This is always my go-to artist for when I can't think of anything to blog about, purely because Basshunter's music video continue on from one another, and so, I feel like I need to do them in order. Even if some of them don't belong as part of the overall narrative, they can be made to fit in. This one, in particular, has a heart-breaking cliff-hanger after the phenomenal storyline found in "Every Morning". It's been a long time since we've seen a Basshunter music video, and we definitely need a follow-up since "Northern Light" was the last one that continued the storyline. Watch Basshunter rush to the hospital after Aylar Lie disappears in the water just as he was ready to propose, only to find someone else by her side in the music video for "I Promised Myself".
Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, has practically dwindled in popularity. The once popular DJ hit both the UK and Swedish charts hard, but he hasn't done much recently. He has been doing club tours and what I would call trying to get his name out there more using the popularity he has already gained, I saw him do a DJ set at a local club, but from what I remember, it wasn't all that memorable. He needs to focus on music once again because we are in a world where DJs are doing incredibly well, but he made it before they all did and could come back with a hit if he gave it a good shot. This song only charted in the UK at the low number of 94. It is a cover version of Nick Kamen's "I Promised Myself", written by Nick Kamen.
Directed by Alex Herron, this is the fifth/sixth music video that continues the narrative between Basshunter, Aylar Lie, and Lucas Thorheim. So, let's RECAP! "Now You're Gone" gave us Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text yet they both go clubbing with their respected friends and end up in the same club and get back together. "All I Ever Wanted" shows them on holiday in Spain, they have fun and go clubbing, but Lucas finds a 'mate's cousin', is it the end for them? "Angel In The Night" broke Aylar & Lucas up via text again, and Aylar finds Jonas Altberg (Basshunter) and after impressing her with his street racing and singing, they kiss... "I Miss You / Jingle Bells" brings Christmas in Norway; there's snow, presents and a dip in the hot tub, as well as Jonas having to fend off a guy from coming on to Aylar. "Walk On Water" breaks the story as we're shown the touring life of Basshunter. "Every Morning" saw Jonas building up the courage to propose to Aylar, but the right moment never happens, and then the water takes her and she disappears. This video focuses on Jonas and him rushing to the hospital after Aylar has been found. He can be seen in the back of a taxi throughout most of the video. He performs the song with all the passionate emotion that you can possibly give in the back of a taxi. We watch memories of Aylar and Jonas' relationship from their past music videos, as well as recent memories recorded specifically for this music video. There is clear promotion of the Nintendo Wii, and there's a cake fight too. It's nice to see how much Jonas has changed since "Angel In The Night". There are some lovely couple moments in his memories, ones that I would love to have myself at some stage in my life - here's jealous Jonni again. He arrives at the hospital and searches every room for Aylar. The last door he comes to, he sees her. He builds up the courage to walk in, and when he opens the door again; next to Aylar, is Lucas. Then the video ends. It's a critical ending, one that shocks the audience, and can you believe we didn't have a follow-up video until three years later; talk about keeping us in suspense.
Overall, this is a great narrative music video for a cover version of a great song. I feel like there isn't enough to it, I think the memories aren't that substantial and could've been more, but the ending just wraps it all up in a chaotic twist like we weren't expecting. I remember watching it for the first time on the music channels, and I couldn't believe they ended it like that.
I reviewed the current number one, Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You", last week, and so it opened the top ten of the UK singles chart to my music video Chart Monday review. So I chose this one as it's slowly dropping out of the top ten and I truly believe it will not be there this Friday. I was planning on reviewing it a few weeks ago, but I saw it was heading into the UK top ten, so I chose a different video instead and watched this climb up. The music video for "September Song" is completely sweet as we watch a guy and a girl completes a sign, all the while thinking about their past as JP Cooper's amazing vocals sing throughout.
JP Cooper, real name John Paul Cooper, has been fighting for a career in music for many years, having dropped his first EP back in 2012. Finally, at the end of 2016 and now in 2017 he is getting the recognition he totally deserves. His vocals are stunning throughout this music video, just they are in his previous featured song, by Jonas Blue titled "Perfect Strangers" which totally helped to make his name. This certainly isn't going to be his last hit, and I cannot wait to see what his future releases are like. The song was written by John Paul Cooper, Ben Hudson, Jon Hume, and Teemu Brunila.
The music video was directed by ARNE + KINSKI. It stars James Short and Madeline Ross, who play the main two characters in the sweet storyline.
Both a narrative and a performance piece to this, although the latter is hidden in slight shots behind the narrative itself. JP Cooper oozes charisma, his subtle and simple performance comes off totally intricate and emotional. Give this guy a stage and he'll impress everyone, no doubt about it.
The narrative is the most important part of this music video, though. Actor James Short totally works the camera, you can see how much longing is in his body language and the way he acts. He looks out the window, watching actress Madeline Ross start to paint on the gate, but she only manages to paint: "Be realistic plc", the 'c' is clearly unfinished and she runs off at the sounds of sirens with blue flashing lights appear. James Short follows her with his eyes.
We see some brilliant flashbacks of when they were young, we guess from the song that they were fifteen in these clips since the song is about being young and in love. It's clear it didn't work out in the past, but James Short still has those same feelings.
He looks at her word art during the day and later follows the steps she took that night, reliving his experience with her. His ultimate longing shot is when he's lying on top of the building, basking in her presence from the night before. He later returns to the gate and finishes off the word art, although whether the words he ended it with were the ones she planned on writing, is something we'll never quite know.
The cute ending scene is during the night when she returns to the gate and sees that he has completed her words, now it reads: "Be positive plan for a miracle". Which is slightly tongue-in-cheek since he finished off her plan. They stare at each other in a lovely connection moment. What goes on next is anyone's guess.
Overall, this music video is a brilliant interpretation of the song. It's realistic with no gimmicks, just lovely, passionate, memorable longing that we all have probably felt, now and again. I would've liked to have seen more shots of JP Cooper performing the song, but this storyline is so beautiful that I'm glad we got to see it as a whole.
Decided this week I'm going to focus on reviewing male singers, purely because I feel like I'm flooding my blog with female artists, and I need to switch it up a bit. This song and video has been talked about a lot over the last week or so, so I thought I might as well review it on here. The song is amazing and the music video is pretty sexy too! Watch Ansel Elgort topless and kissing someone, looking toned throughout this music video for "Thief" all before he leaves her all alone because he believes he isn't good enough.
Ansel Elgort is mostly known for his acting roles, especially in the Divergent series, as well as The Fault In Our Stars and Paper Towns. He has subtly focused on a musical career with a few releases under his belt as well as remixes. However, this song acts as his debut music video, and it is as hot as hell and has gained phenomenal promotion in the last few days. No wonder his name is on everyone's lips. The song was written by Ansel Elgort, Kyle Trewartha, Tom Norris, and Christopher J Baran.
Directed by Warren Elgort, the music video sees Ansel Elgort relaxed throughout, he clearly has no problem showing off his body, to which we totally love seeing.
There is both a performance side and a narrative side. Some people have described the whole thing cringe-worthy, and you can see where they are coming from; the dancing is totally freestyle during the performance piece, suggesting that even though he can move, he really needs guidance and choreography. Otherwise, the performance is on point, and he shows off his body during that part which is completely fine with us.
The storyline sees Ansel Elgort get it on with a woman in what could be a hotel room. They undress, he does a few push-ups in his boxers, she just lies sultrily on the bed. They do an upside-down kiss, a slight ode to spiderman obviously. The story gets sexier and sexier until we see Ansel Elgort clothing himself and leaving her in the bed.
Overall, this totally relates to the song, it's full-on sexy and hot, there are no other words to describe this. I would've preferred to have seen a choreographed sequence rather than his freelance 'cringe-worthy' dancing, yet he exudes confidence so totally pulls it off, along with his clothes. This is totally the right step in his musical career.
This was bound to appear on my blog soon, so why not now? Hello Troye Sivan, who is totally my top LGBT+ singer out at the moment, whilst Steve Grand works on his new album and, my newly found, Rayvon Owen is probably also working on new music. Regardless, Troye Sivan pretty much found me, and I will not stop being grateful for the imprint he is leaving online, for the world. I just wish there was someone like him to influence me when I was younger. Troye Sivan shows the troubles and tribulations people have gone through to get to this point for LGBT+ people, the "Heaven" video is more than just a tribute, it's defining.
Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, the YouTuber turned singer who has hit the world by storm. His music has already touched millions with his songs and impacted many within the LGBT+ community with his stunning confident music videos. His debut album charted well globally, although his singles have done all right. It's a tough market to crack, but if there's anything about Troye Sivan, it's that he never gives up, and he totally believes that he is doing what he needs to do, and it is definitely paying off. This is his new single in collaboration with Betty Who, real name Jessica Newham. She is signed to RCA records and made her name because Spencer Stout uploaded his flash mob proposal to his boyfriend on YouTube with her song. Now she's collaborated with Troye Sivan, and what a song this is! It was written by Troye Sivan. Alexandra Robotham, Jack Antonoff, and Claire Boucher.
Directed by Luke Gilford, the black and white music video sees Troye Sivan in a sexy performance visual where he is embraced by an unfaced shirtless guy. They clearly care for one another; unfortunately, Troye Sivan is clothed throughout.
There are many monumental clips shown throughout including a scene of assassinated gay rights leader Harvey Milk, various gay pride parades and same-sex marriages.
What makes this video inspirational is that both artists are Australian, and the country has yet to pass the same-sex marriage bill. The video completely shows how far we have gone, but it still makes people think how much further we still have to go. It works completely, and it's totally relatable to the song. I do hate black and white music videos. though I can understand it suggests the past with the footage used, but I would've liked to have seen Troye Sivan's performance and cuddling in colour - and topless.
After looking over all the new releases this week, I could only come across two songs that have music videos, this one and Stormzy's "Big For Your Boots", I'm not a fan of either artist, but I have reviewed Stormzy before, whereas this is the first time London Grammar have appeared on my blog, so I might as well switch it up a bit. This song is their second single from their upcoming new album. London Grammar shows off scenic beauty and beautiful starry night skies in overlays during a performance piece of "Big Picture", this music video is glittery, space-like and quite artsy.
London Grammar are a three-piece British indie-pop group consisting of Dominic 'Dot' Major, Hannah Reid, and Dan Rothman. They've done well for themselves after the release of their debut album. They haven't quite had a hit single, yet, although "Strong" has been their highest charting single globally so far. This new album could bring an interesting direction for the group as they continue to go from strength to strength. This song was written by the group themselves.
Directed by Sophie Müller, this video focuses more on scenic beauties, of space and the stars, of mountains, and of glitter. The striking overlays really capture the essence of the song and completely shows the band off brilliantly during their performance piece.
The group shines throughout as they perform the song, it's clear that they have a major stage presence and Hannah Reid's voice totally captures the audience. This is one group that will knock it out of the stadium if you were to go to their concert.
There isn't much else for me to comment on. It's been edited well, with the overlays transitioning effectively and they transparently contrast with the performance visual of the video. It works well and is definitely relatable to the song. No narrative, but shadows are used intricately. It's good but not entirely addictively engaging.
Missy Elliott hasn't been a part of my blog much, so I thought: why not do an old music video of hers for my Thursday Revisit... And so, here we are, with this awesome song that is still catchy today. I recently reviewed an Indiginis Re-Work of this song for Outlet Magazine, which has totally changed the song completely. This is why I like Thursday Revisits because here is an epic music video from back in the day that is still complete fire. Missy Elliott brings it completely for this "Get Ur Freak On" music video, with Timberland in the background and an on-point dance troupe. It's time to get ur freak on!
Missy Elliott, real name Melissa Elliott, was at the height of her career when this song came out. It became one of her biggest hits and became current a second time in the UK when it was used for a promotional campaign television advertisement. She went on to have even bigger and more successful singles and has collaborated with some of the biggest artists in the industry. She is at the top when it comes to female rappers. This song hit number four on the UK chart. It was written by Melissa Elliott and Tim Mosley.
The track starts off with a guy saying this, in Japanese: "Kore kara minna de mechakucha odotte. Sawagou, sawagou." Translated into English, it means: "Everyone start dancing together wildly now. Let's make some noise, let's make some noise." There are other languages used throughout.
The music video itself was directed by Dave Meyers, who has nailed the whole visual in memorable ways. It's a pure performance piece from Missy Elliott, that completely works with the song.
This is one of her most iconic music videos. This is not because of the dance troupe, with their epic choreography that they perfect throughout this video, even Missy Elliott gets involved. It's technically brilliant, and although it looks simple, I assure you it isn't. What makes this iconic is the editing.
This video was released in 2001, so it just shows how ahead of the game the editing team were. They made Missy Elliott's head extend out from her body in a snake-like neck lurch. What is grossly-awesome, though, is that Missy Elliott spits at one of the dancers, and we follow the spit with the camera and watch the dancer gobble it up and swallow her spit. It is also in line with the lyrics of the song.
The ending of the video switches the song up even more, it wasn't enough that Timberland is just chilling there behind Missy Elliott, she just has to prove her rapping skills at the end, and she is fierce. If there's one track you want to see Missy Elliott perform live, it's this one; and if there's a rap music video that is dated but still completely amazing, it's this one!
For anyone who knows me, this was an obvious choice for my next music video review on my blog. I previously wrote up about the music video for CelebMix. As well as the teaser video from yesterday. Inna dropped this music video today, and it's filled with summer sounds and gorgeous visuals that excite me for summer. The song will be a part of her fifth studio album which is expected to be released this year, possibly during the summer. Once again, Inna is stylishly sexy in her new music video, walking the streets of Mexico and soaking up the sun's summer rays in "Gimme Gimme".
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has been teasing this new song for a few months now. She is set to release her fifth studio album, that will include previous songs "Heaven" and "Say It With Your Body". Having seen her perform in Ireland two months ago, I know that the amazing stage presence she shows in her music videos are just as amazing at her concerts. She is my favourite artist in the world, and she is continuing to bring it with every song and music video that she releases. This song was written by Inna, David Ciente, Marcel Botezan, Sebastian Alexandru Barac, Breyan Isaac, and Vasile Elena Luminita.
The music video was directed by Khaled Mokhtar. It takes place in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico; where Inna, back in October, fell in love with the beauty of the place and it's architecture. The video is visually beautiful, it's no surprise she chose this place for the music video.
There are many different scenes that see Inna performing her song. The main one is where she is relaxing against a Volkswagon Beetle, as well as when she is performing in front of brightly coloured front doors to houses.
Other actresses appear, one with balloons, another with a topless guy (who totally reminds us of Alexandra Stan - just slightly), and a few others here and there. Extras are also shown who are clearly Mexicans.
This whole summer feel of the music video is making me wish it was summer again. It's neatly packaged with some brilliant shots in the whole video. The ending sees Inna let loose and have a party with her friends. Inna is looking as gorgeous as always, and this video totally works, although it's a shame there wasn't a romantic element in the visual.
Okay, another music video picked from my iTunes random player. The song got stuck in my head and I wasn't sure what music video to pick to review, so I decided upon this one. It seems like it's a part of a much bigger story and it's not easy to understand fully; however it's clear that Nils Van Zandt has gone to look for Lynn Larouge after she texted him, but he seems to not be able to find her. The "to be continued..." at the end suggests that a much bigger storyline could be around the corner. Nils Van Zandt can be seen searching for Lynn Larouge, whilst Rashaun Will (Stress Dollaz) helps him out in the search, during the whole video sequence for "In Need Of Love".
Nils Van Zandt has clearly been going for some time. He has really established himself as a DJ and producer. He's one a few people have heard of but hasn't quite hit the popularity he clearly deserves. He's remixed for some of the biggest artists, and his own music is finally getting heard. He's one to keep watching, he's been trying for a long time, he just needs that international hit, that will push him into a much bigger success. Featured on this track is Lynn Larouge, who is mostly known for this song, although she has set out for a solo career, and Rashaun Will, who was previously known as Stress Dollaz upon the release of this song. He has had the biggest career to date, and he will keep pushing it and making it, that much is clear. As a collective, this works amazingly.
The music video doesn't have a lot going on, it follows a narrative that shows Nils Van Zandt looking for love.
Lynn Larouge teases him from the start by telling him that she "needs love" and he soon gets on a boat in search for her.
He ends up on a beach and takes a photo which he then sends to her. This photo makes her smile, so whether this was the love she was thinking of, who knows. The video ends with a: "To be continued..." sign.
Overall, it's more of a performance piece that totally shows off Lynn Larouge and Rashaun Will. The former is sexy in a hotel room, whereas the other is out and about rapping to the song on top of buildings. Nils Van Zandt is clearly involved in his character, searching for the love Lynn Larouge is after. It's a clever connection to the song, but it just doesn't work the way we want it to.
Of all the days to drop the music video to the number one single on the UK Chart, Ed Sheeran had to choose today just so he could claim my Chart Mondays blog post. Well, I don't think he actually knows about my blog, but can we pretend that it is all about me for a second and just decide this is the whole reason he released it today? No? Okay... Well Ed Sheeran is currently at number one on the UK Singles Chart with this song, and so therefore claims my Chart Mondays review. Watch Ed Sheeran fall in love as he trains to become a boxer, only for her to leave him to battle a sumo wrestler all by himself, in the "Shape Of You" music video.
Ed Sheeran is someone who fought to get to where he is now, and I can't deny how much of an inspiration he is to everyone around the world. That is why I listen to his music, why I buy his music, why I support him, because I am fighting for my dreams just like he was once upon a time. He has broken records around the world by debuting at number one and number two at the same time in many countries, including the UK. This is the one that hit number one in most countries. The song was written by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid.
Directed by Jason Koenig, the video also stars Jennie Pegouskie and Yama. The former, acts as Ed Sheeran's love interest, totally making me jealous because it's totally convincing and that is literally what I've been missing in my life. The latter is the sumo wrestler who beats up Ed Sheeran.
This has a full narrative, with Ed Sheeran training up to be a boxer. He catches the eye of Jennie Pegouskie who helps him train up. They spend time outside of the gym, clearly this is the start of a relationship.
The relationship is clearly very loving, the sort that we all want in life. They manage to portray a loving relationship perfectly, one that makes us all jealous. Then our hearts break for Ed Sheeran as she leaves him, and he turns his anger into training, which then leads up to him fighting Yama - the sumo wrestler.
It all builds up to an ending that sees Ed Sheeran defeated, catching the eye of Jennie Pegouskie again, who decides to fight Yama after Ed Sheeran is over and done with. It all then disappears, as if it were some sort of dream or mirage. Ed Sheeran is stuck in his blow-up sumo wrestlers costume.
It's totally relatable, completely lovable, and works with the song. Talk about hitting every emotion possible with this music video, to what will quickly become an iconic Ed Sheeran song. He totally smashes this out, and it completely works.
Thank you, iTunes, for this random pick. It came from a compilation album on my iTunes and according to my Last.fm profile, I already love this track, so why not see if there was a music video. That was my thinking, so after a quick YouTube search, here it is appearing on my blog. The video explains the music clearly, following DJs as they go about their lives having fun and playing to a mass group of people in this "Turn Off The Light" music video.
Reepublic were a five-piece DJ group, who have clearly gone their separate ways, since they haven't released anything new since 2013. They consisted of French DJs: Antoine Clamaran, Michael Canitrot, Tristan Garner, Gregori Klosman - known as Klosman, and Sebastien Benett. Now parted ways, they still leave quite the impact in their wake, especially since all three of them songs have had success, none more than this one though, with the others following just behind. This group could've been big, but apart, they have the chance of success and some have already made giant leaps onto those paths.
There isn't an awful lot to this music video, we literally watch the five-piece work and going about their lives.
We watch them travel, we watch them do their thing in creating a track. The dodgems look like great fun, and makes me think of pride all over again. We watch them have fun and relax before gearing up for their gig.
The club is set up and ready to go, it's the sort of place I'd love to go to, to be fair. As DJs they totally unleash the track and have fun up on the stage.
The video doesn't relate entirely to the song, and the featured star doesn't get supported in the visual, and is probably forgotten during the song, although she clearly provided the vocals. There's just not enough here. The song makes me wish summer would come sooner.
