has a full narrative, with Ed Sheeran training up to be a boxer. He catches the eye of Jennie Pegouskie who helps him train up. They spend time outside of the gym, clearly this is the start of a relationship.

The relationship is clearly very loving, the sort that we all want in life. They manage to portray a loving relationship perfectly, one that makes us all jealous. Then our hearts break for Ed Sheeran as she leaves him, and he turns his anger into training, which then leads up to him fighting Yama - the sumo wrestler.

It all builds up to an ending that sees Ed Sheeran defeated, catching the eye of Jennie Pegouskie again, who decides to fight Yama after Ed Sheeran is over and done with. It all then disappears, as if it were some sort of dream or mirage. Ed Sheeran is stuck in his blow-up sumo wrestlers costume.

It's totally relatable, completely lovable, and works with the song. Talk about hitting every emotion possible with this music video, to what will quickly become an iconic Ed Sheeran song. He totally smashes this out, and it completely works.
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Chart Mondays: Little Mix - Touch


Touch (Official Video) - Little Mix |

Finally, a music video for this awesomely catchy track, that has been in the top 10 of the UK chart for quite some time now. The music video for the girls' second single from their "Glory Days" album was released just before midnight on Friday. It hasn't been followed up by a single release, as of yet; it currently has been charting from album track downloads alone. Watch the girls of Little Mix dance their way through a very colourful maze with various male dancers dancing flirtatiously around them in the "Touch" music video.

Little Mix are the biggest UK girl group around at the moment. They are still the only group to win The X Factor. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. They recently grabbed their first number one album with "Glory Days" and are currently set to go out on tour in promotion for the album. This definitely won't be their last single, although what they will choose next is anyone's guess. The song was written by Hanni Ibrahim, Patrick Patrikios, A.S. Govere, and Phil Plested.

The music video was directed by Director X and Parris Goebel. Think you recognise that latter name? Well, she's the one who choreographed most of Justin Bieber's "Purpose: The Movement" music videos. She has also choreographed for many other well-known stars; it's no wonder she is sought after in the music industry. I would go into who Director X is, but you all know his amazing back catalogue of music videos.

We are first shown a very colourful maze, an ideal place to get lost in. Someone, tell me where it is and I'll get lost in there, maybe make a really hot guy go in there as well... Oh wait, there's the hot dancers, guess I'll be sorted for men. Where is this maze?

The girls knock the choreography out perfectly. This isn't exactly something new for them, we've seen similar in "Move" and "Salute", but this is one of their most fired-up music videos. As much as I hate to compare them to Fifth Harmony, those girls have got this type of music video completely nailed, and they pull off what they're wearing easily... As for Little Mix it feels more experimental; like they're trying this route and direction but it's not what we're used to, and not what they're used to.

Dancing is pure fire throughout, we expect nothing less from the girls. Their outfits, however, is less sexy and more different; especially Perrie Edwards with her plastic corset-like costume, surely that wasn't comfortable to wear. Plus the knee-length boots must've made it tricky for the girls to dance in. The styling just looks like the director and girls got their wires crossed and it became a compromise. Whatever the reason for the styling, the girls bring it with a fierceness we haven't seen from them before.

This is not just a normal music video, it may go down in history as the day Little Mix transformed into sexy provocative women. It is completely fierce and could easily take them down a path that will bring more fired-up music videos. Totally relatable and the dancing is completely on point.
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Chart Mondays: Starley - Call On Me



Wow! So after three weeks of having no music videos to review for Chart Mondays, the UK top ten gets quite the shake up and I actually have some choice, for now anyway. Dominating the UK Singles Chart is Ed Sheeran, he's currently at number one and number two with "Shape Of You" and "Castle On The Hill", none of which has a music video just yet, which opens the top ten to my Chart Mondays music review. I chose this one as it's my type of music, plus it's the remix that has pushed the success of this song, and I love my remixes, who doesn't love a remix? Watch Starley get out of bed to perform this song, in beautiful settings and with a smoke grenade, before heading back to bed in this "Call On Me" music video.

Starley, full name Starley Hope, is an Australian singer who has released this cute song as her debut single. She has previously featured on a track titled "Into You", released by Odd Mob. She moved to London to pursue music, but later returned to Australia where she ended up getting a record deal; guess that's just the way it works sometimes. It's quickly becoming a worldwide sensation, but the bigger question is whether she can follow it up with another hit record in the future? It's the Ryan Riback remix that has launched the success of this single in a number of countries, including the UK and Sweden. The song was written by Starley Hope and Peter Wadams.

There isn't an awful lot to this music video. It's an expressive performance piece to a very cute song that is definitely going to become a defining track of 2017.

There is a slight narrative throughout that sees her singing in bed, clearly wanting that little bit of extra sleep that we all want in the mornings. Next, we see her amongst a grassy field where she runs and generally relaxes in a playful way, all by herself.

She ends up by the water where she releases an orange smoke grade which only emphasises how stunningly beautiful she actually is, before wrapping it all up back in bed amongst her comfy pillows.

It's a gorgeous visual to the song and is extremely pleasant to watch. It's not inclusive of the audience, though; some viewers may become distracted and it fails to keep the watchers engaged. However, Starley captures the camera and really gets into this song and its music video. I am looking forward to finding out what is next for Starley, she has this glowing star power that will definitely prevent her from being a one hit wonder. I'm excited about her follow-up.
Buy on iTunes

Chart Mondays: No Review. Top 10 UK Singles Chart: 6th January 2017 - 12th January 2017

For a seventh time overall, there is not a song in the top 10 UK singles chart which I can write a music video review for.

This is the first time for 2017, and I bet it won't be the last. However, with the Spotify plays changing to affect the longevity of songs staying high up on the chart, it could be that this is less likely to happen. I have considered stretching Chart Mondays to a top 20; it's not for certain yet, so I'm going to test it soon.

Official UK Charts
Here is the official top 10 UK singles chart:
1) Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie - Rockabye
2) Rag'n'Bone Man - Human
3) Zara Larsson - I Would Like
4) Little Mix - Touch
5) The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk - Starboy
6) NEIKED - Sexual
7) Bruno Mars - 24K Magic
8) James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go
9) Little Mix - Shout Out To My Ex
10) Louis Tomlinson & Steve Aoki - Just Hold On

Chart Mondays: No Review. Top 10 UK Singles Chart: 30th December 2016 - 5th January 2017

For a sixth time overall, there is not a song in the top 10 UK singles chart which I can write a music video review for.

This is the first time this has happened in 2017, however, the chart was announced on Friday, so it still counts as a 2016 chart. Could we possibly do Chart Mondays properly each week from now on? With the Spotify plays changing to affect the longevity of songs staying high up on the chart, it could be that we have a new Chart Monday!

Official UK Charts
Here is the official top 10 UK singles chart:
1) Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie - Rockabye
2) Zara Larsson - I Would Like
3) Rag'n'Bone Man - Human
4) Little Mix - Touch
5) Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
6) Little Mix - Shout Out To My Ex
7) Wham! - Last Christmas
8) The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk - Starboy
9) James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go
10) Bruno Mars - 24K Magic

Chart Mondays: No Review. Top 10 CHRISTMAS Singles Chart: 23rd December 2016 - 29th December 2016

For a fifth time overall, there is not a song in the top 10 UK singles chart which I can write a music video review for.

And it's THE CHRISTMAS CHART! I've either reviewed all the music videos, or one hasn't been released.

Official UK Charts
Here is the official top 10 UK singles chart:

1) Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie - Rockabye
2) Rag'n'Bone Man - Human
3) Louis Tomlinson & Steve Aoki - Just Hold On
4) Little Mix - Touch
5) Mariah Carey - All I Want For Christmas Is You
6) Zara Larsson - I Would Like
7) The Weeknd feat. Daft Punk - Starboy
8) Matt Terry - When Christmas Comes Around
9) James Arthur - Say You Won't Let Go
10) Rae Sremmurd feat. Gucci Mane - Black Beatles

Chart Mondays: Matt Terry - When Christmas Comes Around



Here's The X Factor's winner's single, and it's actually a Christmas song this time around. Adding some Christmas spirit might just get the winner's single to the top of the charts once again. Yet, that didn't quite happen, since it was quite the competitive week. Clean Bandit with Sean Paul and Anne-Marie is still at the top with "Rockabye". This song peaked at number three, and since it's a Christmas song, I had to include it in my Christmas Special 2016. Watch Matt Terry perform "When Christmas Comes Around" at the live final, with snapshots of the charity work that is done in support of the sales.

Matt Terry won The X Factor's thirteenth series, in a very close final with Saara Aalto. He later signed with RCA records instead of Syco, in quite a surprising move. Instead, Syco signed Honey G, and possibly has some other up-and-coming plans to sign up other acts. They plan to make Matt Terry the next Olly Murs, but the only comparison we can see is the fact that they're both male and that they are now on the same record label. Will this just be another winner who will disappear? Time will tell. This song was written by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge.

The music video is a pure performance piece, which we watched during the live final of The X Factor. The only difference is that they have put a black and white filter on; which, I suppose, is to give it more of a festive Christmas visual. Yet, it makes no difference and actually makes me want to watch a different video that's actually in colour. I just don't like black and white music videos, unless there is a specific reason for the filter.

The single's proceeds will go to charities: Together For Short Lives and Shooting Star CHASE. Throughout the music video, Matt Terry's performance piece is cut between snapshots of what these charities do, and how they help people.

It's a typical charity music video, it's a typical X Factor winner's music video, although using the winner's live performance of the song instead of a studio visual is something different, that we haven't seen for a while. It just feels like we've seen this sort of music video way too many times and it's the same old same old. We want something new.
Buy on iTunes

Chart Mondays: Rag'n'Bone Man - Human



He's the Critics' Choice Brit Award Winner 2017, and since Clean Bandit is still on top with the incredible "Rockabye" song that is always stuck in my head because of Anne-Marie's amazing vocals and Sean Paul's voice; it opens my Chart Mondays up, and this is really the only music video I can do from the UK Singles Chart. Standing up for himself and everyone else, this song has really captured all our hearts; its music video shows Rag'n'Bone Man as well as various other people as "Human", we're all the same.

Rag'n'Bone Man, real name Rory Graham, has been around for a couple of years, dropping EPs and a couple of singles; but when this hit came around, it totally blasted him into a star. All it takes is one song. Some talent is never found because they never get the right song. This song comes from his debut album, which will be released in February, and is also titled "Human". He has recently won the Brits Critics' Choice Award, against some stiff competition including Dua Lipa and Anne-Marie. I am - kind of - interested in his following releases. Will he be a one-hit wonder? With a voice like his, he shouldn't be. This song was written by Jamie Hartman and Rory Graham.

Directed by Charlie Robins, this music video is performance based, with personal portraits.

They have shown Rag'n'Bone Man simply as "Human", showing no difference between him and any of the other people in this music video.

With skilled editing work, everyone morphs into one. It shows a strong message, a message of unity and hurtfulness. Everyone shown could have something wrong with them, enough where they have got bullied, been abused physically and mentally. But they're just human, just like we're just human.

This music video may not be exciting or engaging, but it's showing that we're all human beings. Relating to the song perfectly, it comes across with a fighting spirit. And yet, where there's room to grow this into a wonderful narrative, it stays flat and leaves us guessing.
Buy on iTunes

Chart Mondays: Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane - Black Beatles



Taking a look at the UK Top 10 reveals this song as the only one with a music video that I haven't reviewed. Clean Bandit is still at the top with "Rockabye" that features Sean Paul & Anne-Marie; they are totally fending off this climber, which has become an overnight sensation all thanks to the Mannequin Challenge, where this song is usually used as the backing track. Rae Sremmurd collaborates with Gucci Mane in this pure performance music video with literal lyric visualisations throughout.

Rae Sremmurd is an American duo consisting of Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi. They have really done a number with this song, with thanks to the Mannequin Challenge, this song has skyrocketed up the charts around the world, probably thanks to people attempting the Mannequin Challenge, no doubt. They have previously released a number of singles and two albums, all of which haven't impacted the charts as much as this song alone has. They have been more of a hit in the US over the past couple of years, but with international fame, the question on everyone's minds is if they can follow through with another hit. Featured on this track is Gucci Mane, real name Radric Davis; he is a massive US rapper, who has released a number of albums, EPs, and singles. He has worked with some of the biggest stars, and had quite a few hits back in 2009. Once again, this is possibly his biggest hit to date too. This song was written by Khalif Brown, Aaquil Brown, Radric Davis, and Michael Williams. The latter produced the song and is better known as Mike Will Made It.

Directed by Motion Family, this music video is a collection of videos that have been combined to create this intricate music video.

It is mainly a performance-based music video with Rae Sremmurd mainly seen performing in various places and stages. They clearly have a lot of energy, enough that it can be felt by all the viewers. Gucci Mane also performs in this music video, giving just as much energy and totally performing well. If anything, these guys will be amazing live.

There are some great lyric visualisations throughout, especially the smoking. It's so intoxicating that it really makes us think we're there and someone is blowing smoke into our faces. Clearly Rae Sremmurd's parties are welcome to many different people, much like the song suggests.

There is no sign of a Mannequin Challenge anywhere in this music video, which totally makes us question why this song is chosen for the said challenge. Regardless, the music video is relatable and hazy in it's own right. It's very basic, with not enough going on.
Buy on iTunes

Chart Mondays: Maroon 5 - Don't Wanna Know



Now before you all moan that I haven't tagged the featured artist, Kendrick Lamar, into this blog post, it's because this music video doesn't include his rap. Since Clean Bandit is still at the top of the UK Singles Chart in collaboration with Anne-Marie & Sean Paul with "Rockabye", it opens the top 10 for my Chart Mondays review. I chose this one because it's an extremely catchy song and the video is quirky and spoof funny. Maroon 5 dress as bugs, that humans are trying to catch and zap on a mobile app similar to Pokemon Go. Frontman Adam Levine falls for a woman in an orange costume who can fly in this video for "Don't Wanna Know".

Maroon 5 is a band we all know and love. They always have some of the best music videos and have really stood the test of time with their music and longevity. The band consists of Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, James Valentine, Matt Flynn, and PJ Morton. They've had various hits over the years, and this being in the UK Top 10 Singles Chart is another one to add to their collection. The song originally features a rap from Kendrick Lamar, real name Kendrick Duckworth. He is one of the biggest American rappers out at the moment, but surprisingly the song has omitted the rap from this music video. The song was written by Kendrick Lamar, Adam Levine, Benny Blanco, John Ryan, Jacob Kasher, Ammar Malik, Kurtis McKenzie, Jon Mills, and Alex Ben-Abdullah.

Directed by David Dobkin, the video is a comedic spoof of Pokemon Go. Whilst also relating to the song, it is definitely quirky. The video also has cameos from various stars including Sarah Silverman, Amanda Cerny, Shaquille O'Neal, Ed Helms, and Vince Vaughn.

The opening scenes show Adam Levine in his bug costume, which he wears throughout the video. He is missing his former lover, Sarah Silverman, who is displayed in a photograph. His costume is super cute, for sure.

The music kicks in as he drives around town, with clips of the other band members going about their day, all of which are dressed up in bright coloured bug-like costumes too.

Adam Levine's car comes to a stop at a crossing as he watches Ed Helms get chased by people with an app, which later zaps Ed Helms and he vanishes. Adam Levine gets out of his car and starts to run. At the same time, the other band members start to run. There are seven band members shown in the video, which means touring member Sam Farrar also appears in this video too.

Adam Levine manages to escape to a park, where he hides behind a tree until he comes across Amanda Cerny dressed as an orange. They get found by humans and she flies away, up into the air. This is where this narration ends and a new one picks up... Did Adam Levine get zapped? Or did he manage to run away? We may never know.

The new narration picks up with Adam Levine sunbathing in his bug costume beside his pool. A human jumps over the fence to try and zap him with the app, but Adam Levine zaps him right back; don't walk on a Pokemon's property or be prepared to be blown up!

The video continues with a party and the aftermath of the party. We watch as Adam Levine finally stumbles across the orange again, but she turns her back on him; how rude! At the end, we watch a café scene with Vince Vaughn as they chat about standing up for themselves.

The chopped up narrative is intercut with performance scenes, including a tour scene. Showing energy and their usual flare, Maroon 5 shine even when in their costumes. I like the director's comedic scene where he suggests the group should wear hats, but Adam Levine doesn't want to spoil his image, all the while dressed as a very cute animal!

Overall, this video is totally full and fun. They look exhausted being in those costumes. Adam Levine looks love lost which is totally good, but for the first time in a long time, the other band members manage to outshine the frontman. It's refreshing to see, but definitely not something I was expecting. The narrative is too separate for my liking, it doesn't quite flow and doesn't make complete sense. Yet, it's solid nonetheless.
Buy on iTunes