Critic Jonni

Be the One - Dua Lipa |

Starting my Birmingham Pride 2017 Special is Dua Lipa, who is one of the headliners for this year's event. I'm not really into her music, and I definitely won't be in the main tent watching her, but I have to admit that she is one of the biggest up-and-coming female artists out at the moment, and she's slowly getting some hits behind her. However, I truly believe she's on a rocky fence, she needs a massive chart-topping hit soon or she might just completely crumble, like so many artists we've seen before. She's extremely current right now, she just needs to stand the test of time, and a chart-topping hit will do exactly that for her right now. With her debut, eponymous album prepared to release the week after Birmingham Pride, she's got to have an exciting new track that will blow us away, otherwise, she will end up disappearing. Watch Dua Lipa perform in this music video for "Be The One" that was filmed around Soho, London. See her sing her song amongst the streets we all know.

Dua Lipa is a fairly new artist on the scene, but she has already had some great chart numbers, this one being her best hit to date; although her collaborations with Sean Paul helped the success of this song for sure. Their track together, titled "No Lie", also charted in the top ten in the same week that this song did. She just needs to keep a hold of her fame and bring another chart-topping hit, it's the one thing she hasn't done yet, and this song just isn't that. It was written by Lucy Taylor and Nicholas James Gale (Digital Farm Animals).

The music video was directed by Nicole Nodland. It's a pure performance visual, and it's the type of presence we're probably are to expect from her on the Birmingham Pride 2017 stage. It's chilled back and relaxed, whilst she portrays the emotion for the song.

There's various London streets being shown, that are easily identifiable, enough where I know I've walked there before. There are some great profile scenes and the editors have done a fine job with this as an overall piece.

However, Dua Lipa just isn't my sort of performer, I just don't feel the passion behind this song that she needs to delve deep and deliver to me. Her voice is strong, don't get me wrong, but I truly don't think she'll become as big as others have in the past. She's very current, and very right now, but I don't think she will be able to stand the test of time, and I'm still quite surprised she's a headline act at Birmingham Pride, especially since she hasn't even released her debut album yet. However, the same could've been said about Jess Glynne back in 2015 when she was a headline act at Birmingham Pride 2015, so Dua Lipa might just follow in her footsteps - well, minus the number one singles, obviously.

Buy on iTunes

Hey Ma (feat. Camila Cabello) - J Balvin & Pitbull |

Out of all the releases this week, this is the only one I've actually bought. There are two versions of this song and two versions of this music video (although they are very similar). One of them is in Spanish with Pitbull & J Balvin as the main artists, and then there's this English version as J Balvin & Pitbull - which was released today. There isn't much difference between both music videos, hence why you can find the previously released Spanish version below. This song is part of The Fate of The Furious (Fast & Furious 8), and as a soundtrack music video, there are scenes from the film in this visual. Watch J Balvin and Pitbull's English/Spanish music video for "Hey Ma" that features Camila Cabello for The Fate of The Furious, as they dance and sing amongst cars.

J Balvin, real name José Balvin, first came to my attention when he collaborated with Inna, on her song "Cola Song". I actually have to sing his name every time I read it - just like he does in the said song. He also collaborated with Sofia Carson for "Love In The Name". But this is the first song of his I've heard, the first one that he doesn't appear as a feature - instead, he's the main singer. He's a Columbian latin singer and has won a few awards for his songs, yet this one is definitely going to give him more of a spotlight, especially teaming up with American rapper Pitbull - who has also had success with Latin-inspired music as well as thousands of different genres. His real name is Armando Pérez, and has also worked with Inna - twice, but mainly known for "Good Time". He's a successful international artist, and there is definitely no stopping Pitbull. Featured on this track is Camila Cabello, now officially away from Fifth Harmony, she's stepping up her game and pushing her name out there through featured tracks. Having already been successful on collaborations with Shawn Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly, on tracks "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "Bad Things", we're sure her career is going to go places in the future. This song was written by Armando Christian Pérez (Pitbull), José Balvin (J Balvin), Karla Estrabao (Camila Cabello), Jamie Sanderson, Tinashe Sibanda, Philip Kembo, Soaky Siren, and Johnny Yukon.

Directed by Gil Green, the music video is definitely spicy and sexy. It has quite the Spanish flair to it, and as an English version, it's not quite so intimate as the Spanish version is (which can be found at the bottom of this review).

The opening scene is a welcome sight, as we watch Camila Cabello walk the streets and interact with the people around her; before making eyes at J Balvin who kicks off the singing. There are some great interactions between this trio, although it looks like Pitbull was unavailable on the first day since he isn't in the scene with Camila Cabello and J Balvin; instead, he jumps out of a car that looks like it's from the set of The Fate of the Furious (Fast & Furious 8). He's scene involves him dancing in the middle of a group of women dancing around him. Typical Pitbull, and yet he's stylish and looking cool, in his posh clothes. He's not the best dancer, but he knows that and rolls with it, giving his scene perfect fire.

There are a few scenes from the film they are promoting, although not enough that it distracts from the music video itself. The film is something that I do plan to see, but I don't think this music video shows enough to make people want to see the film.

As the music video progresses, there's a night scene with J Balvin and Camila Cabello. It's sexy and full of flirting, and they do well to show just that. But our favourite scene is where the whole trio is dancing together in front of the camera. Unfortunately, it's clear that lighting was a problem with this specific scene, but they've done well with it and all three of them clearly got along well.

Overall, it's a Latin-inspired music video, that feels so right when you are watching the Spanish version of the song. As for the English version, it doesn't quite fit so well. It's clear that that language doesn't quite belong in this specific place. Regardless, the English version is something radio will be playing, and as it gets warmer here we expect this to become an early summer anthem for us all.

Buy on iTunes (English Version)
Buy on iTunes (Spanish Version)

Hey Ma (feat. Camila Cabello) (Spanish Version) - Pitbull & J Balvin

Put Your Graffiti On Me - Kat Graham |

There are two music videos to this, and I'm not entirely sure which one is the official video, regardless I chose to review this one as it was the first video that was released and features more scenes. However, I do prefer the other one in comparison, and I'm not the only one since the other one has a million more views than this one. Putting comparisons aside, I might review the other one sometime in the future but for now, we're sticking with this one. Watch Kat Graham dance her way sexily through this music video with some killer choreography segmented with intricate profile scenes during this music video for "Put Your Graffiti On Me".

Kat Graham is best known for playing Bonnie Bennett in The Vampire Diaries. Some may know her from Honey 2 playing Maria Ramirez, but this music video shows her in a whole new light. I chose this song because I recently reviewed "Sometimes" earlier this week, and for my Thursday Revisit I was interested to see if she's reflecting who she really is in her music and the accompanying music videos, and she surely is. She's sexy, confident, and fierce, both on the tracks and in their respective music videos. This song is her biggest hit to date (if you don't count her uncredited vocals on will.i.am's "Got It From My Mama"). The song was written by Nick Audino, Lewis Hughes, Sam Watters, and Matt Bair.

Directed by Benny Boom, the music video heavily features dance choreography from Sheryl Murakami, however as the second music video for "Put Your Graffiti On Me" reveals, a lot of the dancing was cut completely out, for profile visuals, which doesn't quite add anything to the music video, if anything it makes it less engaging.

She shines throughout the dancing segments, whilst fades in the profile pieces. Kat Graham is a performer, she's destined to stand on a stage and fully unleash energetic dancing vibes out to a crowd. The scenes where she's singing the song fail to keep the audience interested. She attempts to be sexy and stylish, and although she can pull it off, the dark themes surrounding her just makes them fall flat.

Overall, this video could be much better, and the second version proves that it can be. The video just fails to keep us interested throughout; however, Kat Graham remains fierce and attempts to bring it, which slightly saves the video.

Buy on iTunes

No More Sad Songs (feat. Machine Gun Kelly) - Little Mix |

I was wondering what music video to review today and this one just popped in my head out of nowhere... How I haven't reviewed this before today, I have no idea. At first, we didn't think this collaboration would totally work, but the girls and Machine Gun Kelly has knocked it out of the park, well except for the country-themed music video that doesn't exactly relate since the song is an upbeat club song that we'll be dancing to on the dancefloor some night. Watch Little Mix stroll into a bar that is filled with cowboys and a rapper who goes by the name Machine Gun Kelly, in their music video for "No More Sad Songs".

Little Mix are a four-piece girl band consisting of Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirlwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson. They won The X Factor's eighth series in 2011 and are still the only group to have ever won the UK contest show. They have gone on to receive global attention, and have had many hit singles. They've been trying to crack America, and although their albums have charted amazingly over there, they have yet to have a massive hit single in the US. This may have been why they teamed up with Machine Gun Kelly for a whole new version of this song. His real name is Richard Colson Baker, and he has had a massive hit with Camila Cabello titled "Bad Things". He can also be seen in the film Nerve. He recently released a new song with Hailee Steinfeld titled "At My Best" as he prepares to release a new album, we presume. This song was written by Emily Warren, Edvard Førre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, and Tash Phillips.

Directed by Marc Klasfeld, this cowboy-themed music video is definitely an attempt to appeal to the American fans. Although, my main problem is that the song is still a club song, and what makes it worse is that a rapper sings on it too. We do not have country-rap yet; or, if we do, it's not popular. They could've remixed the song to fit the music video.

The opening scene sees an old man playing "Shout Out To My Ex" on a guitar, in front of the bar. The girls go inside and have quite a bit of fun. There's country dancing (to a club song, like, seriously?), there's pool playing, there's a rodeo, and then there's getting all wet via the tap machines.

The girls and Machine Gun Kelly are super sexy throughout, with MGK looking totally hot. This was a perfect pairing, but they seem totally out of place in the country-themed music video, even if the girls are wearing cowgirl inspired clothing, including cowboy chaps and cowboy hats.

Overall, I do love the music video, but I feel that the theme doesn't go with the song. However, having said that, the song itself works with the slight narrative of the song. I'm in sorts when it comes to the rating, and I reckon without the addition of Machine Gun Kelly, this would probably be low, but he manages to break it up nicely.

Buy on iTunes

Million Eyes - Loïc Nottet |

In case you missed it, I reviewed Loïc Nottet's debut album for CelebMix; I suggest you either click on the link or click on the text on the right sidebar, of my website, that says "Album Review: Loïc Nottet - Million Eyes" →. I also suggest you buy the album from iTunes because it is absolutely incredible, and I would say that it knocks Ed Sheeran's "÷ (Divide)" out of the stratosphere, and that's saying something and a half! This song is the first single from "Selfocracy", his debut album, and it's incredible. to say the least, and don't even get me started on the music video. Watch Loïc Nottet emotionally sing "Million Eyes" in this music video for the song, whilst nailing a passionate sexy dance sequence that includes getting completely wet.

Loïc Nottet is a Belgian singer who rose to fame in 2014 when he came second on the third series of The Voice Belgique. He then went on to represent Belgium at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. He came 4th in the Grand Final, with his song "Rhythm Inside"; it is Belgium's best placing since 2003. After the competition, he took part in the sixth series of the French TV show Danse avec les stars, where he went on to win the show - yes, finally he won a contest! Now he's released his debut album, and it has completely blown me away! "Selfocracy" is an album we all need in our lives. This song was released ahead of the album as the first single. It charted well in Belgium and France, unsurprisingly due to his popularity in both countries. It was written by Luuk Cox, Loïc Nottet, and Army Morrey.

The music video was directed by Zeb Daemen. It has a black and white filter and using lighting to its advantage. I don't usually like black & white filtered music videos, but it helps to get the emotion of this visual across much better; I couldn't imagine this in colour, it just wouldn't work as well.

It's a solid performance piece throughout. But what outstands us is the amazing choreography that Loïc Nottet pulls off perfectly. This song clearly means a lot to him and so he's completely passionate through his dancing, wanting to get across the meaning of this song visually, and it totally pays off.

Overall, it's dramatic, enticing, sexy, and heartfelt. Visually, it's amazing on its own, but paired with this emotional song, it's beyond brilliant. Loïc Nottet is a global superstar in the making, he deserves to become someone everyone is talking about, and his album is a complete masterpiece. I encourage you to download or stream "Selfocracy" now, and I promise you won't be disappointed.

Buy on iTunes

Solo Dance - Martin Jensen |

The global sensation has hit the UK, and I've been watching this rise on the charts for a few weeks now, and finally, it has cracked the top 10. With Ed Sheeran still at number one with "Shape of You", and every other song in the top 10 UK Singles Chart already been reviewed by me - or doesn't have a music video for me to review, this was my only option this week. The song is upbeat and catchy with a dance number of a music video. Watch a group of dancers act out a story narrative of attraction through amazing choreography for this exciting music video for Martin Jensen's "Solo Dance".

Martin Jensen is a Danish DJ who has been mixing for over ten years. He became virally known for using sounds from other viral videos and turning them into tropical house mixes. He started releasing singles in 2014, starting off with "Sí", which was a viral hit due to Martin Jensen incorporating Cristiano Ronaldo's celebration at the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or. As each single was released he became more and more popular, he's recent "All I Wanna Do" charted in a few countries; but now, this single has become a global sensation, and Martin Jensen has finally got the chart success he clearly deserves, he just needs to follow up and follow through with another awesome single. This was written by Martin Jensen, Lene Dissing, Mads Hjerl-Hansen, and Peter Bjørnskov.

Directed by Nicolas Tobias Følsgaard and choreographed by Tobias Ellehammer; the music video has intricate dance sequences throughout that are beyond perfection. Martin Jensen makes an appearance at the DJ decks, playing this song. The dancers in the visual are: Dylan Mayoral, Haeni Kim, Anders Deeno Nielsen, Sandra Brünnich, Remi Black, Enej Jurečič, Žiga Jurečič, Michel Patric Sian, Lianne Lee May, and Cilia Trappaud.

We open up watching two characters have an attraction as soon as their eyes meet, but when the guy gets ready to talk to her, another dancer sweeps in. Bad luck, or so we thought. As we go to the main floor, we see that it's all going off with amazing dance techniques.

Soon enough, our main character is centre stage, with all eyes on him. In perfect time with the music, he just stops. The silence feels like it lasts longer than it actually does as we wonder if he has done enough to impress the girl. It turns out that he has, and she appears behind him as they dance together, fully bringing it.

The choreography of this music video is completely incredible. This is what I would love to be involved in one day, but I'll just marvel at how impressive it is since my professional dancing career stopped years ago. The closest I come to getting that feeling back is on the dancefloors in clubs. Now, my career involves watching awesome music videos like this one that relates to the song perfectly and giving the best ratings out to the music videos that impress me the most, such as this one. Can't wait to see what Martin Jensen will release next!

Buy on iTunes

Hurt - Christina Aguilera |

Today, I have been catching up with Vocea României Junior (because Inna is a coach), and one contestant stood out completely; Voicu Dumitraș sang this song "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera and it took my breath away. Only a few people can sing and nail that song, and he's now one of them! The original is the best version, as per usual, but I think it's one of Christina Aguilera's more underrated songs, especially considering it's chart placement in some countries, like number 11 in the UK, like seriously? Watch Christina Aguilera's circus-themed music video to "Hurt" where she grieves over the death of her father, who she had seen just that day, yet fame took her away from talking to him.

Christina Aguilera is one of the biggest female singers in the world, but just like many others, she hasn't been hitting the chart numbers globally, like she used to. Although that doesn't mean she can't make a comeback, many others have done so and knocked it out for the park. This song is filled with such emotion and hits every note; it really is a hard song to cover, and I don't think anyone could do it any more justice than Christina Aguilera. Just a shame that it didn't chart so well globally, it only hit number 19 on the US Billboard Charts. The song was written by Christina Aguilera, Linda Perry, and Mark Ronson. It was inspired by Linda Perry's loss of her father.

Directed by Christina Aguilera and Floria Sigismondi. It is set in a circus, and is very different to Britney Spears' "Circus", so don't get them confused. This one is more of a period setting, with a black and white filter for the beginning to establish that. We also hear Linda Perry's voice at the start as the audience are introduced to the circus.

In colour, we see Christina Aguilera get given a telegram; on it, it says "We respect to inform you of the death of your father on the day of 02/09/1947", we then watch a flashback of the time she spent at the circus with her dad as a child, and we see where she got the inspiration to become a circus performer.

Throughout, we watch how her day went, where she saw her father in the audience and even touched his hand at the end of the show where she was being interviewed. We see a few memories, and we see her fall to the ground in front of the circus tent, fully grieving.

This is a passionate song and a brilliant coinciding music video. Christina Aguilera really shows that she's not just an amazing singer, but she's a great actress too. She fully proves herself in this, and she deserves a lot more credit for what she does. I hope that new music is on the way and I hope she releases a global hit that gets everyone talking about her again.

Buy on iTunes

Seasons Change - Dead Lavender |

I recently reviewed this for Outlet Magazine, and I found it so catchy, I just had to review it for my blog, not only that but I'm definitely a fan of Dead Lavender now, and I'm excited to see what the future will bring for this duo. Shot in Los Angeles, V & Oliver of Dead Lavender bring a 90's colour grading and VCR filters for this amazing visual of a music video for debut single "Seasons Change".

Dead Lavender are a London-based production and vocalist duo consisting of V & Oliver. Deciding to focus solely on the music, they choose to remain anonymous. The electronic-chill sound of this debut single easily showcases what the duo are all about, whilst switching it up around trap, house, dance, and synth-wave. This duo is set for big things, I can feel it in their sound, and I'm so excited to see what the future will bring for Dead Lavender. The single was written by V & Oliver.

Produced by V & Oliver, the music video uses 90's colour grading and VCR filters. This gives the video quite the retro look, whilst adding current themes throughout. Although V & Oliver shy away from the camera, keeping their anonymity, they are visible (well, we presume it's them in the visual).

The male vocalist has a performance scene in this music video. He brings it with full-out energy, we know he's passionate about the song, and although we can't see his face, thanks to the tilted cap; we can see that he is quite the performer and manages to invite the audience into this emotional and honest song. If this duo were to team up with Sia, then our world would be complete, as that would be beyond perfection.

As for the woman, we see her walking through pillars, hiding from the camera and shying away. Once again, we don't see her face, but she gives a great acting performance. We presume these two main characters are V & Oliver that make up the duo Dead Lavender.

Overall, this is an exciting debut music video and single. It's effortlessly catchy, and one that I have definitely added to my iTunes. It's an interesting music video and one that goes so well with the song. It adds a bit of mysteriousness to the song, even if there isn't much going on. The audience feels included throughout. I like how the artist, possibly, included themselves in the music video whilst keeping anonymous throughout. I'm excited for their next single and music video (which will be out soon apparently).

Buy on iTunes

Sometimes - Kat Graham |

Here she is; we all know her as Bonnie Bennett from The Vampire Diaries, now she's ready to leave the witch in her past as she now has the ability to focus on her music career; especially now that The Vampire Diaries has completely finished. Looking stylishly sexy throughout, Kat Graham brings it when it comes to dancing in this killer music video for "Sometimes"; proving that Bonnie Bennett is just a character in her past.

Kat Graham is an American actress, dancer, and singer. She has got it all and is definitely a triple threat. Following in the footsteps of many amazing stars who also have established careers in both acting and singing, we're sure Kat Graham will become the next Jennifer Lopez or Hilary Duff. Having already been in music for many years (she was an uncredited vocalist for a few will.i.am songs, including the hit "I Got It From My Mama"), she hasn't really managed to promote her music that much, although she is building upon it with a collection of singles and an album, the latter of which was released in 2015. This song was written by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Jean-Yves "Jeeve" Ducornet, and Katerina Graham.

There are certain parts of the song that reminds me of "Grease (Is The Word)", specifically the version Jessie J sang for Grease Live. Regardless, Kat Graham's vocals are on point throughout, and even though she isn't the greatest singer in the world, the song compliments her vocal range whilst allowing for a choreographed music video.

It was directed and choreographed by Marc Cleary and Oskar Rodriguez. Shot through two takes, the music video is split mid-way through, as we watch her enter the performing room. This slightly loses the audience as we adjust to the complete change of scene. This style of music video really includes the audience allowing them to feel they are on set, just like with Sabrina Carpenter's "Thumbs", but having it split up into two parts without reason is quite off-putting.

As for the performance side of things, Kat Graham shows her dance ability, which we were already aware of from the popular film 'Honey 2', where she starred as the main character, Maria Ramirez. She nails every dance sequence, with her backing dancers, bringing energetic flair that has been waiting to be released. She also looks stunning throughout this visual.

Overall, it's a solid music video, that really includes the audience - well, right up until the split. Kat Graham is fierce throughout, making sure the spotlight is on her. Girl, you've definitely got this. She's totally an up-and-coming all-rounder of a star, and although we don't see this song charting that well, it'll remain a song we won't be able to get out of our heads for the rest of the day.

Buy on iTunes

Wanted - Hunter Hayes |

I'm actually so surprised that I have not reviewed this music video before today; what a perfect excuse to review it for my Thursday Revisit. This song came to my attention on a compilation album; on first listen, I fell in love with this song and quickly became a Hunter Hayes fan; and the rest is history. Hunter Hayes has this amazing ability to flood a song with emotion, so much so that you can tell he means every single lyric he is singing. This song literally makes me cry everytime I hear it because all I want is someone who wants to make me feel wanted. Watch Hunter Hayes perform this song passionately at a piano whilst the song lyrics are displayed all around him, intercut with visuals of the girl he's singing about in the "Wanted" music video.

Hunter Hayes pretty much made his career off the back of this song, which was his second single, the follow-up to "Storm Warning". It hit number one on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's sad to think it never became a hit in the UK. He has since released many other singles and a couple of albums as well. He is gearing up to release brand new music sometime this year. He recently released the music video to "Yesterday's Song", the single of which was dropped in September 2016. This song was written by Hunter Hayes and Troy Verges.

Directed by BIRDmachineBIRD, who consists of Patrick Hubik and Traci Goudie; the music video is mainly a performance piece, showcasing Hunter Hayes emotion for this song.

It's clear that Hunter Hayes can fully perform this song perfectly, easily showing how much the song means to him in the visual as well as on the track itself. Not many people can perform well sitting at a piano, but Hunter Hayes is here to show us all how it is done; even if we are slightly distracted by the lyrics that are displayed all around him.

There are snippets of a potential narrative, it shows Hunter Hayes with a love interest, who he is singing this song about. The main scene we see is them riding a bike together. It's lovely, but I feel there isn't enough of these clips shown throughout the video, but then again I wouldn't want to take away any of Hunter Hayes amazing performance piece. It's a great relatable music video that works with the song perfectly.