Big & Rich Featuring Gretchen Wilson - Fake I.D.

After seeing Footloose (2011) for free yesterday (Friday 7th October 2011), this song really caught my attention. For those of you who are wondering, I got to see it for free thanks to Paramount Previews and See Film First, it's their way of promoting films that may not become box office hits unless the public help to promote it, and trust me this film was amazing (my review of the film can be found HERE). It's soundtrack is really surprising, and I think I'm going to get it when I can. I was going to review "Footloose" by "Blake Shelton" however no music video is up yet, and I think it is a good rendition of the old song, other songs that caught my ears were "Holding out for a Hero" by "Ella Mae Bowen" which slowed down the original version to make it crisp and emotional. And then there was this one that is a country catchy song and if it doesn't make the UK charts I'll be very surprised, but it is difficult to chart here in the UK if you're music is country, as so far only "Taylor Swift", "Miley Cyrus" (occasionally) and "Lady Antebellum" are the only ones who can crack it. But could Big & Rich finally do it?

This song stands out and you just want to be in the movie dancing along with all the other extras and just letting loose and having fun. Big & Rich are BIG country singers in the US with a lot of chart hits over there. Big & Rich is a duo group made up of "Big Kenny" and "John Rich". But they've never attempted to crack the UK. Gretchen Wilson is another BIG country singer in the US, and she has even attempted to crack the UK, however it didn't work and after her first single she stopped trying to chart here. I don't really know where I've seen her before, I've probably seen her on TV or something but I'm not entirely sure where from, and I don't think I'll ever work it out, but she is a great singer and I hope she tries the UK again. I really like this song and I hope I'm not the only one. I like how country music can be about real life experiences, I bet you'll never find another music genre that talks about trying to get a fake I.D. from a guy called "mister". And it's hard to believe that if someone needs a fake I.D. that they're just there because "there's a band in the bar that" they're "dying to see"... That will never happen now, people just get fake I.D.'s so that they can go clubbing and stuff, but genuinely sometimes there are people out there who would get a fake I.D. just so that they can see a band. And although this song may get a few criticism's from parents as it's about getting a fake I.D., it's okay because it relates to Footloose and how the children aren't allowed to go and dance, yet they do anyway.

The music video is yet again a soundtrack music video, I always find these difficult to review because some of the clips used would have to be some scenes from the film, however I think they've done a good job here to be totally honest, because the song is played during the film then they can use that whole scene, which is clever and really interesting, as I see some clips that I don't think I saw in the movie, such as Big & Rich and Gretchen singing on the stage.

I really like the country dancing, it never hit off big here in the UK, and it's usually only the middle-age to old people who actually dance like this, and I find it surprising that it hasn't launched across to teenagers yet, but maybe that's due to the fact that country music is rarely in the UK chart, and so there isn't enough of a market here. I have to admit it does look really good in the film, but then again I've always thought it looked good no matter what I was watching, I just want to learn and join in.

Overall I'm not sure what to make of the music video, it seems like they took a large chunk of the film and just used that, including their stage performance which was obviously filmed by their own cameramen while the filming for Footloose was going on. It's definitely a difficult one to rate since narrative kind of goes out of the window. However I'm obsessed with this song and it's definitely going to be stuck in my head all day.

US5 - Maria


Us5 - Maria - UK Version Video by darklibra

I couldn't find this video on YouTube, so I ended up using other video sites in search for it. I had no idea before now, who US5 were, and by the looks and sounds of things they sound like they are the US version if the UK's band "5ive" who did really well here in the UK and worldwide. This band has got great chart positions over the last few years in Europe, but failed to make an impression here in the UK. US5 was made up of 5 people from either the US or the UK or Germany, however they have had many changes in the band recently and some of the people in this music video are no longer in the band. The line-up in this music video are Christopher "Richie" Stringini, Izzy Gallegos, Tariq Jay Khan, Michael "Mikel" Johnson and Christoph "Chris" Watrin. The band was formed thanks to a talent show that was broad casted across the MTV station in the UK, US and Germany called "Big In America". This is their first ever single, and the only one to have ever charted on the UK charts.

This song is very catchy and it's a little disappointing that they failed to make an impact here in the UK, however some people may say that they were 10 years too late, and to be honest it is reminiscent of the cheesy 90's pop music that surrounded the likes of "5ive" "A1" and "D-Side", and there just isn't room nowadays for this sort of music, and as much as I like it and find it catchy, there will be people who would detest it and therefore it would never be a hit, and it also explains why none of these bands have survived, and this is most definitely just another one to add to the ever-growing list of failed bands. The song is about falling for a girl called Maria and she's supposed to be really pretty and so she's got them all wrapped around her finger and they'll do anything for her.

I really like the music video, I like how they each have their own Maria (as people's fantasies are all different unless you're "One Direction" with "What Makes You Beautiful"). I also like the idea that each Maria is from a different country, it creates a whole new spin on things and also suggests that this band planned on worldwide success, it's just a shame it never happened. Also I bet you a lot of girls at that time wanted to be Maria for obvious reasons.

I really like the choreography steps, it makes you want to join in and learn the moves too (but that isn't going to happen now is it?) The song is really catchy and so it's clever how the dance moves aren't as cheesy as the song, and so it actually works, in whatever way. This song is seriously stuck in my head, and it is one of those songs that you can't get enough of, and you don't care what others think of you as you're singing a long, because it is so catchy.

Overall the music video is clever, it definitely reminds me of something "A1" would've done. The song and the band both reminds me of "5ive" and "D-Side", and it's a shame there is no place for any of these bands in the UK music industry at the moment, would cheesy-pop ever be in the charts again? Or are we just going to have to face it, and let it live on in the 90's as a past-time? We'll just have to wait and see.

Cobra Starship Featuring Sabi - You Make Me Feel...

I used to like Cobra Starship's songs, but since looking at their UK chart performances, and then realising that their music wasn't really for me, I went completely off them. However I really do like this song, but maybe that's because of Sabi. A lot of people have complained that their voices on this song is edited, and even though that may be the case, they are still confident in performing this song live on shows such as America's Got Talent. I am sort of expecting this to be a big hit here in the UK, that's if it's not already out yet. It's receiving a lot of radio and music channels play and so it could be this autumn's big hit.
Cobra Starship is a five-piece band that currently consists of Gabe Saporta, Ryland Blackinton, Victoria Asher, Nate Novarro and Alex Suarez. They have released a number of singles and albums, which have yet to make an impact on the UK chart, will they ever manage to do well? Well this song is the one that may just do it, especially since it's a collaboration with Sabi. I first came across Sabi when listening to Britney's new album "Femme Fatale", where Britney collaborated with Sabi on the track "(Drop Dead) Beautiful" which is a really catchy song on the album. Now Sabi (real name Jenice Portlock) is a new and upcoming artist, that is sure to hit the world by storm. She has been compared a lot to Rihanna and Shakira, and she might just be the next big thing.

This song is extremely catchy, I've had it in my head all day today, and I know after this review, it's going to be stuck in my head for a lot longer. It was written by Steve Mac and Ina Wroldsen, both of who are big UK songwriters. Is this Cobra Starship's attempt to crack the UK? The song lyrics represents liking this girl and doing anything you want for her, it's a nice sweet song, and would definitely be big if it is promoted enough here in the UK.

I really like the music video, it has not only a lot of celebrities that appear, but also it links in with the song perfectly and it is kind of funny. The video starts off with showing a "magic photo booth" that once it takes someone's picture, it prints how the person is feeling. Gabe gets his picture taken in the photo booth, and when he's waiting to grab the picture, 2 pictures come out one of him and one of Sabi which was stuck in the slit. Both picture's feelings read "Incomplete". Then Gabe makes his goal of the night to find the girl in the picture. While this is happening, Victoria Asher is seen dragging different people into the bathroom, these people including a pair of twins and a girl, hence her feeling being "kinky". Gabe goes around the club (which represents his "world" hence the lyrics "girl, I've been all over the world looking for you") trying to find Sabi and stumbling upon different people who embrace him in hugs or handshakes. Sabi is dancing around the club when her part of the song comes on. Nate Novarro instead of dancing, orders a burger through Victoria's iPad; his feeling is being "munchy". During the first two thirds of the video, all drinks seem to be taken away from Ryland Blackinton, hence why his picture's feeling is "thirsty". When Gabe finally finds Sabi, they give each other a look of sheer happiness, before they both enter the photo booth. The lights go off, and at the moment they go back on, Gabe and Sabi seem to be kissing. They take a new picture together, and it reads "Complete", and this is the end of the video. I'm not entirely sure if Alex appears in this one of not, I can't see him, maybe he wasn't there on the day?

Various celebrities appear such as Robin Williams and his daughter Zelda Williams, singer Wynter Gordon, DJ's Andrew and Andrew, a rap crew called Ninjasonik, and various other people, ones I've spotted and others I haven't. I like it when music videos have hidden celebrities in them, however I feel that they should have more of a prominent role in the music video, although I totally understand that a music video is only between 3 and 5 minutes long and so it is sometimes difficult.

Overall, I'm expecting a big charting position out of this song, there is no official UK release date yet, but it has made top 10 hits already in certain countries, so I'll be surprised if it doesn't make at least the Top 40. The music channels keep playing this video, and I don't mind at all watching it over and over again. I love the song and I hope it does well.

Jonas Brothers - Paranoid

I've never been sure what to think of the Jonas Brothers, in some ways their songs are really good, and then they release a song that makes me want to forget all about them, sometimes I like them and then sometimes I don't, and to be honest, I don't think there is another artist out there that makes me feel this way. So... They are currently on hiatus as they pursue different projects, could this help them build up more of a fan base? Or could it just make it worse? Time will tell. The Jonas Brothers currently consist of Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas. At the moment Joe Jonas is going solo (one of his music videos I have already reviewed), Nick Jonas is in a totally different band called "Nick Jonas and the Administration" (which I have grown to really like lately, it's just a shame they haven't been doing well with their chart positions). And Kevin Jonas is currently doing........... Nothing. No solo project about, no new band, just a marriage, and nothing else... Maybe he's waiting for the hiatus to end?

This song is called Paranoid, and is one of the most recent Jonas Brothers' song to appear on the UK singles chart. The Brothers wrote this song with Cathy Dennis and John Fields. Obviously the song is about being "Paranoid" but also not knowing where you fit into this world, and being unsure where you should take your next step because you fear the unknown. I'm not entirely sure how these thoughts ended up in the brothers' heads but you can tell that the lyrics come straight from them because they sing this song really well. It's pretty difficult to make a music video around these song lyrics, but I think they've done a good job and made it funny at the same time.

I really like this music video, I'm not much of a fan of the song, it becomes boring after a few repeats, but the music video is good. I like how Kevin ends up being in a room full of himself, he is a little out-of-this-world anyway and so this represents him perfectly. I'm not sure what the connection is with Joe's wrestling scenes, maybe he wanted to be a wrestler at one point? Or maybe he fears being put into that sort of situation. Anyhow, I like Nick's part where he tries to outrun the other car, and I always like the door bit and how he doesn't smash.

I especially like the end and I don't think I'll ever understand anyone who doesn't like this music video. I like how it represents the song and although it looks a little cheap, it works well. This music video stands out from their other ones as this one has a lot more going on and it has more of a storyline.

Overall, the song is now getting a little boring, but the music video is really good. No matter what I think of the brothers, it doesn't matter, as I really like the scenes and I could watch it again and again (maybe without the song). As I have mentioned many times before, my rating is based on the music video alone, and so the song has nothing to do with it, so I hope you all agree with me.

Evanescence - What You Want

Evanescence is one of my favourite rock bands of all time, amongst that list is also Paramore, Hey Monday, Checking Pulse, Evarose and many more that I can't think off the top of my head. They are the band that first introduced me to rock music, so I've got a lot to thank them for. Evanescence cracked the UK with their first single "Bring Me To Life" and managed to get a number 1 in 2003 with it. Their album subsequently followed, also gaining number 1 status. However they have dropped and dropped, with that number 1 top spot getting further and further away. They have been on hiatus since 2007 and they are finally back, and we've all missed them. This is their first single in 4 years and although it hasn't set the singles chart alight, it sure has made the top spot on the UK rock chart, making Evanescence the artist with the most number one UK rock singles for 2011. This song sadly got to number 72 on the singles chart, which is currently their lowest chart position to date, however they have to do better for their album and new single, because that is how it goes here in the UK. So I'm expecting good things and I can't wait for the album.

Evanescence have recently changed members since their hiatus. The band now currently consists of Amy Lee, Terry Balsamo, Tim McCord, Troy McLawhorn and Will Hunt. And they have a new album out (that gets released here in the UK next week), and I'm really hoping it performs a lot better than what this single did. However if the tracks are similar to this song, then I can't wait to listen to it. It'll definitely be a CD you want in your collection. I just hope that everyone else decides to buy it as they definitely deserve a high chart position.

This song proves that waiting for them to make their return was well worth the wait, they are back and with full force. Amy Lee's voice is so strong and powerful that every single word is very meaningful and I bet they are amazing live. It was written by Amy, Tim and Terry, and so it makes it personal to the band (note: most rock bands do tend to write their own songs, which is why rock songs are usually so big and meaningful, because of the emotion behind the words). Amy Lee announced that this song goes out to the band's fans. It's heavy and in your face kind of song, and it's totally new for the band, and shows the potential the band has. The meaning of the song is is about her relationship with her fans, and the realization that "this is what I'm supposed to do". I especially like the use of "Hello? Hello? Remember me" it suggests their comeback and shows that the band hasn't broken up, and that they will be here for a long time (hopefully). The song is about freedom and "do what you what you want" (That's my favourite bit of the song, the way it's sung makes this song one of the ultimate catchy songs ever written).

The music video is amazing, it shows what the band is like live which is always a good thing, but it also has a narrative storyline which is the best mixture of the two. The band is performing in "Vino's Bar in Arkansas" which is where they used to perform before the band became big, it suggests the old them and it shows that it is still a big part of their lives. This band is a band I haven't seen live yet, but I really want to, they're impressive and it looks like it would be a fun gig. They have shown a lot of live footage during their past music videos, and many rock bands do this in their music videos, sometimes it works and other times it doesn't, but Evanescence look like the perfect band to see live, they are having fun on stage and that is blasted across to the many people who are in the crowd, so I am eager to see them live.

The narrative side of the music video is very interesting, a lot of critics have said that it is similar to "Bring Me To Life" but I don't think it is, I think it has similar scenes because both songs are very powerful, however I don't think they're the same at all. The music video is set in New York, and shows Amy walking and running through various places in Brooklyn, such as a train station, the streets and the Brooklyn Bridge. She starts running along the Brooklyn Bridge during the bridge of the song, and then she jumps and lands perfectly on her feet on the other side. The last few scenes are of the band, they are all walking towards the water united in a triangle. They are heading into the water, suggesting that they are ready to send waves to the world with their new music.

I love this music video it has everything an Evanescence fan needs, it is so good that I've already played it five times, surely a few more times won't matter. I like how Amy is now happy where she is, she's mentioned that singing is what she was born to do and that it she is now doing "what you what you want". And I think it is really nice of the band to give us this first record and to commemorate their fans who's stuck by them through their hiatus.

Overall, without being biased whatsoever, this music video is amazing and it's so nice to see Evanescence back and being as strong as than ever. I can't wait to hear more music by them, and I just know that any fans they may have lost during their hiatus, will all come crawling back, as this band's comeback will be one of this year's biggest events. I hope you all agree with my rating, and now this song is seriously stuck in my head.
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