I had very little choice today for my New Release music video review. I narrowed it down to a couple of music videos, but chose this one as it has been officially released as a single and not an instant grat single; although, it has been released as two different versions, an acoustic and a piano version, so not the original, but it's the best I could do. On first watch of this music video, I totally didn't get what was going on, and honestly, I still don't. Watch Shinedown perform their new single "How Did You Love" in this extremely weird and normality-flipped music video, that is completely difficult to even understand.
Shinedown are a four-piece American rock band consisting of Brent Smith, Barry Kerch, Zach Myers, and Eric Bass. They are one of those bands everyone has heard of here and there but haven't really established themselves a global hit. Their most popular song is "Second Chance", which charted amazingly in the US, but did mediocre in other countries. This song is a catchy rock song that you can't help but like after the first listen. It was written by Dave Bassett, Eric Bass, Pete Nappi, and Scott Stevens.
The music video incorporates scenes from the N.D. Wilson-directed film titled "The Hound Of Heaven", pretty much turning this music video into a soundtrack music video.
The film itself was shown at the Raindance festival and is available to download online. According to the website, the film is about: "A girl believes that she is fleeing death, when she is actually running away from her only chance at life. Set to a surreal, nightmarish poem written in the nineteenth century by a homeless addict in London."
The main performance piece of this music video easily transitions with the film scenes that are included. Intricate and full of energy, Shinedown watches the film as they perform in a conceptual split and warped way.
The film scenes used easily spins this music video into an interesting visual. As a whole, it's not something I would enjoy watching more than I have. It messed with my head although, I did find it engaging nonetheless. The song is a killer track and one I could totally imagine listening to again and again. This song deserves to be heard more.
Slightly cheating with this. The song was released in 2012 and so fits my Thursday Revisit review, however, the video was apparently released in 2016, so in theory, I am totally cheating as the visual isn't five years old. However, out of all the artists I've reviewed this week, Rykka is the only one who has released songs five years ago or more. Therefore, I won't tell if you don't. Now this music video contains flashing images, enough that it makes my own eyes go funny. Watch Rykka perform in a fitness music video for her catchy song "Map Inside", with surprising flashing images throughout.
Rykka, real name Christina Rieder, first came to my attention when she sang "The Last Of Our Kind" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. She was representing Switzerland and unfortunately didn't make the Grand Final, yet she still managed to make an impression on me. She has gone on to release some awesome tracks and her back catalogue is one you need to look into. This song is a testament of that, it's catchy melody perfectly fits with the infectious lyrics that is full of meaning. Unfortunately, this was never officially released in the UK, and so I'm not able to buy it on iTunes, so it looks like I'm stuck to listening to it on YouTube.
The music video is a fitness music video that sees Rykka performing exercise moves with backing dancers in lycra. Everything's so neon and blazing bright compared to the white background.
The opening scene sees a hand with neon yellow nails turn on a bright pink boombox which is on ladders to the left of the set. This is then followed up by Rykka and two backing dancers preparing themselves for their fitness video.
The shocking part of the video is when the flashing images come into play during the chorus. I dare you to try and not look away; it's near to impossible.
There's not much else to comment on, apart from the moves are basic and easy to follow along to, if you so wish. Also, two new backing dancers appear from nowhere and join this fitness video. Neon lycra is everywhere, which is nothing new, but totally makes this feel more dated than what it actually is. Slightly reminds me of Eric Prydz's "Call On Me". It's not something I want to watch again, the flashing images are way too much! However, the song is amazing and I'd totally buy it if I could.
Another Shenna music video review, purely because I heard her album this week and reviewed it for Outlet Magazine. Awaiting publishing from my editor. The album is completely new and totally something you need to listen to in 2017. Yesterday, I reviewed "So Low", and today I shall review her first single from her debut album. Both tracks just prove her versatility because they are so different from each other; the entire album is beyond amazing, so make sure you check out my review on Outlet Magazine when it is published. Shenna hosts a party whilst she is house-sitting in this music video for "Air Balloons"; as per usual, the party gets out of hand, but what did you expect?
Shenna, full name Shenna Somsmieh, first came to my attention through a PR email asking me to review her album. This email came around Christmas time, even though the album had been released in October. I was ill all over Christmas and New Year with a chest infection, but as soon as I recovered I focused on writing about her debut album: "Made of Gold". The review is in my editor's hands at the moment and is probably ready to go out on Outlet Magazine sometime in the next week or so. This is just the start of Shenna, her unique musical talent is one that doesn't deserve to disappear from this world. This song was the first single from the album and was later followed up by "So Low".
Directed by Lawrence Turner, the music video shows the party lifestyle of Shenna; who hosts a house party when she is supposed to be house-sitting.
The intro starts with messages between Shenna and a guy, who asks her to house-sit. She later tells her friends that she has a house to herself and that some friends can come over. We all know how chaotic it can get when friends of friends invite friends. This was all to be expected from the get-go. Let's just all agree to never ask Shenna to house-sit any of our houses.
We watch Shenna performing at the party, having a great time throughout, whilst her guests also live it up. Two main performance piece scenes include her floating on an inflatable in the middle of the pool, as well as sitting on the side with various friends. She is totally relaxed and clearly in her element. Considering how different this song is to "So Low", she proves that she isn't afraid to sing different songs, and is prepared to bring it in each of the music videos.
The ending sees the house owner return, totally unimpressed with Shenna hosting a party. All the guests run from the venue in a comical way. At the very end, there's a look between Shenna and the person who owns the house, before she hops into a car and is driven away, leaving a guy with a guitar running and screaming after the car. Fun, slightly relatable and quite amusing; this just shows Shenna off in a great light. Keep an eye on her this year!
I have recently submitted an album review of this artist to my editor at Outlet Magazine, and so I thought I might as well promote her on my blog since she has a killer voice with a unique sound. Shenna is a rising star and her unique songs show off her versatility and ability to make any song her own. Her album is definitely one you need to listen to in 2017, so look out for my review on Outlet Magazine, coming soon. Watch Shenna perform "So Low" in a projector-themed quirky performance music video that is totally mysterious and completely interesting.
Shenna, full name Shenna Somsmieh, is a new artist on the scene, she dropped her first record in 2014, and it has been an uphill battle ever since. But just last year she released her debut album, which is like nothing I've ever heard before, totally unique and out-of-this-world. Shenna is one of the ones to watch for 2017, I'm totally calling it now! Her beautiful style and gorgeous looks fit perfectly with her brilliant vocals and flexible sound. This song was her second single from the album after "Air Balloons" which I shall be reviewing tomorrow.
Directed by Moon Culture, this music video is a pure performance piece that totally shows Shenna's stage presence. She totally captures the camera in this music video and proves she is supposed to be in the spotlight.
The projector is quite distracting but shows two images together. We know someone is watching himself on the projector, which makes it an intricate scene.
As for the main performance piece, Shenna shines throughout. She has this stylish presence about her. She adds some great quirks including dance moves and emotional faces to help get who she is across to the audience.
As a complete package, the "So Low" music video is different and intricate, much like the song itself. It relates perfectly and easily shows Shenna in a brilliant light. I hope to hear more new music from Shenna this year.
For a seventh time overall, there is not a song in the top 10 UK singles chart which I can write a music video review for.
This is the first time for 2017, and I bet it won't be the last. However, with the Spotify plays changing to affect the longevity of songs staying high up on the chart, it could be that this is less likely to happen. I have considered stretching Chart Mondays to a top 20; it's not for certain yet, so I'm going to test it soon.
Let's be honest, I'm obsessed with Eurovision, I just can't help it. This song was played on my iTunes last night, and it's been stuck in my head ever since. I was interested in what the music video would be like for this, so I thought I might as well review it in the process. It's such a catchy neat little song that showcases Rykka perfectly. Let's make love like in the "Movies"; Rykka is sexy and sultry in a knowing attitude amongst the coldness of this music video.
Rykka, real name Christina Rieder, first came to my attention when she represented Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with "The Last Of Our Kind". Unfortunately, she didn't make the Grand Finals, but her voice resonated with me and I ended up buying the rest of her songs from iTunes. This song is highly catchy and was her previous release before entering the contest. It was written by Christina Maria Rieder, Jeff Dawson, Mike James, Dane Devile, and Warne Livesey.
Directed by Brianne Nord-Stewart, this music video is mainly a performance visual with a slight narrative behind. Rykka and her love interest are shown amongst the coldness, in the lead up to making love like in the movies.
Her performance is on point throughout. Rykka knows how to capture the camera and really shines throughout this music video.
The visual representation is sexy. She has a knowing cheeky smile; it's clear where her thoughts are headed and it easily relates to the song.
Her love interest isn't developed enough and he doesn't take an active role. It's clear she's the decision maker in this relationship.
As a whole, this video is one big tease; much like the song. It's totally relatable and the ending was quite the taunt. Totally inclusive of the audience and utterly theatrical. This would have been a much better choice than "The Last Of Our Kind" at Eurovision 2016. I can't wait to see what the future will bring for Rykka!
Last night I was just heading for bed when I heard The Saturdays' song "My Heart Takes Over". Since I have already written about that music video I thought I'd dip into one of the girls' solo careers. Una Healy has a new album out in February, but no music videos, only live sessions; Mollie King only has "Back To You" so far; Rochelle Humes and Frankie Bridge are focusing on other careers; so that left Vanessa White. I have previously reviewed "Don't Want To Be Your Lover", and so how can I not write about another one of her music videos? Vanessa White is sexy, sultry, and provocative in this black and white video for her extremely soulful track "Relationship Goals".
Vanessa White is one-fifth of girl group The Saturdays, who are currently on hiatus. Each of the members of the group are currently succeeding in their solo careers and so the chances of them getting back together anytime soon is definitely not likely. This song was part of Vanessa White's debut EP; she plans on releasing an album sometime in the future, hopefully. This song originally features Chloe Martini. It was written by Vanessa White, Chloe Martini, and Dantae Johnson.
This music video was created by Vanessa White and Aaron Renfree. The latter name has been a friend of The Saturdays for ages and used to be in S Club Juniors / S Club 8 with Rochelle Humes and Frankie Bridge. It's so nice to see how long friendships from back then, have continued.
The visual is extremely simple with not much going on. Vanessa White is sultry and sexy as she poses and dances in front of the camera.
It came about because so many of her fans wanted a music video for this song, but it doesn't add anything to the song, and fails to keep me entertained, although I bet many straight guys and some girls would love this visual. The black and white filter doesn't add anything more to the video either. I feel this was made just for the sake of having a video visual for this song. Nevertheless, Vanessa White is a brilliant performer.
She's BACK! Kiesza stormed the UK charts three years ago with "Hideaway", and now she has this incredibly funky new tune that easily gets stuck in my head. Since her debut song, she hasn't charted quite so well, regardless of the amazing songs she has been releasing. This is set to be just another song that should've been an international success. Kiesza honours her friend who passed away, by rocking out on her friend's guitar that was passed on to her in this fun and loving music video titled "Dearly Beloved".
Kiesza, real name Kiesa Ellestad, launched onto the music scene in 2014 with her amazing debut single "Hideaway". The song made me a fan of her music, and I have been following her career ever since. She has released some bangers, but not many have heard of them. However, this Canadian star is a fighter and she won't go down without giving it her all, "Dearly Beloved" is just another to add to her collection of awesome hits and I can't wait to see where this new direction takes her! The song was written by Kiesa Ellestad.
Directed by Supple Nam, this music video is a pure performance visual, where Kiesza rocks out to the song whilst wearing a holographic changing colour costume and white Dr Martens in a never ending white space.
The song itself is in honour of her friend Alice, who sadly passed away. Kiesza received the white guitar in the video from Alice and vowed to play the hell out of it. And, boy, does she do just that.
The song definitely links in well with the visual clip, it feels futuristic with an inspiration for disco-themed songs. It's something new and fresh that captivates me easily. As per usual, Kiesza goes all in for the music video.
What can be considered a totally simple, low-budgeted music video, is transformed with completely energetic vibes from Kiesza. She knows how to perform and let loose and it really shows. Unfortunately, there isn't a narrative and there isn't an awful lot to captivate the audience. Nonetheless, Kiesza does the best she can and is totally entertaining throughout.
After reviewing "Impossible" earlier this week, I just had to review "T-Shirt" today for my Thursday Revisit. This was her debut single and totally launched Shontelle as an artist. The song reminds me a lot of Jessica Simpson's "With You", mainly because of the whole t-shirt theme. I'm glad I chose this as my Thursday Revisit, as I'm more than likely never going to feature Shontelle on my blog again. Watch Shontelle parade around her on-screen boyfriend's flat in nothing but his "T-Shirt" on. She ignores her best friends, who are waiting for her and instead relaxes in the apartment.
Shontelle, full name Shontelle Layne, has had two hit singles, this debut song and "Impossible", which was later covered by James Arthur; he's "Impossible" charted much better globally. She's been away from the music industry for a while, apparently working on a third album. She has released a few singles recently but with next to no promotion. She may never make a full comeback; but, then again, all it takes is another hit song. This one was written by Andrew Frampton, Wayne Wilkins, and Savan Kotecha.
Mike Ruiz directed this music video, which is mainly a performance piece throughout. As if she'd prefer a night in around her boyfriend's apartment than a night out with her friends. She could've at least cancelled or let her friends know that she wasn't going. Seemed very rude to me.
All throughout the flat, she doesn't seem all that into this song. She clearly hasn't fully connected with it, and that is very obvious amongst the visuals. She doesn't have any passion behind they lyrics, and even at times, she is beyond happy to have the spotlight on her. Her face beams when she's in the elevator, losing any emotional pretence towards the song.
The video ends with her on-screen boyfriend returning home. She's taken care of the fish by feeding them, as well as changing into one of his white t-shirts. She's looking over his plans on his desk, or she's redesigning them as he walks in. She unleashes a cheeky smile, yet who knows what she's been up to.
This could've been so much better, but as a debut music video, Shontelle was clearly not prepared to be where she was and at times her excitement flooded over any acting possibility she had. It fails to engage the audience or tell a full story. The performance piece is totally lacking throughout.
Okay, so I may have finished my Eurovision Wednesdays, but I feel like I should've covered Måns Zelmerlöw, especially since he won the Eurovision Song Contest 2015; however he's winning song "Heroes" doesn't have an official music video. So, instead, I chose his latest release, which is ever so catchy. Watch Måns Zelmerlöw climb up and down desert hills and mountains, whilst stumbling through a haunting forest, in this "Glorious" music video.
Måns Zelmerlöw came to my attention when he took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015; he was a worthy winner with his amazing song "Heroes", which totally made me buy the rest of his music from iTunes. He has really settled himself as a top Swedish male artist, so it's no wonder he won Eurovision 2015. However, it's a shame he hasn't pushed into international success, his follow-up singles to "Heroes" just didn't chart as well globally, which is the same old story we hear time and again of past Eurovision winners. These people deserve global recognition. This song was a promotional international single for his new album but served as an official single in Sweden. It was written by Måns Zelmerlöw, Jez Ashurst, Emma Rohan, Paddy Dalton, and Phil Cook.
It was directed by Mikeadelica, and shows visuals of Måns Zelmerlöw being in different scenes, from a forest to a desert to a mountain. It's beautiful throughout and very relatable.
The forest is my favourite part, although I would like him to remove some of his clothes, wouldn't we all? The lighting is purely spectacular as the light technicians make it eerie and beautiful at the same time.
In other potential narrative scenes, we see Måns Zelmerlöw running up a mountain and desert hills as well as through a forest, before climbing back down.
Although this song isn't a cover version of Cascada's Eurovision 2013 song "Glorious", Måns Zelmerlöw has totally put all the emotion possibly needed and proved he is meant to be an international star. He deserves global success.
