Today, I let my iTunes choose a song, and as I played my music on shuffle, this one came on and I knew I had to review it's accompanying music video. It's a highly emotive song and effortlessly sung by the vocalist. It translated perfectly into a music video and definitely helps to inspire people globally. Released as a tribute to Paul Bäumer, one-half of Bingo Players, who died of cancer the year earlier; "Knock You Out" sees a girl train herself up to be stronger in the gym after she's had enough of her boyfriend beating her up.
Bingo Players is a one-man project consisting of DJ, Maarten Hoogstraten. Originally, a duo, Paul Bäumer died of cancer. The project continues because that was the latter's wishes. Unfortunately, this single didn't do quite as well as "Get Up (Rattle)" did, which was their last single as a duo. Even though this was released as a tribute to Paul Bäumer and even though this song is so catchy and emotive, it didn't get the recognition it definitely deserved. The vocalist on the song is Kim Viera; hailing from New York, she's building her own career. After singing a few cover songs, she has gone on to release them. The song was written by Maarten Hoogstraten, Magnus Beite, Mikkel Eriksen, Paul Bäumer, Sia Furler, and Tor Hermansen.
This narrative based music video shows a woman in an abusive relationship, attempting to make herself stronger so that she can leave him.
Relating to the song perfectly, it exactly translates the "My fight is won. Who needs a gun." lyrics, which is totally suggestive of where she is now compared to where she was back then.
Clips switch between the past and the present. In the past, we see her relationship turn abusive, where she gets knocked about. In the present, we watch her toughening up in the gym, as she learns how to fight and defend herself.
At the end, we see her meet up with a new guy, someone who takes her bag from her and clearly cares for her. We watch as they walk past her abusive ex-boyfriend. Her smirk suggests her confidence and proves that she knows he's missing out on her gorgeous self.
Full of uplifting confidence that will surely inspire many people in the world, both men and women. It really goes to show how a music video can make an inspirational impact on people globally. Might've been nice to see a performance piece cut between the scenes, but not at the loss of any of the visuals.
Since it's a week until I see Inna for the first time, I thought I'll review one of my favourite songs from her. I remember when this was released, and I loved the song so much. Not so keen on the sexualised music video, which we'll get to later, but the song is most definitely fire. Inna collaborated with Marian Hill for this catchy club song, with a fiery sexualised performance based music video.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has had a long-lasting and worthy career to date, and it isn't stopping anytime soon. She may have disappeared from certain lights in certain countries, especially the UK, but that doesn't mean she isn't doing well for herself. She has a new album coming out, and I'm hoping she drops her new single before I set off to Ireland to see her on the 3 December 2016. This song features Marian Hill, a songwriting duo consisting of Jeremy Lloyd and Samantha Gongol. Upon release, they didn't help Inna promote the song; however, it wasn't an official collaboration, they just received featured credit because the song samples their song "Got It". The song was written by Ilsey Juber, Marcel Botezan, Radu Bolfea, and Sebastian Barac.
The video was directed by Michael Mircea, with intricate editing techniques which makes it quite artistic.
Inna performs with her usual vibes, she's definitely into the song and she works the camera. Her dancer, however, fails to give anything more to the music video. He feels more like a filler than anything else.
A few different outfits that certainly shows Inna's body. Yet the thing that steals the entire video is definitely the snake visual. A snake is tantalisingly dangerous, slithering over Inna.
The effects are intricate and artistic, from fire to smoke, from mirrored reflections to water illusions. This video attempted to make it more interesting, and yet fails to capture some of the audience. Considering Inna totally upped her game with her next music video: "Bop Bop", which is total fire; this one totally falls flat.
I have literally been waiting for this day to come, ever since Jordan Gray announced her debut single, and then later followed it up with a music video. I have refrained from reviewing it on my blog until today because I wanted it to be my New Release this week, and here it is. Jordan Gray looks amazing during a cis male-trans female love scene with Mickey Taylor; whilst performing "Platinum" in scenes including Billie Gold and Isabella Bliss.
Jordan Gray is known for being a contestant on the fifth series of The Voice UK. She made a name for herself as being the first trans to appear on The Voice in any series across the world. Unfortunately, none of the coaches turned for her, but one of Paloma Faith's acts dropped out and she had the ability to bring someone who didn't get any turns, she chose Jordan Gray. It didn't stop there, though, Jordan Gray progressed all the way to the semi-finals. This is her debut single and she is hoping for a good chart placement. It isn't doing so well, so help her out and buy "Platinum" on iTunes.
The music video is directed by Jak Kav. It features a short narrative with various performance pieces, which really showcases Jordan Gray as an artist.
The opening scene starts the narrative as we watch Jordan Gray in a love scene with male actor Mickey Taylor, who is obviously her love interest. It is the first time there has been a cis male-trans female love scene in a mainstream music video. They are tantalisingly sexy on the bed.
There are various short snippets of performance pieces, from Jordan Gray at the piano, as well as performing on a stage surrounded by blue lighting.
Later Isabella Bliss and Billie Gold sex up the video even more in a burlesque scene, which later transitions into a black and white car scene where Jordan Gray is in the front singing the song whilst Billie Gold and Isabella Bliss are passengers in the back.
If anything, this music video is extremely thought out, definitely showcasing Jordan Gray as an artist, all the while relating to the song in every way. This music video is confident, strong, and one that will be embedded in your mind so that you have to watch it again. Fierce and sexy, with an infectious voice, Jordan Gray is on her way to superstardom.
Before today, I haven't heard this song, let alone seen the music video, but since it's Thursday Revisit, I thought I'll choose Aly & AJ because it's unlikely they'll feature on my blog again, for a while at least. This is their debut single, that did all right. They were Disney stars, and I remember thinking they reminded me of Mary-Kate & Ashley, although Aly & AJ aren't twins. In this music video for "Rush", we watch Aly & AJ being gypsy-like, busking to earn money and then spending it on recording material for the song.
Aly & AJ are sister duo consisting of Alyson Michalka and Amanda Joy Michalka, they changed their name to 78violet for all of an unreleased album, before changing it back. Their biggest hit to date is "Potential Breakup Song" which became an international success. They have acted in a number of films and TV Series, mainly separately, although they have been in a few together. Their debut song hit the US Billboard Chart at number 59. It was written by Alyson Michalka, Amanda Michalka, and Carlos Tornes.
This music video is directed by Marc Webb. There is another music video out there, released by Disney, which features the sisters on stage whilst there are scenes of "Twitches" intercut throughout. I am reviewing Marc Webb's music video because it feels much more official.
We watch the girls in various scenes. Most notably Jackass Ginger, which is a local popular swimming spot near Pali Lookout, Oahu, Hawaii.
The scenes show the girls having fun with their friends, doing what they want and having a good time. To gain money, they busk, which clearly brings in a lot of money as we watch them go and buy recording equipment.
It's a simple music video, but it captures the essence of the song, and it really is quite visually interesting. On the second watch, you see things you may have missed the first time, which definitely makes this something special. Aly & AJ are currently working on a new album, so I look forward to that being released.
This is the emotional song that should've done much better in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. Romania entered Voltaj and scored 35 points placing them 15th, which isn't such a bad placement. The song is so emotional, and Voltaj easily displays the love lost of the song in the music video and studio recording, however, on the night, it just didn't go so well, and they didn't display the emotion quite the way we expected. This led to the not so great score. Voltaj's "De la capăt" is about people going to earn a living in a different country and leaving their children behind; in the video we watch a child missing his family.
Voltaj, are a five piece Romanian pop rock group consisting of Călin Goia, Gabriel "Porcus" Constantin, Adrian M. Christescu, Valeriu "Prunus" Ionescu, and Oliver Sterian. They have released many singles and albums, and have been going for many of years. They won best Romanian Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2005. Since this release, they went on to release an album. This song is full of emotion, although I totally agree that it's much better sung in Romanian. For some reason, Voltaj loses the emotion slightly when they change to the English version of the song towards the end. The song was written by Gabriel Constantin, Călin Gavril Goia, Adrian Christescu, Victor-Răzvan Alstani, Silviu-Marian Păduraru, Monica Stevens, and Andrei Leonte.
This music video totally relates to the song, and has a brilliant narrative backed up by a typical performance piece. The visual is so stunning.
The narrative is intense. You watch a lonely boy missing his parents as he goes through his life. He gets a parcel from his mother, who then he writes to before he goes and explores, possibly going on an adventure to which is a part of his memories from the time he spent with his family, that's my theory anyway.
The mother is currently living in Austria, clearly earning money to give her child a much better chance at life, who she's left behind in Romania. Unfortunately, the letter is sent back to him, which makes him pack his stuff up and take a boat trip out over the water. We presume he's trying to get to Austria, although that is a long way to go by boat.
The performance piece isn't anything new, it's a typical band performance. However, I love that there are some scenic scenes such as when they're on the cliff, as well as on the boat in the open water.
Overall, the music video is completely emotional. It has everything, from a narrative that is so sweet and that many children and adults will identify with in Romania, as well as other countries; to a performance piece that may be typical, but is scenic. The boy is so adorably cute, that it was great to choose him for the role. It's such a shame this song didn't do better at Eurovision 2015, but it all depends on the night and for some reason, the emotion didn't come across as well as previous performances.
After seeing "The Edge of Seventeen" today, I had to review this music video, where the title character is collaborating with one of my favourite new bands! The film is highly relatable and is definitely a must-see film! This song doesn't really relate to DNCE, who have just released their very unique debut album, hence why they merely only featured on the song. Hailee Steinfeld and her love interest go to a DNCE concert, where Joe Jonas passes her a mic to sing the song with them, whilst jealousy seeps out of the boyfriend in the music video to "Rock Bottom".
Hailee Steinfeld was the main character, Nadine, in the new film that hits UK cinemas next week called "The Edge of Seventeen". Check out the review I wrote for CelebMix. She's played various roles in films and TV shows, and has proven a few times that she's quite the triple threat; she can dance, sing, and act. This song is much sweeter than her most recently released "Starving", and it's quite surprising to see this wasn't an international hit because it's definitely catchy even if it is only mediocre. DNCE are a four-piece band consisting of Joe Jonas, Jack Lawless, JinJoo Lee, and Cole Whittle. Their music is like nothing you've heard yet, their album is phenomenal and you should totally check it out and my review for Outlet Magazine. This song doesn't really go with the songs DNCE have released. "Rock Bottom" was written by Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Julia Michaels, and Justin Tranter.
Directed by Malia James, the music video is a memory-narrative music video, with a performance piece segment halfway through. Hailee Steinfeld's love interest / boyfriend is played by model and actor John Economou.
The opening scene sees Hailee Steinfeld in the back of a taxi, singing away to the song, as memories of her time with John Economou unravel in a series of events, from loving and passionate scenes to fights and argumentative scenes. It all leads up to a concert event where they attend a DNCE concert together. This is where she takes to the stage to perform the song with DNCE.
Now this performance piece is full of emotions, she has really identified with this song and her chemistry with Joe Jonas is infectious. She is loving every minute of being on that stage. However, there's a continuity edit that does my head in, her furry red coat starts off relaxed around her arms, revealing her back. However, in some scenes, she has the coat half-on-half-off and, in others, she's wearing it over her shoulders. It's so distracting.
Her love interest ran out the door whilst she was performing with DNCE, he clearly couldn't put up with her making eyes at Joe Jonas; I totally don't blame her, though. She steps off stage to go and find him, which is why she ended up in the taxi in the first place. The ending sees them kissing in the rain in a sweet and romantic scene.
Overall, it's a great complete music video. Every aspect and scene has been completely thought out and works in a loving circle visual. However, that continuity error bugs me nonstop. A great music video that relates to the song perfectly!
It's Monday, and Clean Bandit is still at the top with "Rockabye" featuring Sean Paul and Anne-Marie. So that opens the top ten to my Chart Mondays review. There are two reasons I've picked this music video: one, this song is set to drop out of the UK top ten next week, especially since it's been dropping week-on-week and it's currently sitting at number 10; but, also, two, I'm going to see "The Edge of Seventeen" tomorrow, as I won two free tickets to the film, which Hailee Steinfeld stars as the lead character. Considering what films I have seen her in, she's going to be perfect in the film, yet it's her music videos and songs that really impact me as they are so different from her characters. Sexy, confident and full of fire, Hailee Steinfeld dances away whilst eyeing a guy in this music video for "Starving" which is in collaboration with Grey and Zedd.
Hailee Steinfeld is a singer and actress, who is totally proving that you can do both and make it big. Her film roles have been completely incredible and as she starts on her musical career she is releasing solid songs everyone is loving. She's practically the next Hilary Duff, for sure, and yet encroaching on the brilliance of Jennifer Lopez. In the next decade or so, Hailee Steinfeld will be one of the greats, she's already halfway there and it's not going to stop now. This song is a collaboration with Grey. They are an American electronic brother duo consisting of Kyle Trewartha and Michael Trewartha. They have remixed some pretty well-known tracks, and has released two collaborative tracks, including this one, the other being "Adrenaline". Zedd features on this track, real name Anton Zaslavski. He has worked with Grey on both of the aforementioned tracks. He is definitely one of the biggest DJs in the whole world, and I am a fan. This song was written by Michael Trewartha, Kyle Trewartha, Robert McCurdy, Christopher Petrosino, and Asia Whiteacre.
Darren Craig is the director of this mainly performance-based music video, which envelopes a slight narrative. Grey make a cameo appearance in the music video, although no sign of Zedd. Hailee Steinfeld is a vision.
There are a few scenes to point out. The opening scene is emotional, really impacting the audience making them think she's serenading us. Then a shirtless dancer comes in the choreography scene, he's obviously the love interest. The scene is fire, with Hailee Steinfeld completely showing she can dance as well as sing and act; totally a triple threat!
Then there's the fading into the wallpaper scene, where her outfit matches the wall behind her, this totally messes with my head, and I find it difficult to focus. Luckily, I'm not the only one, though. It's a slight insight into the sort of characters I've seen her play in the films I've seen, although the outfit in question totally pushes that idea out the way because that outfit is sexy, sultry and completely works for her.
The video's great, although a more-developed narrative would've made this brilliant. There are a few undeveloped scenes, that I wish I could see more of; the ending scene, in particular, is gorgeous but not long enough. There's not a lot else I can say, but it's one of the good performance-based music videos I've seen!
My iTunes played one of their songs today, and it totally reminded me of the days this song was popular on the music channels. It's such a shame they never became a big success, but they've stuck with it and has a new album on its way, so hopefully they have a hit single from that. This song is their biggest hit to date, but it's one most people have forgotten about for now. Yet, it's bound to do well if the girls returned with another hit song. The performance-based video shows sisters Aly & AJ recording and posing for the camera. Pure fun from start to finish.
Aly & AJ, full names Alyson "Aly" Michalka and Amanda Joy "AJ" Michalka, are sisters and were formerly known as 78violet for all of an unreleased full album before they reverted back to Aly & AJ. You may have seen them separately and together in various films and TV series. They were Disney stars, yet I never identified them as part of the group that was about during that time. Now they're no longer a part of Hollywood records, and as I previously mentioned, they have a new album coming out. This song is their biggest hit so far, having managed to hit number 22 on the UK chart. The song was written by Alyson Michalka, Amanda Michalka, Antonina Armato, and Tim James.
The music video was directed by Chris Applebaum. There is not much to this music video, and it is a pure performance piece that the girls manage to rock perfectly, and yet it's not so relatable to the song.
They reminded me of Mary-Kate and Ashley when they first came out, but I think that just came from the fact that they were sisters (not twins) with blonde hair. The connections children make.
There is a few different scenes, one where they're recording the song, another in a yellow-pink filtered room, and then there's the performance with the guitar. The latter scene allows them to go on full-on rock mode, wishing they will collaborate with Orianthi one day, wishes and hopes.
Literally, with nothing more for me to comment on, leaves a lot to the imagination. The song is about break-ups and the girls sing with passion. Their love for each other as sisters is obvious, and it's so heartwarming to see how much they get along. I can't wait to hear new music from this duo.
Everyone is talking about this music video, it definitely packs a punch. The Veronicas have been on point recently with new music, and although they haven't had much chart success in recent years, they've managed to strum up attention, and this music video has certainly done that. Watch Ruby Rose and Jessica Origliasso go through the ups and downs of being in a lesbian relationship. "On Your Side" displays a passionate relationship, totally relatable to the LGBT+ community.
The Veronicas are a sister duo consisting of Jessica Origliasso and Lisa Origliasso. They made a name for themselves when they released "4ever" which was then topped when "Untouched" was released. Internation success has been difficult for them, but they prove time and time again that acts can regain global fame, just like they did with "You Ruin Me". Now this song is set to do the exact same once again because of this incredible music video. This song was written by Lisa Origliasso, Jessica Origliasso, Wayne Hector, and Jim Eliot.
Directed by Ruby Rose, real name Ruby Rose Langenheim; this music video is completely outstanding. Relating perfectly with the lyrics, Ruby Rose stars as Jessica Origliasso's love interest. Totally enveloping themselves within this relatioship, which is completely true and real since they are girlfriend and girlfriend in real life, they easily display affection and emotion on camera.
Tackling hard issues from the abuse LGBT+ community receives to drug abuse; it's incredible that they've managed to include eveything in this single four minute music video. How is it possible?
We've all been in a romantic relationship like this, a whirlwind romance that feels so real. Mine has never built into anything more than what it was, whereas the visual suggests there is love for everyone out there and there is always one person on your side even if you don't see it at the time.
Completely narrative throughout, we watch the meeting of Ruby Rose and Jessica Origliasso. We watch as it develops into a loving relationship. I need a guy who will drop a massive teddy on my doorstep!
Typical relationship events enfold including the meeting of Jessica Origliasso's sister, Lisa. So she does appear in a cut-scene. Which then leads onto the all important bar scene, where a guy cracks onto Jessica. Ruby Rose is not too happy about this and turns it into a fight, which doesn't go her way. It does mean Jessica Origliasso gets to care for Ruby Rose in bed. But this is where another important scene takes place.
Ruby Rose doesn't want to take the pain killers that her girlfriend offers, but she gives in what with the pain being unbearable. On first take, you would think nothing of it, yet as the scenes unfold, with Ruby Rose unable to stop taking the medication even after she's completely healed; suggests addiction, and it might be something that happened in her past too.
As expected Ruby Rose hides it from Jessica Origliasso, but she ends up finding out in the end, which leaves her walking out the door. But when she returns, she still cares for her and finds Ruby Rose on the floor after taking an overdose.
No matter how hard life gets, there is always someone on your side, even if you think you are all alone. This emotional impact really cuts deep within, no ones truly alone. People care, even if you think they don't. Life is there to be lived, even if you are struggling. Even if you don't feel it inside, you impact somebody each and every day in a good way, whether you mean to or not.
Can I just state, Ruby Rose is gorgeous throughout this, how on earth is she so pretty? I have no answers but she is beauty personified. Jessica Origliasso is just as stunning, she's a strong powerful woman in this music video as Ruby Rose shows her insecurities. They make a perfect couple, and we can see the realness behind it completely.
This music video is the complete package. It might be a pure narrative, with only one of The Veronicas taking up a prominient role, whereas Lisa Origliasso is, pretty much, unseen, but I can't deny the beauty of this music video. Not only are they tackling LGBT+ issues, but drug addiction plays a prominent role towards the end, all wrapped up in a relatable loving relationship. The Veronicas and Ruby Rose are a force to be reckoned with, and I hope to see more videos directed by Ruby Rose. You hit home, and did it beautifully and perfectly.
After getting up early today to watch this music video, and then write my article for CelebMix about it, I knew I had to review it on my blog too. To me, this music video is one of the best ones from Britney Spears, mainly because of how happy she is, she's giving amazing positive vibes in this video, and it's nice to see her like this. Britney Spears and Tinashe team up for this exciting new music video for "Slumber Party". They dance, party and have fun in a spooky mansion.
Britney Spears returned with a whole new album this year titled "Glory". Personally, it's one of Britney's best albums she has released; literally, I like every single song, which is extremely rare, for me. Now, after the dire "Make Me..." video that was a rushed release after the highly anticipated one got scrapped; she has now totally redeemed herself by releasing one of her best videos yet. Teaming up with Tinashe slightly didn't add much to the song, but the video itself is, even more, fire with them both. Tinashe, full name Tinashe Kachingwe, is one of those singers that dip in and out of the charts and although she hasn't had a global hit, her songs are still known amongst the general public. Sales aren't everything, and nor are charts; Tinashe is definitely proof of that. This was her dream, to collaborate with Britney Spears, and to get to the point in your career where you complete your dream is something to be massively proud of. This song was written by Mattias Larsson, Robin Fredriksson, Julia Michaels, and Justin Tranter.
Directed by grammy-nominated Colin Tilley, it's no surprise how amazing this video is. There's so much to this music video, that I don't even know where to start. Britney Spears' love interest in the music video is actor and model Sam Ashgari.
The opening scene is a car driving through some gates, that had opened mysteriously by themselves. Britney Spears steps out of the back and starts walking up to the mansion; she takes off her red fur coat and leaves it lying on the floor, showing off her sexy red dress.
The party is in full swing much like "If U Seek Amy"'s music video is. Only this time they have bubbles creating a haze like visual. Then she catches the eye of Sam Ashgari, and we don't blame her for checking him out.
Plenty of other scenes follow; a party scene, a luxury sitting room scene, and a killer dance scene that has Britney Spears smashing out the dance sequences like they're nothing. A true professional right there, in total sync with her backing dancers.
Tinashe soon arrives, she magically appears in the sitting room and they both start to caress each other, are they suggesting a threesome to Sam Ashgari? Wouldn't be the first time Britney Spears suggested a threesome, just listen to those lyrics in "3".
Tinashe also gets up onto the dancefloor for a one-on-one with Britney Spears. This was not a surprise, they are flawless throughout, and yet manage to make it look like they came up with the choreography there and then. The dances are easily performed and perfectly relatable to the lyrics almost a direct translation, enough where we know we'll totally be performing them when we're clubbing.
Britney Spears brings milk into the visual once again in an iconic scene. Milk previously appeared in "I Wanna Go", but this time around, it's Britney Spears who is lapping up the milk herself. It has been spilt on the table, probably when she climbed onto the table and sexily crawled her way to Sam Ashgari.
The ending sees the doors close by themselves. Quite the haunting video, it makes me wonder if they had planned for a Halloween release, but pushed it back and made it less haunting. Although why Sam Ashgari has that tattoo on his face is anyone's guess.
Overall, this is definitely one of her best videos. Relatable, fun, a killer dance scene, a brilliant collaboration, a great opening scene, a dining room table crawl scene. What more could we have asked for? Britney Spears' performance is on point throughout, and Tinashe is brilliant as a featured guest star. A little note to the dancer that has Britney Spears' head lying on his body whilst she touches his crotch, I bet not many guys can say that Britney has done that to them. This is the happiest I've seen Britney Spears in a music video for a while! Pure fire!
