After writing about this for CelebMix, I just had to write it up for my blog, but I didn't want it to clash with the New Release of that week, so hence why I have waited a few extra days. It's actually taken me quite a while to get into Antonia, only because Inna was, and still is, my favourite Romanian female singer, and I've been worried about liking other female artists from Romania. Antonia dropped "Get Up And Dance" and I did exactly that and fell in love with her voice. This follow-up is just as catchy! Antonia is sultry, sexy and completely stunning in this "Dor de Tine" music video, whilst advertising Avon products.
Antonia, full name Antonia Iacobescu, has been going for a number of years, she reached international fame by featuring on Tom Boxer's single "Morena", she later had a hit of her own in Romania titled "Marabou". Now she's totally doing well for herself, releasing extremely catchy songs that just won't get out of my head! The song was written by Irina Rimes and Alex Cotoi.
The music video was directed by Khaled Mokhtar. it's extremely vivacious and totally goes with the song.
Within the whole performance visual, we see Antonia sing the song with so much passion and energy, all the while adding sassiness to the very sexy visual.
In a promotion with Avon products, their Advance Techniques Dry Shampoo can be seen in one clip, where she sprays it onto the hair of another person in the scene.
The song is sung in Romanian and kind of translates to being in love with someone and that someone not being there when she needs him. The music video is completely relatable with Antonia totally connecting with the song, expressing it perfectly. Although the visual gets tedious, with nothing new in it, and no narration whatsoever; it's still a complete packaged video that I could still watch again and again. The song is total fire!
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.
New to Global Records, Karmen surprised me and I'm happy to find another Global Records artist that I like... Soon enough I'll be a fan of all of them because they are coming out with some killer sounds. She previously released cover versions on Sprint Music Media Group as Carmen. Now she's ready to release her own songs under Global Records as Karmen. Watch Karmen dance around in this high-quality studio "You Got It" music video that is full on fire from start to finish.
Karmen, real name Carmen Simionescu, has been paving out her career in music for quite some time now. She has been brought up around music as her father is Adrian Minune, who is a famous Romanian manele singer. As previously stated, she started her career by releasing cover versions of songs, this led to signing with Sprint Music, who helped her to establish herself as Carmen. Now rocking a whole new name under a new record label, Global Records; Karmen is ready to set out for world domination. This is her debut single under name Karmen. It was written by Lucan Vlad Octavian, Achi, and Caliman Alexandru.
The music video is directed by Bogdan Daragiu, known as simply Daragiu. It's a pure performance piece that Karmen totally nails.
There is a full on dance choreography throughout. Karmen is a total centre point and smashed out the dancing as if it were nothing. She rolls well with the guys as well as the girls. She's the centre of the show and she is totally on point throughout.
The solo performance is sexy and stylish, Karmen knows exactly how to draw the eye of the camera and does well to draw attention, she does it with complete perfection.
Now she's on Global Records with Inna, Antonia, Lori, Alexandra Stan, Carla's Dreams, and many other international artists; Karmen is ready to be the next big name, we just hope you're ready too.
Finally, she has dropped a music video. This will act as Una Healy's official first single, even though it is her third promotional instant grat single from her debut studio album. What a way to kick off your musical career; a duet with no other than Nashville's Sam Palladio. This is quite the fit for the song, although I'm not so keen on the song itself... It deserves to be a little bit more catchy, and doesn't quite go anywhere. The music video sees Una Healy missing her man, who just happens to be Sam Palladio, as they wish they ask each other to "Stay My Love".
Una Healy made her name as one-fifth of girl group The Saturdays. They are, unfortunately, on a hiatus with no sights on getting back together anytime soon. All five girls are doing incredibly well for themselves, away from the group. For Una Healy, she will be the first of the five to release a debut album. Her style is very different from The Saturdays, and it's a completely new route. It's quite a soft country sound that takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you're used to her pop-dance songs in The Saturdays. Yet, I'm proud she's making the music she wants to. Sam Palladio featured on this track, he's mostly known for playing Gunnar Scott in the TV show, Nashville. Although he has been in many other things such as Humans. This song was written by Una Healy and Amy Wadge.
The music video was filmed in Nashville and shows Una Healy revisiting a place where she spent time with her on-screen love interest, who is played by Sam Palladio. It all has an Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroger feel to it, this video is definitely reminiscent of "Let Me Go".
The narrative is extremely intricate as Sam Palladio is almost a ghost. In his scenes, a cold filter is used suggesting that it is the past; whereas in Una Healy's visual it's all full of warmth, as she glances at pictures of Sam Palladio.
She ends up driving to a bench with a beautiful scenic landscape, she sits down on the bench and the video ends with them two together on the bench.
Halfway through the video, there is a performance piece and they completely shine throughout. Both artists are amazing singers and performers, really showcasing their love for this song. However, I'm not so keen on the song, it's not the sort of country I like, and it totally feels dated.
The video is an awesome concept, and I've only ever seen it similar in "Let Me Go" by Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger. However, both videos are completely different and although this one is lacking in comparison; stood all by itself and compared to the meaning behind this song, it deserves an equally high rating.
Struggled, once again, to find a new release with a music video, but came across this one and I just HAD to review it. This song hits me, there's a strong emotional connection and the gorgeous soulful voice is completely powerful over the amazing upbeat dance-like backing track that would totally be drawing me on to the dancefloor. Watch Rationale perform his song "Reciprocate" on many different stages, unleashing his killer sound out to his fans and the others in the audience.
Rationale has been going for a number of years, lending his vocals for Bastille and DJ Jakwob, before releasing his debut single in 2015, which he followed up with an EP. Now into 2017, he has released this song, and it is a killer track. It may not have gained momentum, but with his amount of fans and people recognising his potential in the music industry, Rationale will become one artist you can't wait to hear more from. In a world where new artists are emerging quickly and incredibly fast, Rationale will be on everyone's radars in no time at all. This song is one of those that will blow up, or become a lost treasure; either way, you need to listen to it.
The music video is extremely basic. It's a pure performance video that combines multiple visuals of Rationale performing on stage.
At times you get to see the crowd, usually with their phone torches in the air, waving in time to the beat. This shows that energy is being unleashed into the crowd, they are so lucky to have heard him live.
As for the staging shots. The camera is at a low angle, giving Rationale an empowering stance. It doesn't help him show what he's like on stage, because of the camera angle. It isn't great viewing, but regardless, Rationale puts his all in performing on stage and that really comes across.
Overall, this could be any other tour video, it doesn't add anything new; and, certainly, doesn't make the song any better. To be fair the song is amazing, and no matter what the video was, it would still be great to listen to. The rating is based on the video alone, but it's just like any other tour music video.
It's Thursday again, which means it's revisit time. I chose Stromae since this is his only song to have charted in the UK, and it is completely an international hit. I have to admit, I didn't recognise the song when I mentioned the title in yesterday's blog post of "Papaoutai"; but, as soon as I clicked play on this music video, I recognised it instantly. No wonder this was a worldwide hit. Watch Stromae go about his life in a split screen music video for "Alors on danse", starting in his office, to walking the streets, to being at a bar and concert.
Stromae, real name Paul Van Haver, made his name with this massive global smash of a single "Alors on danse". When translated to English, it means "So We Dance". The song is about going through life; that life is what you make of it and it's all the same regardless. It's a highly deep concept, and I don't see it working if it were in English. He went on to release some more awesome songs that did well in many different countries. I can totally see him releasing another incredible hit song. This one was written by Paul Haver.
The music video is difficult to follow, especially since it is split screen. Both visuals take place at the same time, but it's clear that a different camera shot is used in both.
There's a cycle narration going on, starting off with Stromae in his office, then he visits his child, but a woman slaps him across the face and suggests that he should leave. He comes into contact with a homeless guy, who steals his jacket from him. He then bumps into a friend who takes him to a bar and makes him drink some alcohol. He clearly isn't in the party mood but his friends don't notice and he is soon pulled onto a stage to perform his song. He passes out and is dragged back to his office by an unknown guy.
The story goes round in a full circle, although he doesn't exactly end up where he started since the homeless guy still has his jacket. It does represent the song in a brilliant way, and yet it is difficult to follow because of the split screen. Nonetheless, since the song and the music video work well together, I have to give it this rating.
This song keeps randomly playing on my iTunes and I automatically sing along to it. The main reason is because it sounds very similar to the Eurovision 2014 song "Moustache" which was released by Twin Twin, after this song was released. I can definitely see the resemblance. Both are catchy nonetheless; and since I haven't reviewed this one, today's as good a day as any. Watch a son try to interact with his father but he's not there at all, in Stromae's "Papaoutai". Where are you, daddy?
Stromae, real name Paul Van Haver, has really established himself as a Belgian singer-songwriter. He already stormed the charts globally in 2009 with "Alors on danse", it even charted in the UK at number 25. Unfortunately, this worldwide successful song "Papaoutai" didn't make the UK chart; however, it was another international success for Stromae. This is the case with many well-known songs that does well in Europe. However, recently, success has managed to cross over to the UK as well, and it's likely that Stromae could come back harder than ever. If he's already managed this, just think of what else he can do. This song was written by Stromae.
Directed by Raf Reyntjens, the music video revolves around a son trying to interact with his father, who is played by Stromae. The whole idea comes from the song which is about his father's absence in Stromae's life. His father was killed in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
It's set in what looks like Call of Duty's Nuketown. The boy sees all the other children dancing in the street with their respective parent and he wants to do the exact same, only his father is a mannequin and totally not completely there.
It gets to the point where the boy gets so annoyed, he rants by singing along to the lyrics of the song and interpreting them into a brilliant contemporary dance sequence that totally explains what he is singing. Who cares if you don't know French, this music video is a brilliant interpretation of the lyrics.
At the end, we see his father give a bit of a smile before the boy sits down on the couch next to his father and copies the position he is in, his eyes go blank and he too becomes a mannequin much like his father. Talk about following in your father's footsteps. This is the mannequin challenge before it even became a thing.
Overall, this is clearly very personal, and at times it affects the viewer in exactly the way it is meant to. The choreography is nailed in every way, and the boy is definitely a brilliant character, who easily encompasses the role. This is a magical music video that deserves so much more recognition. It accompanies the song amazingly and is one of those music videos I'll never forget.
Okay, when did this get released? And, how the hell did I manage to miss it? Like, seriously? I was totally obsessed with the song when it got released - I reviewed it for CelebMix - but this video was rolled out afterwards and I completely didn't see it. But now I have, and it's ready to be reviewed by me. This song is now currently stuck in my head because it is that awesome. Watch model Arizona Muse walk around Ibiza and goes clubbing, as models have a fun time behind the scenes with Martin Solveig in "Places" music video that doesn't show Ina Wroldsen.
Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, is a French DJ who is one of the top DJs in the world. He comes in and out of the charts around the world and his catchy songs really show his ability to implant songs in people's heads. This one deserved to be a worldwide hit but comparison's to "How Deep Is Your Love" probably didn't help. The featured star, Ina Wroldsen, is super famous in the songwriting world and was even the uncredited vocalist on "How Deep Is Your Love", which probably explains the comparisons. Recently she's been building her own career in music; I have to admit, I am a fan, and she deserves worldwide credibility. With her amazing songwriting skills, I'm sure she'll become one of the biggest singer-songwriters globally pretty soon. The song was written by Ina Wroldsen and Martin Picandet.
The music video takes place in Ibiza and we watch model and actress Arizona Muse walk the streets as well as go to Martin Solveig's show at the end.
The opening shows models going live on their phones as they talk in their own language. Things get a little comedy out-of-control, but it's all just a bit of fun. Later we see them having a good time with Martin Solveig.
There are snippets of his "My House" party at Café Mambo and Pacha, showing his time in the White Isle totally reminding us that summer is never too far away.
Arizona Muse totally shines throughout this music video on her Balearic journey. She reminds me of Rachel Platten.
Overall, an alright music video showing off Ibiza. Martin Solveig has brought us another awesome song, and Ina Wroldsen is definitely one of the rising singer-songwriters to look out for... Someone this established in songwriting is bound to have some killer songs to be released in 2017. I literally cannot wait to see what the future holds for these two.
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.
With less than two weeks to go until I see JoJo live in Birmingham for her Mad Love Tour; it's obvious I was going to review more of her music videos on my blog. This one is her newest release and is total fire. I previously wrote an article on the video for CelebMix. This is totally one of my favourite songs from her "Mad Love" album, even though each song on that album is completely amazing. I reviewed the album for Outlet Magazine. Watch JoJo stroll around the streets of New York in this black and white visual of a song about Fake Ass Bitches ("FAB"), with Remy Ma.
JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, has hit the music industry hard with her third album, but it totally isn't a surprise since she has been trying to release this third album for years now. Record label problems stopped her, but she's quite the inspiration for people going after what they want. JoJo wanted to release new music, and she has finally achieved it. If JoJo can overcome the brick walls standing in her way, we can overcome ours as well. Her Mad Love Tour kicks off today in Dublin, and in 13 days she'll be performing in Birmingham, which is where I have meet and greet tickets! It'll be my birthday too so she can totally wish me a happy birthday! Remy Ma collaborates on this track, real name Reminisce Smith. She's a grammy-nominated rapper and is definitely one of the biggest female rappers about at the moment, and totally someone you should be keeping your eyes on. This song was written by Joanna Levesque, Jussi Karvinen, Hayley Warner, Jason Dean, Joe Kirkland, and Reminisce Smith.
Directed by Wes Tedhome, this video is completely in black and white and sees JoJo perform her song "FAB", with a clip of Remy Ma during her rap verse.
This super songstress is walking the streets of New York, looking incredibly sexy in her outfit. She performs with passion throughout meaning every word she is singing. This song is clearly close to her heart and I literally cannot wait to hear this live.
Remy Ma adds some fire to this already lit track, spinning it up totally with a very awesome rap. She performs it amazingly in this video clip, and it works well completely.
Overall, there's so much passion and emotion in this video. JoJo totally loves this song, and so do we! I'm glad this got a music video, and it has the same passion as her tringle singles "When Love Hurts", "Say Love", and "Save My Soul". I so hope she sings those songs at the Mad Love Tour as well!
