I have to admit, I thought there was more to this video than first meet the eye, but let's be honest this is crazily weird, although definitely rinsing and repeating. Riton has been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2016. This song is currently in the charts and has become his most successful song to date. Kah-Lo is sitting completely still as this video is rinsed and repeated just like the song suggests, with amazing beats in the background thanks to Riton.
RIGHT ON! HERE'S ANOTHER ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT!We're delighted to announce that Riton will on the Main Stage at...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Riton, real name Henry Smithson, has been attempting to hit the music industry with various different names and projects, finally he has released a hit song that charted well here in the UK. Riton is French slang for Henry, hence the name. He has worked with a number of acts and DJ's some of which spawned their own project. Now he's on to a winner with this song, he just needs to follow up with a successful second single. Kah-Lo is the feature. She's probably one of the ones to watch in the coming years, she won't hit it big straight away, but a few more features and she'll blow up the charts. She'll follow in the footsteps of Becky Hill, has a good voice, gets a few hits, but doesn't quite get the solo hits she deserves. Kah-Lo needs to ride this wave, and then take control of it, otherwise she will sink in this industry. This song is catchy for reasons I don't even know why, basic lyrics, a simple upbeat tempo, yet it easily gets stuck in my head.
Directed by Dan Streit and Dillon Moore, it reminds me of exactly what happens in a club. At the start, everyone is at the bar or in the smoking area, but as more and more alcohol is consumed, people become confident and end up on the dancefloor, then the dancing becomes quite wild towards the end of the night.
This is a simple rinse and repeat situation, at first glance we are watching the same scene over and over again, only the characters become more and more wild, apart from Kah-Lo who is very still to say the least.
It's surprising to see the big change. Compare the very first scene to the last one, and you have total different people in this music video. Yet you don't really realise as it gradually builds up, one girl even gets up on the pool table at the end.
The character change shows how alcohol and amazing music can make people confident. Confident people get the things they want out of life because they go for it. But being drunk doesn't make you confident, confidence comes from within, the only reason you get confident when you're drinking is because you start to not care about perspectives.
The video is great for analysing character and people, since it is a true representation of what happens in clubs, however it fails to interest the viewers watching, and it's mainly the song that makes everyone use the replay button. Rinse & Repeat the song all you want, it won't make the music video any better. Relatable to an extent, and technically great, but this just doesn't do anything for the viewers.
Mike Posner has done it, he has knocked Lukas Graham off the top spot with this amazingly catchy song. Whoever said you can't make a good comeback was wrong. Mike Posner's biggest hit used to be "Cooler Than Me", but guess he becomes the cool one since he has hit number one in the UK with this song and he has made it a global hit. Mike Posner doesn't appear in his music video, although the actor plays out his story, which is definitely stretching the truth, although it seems real enough, you can imagine this happening, but that massive head would knock a few people out in a club.
Mike Posner is only really known in the UK for his previous hit "Cooler Than Me", although his writing credits are substantial, and some may remember him featuring on the UK version of Cher Lloyd's "With Ur Love". Now he's back with another big hit, but will his follow-up singles follow in this one's footsteps or will they under perform again until he brings out another standalone hit? Time will tell as it always does. This song was written by Mike Posner, Martin Terefe and SeeB. The song came about after Mike Posner took a pill in Ibiza while at an Avicii concert.
The music video, directed by Jon Jon Augustavo. It's very scary, especially if you switched over halfway through on a music channel.
It kind of reminds me of the early 00's music videos when these sort of weird videos were all the range. I like the idea of the pill blowing his head up, although I wish they had used animation to literally blow his head up.
It sort of suggests that taking pills/drugs are a good thing. He becomes more confident, more drunk, more girls are interested hell he manages to pull and has sex in a toilet cubicle; there isn't enough emphasis of the ending and how drugs and pills are bad for you.
Pills and drugs are not good! NPS legal highs are to be banned in the UK in April. There's argues for and against them, and most don't know enough about them to make valid concrete opinions on them, whatever your feelings on them, they are there and you always have to be careful, as with anything you accept from a stranger.
Overall the video fails to show the risks of taking pills, and instead reflects on how much of a good time you could have by taking them. Behind the scenes you can tell that he isn't living the life, especially when he takes the pill, it doesn't change his life, it blows his head up and it's not as great as he thinks it is. It sticks to the story of the song and relates to it, although I do think it gives a slightly wrong message out to young people.
Craig David has made his return, and I'm currently keeping my eye on his new music as he has been spotted recording with Platnum, rumours state there's a collaboration to be released soon. I'm excited to see garage and bassline returning, and I'm sure Platnum and Craig David has made an amazing song. As stated before, Craig David has finally made a great chart comeback with this hit song, which peaked at number ten. The video is nothing special, Craig David proves why he should always be in the charts, he has made some great hits over the years and in this video he exudes confidence. Big Narstie proves himself and enlightens us to some of his music.
Craig David first hit the scene in 2000, with number one singles "Fill Me In" and "7 Days". His debut album also peaked at number one in the UK. Since then he has had many chart hits. He's last entrant into the top 40 was "Hot Stuff (Let's Dance)" as well as "6 of 1 Thing", after which the other singles wasn't quite hitting the charts well enough. After a much needed break, he returned to music with this collaboration, and it has placed him back in the charts and on everyone's radar. Big Narstie, real name Tyrone Lindo, has dipped in and out of the limelight, he's one of these names you know and yet you can't quite pinpoint why. The song was written by Craig David, Scott Wild and Tyrone Lindo.
The video isn't something I'd go out of my way to watch again, nothing surprising, nothing engaging, it's just a general music video that adds nothing to the song except showing off the artists' confidence. It was directed by Caroline Clayton.
Craig David is walking the streets in this music video, giving us the old garage vibes that we know and love. In the background we see youths, some are dancing freestyle, others are just having fun.
Next we enter a club where this song is going down with the ravers, much like it does when it comes on in the clubs I go to. Big Narstie appears and starts rapping about a sandwich, which he performs with ease.
Overall, a very catchy song that is bringing back bassline and garage anthems that deserve to be in the chart, and Craig David is definitely the trendsetter to do just that. The music video fails to engage and interest the audience, nothing new, nothing exciting and it's just an average normal music video.
My plan for New Release this week was Tinie Tempah feat. Zara Larsson with "Girls Like", unfortunately, the music video for that song has yet to be released, and a quick look at the New Releases this week have turned up similar stories. Miguel seems to be one of the only New Releases that has a music video out this week. He has been chart hungry for years now, and just when he gets into the limelight, it soon disappears again, and with songs like this, it isn't surprising. Miguel drops himself in water to relate to the song, whilst performing in a club where he's obviously intoxicated. Slow, misguided and twisted, this music video is wavy at best.
Miguel, full name Miguel Pimentel, is probably best known for featuring on Mariah Carey's song "#Beautiful" which is his biggest hit here in the UK, his other top songs failed to make the UK Top 40. A quick look on the iTunes top 1000 and this song is no where to be seen, and considering iTunes has promoted the single by putting it on their homepage under the Singles tab, it just goes to show that what Miguel really needs is a hit song. The song was written by Miguel Pimentel, which surprised me since his performance clips in the video fails to portray much passion towards the song.
This choppy video isn't exciting and interesting, although finding a house party behind a fridge door is pretty intricate.
I just feel like this was a rushed music video, the song is about making love to a girl all night, and instead it portrays him singing the song at a club and getting the crowd going as well as some scenes of him in some water.
He is also shirtless throughout, which would be great if he didn't clearly have this arrogant side to him. He thinks he's all that in this music video, and that just makes the song and it's accompanying music video less appealing than it would've normally been. I can't find much else to comment on, just that if Miguel is looking for a hit, he better do something about it soon.
Rihanna, Rihanna, Rihanna. Gone are the days when I was actually a fan of hers. Now, I wasn't expecting much from her for this music video, but she actually surprised me, because we get two music videos in one. So now I'm going to have to review two music videos... It's going to be a long night! Both videos are sexual, the first one is less so than the second. Rihanna twerks. grinds and booty shakes to her new song, most of the time all over Drake, who is clearly loving every second of it.
Rihanna, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a worldwide superstar, let's be honest, the chances of her career spiraling downwards and ending is never going to happen. Although as she gets older she might not bang out chart hit after chart hit, just look at Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Madonna; there are plenty more that are superstars but are suffering in the chart world. I used to love Rihanna when "Umbrella" came out, but it wasn't until "Don't Stop The Music" was released that I fell in love with her music for a couple of years, until she changed style and then I went totally off her. Still, "We Found Love" was the closest she came to making me like her all over again, but it didn't take off in my world. No song from her will beat "Don't Stop The Music", that's my Rihanna tune on any dancefloor! As for Drake, real name Aubrey Drake Graham, he has yet to have a solo number one in the UK, and isn't quite as popular here as he is in other countries. However he is a chart success for a rapper, considering not many do manage to chart consistently well in the UK. This song was written by Jahron Braithwaite, Matthew Samuels, Allen Ritter, Rupert Thomas, Aubrey Graham, Robyn Fenty and Monte Moir.
There isn't a lot to comment on either of these videos, I definitely prefer the first one over the other, but none of them surprises me, or actually makes me want to watch them a second time.
The Director X Music Video
The first music video is directed by Director X, who has been mentioned on my blog multiple times, his videos are usually intriguing and definitely high rated by me, but it annoys me to know that this music video is directed by him, I could deal with someone less known, but why this video Director X, just why?
The music video invites us into a club called The Real Jerk, and it excites me slightly, thinking this music video might be inspired by "Don't Stop The Music". Unfortunately, we are in a totally different club, where twerking and booty shaking is the norm.
Not a lot to comment on, apart from Rihanna dancing in front of a mirror, which I'm pretty sure we've all done often, no? Just me then. I am not a fan of what she is wearing, although I guess it could be a lot worse, and at least she totally works it.
A lot of grinding in this club too, especially against Drake, who is obviously loving every minute of it.
Not a whole lot to this music video, and Director X actually disappoints me, but I guess he didn't have much to go on, especially since the song is inspired by Jamaican songs, and it is a club song and so he manages to relate to the song. Many people will be twerking and grinding in clubs to this song.
The second music video is directed by Tim Erem. A director I am not aware of, as I haven't reviewed a music video from him, until now.
A solely performance piece in a narrative music video, Rihanna looks entirely uncomfortable, and can you blame her with what she is wearing? Going braless is nothing Rihanna hasn't done before in her music videos, she's been wearing even less in some of them, as well as being nude. Yet with this see through top, she might as well have done it totally topless as the top hides nothing, and although set in a home setting, she doesn't look happy at all.
Rihanna just dances little and sings the song, with no emotion, and no intention of performing like we all know she can. This is too exposed, too raw even for Rihanna, and it just fails completely. Drake doesn't help much either and the video doesn't flow quite as well.
I hope never to see this music video again, as it feels cheap, nasty and low budget. This isn't the Rihanna or the Drake that we know and this video shouldn't have been an option, let alone released.
Starting off my #FreeKesha and similar stories special this week, is Kesha, unsurprisingly. She has amassed a tonne of support on social networks around the globe after her injunction has been denied. She is obligated to record six more albums with a guy she claims sexually assaulted her, which Dr. Luke has denied. However, she wasn't looking for justice or punishment, all she asked for is to be released from her contract. We've all seen the photos of her being upset about the verdict, but Kesha is one brave woman, and she will overcome this. Kesha looks like she's having a great time in this music video, being daring and partying hard, it's her only UK solo number one, and I hope she makes a great come back in the next few years.
Ke$ha, real name Kesha Serbert, has got to be strong right now, it's upsetting to see anyone go through what she has gone through. Just looking at her success, three UK number ones, including this song, and many top ten hits. Kesha should be an international star, but with her being caught up in this legal battle, she hasn't been able to release any new music. Surprisingly, this is her biggest chart hit, whereas "TiK ToK" has sold more copies, it only peaked at number four. This song was written by Kesha Serbert, Joshua Coleman, Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), Jacob Kasher Hindlin (Ammo) and Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco). The song is to inspire people to be themselves, Kesha hoped it would become a gay anthem.
Directed by Hype Williams, the video is self-appreciated and it's free, which is everything Kesha had hoped for after her trial. She gave us gays an anthem we can sing and shout, because We Are Who We Are, yet all we can give back to her is support through social networks and petitions. We're here for you Kesha, and you know it.
The music video plays on the fact that it's a party anthem, so Kesha attends the party, glammed up and sexy, she is ready to party like no one's watching, and that is all about being who you are, if Kesha wants to dance she can because she's free to do so, or was in this music video. She's not free of her contract, unfortunately.
Apparently famous faces appear in this, but none I can find personally and I can't find concrete references for them either.
I have to talk about the jump, this is pretty well known in this video. We all know Kesha is wacky, so maybe keep her away from the Tequila; jumping off a building isn't anything major for her, although obviously this didn't literally happen, and yet they've pulled it off well, making it look real.
Overall a great song that is empowering for the majority of LGBT+ people out there, as for the music video, it's a main performance piece, that has Kesha giving us great vibes and free emotions, it relates to the song and it looks like it'll never get old. However, I think a small narration would've helped this flow slightly better.
Almost six years old now, in the UK, and I cannot believe I haven't reviewed it until now. I have been a fan of Inna since this music video was released on the music channels and radio picked up the song. To date, this is Inna's highest charting single on the UK chart, although many of her most recent singles are worthy of that claim, however she is not promoted much, if at all, in the UK and so her music isn't widely popular here, not yet anyway. Inna looks fly and hot and sexy in this music video, with a passionate love story narrative infused.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, is one of the biggest artists to come out of Romania, if not the biggest, she holds the title as the richest Romanian and Eastern European artist as of the end of 2011, I presume this still stands. This is her debut single, that shot all across the globe, peaking at number six on the UK Singles Chart, I remember when and where I bought this single, surprisingly. I was in Wales on a family holiday, and as soon as it was released in HMV, I begged my dad to let me go inside and buy this one CD. I still have it today in my bedroom. It was written by Sebastian Barac, Radu Bolfea and Marcel Botezan. The title of the song is not listed in the lyrics, it was originally going to be called 'Fly', however they chose 'Hot' instead as it relates and describes a certain type of relationship.
There are actually two music videos for this song, which I only just found out today. I will be focusing on this one alone, and might review the other one in the future. This is the one I know and love, the other one is a complete mess, and I'll only ever review it if I need to.
This video is both performance and narrative. Inna is looking sexy and sultry, not giving too much away as she performs. The scenes are beautifully subtle and works well with her looks. We know she can perform better than this, however there's something simple and relaxed about this, as she floods the song with emotion.
The narrative follows a blonde girl in the backstage dressing room, getting ready. She receives a bunch of roses with a card that says in Romanian: 'Un admirator...' which means in English: 'An admirer...' We then see scenes of her doing her job as a stage dancer. We then are cut to a scene of her at home, arguing with her lover in front of her daughter. She walks out and the father comforts the child.
She receives another bouquet of roses, and the card reads, in Romanian: 'Un admirator care te adora...' which means in English: 'A fan who loves you...' A few scenes of her stage dancing and being with her friends are included and in the morning another fight ensues at home, where she inevitably packs her bags and leaves.
When she returns backstage there is another set of roses. This card says in Romania: 'In seara asta vreau sa ne cunoastem. Te astept ,dupa program ,in fatza clubului' which basically means in English: 'Tonight I want to meet you. I will wait after work', the end bit doesn't directly translate, I'm presuming it means outside the club, or round the back of the club, or somewhere specific in the club. When she goes to meet him, it turns out that the guy who we've seen clips of is actually her lover. He takes his sunglasses off and his ring (which doesn't make sense to me), and they hug and make up.
Overall a perfect video that can't be faulted, a perfect narrative that is totally related to the song. The performance piece could've been better, but Inna has released much worse performance pieces in her music videos, and yet a quick look at any of her live sessions proves that not only does she have an amazing voice, but she has a brilliant on-stage presence that is filled with performance vibes, this video slightly shows that, but the narrative is so thought out and special, it makes the video complete.
As a fan of Cassadee Pope, it's not surprising that I would end up reviewing this music video. It is a soulful country song, and even though I am aware of Chris Young, his voice still astounds me, it's authentic, crisp and just plain gorgeous. Mix that with Cassadee Pope's amazing voice, creates a wonderful duet. Chris Young and Cassadee Pope sing about no longer being the life of the party because when they think of me they think of you, which is portrayed perfectly in this music video.
Chris Young has been a major success in the US, hitting the country charts hard, in addition to dipping into the Canadian country charts too. As well as mild success on both billboard charts. He has received no promotion here in the UK, and even though it seemed country music was about to hit it off big in the UK, it soon dissipated, with only a few stars making it over here. However. all it can take is one hit song to push a country star into international fame, and with a voice like Chris Young's I'll be surprised if he doesn't, at least, chart in the top 200 here in the UK, at some point in his career. As for Cassadee Pope, she too is an amazing country singer, however I truly believe she has what it takes to be a global success, she's fought for her career for an extremely long time, she deserves to be an international star, she just needs to keep fighting and to never give up the dream, she can do this. The song was written by Chris Young, Corey Crowder and Josh Hoge. It is about adjusting to being single after breaking up with your lover.
Directed by David McClister, this is a perfect portrayal of the song. Both singers attend a party and yet they can't adjust to being single. It's clearly not possible, because when their friends think of them, they think of the relationship they used to be in.
At times it's an exact transition from the song, such as the shots. Cassadee Pope, is having a real go at being the life of the party, and yet you can tell her heart isn't in it. She is much more happier after the party, in that café having some coffee late at night.
Chris Young seems much more happier walking around the streets at night, than hanging at the bar totally unsure of what to do with himself. To be honest they look like they're at a club, which is definitely not the scene for Chris Young.
As for the performance side of things, they both nail it. I can easily imagine the intense vibes this duet would create on stage. So much so that I'd really love to see these two perform live, their voices are magic as soloists, but together; now that would be special.
Overall, I can't fault this video one bit, it could be considered pretty basic, and yet it's exactly what I want from this sort of music video. It relates, it has a perfect performance piece and the narrative is more than what I could imagine.
It's my birthday today, and what a way to start it off, finding a whole new duo that is currently exciting me, and being able to promote them as my New Release this week. I have not been this excited for a duo song since Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello collaborated on "I Know What You Did Last Summer". The Girl and The Dreamcatcher proves that Disney isn't who they are when it comes to their music. Catchy and meaningful, this duo is one to watch out for, with a spooky video to boot.
The Girl and The Dreamcatcher is currently my favourite duo. They have everything we want out of Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's "I Know What You Did Last Summer", yet them two probably won't be collaborating again, whereas this duo is an official group. I'm fully excited to see where their journey will take them, hopefully many brilliant songs like this one, an amazing album, and a global hit, because they definitely deserve recognition. The duo consists of The Girl, who is Dove Cameron, and The Dreamcatcher, who is Ryan McCartan. Dove Cameron is known for playing twins Liv and Maddie in a Disney show of the same name, Ryan McCartan also stars in the show as Diggie. Disney is hitting these stars here, there and everywhere, and hopefully these two will follow the footsteps of Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato. Their first single was "Written In The Stars", and this song is their follow-up single. They also released two Christmas singles last year. Keep you're eyes open for these two, I'm calling it, they will be the next big stars, if not this year, it'll definitely happen next year. They just need more recognition.
The music video is pure brilliance, filled with Pretty Little Liars vibes as well as Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's "I Know What You Did Last Summer", the video pretty much starts with us all thinking it's going to be an amazing cover version. However the song is totally different.
A full narrative and performance piece, Dove Cameron visits the grave of Ryan McCartan, and drops a rose, which falls into his grave. His grave consists of a stage and I can just imagine him singing all day long to other dead people. Can I be buried in that graveyard in the future please? I want to hear his voice all day long, every day; but Dove Cameron has to be eventually buried there too so we can hear her amazing voice too, their harmonies are better than perfection.
The video continues and Dove Cameron envisions Ryan McCartan wherever she goes, she imagines him wherever she goes. It's his ghost or spirit coming back, wanting to see her, dance with her and obviously sing with her again.
The choreography scene is magical, The Girl and The Dreamcatcher shows us exactly what they've got, these two can dance, no doubt about that, and they prove themselves as credible dancers and singers as their emotion flows perfectly, I really would like to see these two live, it would be a show I wouldn't want to miss.
Overall a perfect song that has Eurovision vibes to it, can't we get them to represent the UK in this year's Eurovision? Especially since duos seem to do well in the competition, and this song is exactly what is doing well in the contest recently. The video is on point, perfect and although gives vibes of other things we may have watched, it doesn't matter, everything is a copy of everything no matter which way we look at things. Nothing's completely original even if we originally come up with the idea, with no inspiration. I can't wait to see where this group will go. The future is more than bright for these two.
I had difficulty coming up with a music video to review today. So instead I let YouTube decide, and thanks to it's suggestions on the homepage, it enlightened me to Anne-Marie. A cross between Katy Perry and Jessie J, Anne-Marie hits out with an extremely catchy song that is already stuck in my head, and a music video that not only puts the meaning of a performance to a new level, but the narrative works wonders.
Anne-Marie recently came to my attention when she collaborated with Wretch 32 on song "Alright With Me", which failed to officially chart on the UK singles chart, however it made the UK's R&B and Indie charts. I still believe Anne-Marie is one to watch for 2016. Her vocals are a lot stronger on various other tracks. Yet this song is still catchy nonetheless.
Yet again it's another solid performance from this girl. I love the setting where she's on top of the caravans. Her quirky style really shines in this music video, allowing us to understand her as both a person and an artist. We'd never have a dull moment with Anne-Marie in our lives.
The narrative is exciting, they want to do it right, because they really like each other, but is it really real? I like the whole idea behind it, yet it isn't played out long enough to establish a connection and I believe that is the way it was supposed to be.
I love the visuals, it really works and makes Anne-Marie more interesting.
Overall, a great video, with an amazing song which is now stuck in my head. I am definitely stating that this girl is one we all need to watch for 2016, and if she doesn't make it, then we've lost a truly amazing singer.
Whoever said persistence was a waste of time? Karen Harding proves that taking a risk and appearing on multiple talent shows doesn't only show you can take rejection, but it can also get you a record deal. Karen Harding delights us in her debut single's music video, her stage presence is obvious, although she fails to capture us entirely, great singer, visually beautiful, Karen Harding is one to watch for 2016!
Karen Harding first appeared on TV as an entrant for 'Your Country Needs You', the UK's selection for Eurovision 2010. She failed to make it past round one and was eliminated. The winner was Josh Dubovie, who was the third UK entrant to come last in the competition. Pretty sure Karen Harding would've done better. She next appeared on the tenth series of The X Factor, but was eliminated during the six chair challenge. And now she's made a name for herself, and hit the top ten of the UK chart with this banger. It just shows persistence does work. The song was written by Karen Harding and Uzo Emenike (MNEK).
Directed by Carly Cussen, the video is set in a club, and Karen Harding is just arriving, looking secy and ready to show who she is as an artist.
This debut song is perfect for clubs, and so I expected some sort of dance sequence, and although Karen Harding is seen dancing, it looks more like it was choreography she made up so that it doesn't look like she's just singing the song.
There is a group of dancers, which Karen Harding is with at certain times, however she isn't dancing with them, especially when the beat picks up and the dance group shows us what they've got, I just wish Karen Harding was dancing with them.
Overall a great performance-based music video for the song, however it gives us no narrative whatsoever, and the video doesn't give us much insight into Karen Harding, can she even dance? We need something more from her to really capture our attention, because this song is definitely something.
Since Justin Bieber, yet again, has claimed the UK top spot with "What Do You Mean?". Today's Chart Monday is wide open to the Top 10, again. This song is the perfect follow up from "Wish You Were Mine" and Philip George has hit the charts hard, and it looks like he will be having hit after hit. The video is stunning. She has everything I want, a gorgeous guy, a holiday or a few, beach, sun, sand, clubbing, extreme adventuring, funfair, sea, partying, did I mention gorgeous guy? Can we swap places please?
Philip George is a British DJ, who has just came onto the music scene. "Wish You Were Mine" hit number two here in the UK, as well as performing well in other countries. This follow up track is also proving popular, currently sitting at number four, could it potentially climb higher? This is a collaboration with Anton Powers, who many will know him as one third of the dance group Cahill, who have remixed the likes of Inna, Alexandra Stan, Cascada, Nicole Scherzinger, The Saturdays and many more, he is also A&R for 3 Beat Productions. This is a label that released Inna and Alexandra Stan and Unicorn Kid here in the UK, and did a good job with them, until they focused on other acts, hence why Philip George, Fuse ODG and Sigma are doing so well now. This is a problem with most record labels, as they end up focusing more on other acts, they may have their reasons, but still it is a problem. Let's face it, Anton Powers isn't the source of the problem, and he is doing well for himself, as well as for Cahill, pretty sure everyone's heard of one of their remixes by now.
This song is upbeat and catchy, perfect summer anthem for the autumn.
It is an unsurprising music video, to a degree, the song is about loving someone and not wanting to be alone, and that is perfectly replicated in a loving relationship between a man and a woman, played by Luis Young Buaa and Lynn Kelly respectively.
This would be my type of holiday, just wished I had the money to do this and the hot guy to go with it. Regardless, it's fun to watch and engaging to an extent. I love the appearance of Philip George and Anton Powers in the club, it brings reality into this fictional narrative, and kind of reminds me of Basshunter's first two music videos "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted" where he too is DJing in the background.
Lumidee, remember her? Well known for her first single "Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)"? No? Well it got to number two here in the UK way back in 2003, being beaten to the post by Blu Cantrell and Sean Paul's "Breathe". You could call her a one hit wonder here in the UK, especially since her second single "Crashin' A Party" failed to make it in the top 40. Her full name is Lumidee Cedeño, and has been trying to get a hit for a while, and I'm sure she has found one right here, could she get this song to number one here in the UK? Well the song includes another 2003/2004 hit maker called Fatman Scoop, real name Isaac Freeman III, who made it to number one in the UK with "Be Faithful" in 2003, and his second single "It Takes Scoop" featuring DJ Kool, managed number nine in 2004, but no other charting singles to date. Could this song too push him back into the spotlight? I definitely can imagine this song tearing the clubs up and down the country. So I'm hopeful it will do well. And we may just have two stars from a decade ago being well known again.
"Dance 2013" is a remix of the previous 2006 release of "Dance!" which did okay across the world, with a few top 10 hits in Europe. It was written by George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam, Cordell Burrell, Lumidee Cedeño and Isaac Freeman. I am presuming the writing credits are the same for the 2013 remix, as I don't think much has changed except for the extremely catchy beat. The song samples Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" as well as Scooter's "Maria (I Like It Loud)" and Nina Sky's "Move Ya Body" apparently.
The music video is totally different to their first music video for "Dance!", which I will review in the future as it is different. This one is updated, more modern, and the song is definitely one of those songs you are more than likely going to be hearing in the clubs.
The video relates to the song a lot, with various trained professional dancers doing backflips, and various other moves that I can't even think of doing let alone know how to. Some of them really stand out, and I'm like, how'd you pull that one off?
The performance pieces are great to watch, they clearly enjoy this remix and I can't help but sing along, it's such a great song, and if it's not a hit here in the UK, I'm going to be shocked.
Overall a song that needs to chart at number one here in the UK, or at least really high, and it's so catchy. The accompanying music video, relates, is great to watch and is just perfect in every way. I love that they have people off the streets dancing too including Buzz Lightyear, Elmo, Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty. As well as the Statue of Liberty. So much greatness all in one video.
Avicii is back with a brand new track, that I was unsure of at first, but as radio play for it picked up and it slotting right into the top spot of the UK chart, I've come to be obsessed with it, much like everyone else. His real name is Tim Bergling and has gone on to release singles under the names of Tim Berg and Tom Hangs as well as Avicii. This is his first single from his first album to be released some time next month. It contains many collaborations and is going to be called 'True'. This Swedish DJ is definitely my favourite DJ in the world, at the moment, and I support all his music, and luckily for me I have yet to come across a track I don't like.
"Wake Me Up" is written by Tim Bergling, Aloe Blacc and Mike Einziger. Aloe Blacc provides the vocals for the track. The song is super catchy and has hit number one in many different countries. This has literally stormed the chart everywhere.
The music video is sweet and interesting, the two girls in the video are great characters, and they both have the Avicii logo on their arms. The little girl doesn't understand why no one likes them. While it's clear to us that they have nice clothes (product placement of Ralph Lauren's 'Denim & Supply') whereas the villagers are all wearing dirty clothes that they have probably worn day in day out. So the older sister rides her horse and goes into a town, where she finds another girl who also has the Avicii sign. They go to see Avicii live.
Afterwards she rides home tells the little girl to pack and they walk on the road into town. The last scene shows another girl looking quite lonely, maybe she wanted to go with them.
The gig promotes Sony, which is another product placement. This is starting to become well known in music videos, especially after Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell".
I was happy to find Avicii and Aloe Blacc appearing. And this whole video has 'The Walking Dead' feel to it, although there is not a zombie in sight, just people branded with the Avicii mark.
Overall a exceptional song that is more than worthy of the number one here in the UK and practically everywhere else. The music video is so relatable since most people feel out of place somewhere within their lives, as well as that it is relatable to the song. My one problem is that I feel there is more to this story than what the video shows. Why are them two outsiders in their village? I feel like maybe there's a prequel to this story, since this leaves me with many questions such as... Where are their parents? How did they get the Avicii mark? And the main question is why aren't they liked?
I was surprised to find this on iTunes today, I thought I'd see if it was out because my iTunes shuffler put on 'Top Of The World' which is one of her tracks on her album 'Hello My Name Is...' and here was the single with a remix EP. I was so happy I bought it and have been playing all the tracks over and over again, it's so catchy and the remixes are interesting, yet I am disappointed by the album artwork, it looks like it was done on a whim, why can't we have the American album artwork? The UK's looks really amateurish, hope it doesn't put people off from buying it. Her single "Ready Or Not" got to number seven here in the UK, I doubt this will do as well since it hasn't gained much radio play, but I'm hoping it charts okayish, at least.
The song was written by Bridgit Mendler, Emanuel "Eman" Kiriakou, Evan "Kidd" Bogart and Andrew "Goldstein" Goldstein. The song is about love and falling for it every time even after boarding up the windows and locking her heart. It's catchy and sticks in my mind easily, it's just a shame that it hasn't really been picked up by radio and people won't hear it often enough to go out and download the song to give this song the charting position it needs.
The music video is more of a performance side to things than anything else. There is a very small narrative that is hardly discernible. In the narrative Bridgit Mendler's co-star in 'Lemonade Mouth' can be seen as her best friend, played by Naomi Scott, for those of you (including me) who don't watch 'Lemonade Mouth', you may have seen her in 'Terra Nova' playing 'Maddy Shannon'.
Naomi Scott comforts Bridgit Mendler and takes her out for some clubbing, which clears her head, but that's all there is to a narrative, and I feel there should've been much more to it.
The performance side of things is featured much more often, there are various places she sings the song, one is on a white background which leaves very little to the imagination. She performs well clearly emphasising her thoughts when it comes to this song and it's engaging, with a lot of energy, the club scene is pretty involving, also making me want to go out clubbing, I haven't gone out in months! And as for this bit by the house or wall or wherever she is, I feel it links in with the 'boarding up the windows' part, yet there is no windows being boarded up, and although this scene is featured very little, it's the one that links in the most with this song.
Overall a great song, you really much check out the remixes too, they're as good as the song. The music video fails to entertain, a solid narrative is what is needed, something not too far from Mandia Nantsios' "One Last Time". The performance could have been much better, and more or less links in with the UK album art than anything else. This just seems like it was created on a whim, with little thinking behind it.
While I wait for my exclusive Artist of the Month for this month, and it is such a big surprise! I am left with choosing other songs.
I decided on this one since the song got stuck in my head thanks to 90210's season five première here in the UK, where Carly Rae Jepsen performs this song. She is a Canadian artist most known for coming third in Canadian Idol. She has a big fan base all around the world. She has hit the UK a few times especially with the funny music video to number one single "Call Me Maybe". As well as hitting number five here in the UK with Owl City with the song "Good Time". This is one artist we will be hearing more and more of, I assure you.
"This Kiss" was written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Matthew Koma, Kelly Covell and Stefan Kendal Gordy (AKA Redfoo from LMFAO). The song was written all over text messaging, e-mails and phone calling. It's quite a unique way of writing a song, but I presume it gives the song writers the chance to help when they have time. It also shows that you don't need to be together to write together. The song didn't do well here in the UK, only managing number 166, but her more recent singles have done better, so why did this fail? Lack of radio promotion as well as no performances here in the UK. Once again here is another example why promotion is so important. If we don't hear the song how are we to know about it?
The music video has made me realised I really need a night out. It's been a total of a month and a half since I last went clubbing, and I'm missing it like crazy. But I also want to go to the place Carly Rae Jepsen is at in this music video, it looks totally fun.
Once again two aspects of this music video, a quirky narrative and a performance as well. Which always puts music videos up there in my eyes. The performance is energetic, involving, and you can just tell she's loving every minute of performing, and so is her fans.
The narrative is fun and different, with another key love interest, who isn't gay this time. However has she downgraded? What with going after someone up there in "Call Me Maybe" and finding out he was gay, it's no wonder she's having feelings for this guy. However they look like they make a good couple.
I like the different scenes how she's clubbing, how she becomes different people in the costume stages, as well as the ending where they jump into a pool, it's fun, it's different and it's crazy. A perfect moment as some would say.
A great song that didn't do as well as it should've done and an accompanying music video that fits well and I have no problems with, it may not be as funny as "Call Me Maybe" or lust-loving, but all her videos can't be the same. Guess it's going to be hard for her to have a better video than that, one that people will remember.
Agnes' song has been stuck in my head all day, it's because I watch her performance of this song on the second Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The Swedish pop diva, who looks and sounds similar to Leona Lewis has been a global success, and this is her signature song. However she needs another hit song, otherwise she will just be known is Sweden. Her real name is Agnes Carlsson, and released her first album in 2005, since then her third album 'Dance Love Pop' charted worldwide along with the hit singles "On and On", this song "Release Me" and "I Need You Now". But can she do it all over again, and chart worldwide, or will she become lost to the UK and other countries and settle with Swedish success?
"Release Me" was written by Anders Hansson, Sharon Vaughn and Agnes Carlsson. The song is very reminiscent of Leona Lewis' songs, I could so imagine her singing it, and I can't help but think of her duet with Avicii (another well-known Sweden artist), their song was "Collide". Agnes' song got to number three on the UK chart. She is signed to 3beat records, who also has Inna and Alexandra Stan, amongst others, on their label.
The music video is taking the song in it's literal meaning, as well as using the dance music as a forefront. I can't help but laugh at that guy clung to her left side, holding onto her body, while she sings about asking him to release her. It would be good to actually see him, but usually the camera cuts him out. I bet she felt uncomfortable singing while a guy is caging her body with his.
The dance theme with the clubbing atmosphere adds a lot to this music video, showing that it is the sort of song you hear in the clubs. The pulsating lighting is much more intriguing, and makes you feel like you're there watching the dancing.
The make-up scene in the bathroom makes me lose interest. I don't think there's anything to this scene, and it feels like it got added in. If you were to do this scene, it should be at the start, because girls tend to do their make-up as soon as they enter a club. This is what Rihanna did for her video "Don't Stop The Music".
Overall a song I could imagine being played in a club, yet I haven't heard it played in any of the ones I've been into, guess it's too old... The music video shows that longevity brings high charting numbers, as the music video received high praise on the music channels, and was repetitively played four months before the release date. A similar thing happened with Inna's "Sun Is Up". The video represents the music video perfectly, and the bathroom scene is all that lets it down.
Another proof that Sunday Revisits are usually a struggle. Take this week for example... Most of the artists are newish and haven't released a music video older than four years ago... And the occasion where one has, I've already reviewed it, such as Platnum who featured on H "Two" O's "What's It Gonna Be". So I am left with this, and I had a choice of three music videos from Far East Movement, and I just went with this one out of sheer luck. Guess I don't have much of that left, especially in this case.
Far East Movement is a four piece hip-hop band consisting of Kev Nish (real name Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (real name James Roh),
J-Spliff (real name Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (real name Virman Coquia). The featured guests are The Stereotypes, they are a three piece production team consisting of Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus and Jeremy Reeves. They have worked a lot with Far East Movement, but have also worked with the likes of Justin Bieber and Alesha Dixon. This song was released before Far East Movement made it big, and although it failed to chart (except for in the US on their Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay Chart where it got to number 27) it has received a number of TV and film appearances. And it is catchy, just not as good as "Like A G6".
The music video is not great, it is just not my thing and I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again,. however, opinions as big as this out of the way... It does actually relate to the song.
Believe it or not, but the song is about being with girls on the dance floor, and that is exactly what Far East Movement is doing.
I think the shots of them on tour should've given the music video a perfect performance piece, but the camera angles as well as the scenes doesn't help the band one bit as I cannot attest their energy on stage, although they do have it.
Some scenes does not fit, and really aggravates me, why do we see one of the band members amongst desert hills? And what is with the monkey? Maybe it shows this band has a chaotic side, but display that on stage, or at least make it relatable in the music video.
Overall a song that might just get stuck in my head if I hear it again, luckily for me I shall be going out of my way to try and avoid it. And a music video that I really do not like, but I can't help but rate it up due to it relating to the music video. So although I do not want to see this again, I'm going to have to give it this rating.
Far East Movement are a four piece hip-hop band consisting of Kev Nish (real name Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (real name James Roh), J-Spliff (real name Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (real name Virman Coquia). This is definitely their signature song at the moment, but as we all know it is just as easy to become popular again with a whole new song. Their band is also shortened to FM, hence the list in this video. The features are The Cataracs and Dev. The Cataracs were a duo consisting of Niles "Cyrano" Hollowell-Dhar and David "Campa" Singer-Vine, they have heavily been involved with Dev, but have gone on to release a few singles of their own as well as albums. David Singer-Vine has recently left the duo, leaving Niles to continue under the name. Dev, real name Devin Tailes has had a great couple of years in 2010 and 2011, scoring quite high charting positions around the world and featuring with many credible artists on their singles. Recently, however she has been under the radar working on a new album, but will it push her back in the limelight? Or will she become buried like many other artists?
"Like A G6" was written by Jae Choung, Virman Coquia, Kevin Nishimura, James Roh, Niles Hollowell-Dhar, David Singer-Vine and Devin Star Tailes. The song is extremely catchy and it is definitely the song that pushed Dev into the spotlight.
We have a narrative and a performance piece so this pushes it right up to the good videos. But is it all it's cracked up to be?
We are shown a list at the start of the narrative. Erica Ocampo is holding the list at 8pm. The list is a "To do list for FM" and includes: "1) Grab Champagne" which is done at 10pm, "2) Pick up CD", I don't actually see this happen, but I presume it happens at 11pm, "3) Get Stickers & Posters" which is done at 11pm and "4) Meet at FM show" which is done at 12:30am.
I like the timings in this including the following morning at 7:30am when they board the Gulfstream IV which is the reference in the song: "G6".
The performance side is very club-like, reminding me that this song is played in the clubs a lot, or it used to. Dev is the main focal point, however Far East Movement does appear quite a bit.
Overall a great song that easily gets stuck in my head. The accompanying music video is good to watch, but I feel that they make this list idea really important, but I don't know where it fits. So here's my rating...
Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, has been featured on this blog many of times. She has a big fan base, and has recently gone sexy to improve her image and to prove that she is not this innocent young girl we all thought she was. The change is very reminiscent of Britney Spears' change with "I'm A Slave For You" and Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty". Controversy sparked with this album, but she's set in the right direction, and she is not an innocent girl. She also cut her hair off within the last year. It is now short and blonde. I still haven't made up my mind if I like it, but who cares? As long as she likes it, everything is good. She is currently getting ready to release a new album this year (hopefully).
"Who Owns My Heart" was her second single from her most recent album 'Can't Be Tamed'. It was written by Miley Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James and Devrim Karaoglu. The song is about club vibes and whether or not you actually like the person you are dancing with. It is the sort of song that clubs would've picked up, however it failed to chart in the UK, this could be for many reasons, but I would put it down to next to no promotion, whereas her other singles got quite a bit.
This music video is sexy, it's the only word that comes to mind, and you can't really blame me, because that is what it is. She's waking from a bed wearing not much, then gets ready to go out clubbing and ends up back in the bed.
It shows a new completely different side to her, but it does in fact show who she really is. She's 20 years old, and you really think she's one of these people who sit alone in their room talking to friends? Nope, she's out on the town and hitting it hard just like me, and all the other 20 year olds (yes, me and Miley Cyrus are the same age).
Overall a catchy club song that should've done well in the UK. The accompanying music video fits perfectly and is a true representation of who she is, why should we ask anything less? I don't see much of a narrative and so I knocked off one star, but apart from that how can I rate it less than it deserves?
