Critic Jonni

Call Home - Heathers |

This Irish sister duo has been on form lately, so much so that I got the chance to interview them for CelebMix; it was such a great interview, that I just had to review one of their music videos today. This is their most-recent visual release; they recently released the single "Midnight Train" but there aren't any plans for a music video, according to the interview. They've had great success to date, and I am certainly loving their recent songs, this one and "Midnight Train" are pure fire. Watch Heathers unleash emotional performance vibes in this scenic music video for their single "Call Home".

Heathers are an Irish duo consisting of Ellie and Louise Macnamara. They've been going for a number of years and have released two albums to date. They went viral with the song "Forget Me Knots" which allowed them to tour in various countries around the world. They certainly have incredible voices and each song they release is worthy of being a successful international hit, all it takes is one; with vocals like this, it's only a matter of time. This song is beyond catchy and you realise that it's stuck in your head after the first listen.

The music video was directed by Crooked Gentleman Films. It's a pure performance visual, with intercutting scenes of the sea waves and other beautiful scenery.

There's not a lot going on throughout, both Louise Macnamara and Ellie Macnamara have their own scenes throughout with very small clips of them in the same visuals. This leaves a lot of chemistry missing. Regardless, they mean every single thing they are singing, pushing their energy into the music video; and it comes off perfectly.

Who wouldn't want to see Heathers live after this music video? I definitely want to be in a crowd at one of their gigs if this is what their stage presence is like. It's a great music video that really showcases these two sisters off perfectly. It relates to the song and has this serene feel to it.

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Kept Me Safe - Jack Walton |

We have a brand new music video from Jack Walton. It is a promotion for his soon-to-be-released album and it is EPIC. The song itself is beyond beautiful and is available to download for FREE! I've paid money for much worse songs to support my favourite artists, and I so would've paid money for this extremely gorgeous song. His vocals are just stunning, and the visual accompanies the song perfectly. This definitely excites me for the release of his album, that's for sure. Watch Jack Walton and his on-screen girlfriend in a bedroom as he expresses how he feels about her in this music video for "Kept Me Safe".

Jack Walton is best known for being on the 11th series of The X Factor where he placed 11th. He's gearing up to release his debut album, with this song and video being released as promotion for it. This song serves as a sneak peak to the album and definitely shows the adult he has become compared to his time on The X Factor. He is with The House of Nanchang, who is the music production company that he recorded with, and I presume is the record label that he'll be releasing the album with.

The music video was filmed by Brother Film Co. and displays Jack Walton and his on-screen love interest amazingly; she is played by actress Sydney Craven. If you are wondering where you may know her from, she's been in Eastenders, where she played Alexandra D'Costa; as well as Wolfblood, where she played Hannah.

Shot in black and white throughout - oh how I dislike music videos not in colour unless it represents the past, or has a proper meaning - the opening showcases Jack Walton on a bed singing his song. It's clear he is flooding the song full of emotion, even before he starts to sing; this totally means a lot to him.

The song is metaphorically about his fans and how they've stuck by him completely. The visual spins it about his on-screen girlfriend, who has kept him safe with her love. Sydney Craven comes in, showing off some kick-boxing skills, or so we presume, during her profile scenes. She enters the bed scene where they're teasing and loving; making me jealous with their sweet cuddles - I so want that.

Overall, it's cute, adorable and definitely makes me a bit jealous. One day, I'll have someone who's love will have kept me safe. Right now, I can focus on others, and it's clear that this video shines completely. Not only that but Jack Walton's performance visual shows off how genuine he really is. This totally excites me for the album because this song is pure fire!

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Too Good at Goodbyes - Sam Smith |

Newly released today, this visual is the music video for the song that is currently at number one in the UK. I thought I'd have the whole top ten to choose from, but Sam Smith dropped this today, which means I have to review it for Chart Mondays. I'm just not keen on Sam Smith at all... He's a good singer; actually, he's an amazing singer, it's just his music isn't to my taste. This track is another grower of a song from Sam Smith, and once I hear it more I'll probably like it a bit, just like his other songs. I just feel like it's not good enough to be a number one single, but here it is. As for the music video, it's loving and sweet. Watch Sam Smith sing his new song as we watch straight and LGBTQ+ couples embracing, showing that love is love no matter who the couples are in this music video for "Too Good At Goodbyes".

Sam Smith is one of the biggest British male artists around at the moment, he's very current, and continues to bring out chart hit after chart hit. It's great that a gay male singer is doing so well globally. It's about time that this happened, and Sam Smith continues to bring it with his music, even if it isn't to my taste. He's gearing up to release his second studio album, to which this is the first single from. It has already charted well globally. It was written by James Napier, Fiona Davies, Tor Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen, and Sam Smith.

Directed by Luke Monaghan, this music video is a pure performance piece with snapshots of various couples who are embracing. It's cute and sweet.

There's not a lot going on. The opening scene sees Sam Smith in a studio, presumably recording this song. Then we switch over to the proper part of the visual where he can be seen in a side street, singing the song in front of a guy playing the piano.

The rest of the music video includes clips of various couples - straight couples, LGBTQ+ couples, couples of various race, and so many more. It's great to see all these couples embracing, kissing, and enjoying each other's company, possibly on the verge of saying goodbye to relate to the song. It's also great to have a video like this to the number one single as it will spread the message of love is love around the world and on TV.

Overall, it's sweet, but there's no substance to this. Sam Smith impresses with his vocals; yet, visually he doesn't reflect the song in his energy. His acting is good though and you can tell he never wants to let go of the guy he is holding. However, the video doesn't go anywhere and it only just relates to the song. I was expecting something so much better than this.

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Bacon (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) - Nick Jonas |

I am obsessed with this song. This literally makes everything better because bacon makes everything better. Like, seriously? Nick Jonas made a song about bacon and it is incredible, let's be honest. However, I'm not so keen on Ty Dolla $ign's addition to the song, he totally fades into the background. I previously wrote up a review of his whole album "Last Year Was Complicated" that includes this song for Outlet Magazine. Watch Nick Jonas in a greasy diner singing about "Bacon" as he shares the food item with other customers in the restaurant in this music video for his song featuring Ty Dolla $ign.

Nick Jonas is best known for being one-third of The Jonas Brothers. He was also the lead singer of Nick Jonas and the Administration. He is doing amazingly well as a solo artist, bringing out brilliant hits that we all love. This song should've been an international smash and was one of my favourites from his most recent album. I just can't believe there is a song about bacon and it is amazingly catchy and always makes the day bright. The song acted as the second single from the album and barely charted anywhere. Ty Dolla $ign features on the track, his real name is Tyrone Griffin Jr. He has yet to have a solo UK chart hit but made it big over here in a collaboration with Fifth Harmony. He continues to make waves over here, so I'm sure it won't be long until he has an international hit. It was written by Nick Jonas, Tyrone Griffin Jr., Priscilla Renea, and Nolan Lambroza.

Directed by Black Coffee, the music video is a pure performance piece set in a diner as part of a subtle narrative. Nick Jonas looks like he is in his element, loving every single minute of it. Chord Overstreet appears in the visual as well.

The opening sees Nick Jonas in an American diner, which is actually Ted's Frostop vintage diner in New Orleans. The entire visual takes place here. There's bacon being served aplenty as he navigates around the diner singing, dancing, and taking selfies with his mates; as well as eating bacon - obviously.

Ty Dolla $ign appears on a TV, he does his rap in a separate scene with girls and two cars bouncing on hydraulics. It's an easily forgettable scene and you soon forget it even happened as Nick Jonas jumps back in.

Overall, the video is totally memorable because you never expect to see a music video about bacon. Nick Jonas even jumps into the kitchen and fries some bacon and serves it out. This is how much he loves bacon; for me, it looks way too crispy; I like my bacon to be just cooked, but to be fair, I'd totally go to that diner! It's a great relatable concept, but Ty Dolla $ign lets it down if you even remember that scene.

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Go To Work - Nadine |

After writing up an article about this for CelebMix; it's no surprise that I'm now writing it up for my blog since it is full-on fierce and sassy. You go, Nadine! The song is one of my new favourites, even though it does bug me a bit since I'm trying my best to get a full-time job but it's not working out for me. I'd love to go to work and do a 9-5, as Nadine suggests, but no one's employing me however, that's not going to stop me from applying. We received a lot of teasers for this video, so I'm glad it's finally here with all the sass that was promised. Watch Nadine Coyle, from Girls Aloud, act confident, sassy, and fierce as she struts her way into the office in this music video for "Go To Work".

Nadine Coyle is back in the music industry and it has made my life. This new song is full on sass and I love it in every way, the music video is even better! She is best known as one-fifth of Girls Aloud, which parted ways in 2013. They were formed on Popstars: The Rivals; yet, that's not the only reality show Nadine was a part of, she originally was a part of the Irish version of Popstars, where she made it into the group Six before it was found out that she was underage. She's tried for a solo career in 2010 and did moderately. Now, she's back and if this music video is anything to go by, she's determined to put her all in it. This song was written by Sarah Thompson, Florrie Arnold, Brian Higgins, Keir MacCulloch, Kyle Mackenzie, Ben Taylor, Toby Scott, Kris Ryeland, and Nadine Coyle.

Directed by Sophia Ray, this music video is a performance piece whilst alluding to a narrative. It's well put together, and she looks amazing in her red pantsuit with the off-the-shoulders jacket.

The opening scene sees her getting out of the car and arriving inside an office building. She answers a phone call before passing the phone to one of her two assistants. She struts down the corridor, someone passes her a coffee cup which she chucks over her shoulder and glances at the line of workers.

Various typical office scenes can be seen next. They aren't doing much work, more like posing. It's definitely giving me Jennifer Lopez "Ain't Your Mama" office vibes. There's also a hot window-cleaner in the background during one scene.

Then, as the second verse kicks in, the whole thing restarts, with Nadine back in her car. Yet, the office strut scene is a bit different, she has an old brick mobile phone, and the woman passes her a martini glass instead, which she also chucks over her shoulder. I'm not sure why this one is different for, although the following scenes do show off the party side of Nadine; although the brick mobile phone throws this idea out the window.

Overall, it's a great music video, really showing off Nadine as an artist. I'm totally excited to hear her other songs and I hope music videos for them will also follow. I also reckon that this song will climb up the charts as more people listen to it, it's definitely a grower and deserves to chart inside the UK Top 100. The music video is classy and fierce, although the concept is not something I get. Regardless, she gets points for having the guy topless in the background and having water poured over him. YAS!

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I Only Want to Please You - Bright Light Bright Light & Ana Matronic |

What the hell did I just watch? I mean, really? This is more like a music video from the past. This is totally a new release and not a Thursday revisit, I assure you. This is beyond bizarre and has an Eric Prydz "Call On Me" feel to it. This is certainly a video you only want to watch once, well it is in my case. It is typical of Bright Light Bright Light to bring a music video like this, so it's not a surprise but it's still out there. Watch Bright Light Bright Light perform with a dance troupe as Ana Matronic observes and strikes off each dancer one at a time in this music video for "I Only Want To Please You".

Bright Light Bright Light, real name Rod Thomas, is an independent singer/songwriter from Wales. He initially released singles and albums under his own name, before he adopted Bright Light Bright Light, where he has started to gain success. The name comes from the film Gremlins, where character Gizmo says those exact words (I love Gizmo so I love the name, of course). He has recently collaborated with Elton John, which certainly helped bring him more success under this name. Now, he's collaborated with Ana Matronic, real name Ana Lynch, who is best known for being the female co-lead vocalist for group Scissor Sisters. She hasn't really had much of a solo career, focusing more on presenting from radio shows to TV screens. This collaboration works so well, even if it's not something we expect. The song was written by Rod Thomas.

Directed by Rod Thomas & Matthew Canada, the music video is a pure performance visual that takes place in a dance studio. The dancers seen include Rod Thomas, Josh Weidenmiller, Charlene Kaye, Madison Eastman, Adam Santos-Coy, Frank Lombardi, and Katherine Roarty. The video is based on the 80's horror film "Murderock".

Looking more like a fitness music video, we watch these dancers attempt to please Ana Matronic. She looks like a scary adjudicator who is never pleased. There are many references to RuPaul's Drag Race, quotes that are Rod Thomas' favourites.

We laters see Ana Matronic deciding that they're not good enough and getting rid of each of them, one at a time. It's intricate and totally works with her character. At times she has a look of Alyssa Edwards about her.

The dancing is very basic, but it's typical Bright Light Bright Light choreography. Some of the dancers aren't in-sync although it's extremely subtle. It works as a music video and totally relatable to the song as they're trying to please Ana Matronic, who clearly isn't easily pleased. However, it's not something I plan on ever watching again.

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La La Land - Demi Lovato |

How have I not reviewed this music video yet? This is totally my jam at times, so I'm glad I'm finally getting to cover it on my Thursday Revisit; since I reviewed "Sorry Not Sorry" for my Chart Mondays review. This was the song that made me a fan of Demi Lovato, and I have followed her career ever since. The song is beyond catchy and was her first solo single release in the UK, even though "Get Back" was released previously in the US. As for the music video, it relates to the song very well, with an annoyance or two here. Watch Demi Lovato perform her song as she walks through Hollywood passing many celebrities and deciding to not conform and just be herself in this music video for "La La Land".

Demi Lovato has really come a long way since this music video. She's totally grown up, which we all know what that's like because we've grown with her. This song definitely launched her as a female solo artist in the UK and I remember buying the CD Single back then. The music video is highly memorable, and like I said, I thought I had already reviewed the visual. The song charted at number 35 in the UK, she later charted higher with future singles, but she still hasn't managed to get a number one, not yet. The song was written by Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, and Kevin Jonas.

Directed by Brendan Malloy, the music video is a pure performance piece set in front of a slight narrative. These sort of videos were popular way back then, but they never stood the test of time and are just known as a phase in a long history of music videos. The video was used to promote the Disney Channel's sitcom, Sonny With A Chance, hence why many of the stars from the show feature in the visual; these include Allisyn Ashley Arm, Doug Brochu, Sterling Knight, Michael Kostroff, Brandon Mychal Smith, and Tiffany Thornton.

The opening scene sees Demi Lovato on a talk show, titled Rumour Has It with Benny Beverly, where she's speaking to Doug Brochu. He asks her to "tell us what it is like to be a star". We then launch into Hollywood where the track kicks in.

We see many literal translations of the lyrics, although there is one problem that everyone has; they've changed "McDonald's" to "Ronald's" in the song due to sponsorship. It's annoying as people who know the song from her album and repeated plays will recognise the change straight away. It's a shame they never changed it across all platforms.

Overall the video is interesting and engaging. There are digs at the paparazzi. There are digs at people who try to change her. Yet, she stays strong throughout it all. This is really a star's life; yet, to make it in the world you need to be original and stick to yourself, even though many people think that's not the way to go. Has Demi Lovato changed from then to now? Of course she has, but I bet you've changed since 2009. It's part of growing up where perceptions and reality change over years.

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AAA (feat. Alaska Thunderfuck, Courtney Act & Willam) - The AAA Girls |

After interviewing Alaska Thunderfuck on CelebMix the other day, mainly about The AAA Girls North American Tour; I just had to review this music video. This is the lead single/video from their summer-released album "Access All Areas". The comedic song was produced by Sam Sparro and fits well within the album that also includes parodies and hilarious tracks that you all just need to listen to! Watch The AAA Girls, who are Alaska Thunderfuck, Willam Belli, and Courtney Act, perform their comedic song in various scenes where they ride on hoverboards, dance, and go shopping in this music video for "AAA".

The AAA Girls are a three-piece girl group consisting of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants Alaska Thunderfuck, Willam Belli, and Courtney Act. Each of them are from different seasons, Alaska Thunderfuck came joint-second on the fifth season before going on to win All Stars season two; Willam Belli was famously disqualified on the fourth season coming seventh; and, Courtney Act appeared on the sixth season coming joint-second. This is a great team-up with all three drag queens nailing the comedic songs; "Access All Areas" is certainly an album that needs a hell of a lot of credit. It's not a surprise that it's so good as it was produced by Sam Sparro. According to Alaska's interview with me, they will break up, try solo careers and then get back together for loads of money; I sure hope this isn't just a one-album-project as we want more music from The AAA Girls. They also released music videos for "A Lacefront Like This" and "Heather?".

Directed by Kain O'Keeffe, the music video is a pure performance piece. There's choreography, hoverboards, and the girls showing off their personalities. It's clear they had great fun filming this music video.

The opening scene sees the drag queens asleep, it's clearly the morning after the night before, and we sure remember those days. Marco Marco sponsored underwear can be seen on the male models before Courtney Act wakes up.

There are many sponsorships and product placement in the music video, especially from American Apparel. The visuals are bouncy and fun just like the song, with the simple choreography is completely nailed by all three members of The AAA Girls. They're exactly the sort of dance moves we learn at home so that we can do it at the same time as them.

The outdoor scene with the hoverboards looked so much fun, although Alaska did reveal that they feared for their lives since it was filmed with a drone. There is also a quick scene of them on stage performing the song, where they certainly look awesome. Oh, why do I not live in the US? I'd totally buy tickets to The AAA Girls North American Tour!

Overall, this music video is very professional whilst extremely comedic. It works completely and totally relates to the song, even literally at times. It's something I could watch again and again and again. Alaska Thunderfuck, Willam Belli, and Courtney Act fully prove that they deserve to conquer the world as a rising three-piece girl group called The AAA Girls!

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Heaven - State of Sound |

Here is another YouTube Recommendation that has not only come through for me today but has made me so jealous; only because I want what these couples have, although I know I'm going to have to wait a while for it to happen to me. Regardless, this is a very adorably cute music video, and it is quite the surprising cover song from State Of Sound, something I certainly needed to hear, and I instantly loved. Watch various couples, including LGBTQ+ couples, kiss and be together in this extremely loving music video for State Of Sound's cover of Bryan Adam's song "Heaven" originally made popular by DJ Sammy & Yanou.

State Of Sound are a Swedish duo consisting of Viktor Norén and Joakim Andrén. They have released a number of singles and music videos, with "Wake Up Where You Are" being their most popular - with over 70 million streams on Spotify. They are signed to Sony Music Sweden, and went viral with their most-popular song, with it receiving airplay in a number of countries, as well as hitting some charts including the US Billboard Viral 50. They have over two million views on YouTube and are certainly gaining in popularity. I can't wait to see where their career takes them. This song is a cover of the Bryan Adams classic "Heaven", which was later covered by DJ Sammy & Yanou as "Heaven" featuring Do, which became highly popular and even charted at number one in the UK. The song was written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance.

This music video was directed by Marcus Storm. There's not a lot going on, it just showcases various couples on a date or just a normal day in their lives.

If this is what heaven looks like, can you please take me to my future husband now, please? I truly believe that life is great when you have a significant other who you love very much, and this video easily showcases that in every way.

They also receive extra points for including LGBTQ+ couples. It's music videos like this where they usually just keep to straight couples, so it's nice that they've included them in this video, showing a great insight into the world right now.

Overall, it is lovely to watch and does relate to the song; but it's not all that memorable and it isn't something that stands out completely. It's just a bunch of videos of couples kissing and having a good time together, clearly showing the love they have for each other. It's certainly a passionate montage, but that's all it is.

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Sorry Not Sorry - Demi Lovato |

Finally, this song has climbed all the way up to the UK Top 10, and about time too. Demi Lovato brings summer to the UK as it turns to Autumn with this brilliant song that is a total grower. At number one is Taylor Swift with "Look What You Made Me Do" which I reviewed last week, hence why I am reviewing this music video right now. I'm so glad I get to include it in my Chart Mondays reviews, although I am not so keen on the visual itself. Watch Demi Lovato throw a house party as she performs her song in various scenes during this music video for her song "Sorry Not Sorry".

Demi Lovato is gearing up to release her sixth studio album titled "Tell Me You Love Me". This song is the lead single from the album that will be out at the end of September. She really has come a long way in her career, from starring in Camp Rock to becoming one of many top female artists in the music industry. I seriously cannot wait to hear the album in full. She's dropped a few instant grat singles that have been pretty good. This album will definitely be a grower of an album, just like this song has been. It was written by Demi Lovato, Oak Felder, Sean Douglas, Trevor Brown, and William Zaire Simmons.

Directed by Hannah Lux Davis - there's her name again, although she hasn't really impressed me this time around - the music video showcases a Demi Lovato party. The opening scene explains that this female artist threw a house party and they recorded a music video to show what happened.

Most of the scenes show Demi Lovato performing the song, there's a bubble hot tub scene and a deck chair outdoors scene. Then there's the pool dancing where the scene includes Jamie Fox. Also appearing in the video is Paris Hilton and Wiz Khalifa, can you spot them?

The party scenes are interesting and I certainly love the kissing scene, although clearly a lot of that was cut up. The pool scene where the camera goes under the water is pretty interesting. Yet, it's the ending that really makes the impact as Demi Lovato's humour is displayed for the world to see.

This music video brings insight into Demi Lovato's life and her ability to host a pretty wild house party whilst performing for a music video at the same time. Talk about professionalism and her determinability. It's a good average music video, that's been done a few times before.