Another amazing song that was entered for the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. This is effortlessly beautiful! Sanna Nielsen represented Sweden in the 2014 Eurovision Contest, she came third in the Grand Final with 218 points. Sweden, over the years, has done well in the contest. Their national selection process is one of the best in the world and always enable the best singers and performers to win and represent their country. Sanna Nielsen gives an emotional static performance as glitter spices up the video for "Undo".
Sanna Nielsen is definitely a household name in Sweden, having released a total of eight albums and a few Christmas seasonal music albums. She has competed in many Swedish music contests and has even entered the Melodifestivalen seven times! Who would've thought that she'd go on to win and represent Sweden at Eurovision in 2014. Definitely the comeback queen. She competed in 2001 with "I går, i dag" where she came third; then she came fifth in 2003 with "Hela världen för mig"; in 2005 she came eighth in a collaboration with Fredrik Kempe on song "Du och jag mot världen"; next was "Vågar du, vågar jag" in 2007 where she came seventh; next, in 2008, she came second again with "Empty Room"; she tried again in 2011 with "I'm In Love" where she came fourth; but it was her seventh attempt with "Undo" in 2014 that she finally got her win! It's clear that to achieve your dream you have to keep trying over and over again. She's made a name for herself, she just needs international success, because her voice is perfection! This song was written by Fredrik Kempe, David Kreuger and Hamed "K-One" Pirouzpanah.
Directed by Mats Udd, the video is a pure performance visual, although Sanna Nielsen doesn't move around much, instead staying in one position throughout.
Her facial emotions proves her performance ability. She sings the song from the heart and really means every word. She has totally connected with the song completely.
The dancers are shown in slow motion as they sprinkle glitter dust everywhere. Sometimes the visual is shown backwards so it looks like they're gathering the glitter dust.
As a visual it's captivating, although quite shocking to see the heart of the girl come out and smash on the floor, and then the flowers doing the exact same even though they shouldn't break apart like they've been shown.
The video definitely gives a different perspective, whilst relating well to the song. Sanna Nielsen can definitely perform, and she is clearly meant to be on a stage. Her voice is beautiful from start to finish. The video is intriguing and magical, but on the surface it doesn't keep the audience attentive the way the song does.
Sean Smith is back! This popped up on my iTunes and reminding me to feature it on my blog! He was one-half of duo Same Difference, but now apart, Sean Smith has found a new record label and has released this energising single that does have old Same Difference vibes but with a slightly more mature sound and lyrics. I do miss Same Difference but for now, I can deal with just Sean Smith. It's time to play some strip poker, dance around at Sean's party and have a brilliant time in this "Turn Me On" music video from Sean Smith!
Sean Smith is best known for competing in The X Factor series four with his sister Sarah Smith under the name Same Difference. They finished third and went on to have a few hit singles. They have recorded a total of three albums, but there have been no releases from their third album, unfortunately. The duo disbanded in 2014 but clearly, Sean Smith pursued a solo career. Now he has released his debut single, where the signed copies quickly sold out. The song was written by Christian Ingebrigtsen & Nalle Ahlstedt. The music video's opening sequence shows the aftermath of a party, the S-E-A-N balloons are amazing, I want J-O-N-N-I balloons, but my J-O-N-N-I lights that I got for my birthday from a bestie are much better!
Sidetracked! Anyhow, the video has a full-on performance piece mixed in the slight narrative, as we watch the party unfold, Sean Smith takes centre stage and dances with two backing dancers (sometimes two girls, sometimes two guys and sometimes a mix). They are all in-sync but the choreography is ten years too late. There's no rhythm in the moves and they're quite static, reminding me of Same Differences "Shine On Forever (Photo Frame)" video. This would work if the song was very bubblegum pop but this isn't a Same Difference song, it's a Sean Smith song, and so the dance moves should flow much better than this.
The party is in full swing, though. Strip poker definitely gives us something to watch, and of course, see all the fitness Sean Smith has been up to recently. Not only that but there are half-naked girls having a pillow fight on the bed, as well as the passing of the strawberry. Kudos for having a guy pass the strawberry to another guy rather than it all being guy-girl action.
As a whole, this video is more of a Same Difference visual than the new mature Sean Smith we expected. The song has a much more pop sound to it; very current. But the video fails to replicate that.
Little Mix are at the top of the UK Singles Chart! And it has a music video! YES! So my Chart Mondays review is easy! They were slated for apparently releasing a similar song to G.R.L.'s "Ugly Heart" but as I stated in my review yesterday, these songs are DIFFERENT! Listening to both songs side by side, you can't hear similarities whatsoever. People really need to stop comparing them. Little Mix are pure fire in this music video for "Shout Out To My Ex" completely showing their stage presence, although would've liked a full-on dance scene.
This group won The X Factor series eight. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall.The only group to have won the UK version of The X Factor so far and they are still going completely strong. They now have four UK number ones and this single is the first UK number one single of 2016 with a female lead, which is definitely quite shocking! "Shout Out To My Ex" was written by Edvard Førre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, Camille Purcell, Iain James, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall.
The music video is a full performance piece with very little choreography thrown in. The visuals are hypnotic but once pulled apart you realise there isn't much to this at all. As others have stated, some scenes resemble other music videos, especially One Direction's "Live While We're Young" whilst the car scene reminds me of Booty Luv's "Some Kinda Rush".
They drive past a guy, but don't give him a ride. They are sexy by the pool; they have fun in the car driving past pretty purple trees. The ending scene splits the girls up, having them perform in front of different objects.
Overall the video is all right. It's a fierce song with a fierce performance visual, but there really isn't a lot going on. It feels more like a behind the scenes of a model shoot than an actual "Shout Out To My Ex" music video. Where's the dancing? Where's the energy? Where's the narrative? Where's the story? It's just missing the spark; this isn't the first Little Mix music video that has failed to impress me. However, they make up for it in the brilliantly catchy songs.
Since everyone is currently comparing this to Little Mix's "Shout Out To My Ex", I thought I'd review this one today. I'd like to state that, personally, THESE SONGS ARE NOT THE SAME! Like Little Mix has said, it's hard to release a song that doesn't sound similar to another song, and people will always be comparing two songs and saying they're the same when they're not. This is just another case! I just feel these are two different songs that aren't remotely similar. G.R.L. gets arrested at a tattoo shop, then taken to the police station. They do a line-up and we see what they've done that's put them here in this "Ugly Heart" music video.
G.R.L. were previously a five-piece girl group tipped to be the next Pussycat Dolls. They consisted of Lauren Bennett, Simone Battle, Emmalyn Estrada, Paula van Oppen and Natasha Slayton. Sadly, Simone Battle passed away and the girl group released "Lighthouse" in honour of her. The group later disbanded but have recently reformed as a three piece with Lauren Bennett, Natasha Slayton and new member Jazzy Mejia. Their first single failed to get any traction; they have a lot of promotion to do if they want to make it big once again. This song was written by Ryan Baharloo, Ester Dean, Lukasz Gottwald, John Charles Monds and Henry Walter. It is their biggest hit to date.
Directed by Chris Marrs Piliero, the video is mainly narrative with a cracking performance piece set inside, these girls can dance!
The girls are arrested in a tattoo shop, so it makes you wonder what they have been doing. We watch them in the back of a police car, in the police station, in a holding room and then finally in a line-up, where we find out what they've done to get them in this situation.
Throughout, the girls have so much energy, they nail the choreography as well as staying in-sync throughout. Sometimes the dancing is slightly off time-wise, but each and every one of them exudes confidence and that's why they pull it off effortlessly.
They climb on tables, they struggle with the police officers and they dance well in the line-up scene, but the best part is definitely the ending when Simone Battle says: "Now your face is like your heart. Ugly."
Overall this video is perfect from start to finish, there's nothing more they could have added to it to make it better. It has a great narrative with a perfect performance piece combined. This is one video I could watch again and again. Also, it's such a loss to know that Simone Battle is no longer with us.
The Pretty Reckless released their new album titled "Who You Selling For" this week, and this is the official first single from the album. After reviewing the album on CelebMix, I thought I might as well continue reviewing one of my favourite bands, amongst many! The Pretty Reckless give a perfect performance in this music video for "Take Me Down", filmed in black and white with a red filter which sets the mood well.
They are a four-piece rock band consisting of Taylor Momsen, Ben Phillips, Mark Damon and Jamie Perkins. The band have been popular here in the UK ever since their first album! They've always done well and some of their best songs were their first singles. However, like all bands, they have developed. Personally, their new album is their best one to date, although if "Wild City" doesn't become a single and get a music video, I'll be very disappointed! This song was written by Taylor Momsen & Ben Phillips.
Directed by Meiert Avis, this pure performance music video has so many energetic vibes, you can tell this band was meant to perform on a stage!
It may be in black and white, but I love the use of the red filter. It prevents the video from being boring, and instead lightens it up and makes it much more interesting.
This video really shows what The Pretty Reckless are like on stage. I love the use of backing singers, and the entire band manages to draw the audience into this video, However, the song would be perfect for some sort of narrative. It's consistent energy but the video doesn't go anywhere.
Nytrix is new this week! Unfortunately, Dami Im hasn't released a music video for her awesome new song, "Fighting For Love", yet. So instead I've chosen this one. Possibly Halloween inspired, perhaps slightly too early. The song is catchy though and it's undeniable that this video is hot! Nytrix entertains as a DJ, whilst Neon Hitch is in a bird cage, distracting everyone, as they steal a fortune in this video for "When Will I See You Again?".
Nytrix is a new DJ who is doing the rounds and is certainly catching some attention. His good looks and fire tracks are propelling him into the music industry. Having remixed a few tracks, he has gone on to release a few singles and remix EPs. He's definitely one of the newcomers to watch. Teaming up with Neon Hitch has definitely given him more exposure. Neon Hitch is her actual name, for those of you who didn't know. She was originally a part of the Archaos circus. She has released a few singles that charted around the world as well as a few EPs, and earlier this year she released her debut album. She is mostly known for featuring on Gym Class Heroes' single "Ass Back Home". This song is definitely a grower, and I could see it becoming a favourite of mine the more I hear it.
The video was directed by Nytrix. The two artists are totally sexed up, obviously Neon Hitch more than Nytrix. Sex totally sells! Just be careful if you ever are near them because they have a habit of stealing everything expensive including watches, rings, bracelets, bags and money. Don't wear anything valuable.
Neon Hitch is centre stage throughout, distracting the viewers whilst her dancers nab anything they can. She dances in a bird cage, I don't know what it is about bird cages but they pop up everywhere.
Throughout Nytrix is stylishly sexy behind the DJ decks, and during a card game. He dons a top hat in the bus scene, totally reminding me of Penguin from Gotham. He can be my DJ at any party!
The dancers are on point every step of the way. Perfect choreography throughout that totally glams the whole thing up. Neon Hitch fails to stun us completely; however, I'm sure straight guys will totally disagree with me. She works it during the bus scene, but she actually comes into her own when she steals the bag off that woman's shoulder and the money on the table.
Overall it's an early Halloween haunting music video, that is totally sexed up; one that may leave you clinging to your jewels; crowns and all. Not quite so relatable to the song which is about love and the feelings that go with it, pining to see that special person again. Yet, with a banger of a tune and a sexy spooky video, does it really matter?
Inna graces my blog once again, purely because it was her birthday last Sunday and I thought I'd continue the celebrations on my blog. Not only that but I am seeing her in Dublin, Ireland on 3rd December, which I'm totally excited for. Revisit Thursdays are for videos that are five years and older, this is the only one of Inna's music video that meets that rule and hasn't been reviewed by me yet. I have not reviewed it before because I really don't like the music video, and feel it's more Bob Taylor's video, to be fair it is more his song than Inna's; however, in the UK it was promoted as an Inna song. Inna poses for a photo shoot on a boat, as the main music video for Bob Taylor's "Deja Vu" kicks off with flirtatious dancing and sexual intent.
Inna, real name Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu, turned 30 years old last Sunday. She is gearing up to release her fifth studio album. She made her name internationally with her debut single and its follow-ups. We are expecting a tropical exotic sound from her new album, but she's currently in America, which may influence new material for the album. This could be her best album to date. Featured on the track is Bob Taylor. It is originally his track but was promoted in the UK as him being the featured artist. He is a Romanian DJ who has had mild success. His real name is Bogdan Croitoru, and previously released music under Daddy Fizz. The song was written by Sebastian Barac, Radu Bolfea and Marcel Botezan. These three make up producing trio Play & Win.
The music video was originally filmed without Inna in it at all. This resulted in having to add a recorded clip of Inna segmented into the video purely because it was being marketed as an Inna song. Bob Taylor definitely takes centre stage throughout as he hosts this club party.
Inna's part is very minor. It was filmed at Nessebar, a resort on the black sea coast of Bulgaria. She adorns swimsuits as she poses for the camera on a yacht. There's very little performance presence from her because of the photo shoot, therefore not quite connecting with the audience.
The party, however, is in full swing. The dancers are in-sync and pulling out the choreography like it is nothing. On the other hand, the choreography isn't all that complex. There is much more emphasis on being sexy in the club. Sex definitely sells, but this video just doesn't cut it.
There seems to be a slight narrative but it is rarely brought to the forefront, due to the little amount of time, especially with the added cuts of Inna. Bob Taylor is DJing at the club, but it's nothing spectacular. The entire video feels like a shambles. It just doesn't work.
No one can deny the beauty of this song. His vocals are perfection throughout. Now he's the frontman of Kállay Saunders Band, bringing something completely new to the music industry table. He represented Hungary in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 and came fifth overall with 143 points. This year was one of the toughest since there were quite a few amazing songs entered. András Kállay-Saunders brings an emotional performance piece as we watch a narrative showing the life of abusive parents. This music video for "Running" is a stunning portrayal of the lyrics.
András Kállay-Saunders was born in New York City, United States. He is half American and half Hungarian. He spent time in Hungary in 2010 and saw a television commercial for Megasztár. He applied and came fourth in the fifth series. He went on to release some singles and started recording an album. He's album wasn't released and instead, he took part in and won A Dal 2014, the Hungary national selection for Eurovision 2014. Since then he created his band Kállay Saunders Band, who released a debut album. They took part in A Dal 2016 but came fourth, and therefore didn't represent Hungary in the Eurovision 2016. They have recently released new single "#GRIND" which I reviewed for CelebMix. This song was written by András Kállay-Saunders and István Tabár.
The music video is on point throughout. There's a performance piece and a narrative piece, both are flawless from start to finish. There is also a dance choreography scene which is developed into the narrative.
The performance side of things is so full of emotion, it's clear András Kállay-Saunders cares a lot about this song. The song was inspired by one of his friends who was an abuse victim. He feels every single word deep inside, whilst unleashing it for us all to see.
As for the narrative, we follow a group of kids walking through a forest. Focus is on a young girl who watches her parents have an argument that escalates to her father coming upstairs into her room and beating her. We watch as she struggles with her life and ends up running away and being with a group of kids in the forest.
The dance scene is intercut beautifully. We watch the contemporary dance which is inspired by being abused. It totally sets the piece apart, although the full scene isn't shown because there is so much in this music video as a whole. As the dancer is unmasked, we see she is bruised, another victim of abuse.
There's strength in unity and that is what this video shows. It definitely brings awareness to this issue and the fact that he brought it to the Eurovision stage is just something magical. I'm excited to see where his career will take him, no doubt Kállay Saunders Band will knock it out of the park in the next few years.
With her new album dropping very soon, I thought this would be the perfect music video to review today, especially since I haven't seen it yet. The single didn't chart as well as everyone thought it would, but there's still time for it to climb when the album is released. I'm a little worried it will climb really high and affect my choices for Chart Mondays in the coming weeks, but I can worry about that at a later date! Lady Gaga sings about the "Perfect Illusion" in a party infused video, she's sexed up and ready as flashing lights distort the video. Lady Gaga is the illusionist we want to see.
Lady Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, is one of the biggest female singers globally. Batting out hit after hit after hit, she is the one to watch. This is the first single from her fifth studio album titled "Joanne". It is a pure power song that leaves you wanting more. It unfortunately doesn't go anywhere because Lady Gaga brings it hard from start to finish. It was written by Lady Gaga, Kevin Parker, Mark Ronson and Michael Tucker.
The video directed by Ruth Hogben and Andrea Gelardin. There are a few cameos in the video from Mark Ronson, Kevin Parker and Michael Tucker. It was filmed in Los Angeles and the directors also shot the single cover artwork.
There's not a lot going on in the video. Lady Gaga performs like no one is watching, she brings so much fire to the stage it's how you would imagine her being at a gig. She's completely energetic on stage, and the crowd is clearly loving her from start to finish.
We watch her get out of a car and kick the sandy ground as she keeps singing. There is also another similar scene where she is wearing different clothes and is surrounded by a band and the crowd. She gets hands-on with her band.
The lights are a complete distraction, at times they flash way too much for even me to deal with. It definitely distorts the video completely. Lady Gaga also swings the microphone, it's so addicting to swing something with rope, she's probably done it plenty of times and she pulls it off like it's nothing.
Lady Gaga has so much confidence and presence when performing, she is the perfect illusion in our dreams. Quite a different video from her, a pure performance piece with brilliant stage vibes. Bring on her album!
It's Monday, so it's Chart Mondays again! James Arthur is reigning supreme at number one on the UK Singles Chart with "Say You Won't Let Go", which opens the top 10 for my review. Luckily, Bruno Mars has jumped to number nine so I have a music video to review. Bruno Mars acts full of confidence, strutting around with his dancers in "24K Magic" music video. Classy, fun and slightly arrogant, what happened to Bruno Mars?
Bruno Mars, real name Peter Hernandez, is definitely one of the biggest male artists around at the moment. His lengthy career has really proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. He has so many hit songs behind his name, he literally has earned his spot internationally. This song is pronounced twenty-four karat magic. The song is retro, definitely bringing the incredible disco of the 80's and turning it into a 21st century song. No one can do such a thing apart from Bruno Mars, and he definitely pulls it off in the song. Perhaps not the video though. The song was written by Bruno Mars, Christopher Brody Brown and Philip Lawrence.
Directed by Bruno Mars and Cameron Duddy, it was filmed in Las Vegas at The Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Scenes includes a Bruno Mars party as well as him riding in a black Cadillac Allanté. Whilst Bruno Mars rides on a jet ski, Britney Spears' billboard advertisement for her Las Vegas show can be seen in the background.
The entire thing is over-the-top, this is not the way we picture Bruno Mars. It's a total step in the wrong direction from "Uptown Funk", it's like an extremely arrogant sequel to that music video.
The dancing is definitely disco 80's. But, unlike the song, there is no 21st century spin on the choreography, instead it looks out of place, as if we have gone back in time. However, it is in time to to the music and everyone is in-sync.
The party is definitely hitting it off, but Bruno Mars just doesn't look like he belongs. Personally, I think it's what he is wearing, especially when everyone else fits in. He stands out like a sore thumb, definitely not in a good way. He seems extremely cocky and the video just doesn't work.
Overall, the video is relatable, it's just not something we expect from Bruno Mars. The song is upbeat with party vibes, but the choreography doesn't work and Bruno Mars just looks too arrogant for the video.
