Another suggestion from work. I still don't get the obsession with The 1975, although I have to admit, this is probably the first song by them I actually like, so I guess they are doing something right, even though this hasn't exactly charted well. This is the follow-up to "Love Me". A pure performance piece, sending out electric vibes in an 80's style, The 1975 proves that you surely won't be disappointed if you saw them live.
Sometimes all you need is good stage presence, and this is what these guys have. The 1975 consists of Matthew Healy, Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann and George Daniel. This song is the second single off their new album titled: I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. It charted at number 42, although it deserved to be a bigger hit for them. I am guessing they will release a third single to coincide with the February release of the album, in the hope it charts better.
Directed by Adam Powell, the video has the same style and feel as "Love Me", especially with Matthew Healy topless. Although this time, it's more appealing, he isn't being quite as wild, and is definitely focused on performing the song.
Since the song is about his cocaine addiction, you would expect a narrative video with a droning depressing song, instead we have an appealing video that is full of colour, light and stage presence, and an uplifting catchy song.
It works well, no gimmicks, no belittling other artists, just The 1975 performing. Along with amazing lighting and production by Tobias Rylander. Although, not a video I would be inclined to watch again and again, it's something I wouldn't skip over on the music channels.
I've been getting some suggestions at work, and this band have been mentioned a few times, although not any particular music video. And so I picked this one at random due to the peculiarity of the thumbnail, which is quite gruesome to say the least. After watching the music video I'm still not sure what to make of it. What the hell have I just watched? Slaves are bringing back punk music, updating it and giving us weird music videos to go with their songs.
Slaves are a British duo consisting of Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman. Before today, I hadn't heard a single song from them, to be honest I hadn't even heard of them. Although, they have been receiving a lot of radio play on Radio 1 recently, so maybe I've come across one of their songs in the car or something, wouldn't exactly surprised me. Their most recent album Are You Satisfied? charted on the UK albums chart at number eight, and continued on the chart for 22 weeks. This song is taken from that album.
This was directed by Ciaran Lyons. This freaky video gives vibes of the originality of punk music, with the old fashioned style as well as the weirdness. It's quite disturbing, although it is relatable somewhat to the song.
The song is all about a girl who doesn't have any money so she uses guys to get what she wants. She acts so sweet, but she tastes like salt... These lyrics don't really make all that much sense, and the guy's eyes are rolling around in their sockets. Taken literal, plugs go into sockets and everything works, or in this case tries to attack our main character.
I guess it's suggestive of the media and how they manipulate us, such as the girl in the lyrics. However the girl is clearly a grim reaper in this video, and is clearly into a bit of bondage and BDSM of sorts, especially since the guy gets tied up and attacked.
Overall, definitely out of date, this should've been released years ago, around the same time as when the Kaiser Chiefs released "Everyday I Love You Less And Less". Although a good concept, only just a little too freaky for my liking, it works well with the song, and has a slight connection to the song.
Justin Bieber is still dominating the charts, and he is still at number one with "Love Yourself", which is an amazing song, I have to admit. So again Chart Mondays is open to the top 10. Since One Direction has not released a music video for "History", all I am left with is this song, which I have been avoiding as much as I possibly could, now I have no choice but to review this music video. In my personal opinion, Coldplay is overrated, I have never liked any of their songs, they're just not a band for me, and I don't see why they're so popular. When you have an opportunity to monkey around, why not eh? Coldplay are transformed into unrealistic animated monkeys, pulling off the same dad-moves that leaves you embarrassed and quite surprised.
Coldplay are a four-piece band consisting of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion. They are a dad-band in my eyes; they're the type of band who you'll buy their album just to give to your dad for Christmas or his birthday. However there's clearly a market for these types of songs, and Coldplay are the only ones releasing them, they're unique and are giving them the chart hits. The song was written by the band, as expected and it has charted well worldwide.
The music video used motion capture, similar to which Avatar, the film, uses. The director is Mat Whitecross, and the idea was formed after Chris Martin and Andy Serkis met on a plane.
After watching the behind-the-scenes video, I realised that they originally used more lifelike monkeys in the music video, but apparently they didn't have enough charisma and feeling to their actions. And so they recreated the monkeys to have more of a personality.
The monkeys don't really go on an adventure of a lifetime though. They discover a Beats Pill in the jungle and they start to like the music that is being released. They form their own band, after working out what the drums and guitars were for, although where they came from I do not know, also what is a Beats Pill doing in the jungle in the first place? And where did the hat come from for that one monkey?
Overall, a great concept, however there could have been more of a narrative to the music video. It is mainly a performance piece, and you can really imagine that this is what you will get from a Coldplay gig, dad-dancing and a lot of swaying, and maybe a bit of monkeying around. Not something that I'd go out of my way to see.
A bit of Nashville for you, for those of you who don't know me, I'm into my country music, but only the recent country music stars such as Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Cassadee Pope, the list just goes on and on. There is a TV series that I'm obsessed with called Nashville. This is one of the songs that is performed in the second episode of the first season. They are recording the music video for this song by Juliette Barnes. It is not this video, whereas the one shown on Nashville looks like a Hannah Montana copy of a video. This music video has Hayden Panettiere sexy, revengeful and definitely sultry; boy, who would cheat on her? Well clearly the guy she is tying up, proving that nobody messes with Hayden Panettiere.
Actress, singer, model, all round performer, is there anything Hayden Panettiere can't do? She's starred in many TV series and films, mostly notable for playing Claire Bennet in Heroes, and definitely as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, as I previously mentioned. She has also appeared in video games Kingdom Hearts and most recently, Until Dawn. Her music career is slow going, nothing she has really pushed for as of yet, but her vocals are stunning, and the songs on the Nashville compilation albums that are being released, proves exactly this. If she doesn't go for a record deal any time soon, the charts across the world will be missing out. The song was written by Hillary Lindsey and Cary Barlowe. It's catchy and lyrically memorable, it works well in the country genre, although doesn't stand out compared to established country music stars' songs; it'll always be one song I'll sing-a-long to.
This telescopic music video is directed by TK McKamy. Full of revenge, this is how you get your own back. Hayden Panettiere is an inspiration to us all, you do sometimes need to get revenge, but the best revenge is subtle and nothing major, just a little tying up, and definitely not the BDSM type.
Some people have commented about sexism, and I can see their point, a guy would be looked down on if they had done the same thing to a girl, but that is besides the point, guys mainly cheat, women are usually much nicer, or so we all believe thanks to TV series and films.
There's inclusions of telescopes which helps to relate to the music video, well... more like the title, and yet everything works. Hayden Panettiere emphasizes how much I need to see her live, her performance is full of passion, emotion and intensity that you would definitely feel in the audience.
Overall the video relates perfectly, a full narrative that is sexy and revengeful, you do not cheat on Hayden Panettiere, or she'll tie you upside down and leave you there to hang while she looks gorgeous. What more do I want from this music video? Zilch!
Christina Milian is OFFICIALLY back in the music industry. She has only just released her EP, which this song is on, and WOW, this is a hit, if it gets the popularity it definitely deserves. Christina Milian proves you don't knock her down, in this sexy, classy and stylish music video, you won't find anyone better.
Christina Milian has had a nice little break from the music industry. I have followed her career since she first came out with "Am To Pm", I loved "Dip It Low" and I've watched a few of her films. I'm not a massive fan, but I do go out of my way, when I can, to listen to her music, to watch her films and TV Shows, and I am aware of her wines Viva Diva and her clothing range We Are Pop Culture. I also follow her on Snapchat. This song was released on her four-track EP called 4U, it was originally called Like Me with five tracks. EP's are usually a snippet to give to fans to excite them for upcoming music. Although Christina Milian has a lot going on right now, I am really hoping a new album is on the horizon, as we need Christina Milian batting out chart hits once again. Featuring on this track is Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus Jr. He is a classy, relaxed rapper. He's made it and yet he still performs with style. Although my only problem with this song is that he ends the song. Christina Milian should've repeated the chorus one last time, after his final rap.
Directed by Mike Ho. This music video could've been flawless. It's full of style, imagination and perfection, yet there is one crucial problem and it just gets worse towards the end, but I am so going to overlook it as this should've been a masterpiece.
Full of narrative, the video is off to a good start. Promotion for We Are Pop Culture and Viva Diva is not only unsurprising but something we've seen done before, Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell" definitely comes to mind. The video is set in Milian Heiress Inc., a fictional workplace where Christina Milian is the boss. The start and the opening reminds me a lot of The Saturdays' "Notorious".
The video continues with Christina Milian making important decisions, in her office, in the meeting room, clearly decisions for Viva Diva and We Are Pop Culture. There is also advertising for Christina Milian Turned Up, which is a documentary reality TV series on E! channel.
The twins are included throughout, these twins have been popping up in a few music videos recently, so it'll be interesting where the future will lead them to. The performance piece is flawless, Christina Milian is looking sexy, stylish and with attitude, boy this is what you're missing and you ain't getting it back. Snoop Dogg, is looking smart and dapper, and is definitely enjoying Christina Milian beside him.
The dance choreography is faultless, but here comes the main problem with the video. In this bit, especially, the camera has too much movement. I have no clue what the cameraman was doing, he could have been battling the wind, but there doesn't look like there's any gusts of wind whatsoever. So why was the camera shaking so badly? This messes the entire dance choreography up, and some of Christina Milian's lyrics doesn't match her lips in this clip, this definitely knocks this video down. Was the cameraman dancing along? Something was clearly going wrong.
Overall, this was supposed to be polished to perfection, and it is stunningly beautiful. But the camera at the end just messes the entire video up. Just when she's about to the finish the video with a bang, with perfect choreography, the camera ruins it, yet I'll only knock one star off. I remember her recording the video because she constantly updated her Snapchat story at the time, as well as releasing snippets of the song. If you're not following her yet, you need to start! What should've been a sensational video, drops slightly due to stupid camera movement and editing.
I'm kind of cheating once again, this was released on 13th November on iTunes, it was pushed forward due to the song appearing on compilation album Now 92. However on Amazon, the EP is released this week, which on iTunes is released the week after. All confusing and not released as originally planned, but just like last week, I've had difficulty finding a new release, so technically this is a new release. KSI and JME are asking if you can keep up, in this catchy song with plenty to sing to, and a good relatable video to match!
KSI, real name Olajide "JJ" Olatunji, is a YouTuber, rapper, comedian and a bunch of other things too, he's a great inspiration to prove to people that you can be whatever you want to be. He has had chart hits, and I imagine his future songs will keep appearing on the chart, as they are unique and extremely popular. In this song, he has collaborated with JME, real name Jamie Adenuga, who is also making quite the name for himself, appearing on the charts multiple times, and his most recent album hitting at number 12. This is where the music is at, and this new wave for grime music is going to hit the charts hard!
The music video was directed by Jack Delaney. It's a good start, I love the three girls, with the one saying about YouTubers and asking the repeated line "all we really want to know is can you keep up?" They're the stereotypical girls who get confused at the simplest thing, and it works so well here. I love how they appear once again to introduce JME.
The rapping from KSI and JME are on point, although I am not keen on the studio recording bit, it wavers the song and although a good idea, they should've stuck to the original recording, as the studio recording is so much quieter.
KSI is surely set to push the competition to the side, with the momentum he is going, I definitely wouldn't be surprised if he has a hit that settles in the top 10 of the UK chart soon, if he pushes himself, I know he can do it, just hearing this song alone proves it. Watch out for both KSI and JME! Can you keep up?
I have kind of cheated with this. Like seriously, who releases a song on Christmas Day? No one, clearly. So, after a lot of searching, I've found out that a remix of Foxes' Amazing is released on Christmas Day which is a Cahill Club Mix, which can be bought here. Since I cannot find any other songs for my new release, I have chosen this music video. Foxes is probably one of the most underrated singers I know. She is getting ready to release her second studio album, and this is the third single from that album. Foxes goes on a road trip and has an amazing time with her friends in this video, showing that all you need is your best friends in your life.
Foxes, real name Louisa Allen, is one of those singers who are totally unique, usually at first listen her songs aren't instant hits, but they're always one of those songs that gain momentum because they become ever so catchy after hearing them a few times. As previously stated, she is definitely underrated. I think she's quirky in a good way, and I will always support her music because she's vocally talented and means every word she sings. This song is written by Louisa Rose Allen, Martin Brammer, Jonny Lattimer and James Newman. Personal and emotional in a perfect pop song, that should've been a hit. The video isn't as great.
Directed by Johny Mourgue, the music video shows Foxes and two of her friends going on a road trip. As per usual, the normal hassles appear, such as getting lost, the map not being any help at all, and the car breaking down, well in this case a minivan.
Foxes cuts her lusciously long hair into a bob in this video, it's a new her, a new style and new direction for her music, but it's still her, and after a while I started to like her hair, just like I started to like this song.
I love the idea behind this, and the old style clips from the home video, shows that she is having a great time and doesn't need a man beside her, even though she is doing the typical things to get over a break-up, eating both ice cream and cake is a sure winner in my books.
The ending is interesting, and also relates to where she is, many people believe she should be charting and her singles are definitely worth better chart placements than what they are getting, however the ending suggests that this album is all about releasing music for her fans, giving them something, almost like a present, to say thank you for being with her. The ending replicates that perfectly, Foxes is just having a great time at the moment, and she'll chart when she needs to, because that amazing voice isn't going to disappear.
Quite the battle for Christmas number one this year. It was this choir vs. Justin Bieber. In one of the closest battles for Christmas number one, The Lewisham And Greenwich NHS Choir beat Justin Bieber to the top spot, thanks to a performance on TV, as well as a tweet from Justin Bieber in support of the NHS choir, which can be seen below. This single was released for charity in 2013, however it wasn't until 2015, it achieved its bid for Christmas number one. The video is a typical charity music video, showing what they are representing through clips as well as a performance piece.
so for 1 week it's ok not to be #1. Let's do the right thing & help them win. It's Christmas. @Choir_NHS good luck https://t.co/ORCtFY1k4i
This choir first appeared on Gareth Malone's BBC Two spin off show The Choir: Sing While You Work. They placed second in the competition. This single is a mashup of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and Coldplay's "Fix You". The former is one of my favourite songs, when sung perfectly, effortlessly and by someone who is vocally talented. The latter is a song I avoid, when possible, it's no secret that I don't like Coldplay, I personally think they're overrated, however I applaud them for how far they have come and how popular the band is. The song isn't something I would listen to myself. I'm not into choirs all that much, but I have to congratulate them on reaching number one in the UK, and gaining money for their charities.
As I previously stated, this is a typical charity music video. Exactly what we all expect: A performance piece, various clips of what charities they are supporting intercut throughout, and a piano.
This isn't really a Christmas song, or a video at all. This has happened often, the Christmas number one is rarely a Christmas song nowadays, and when possible, it's a charity song. This is because during this time of the year, music sales rise higher than any other time of the year.
The video doesn't make me want to watch it again. The video fails to make me want to buy the single, it's not something I would listen to, although the NHS has helped me out a lot, with my asthma, my coeliac disease and my kidney problems, as well as all the other times I've ended in hospital. However I'd rather give money to charity myself rather than spend it on a charity single, unless I actually like the charity single.
Overall, well done to this choir on reaching the top spot on the UK singles chart. However the video is a typical charity music video, just different scenes we're not used to. I have to admit, I do love the connection to wedding vows. This is honest, pure and typical, but something that will get people backing the NHS workers. But as a music video, there isn't a lot to comment on.
Every year I hear this song around Christmas time. My Mother used to be obsessed with this group when she was younger, and every year this is played on the music channels, she sings it. I actually can't believe this was released in 1978, and it's still included on Christmas albums. It's one of the UK's biggest selling Christmas singles, yet it doesn't continue to chart every year like other Christmas songs. Boney M. have donned Eskimo coats in front of a white screen for this festive Christmas music video.
Boney M., for those of you who don't know, were a group formed in Germany consisting of, at the time, Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell. The latter's vocals was rarely used in the groups songs, and instead, producer, Frank Farian's voice was used, with Bobby Farrell lip-syncing in performances. They were an international hit, charting well in Germany, Sweden and the UK. They didn't do too well in the US, but that is one market many fail to break. This song was written by Jester Hairston, Frank Farian, Fred Jay and Lorin. It is a cover version of Harry Belafonte's hit song "Mary's Boy Child", only with a new melody, hence the mashup with Oh My Lord, which was a song written for Boney M. It hit number one in the UK, and stayed there for four weeks.
The music video isn't all that interesting, and the simple lyrics makes it obvious as to why it charted so high in that year.
The video is a pure performance piece, but if all they are going to do is sway from side to side, who would want to see them live?
It is a ballad type of song, and by the looks of things they didn't have much time to create this music video. On the other hand, there is nothing to this video, I feel that this could be easy to replicate and none of the singers perform as if the song means anything to them. They look like carol singers, or people performing at a karaoke competition. Their vocals are good, but this video doesn't do the song any justice.
Overall I feel nothing for this music video, there's just nothing to it. As for the song, it's simple, but catchy, and their harmonies are perfect. It's not surprising that they became an international hit.
Okay, so I've recently reviewed Fifth Harmony's version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" this week for my Christmas Special 2015; which is also a cover version of the original also titled "All I Want For Christmas Is You", by Mariah Carey. However this sounds so different that it's possible people won't recognise it for the same song. This one is inspired by Michael Buble's version of the song, which does not have a music video. This has only recently been released, and it took a total of five days, the first of which Steve Grand had some sort of brainwave and decided to just make it happen, out of the blue. An extremely sad narrative with a perfect performance piece, Steve Grand has captured the hearts of the LGBT+ community once again as well as many straight people in the world too, many tears have shred thanks to this video.
Steve Grand is one of my favourite gay singers, there isn't that many of them out in the world, and it's refreshing to see gay music videos doing well. Steve Grand may not be some sort of superstar, yet, but the way he's going recently, he is definitely proving himself as a successful artist. I am hoping that a second album is around the corner, and if it's via Kickstarter once again, I shall back him all the way. With Troye Sivan just hitting out in the music world, it's interesting to see how many more will follow in these two footsteps and make an impact on the charts across the world. The song is available to download on Steve Grand's bandcamp here, I don't know how long it will be available to download, so buy it while you still can.
John Levin directed this sweet loving music video. It's cute, it's refreshing, and a totally different interpretation to this fun-loving song as we know it.
Steve Grand's on screen boyfriend is played by Trevor LaPaglia. They make a perfect couple, and they are clearly on a mountain holiday of some sort, according to the start of the video.
The music video continues with cute little Christmas traditions, such as kissing under mistletoe, decorating the Christmas tree, spending time in bed, cuddling, putting the star on the tree, and Steve Grand's music in the background... Wait! That's not a Christmas tradition? Oh... Okay then... We'll make it a Christmas tradition.
The ending nearly made me cry. I didn't understand it at first, I was so shocked, I had to just watch it all over again. It's so sad, why does Steve Grand do this to us? First it was "All American Boy", then he made us sad in "Time", now it's this Christmas song. Can we have another fun music video like "Stay", please Steve Grand, we all need to know it's not all heartbreak in the gay world.
Overall, this is more than perfect, and I just cannot comment on this any more. Although the ending isn't as bad as we all think. That is one less person I have to battle it out with to capture Steve Grand's heart.
Nice job guys, shot in just one day, and released in five, the first day being the day the idea came into Steve Grand's head. I cannot fault this video one bit, well apart from that white onesie; just no.
