There has been so many amazing songs released this week, that I had quite a lot to choose from, but it soon came to light that many don't have music videos, which left me a couple to choose from for my New Release, this week. I decided on this one because it was the best music video, and because Troye Sivan is completely cute and sexy in this, as always. Watch Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan stay at a hotel, and perform at a concert, whilst they look sultry on hills and on a road in this music video for "There For You".
Martin Garrix, real name Martijn Garritsen, has had his ups and downs during his career; now he's back full scale with some major collaborations, which we are hoping will all be a part of a new album. It's great to see him collaborating with some of the best stars around at the moment, and the songs are charting well globally. I have no doubt that this song will follow suit, managing to chart just as well, what with it being Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, singing the lyrics of the song. His voice is always full of emotion, and I feel like he gets me with ever song he sings. I love everything he stands for and Troye Sivan is seriously standing up for gay rights more than any other male artist around at the moment. This seemed a very unlikely pairing, and Martin Garrix has definitely pulled back on his sound to accomodate Troye Sivan's vocals, yet the song still doesn't exactly work the way you want it to. It was written by Brett McLaughlin, Martijn Garritsen, Ben Burgess, William Lobban Bean, Troye Sivan Mellet, and Jessie Thomas.
Directed by Jordan Taylor Wright, the music video has a subtle narrative whilst there's a major prominance to the performance side of things, which sees Martin Garrix perform a DJ set with this song, whilst Troye Sivan joins him on stage to sing the song to the crowd.
To me, I feel like there isn't much for me to comment on. I like the performance side and seeing Martin Garrix perform at a concert of his, fully giving it his all with all the effects and everything.
As per usual, Troye Sivan brings it for the music video, totally using all his skills to feel the song and the music. It's great to see him getting into the song.
Overall, it's quite a weak music video considering what we've had from Martin Garrix previously; actually, it's pretty weak from Troye Sivan to considering his previous music videos as well. There's just not much that's memorable to this music video.
Now this started off as a song I hated with a passion, especially when it was first announced, but as time went on and on and on it became a song I couldn't stop playing, and on both nights of the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, NAVIBAND knocked it out the park with this song, right on the stage! It totally deserved a higher placing on the scoreboard; it managed to get to 17th with 83 points; 33 came from the televote, and 50 came from the jury vote. The song got a title change to make it easier for commentators to say, but the song remained completely in Belarusian. Watch NAVIBAND take us through the woods to a lake in this full-of-life music video for their Eurovision 2017 song "Story Of My Life", also known as "Historyja Majho žyccia".
NAVIBAND are a folk duo consisting of Arciom Lukjanienka and Ksienija Žuk. They have had a great career since they debuted in 2013, and have three albums behind them at the moment. I reckon another one will be released soon with this song being on the said album. If anything, they are setting the trend for folk music, just look how far Ed Sheeran has got with "Galway Girl", and now we have this epic Belarusian song that is totally fun-filled and has an incredible spirit and meaning behind it. I cannot wait to explore more of their music, and I just know their future music is what we need to hear! The song was written by Arciom Lukjanienka.
The music video was directed by Aliaksandr Taboĺski, and sees the duo walk and run through a forest, down towards the lake. Both Arciom Lukjanienka and Ksienija Žuk lights up the visual, creating a warmth and energetic vibe.
There's not a lot to the music video, although Arciom Lukjanienka loses his hat as he starts to jump and twirl, but he continues to give even more to the music video. As for Ksienija Žuk, her voice is beyond perfection and pairs up well with Arciom Lukjanienka, but on it's own, it's magnificent. This is one duo to keep your eye out for.
Overall the music video works really well. There's so much to like about the visual, whilst it's still basic and simple. NAVIBAND's voices are perfection and they displayed the exact same energy here as they did on the Eurovision 2017 stage. The song is definitely one of my favourites, it's completely jolly. I can't wait to see what new music they have in store for us, and I hope one day they come up on Ed Sheeran's radar and a duet happens at some point.
It's Thursday Revisit time, and I really thought I wouldn't be able to choose one of my Eurovision 2017 favourites from this week, but Tijana Bogićević pulled through with this awesome song that was released in 2010. This is so good, even though I don't know what she's singing about. It just shows how much of a great singer she really is. Watch Tijana Bogićević do her own thing in her music video for her song "Tražim".
Tijana Bogićević has had a lengthy career to date, with many singles released; however, she has yet to release an album; although, we could possibly hope one is on the way since she did represent Serbia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, even though she didn't qualify for the Grand Final. This song was her second official single and is one of her earliest singles with a high amount of views. The song is interesting and definitely one I could listen to over and over, although it's not so memorable. In English "Tražim" means "Wanted". The song and video are in memory of Tijana Jurić, who was a Serbian girl that was kidnapped and murdered on 26 July 2014.
The music video is interesting and has a Jessica Simpson "With You" feel to it, but much more of a lower budget. Regardless, it works well and it's so nice to see Tijana Bogićević acting as this sweet and innocent woman.
Mainly a performance piece, with various defining scenes. My favourite is definitely the beach scene, which definitely shows off Tijana Bogićević as a brilliant performer.
The other scenes are more profile shots of Tijana Bogićević. She doesn't do herself justice in this visual, being much more relaxed and calm, rather than using the camera to her advantage.
Overall, the music video is subtle and extremely simple. This would probably work better if it had been a high budgeted music video; instead, it comes off lazy and bland. This is quite disappointing, but there are some great shots throughout.
Definitely one of the better concept music videos of Eurovision 2017; Hovig brings a great visual that easily relates to the song he is singing. He represented Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, and easily impressed with his song, music video, and performance; but, on the night of the Grand Final, he seemed to have been overshadowed due to the running order, especially comparing the points from the Semi-Final to that of the Grand Final. He placed 21st overall with 68 points, 32 came from the televote, and 36 from the jury vote. The stage performance integrated some of the dance moves featured in this music video, continuing with the theme. Watch Hovig perform his Eurovision 2017 song "Gravity" whilst a woman mirrors his movements and helps create this forceful gravitational music video.
Hovig, full name Hovig Demirjian, is mostly known for competing in the second series of The X Factor Greece in 2009, where he came seventh overall. This helped him launch his musical career, which saw him release a number of singles. He also took part in the Cyprus national selection for Eurovision 2010, titled Epilogi tis Kipriakis Simmetohis, with the song "Goodbye", where he came third. Zip forward a handful of years and he tries to represent Cyprus again, this time for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, in the national selection show called Eurovision Song Project, with "Stone In A River", where he came fourth. For this year, he was chosen through internal selection. The song was written by Thomas G:son.
The music video really brings out the title of the song, relating to it literally. It's a great visual representation of Gravity itself whilst also crossing into the meaning of the song.
There's both a performance piece and a narrative-performance piece. Hovig stuns us, adding passion and power in his performance visual, which he totally brought to the staging of his song.
As for the choreography dance visual, I felt it was quite restricting and wasn't too complex, but even then they don't nail it exactly right. It seems quite messy if you look at it properly. On the other hand, it adds to the distortion more, it's technically great and amazing to watch.
Overall, the music video is well-thought-out, it works, and it looks great. It engages with the audience and it's fully relatable to the song. There are a few problems with it, as I have discussed, but this is still one of my favourites from this year.
This is a very sad day indeed, and I'm struggling to focus just thinking about the awful news that happened in Manchester at Ariana Grande's concert last night. Discovering that friends and acquaintances, I knew, were there and as the events unfolded it became more and more shocking. Regardless, we can't live in fear, hence why I'm continuing my Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Special. Kasia Moś didn't make an impression on me when she was announced for Poland as their representative, but she totally nailed it on the night and was awarded the much-needed points, during the Semi-Final to go through. She once again nailed it during the Grand Final. The music video is not as great as her live performance. She came 22nd in the Grand Final with 64 points, 41 from the televote and 23 from the jury vote. Watch Kasia Moś naked and looking beautiful as visuals are shown on her body for the music video to her Eurovision 2017 song "Flashlight".
Kasia Moś has been focusing on a music career for quite a few years now; she has one album out, which was released in 2015, and has released two singles prior to this Eurovision song. She was previously a member of The Pussycat Dolls Burlesque Revue, which explains her confidence for this music video. In 2006 she attempted to represent Poland at Eurovision, coming tenth on their national selection show Piosenka dla Europy. She then took part in the third series of the Polish version of Must Be The Music in 2012, coming third. She then attempted to represent Poland in 2016 with her new single, from her debut album. She came sixth in the national selection show titled Krajowe Eliminacje. She came back in 2017 to give it another shot and won with "Flashlight", finally representing Poland at Eurovision. It's a shame she didn't get more points, although the viewers at home liked it more than the juries did. The song was written by Kasia Moś, Pete Barringer, and Rickard Bonde Truumeel.
The music video seems very exposing as we see Kasia Moś's naked back, as certain visuals are displayed on her skin.
There really isn't a lot to go on with this music video. She's just singing her song, but it's not a performance; it's nowhere near on par to what she did on the Eurovision stage, both in the Semi-Final and the Grand Final.
The visuals don't exactly relate all that well to the song, so I don't really get this as an overall piece. Honestly, I'm not sure what they were trying to do here, and I just feel that compared to her staging, this is not that great. I was hoping for something much better than this; however, the song is still completely amazing.
He opened the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with this song and unfortunately didn't do so well in the voting, possibly because he went first. It was so sad to hear the Isreal spokesperson announce that this might be the last time Israel performs at Eurovision. The Israel representative managed to give a brilliant performance on the night, but going first has it's drawbacks and was possibly forgotten about as time went on. He placed 23rd with 39 points, 34 points came from the juries whilst the five points came from the televote. The music video itself represents Tel Aviv and shows how beautiful it looks; we all want to go there now, don't we? Especially if IMRI is there to keep us entertained. Watch IMRI meet up with mates and start a party in this celebratory Eurovision 2017 music video for "I Feel Alive" that shows off Tel Aviv in all its Israel summer glory.
IMRI, full name Imri Ziv, has graced the Eurovision stage a number of times, as this music video likes to suggest and confirm. However, he never made centre stage; instead, he acted as a backing singer during those two times in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, he took part in HaKokhav HaBa, which is the original version of Rising Star; he subsequently won the show and went on to represent Israel at Eurovision 2017. He has got a brilliant voice and I can't wait to see what other music he releases in the future. This song is one of my top favourites and has an unforgettable twist amongst the backing track in an East-Europe-meets-West-Europe pop. It was written by Dolev Ram and Penn Hazut.
Directed by Elad Weissman & Yoasv Tsafir, this music video encompasses Tel Aviv purely showing off its beauty. I never really thought about what it was like over there, but it really looks stunning in this visual; we all want to go there now, but only if IMRI shows us around.
There is a slight narrative to this as he hops into a Jeep with his mates and goes to pick up some girls from the beach who have been lying on giant-sized deck chairs with the words "I ♡ Tel Aviv" before they head up the stairs to the Jeep.
They go off to an outdoor party which includes a crowd of people and some dancing, which makes IMRI look even sexier if that was even possible. Controlled throughout, the choreography is nailed to perfection, perfectly in sync at all the right times, and it totally works.
The ending scene sees the party turning into a foam party. Can Tel Aviv look any more exciting? It's definitely one place I hope to visit one day, for sure - just because of this music video. It's a great performance piece, much like he did on stage. It tells a subtle narrative between him and a girl. It works but there is more of a representation of Tel Aviv, rather than the song or of IMRI.
It's a Monday, and with "Despicato" at number one by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, the UK top ten is once again open to my Chart Mondays review. This hit song from Ed Sheeran looks like it's about to drop out on Friday, especially with it currently being at number ten, so I thought I'd choose this song, plus I've never seen the music video before today - don't ask me how I've managed not to see it as I don't even know myself. Watch Saoirse Ronan act as the "Galway Girl" in this Irish-themed music video for Ed Sheeran's much-loved track.
Ed Sheeran has hit the world by storm with his latest album. This song, in particular, charted the highest from his latest album out of all the album tracks, so it's understandable that it was chosen as the next single and the next music video since it was so popular. Records have been broken with this album, and Ed Sheeran continues to dominate the charts globally. He's one of the biggest male artists in the world at the moment, and he will keep on succeeding. This song charted at number two in the UK before dropping down to its current position of number ten. It was written by Ed Sheeran, Amy Wadge, Damian McKee, Eamon Murray, Johnny McDaid, Liam Bradley, Niamh Dunne, Sean Graham, and Foy Vance.
Directed by Jason Koenig with Ed Sheeran shooting the video himself, this music video truly puts the viewers in Ed Sheeran's shoes and show an Irish Galway Girl, played by Saoirse Ronan, taking Ed Sheeran around Galway.
The opening scene sees Ed Sheeran finish his concert in Galway, Ireland. We watch Ed Sheeran walk off stage and the camera follows him, then goes right through his head and it's as if we're looking out his eyes. We follow a guy into a car who takes us to a bar named O'Connell's.
At the bar, we bump into Saoirse Ronan, who takes us up to the dancefloor to dance. She takes us out to the street, but then a clip sees us playing darts in exact relation to the lyrics. We (or should we say Ed Sheeran) throws a dart at the dartboard without looking (keeping his/our eyes on Saoirse Ronan), and accidentally stabs a guy with the dart - luckily he's wearing a big coat, so it's okay. We run away, out into the streets.
We see some Irish dancers in the street who ask Ed Sheeran to sign a magazine, before showing him their dancing - with the help of Saoirse Ronan. We then watch a busker who we give some money to. Then Ed Sheeran (us) goes on a bike ride in the middle of the night with this Galway Girl. Where we end up at a tattoo shop and Ed Sheeran gets "Galway Grill" inked on his arm.
Next, towards the end, we enter an underground bar. It's refreshing to see Saoirse Ronan so full of life, and we're enjoying being there, being Ed Sheeran. We get two pints from the bar - we can only presume it's Guinness right? - and as we head back to the Galway Girl, we spill our drinks over a guy; that guy, just so happens to be the guy we threw a dart at. Trust Ed Sheeran to have this much bad luck. We get punched in the face by the guy and wake up at Saoirse Ronan's place. Now that's how you get with Saoirse Ronan!
The ending sees them go out onto a roof window balcony and the camera flies away. We are no longer Ed Sheeran. I love how they include the problems with being famous - which Ed Sheeran has talked about recently, wishing he could go back to a normal life without all the paparazzi and the fame. This video is unique, different and completely relates to the song. Once again, Ed Sheeran has brought another amazing music video to our screens.
We're now on to the Grand Final with my Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Special. Spain, unfortunately came last in the competition with just five points; poor Manel Navarro, he did not deserve so little points especially with this Spenish summer song "Do It For Your Lover"; however he did hit a bum note during his stage performance, but if you forget all about that he gave a brilliant performance. He scored zero points from the juries - a nul points - and the five points all came from the Portuguese televote. The song is very summery and very catchy, I also got the chance to interview him for CelebMix. Watch Manel Navarro take off to Tenerife, Canary Islands with some friends to go surfing and to check out the hot surfer girl in this summer induced music video for his Eurovision 2017 song "Do It For Your Lover".
Manel Navarro first came to my attention when I had a press release come through for his first single on Sony Music Spain, "Candle", which I wrote up for Outlet Magazine, and then followed through with writing about the music video for the song. Little did I know that a few months later he'd be a part of Spain's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, titled Objetivo Eurovisión. He has previously won other talent show Catalunya Teen Star second series. He may not have done well, or his best, on the night of Eurovision, but he made an impression on people and he promised that an album will be on it's way, in the interview I did with him for CelebMix. The song was written by Manel Navarro and Antonio "Rayito" Rayo.
Directed by Mauri D. Gallano, the video easily replicates the song bringing the summer sunshine to Eurovision 2017, even if it didn't exactly go to plan, especially in the voting part of the show.
It's a very upbeat song and Manel Navarro easily displays this in the visual. He's very relaxed throughout and the car scene is much more inclusive than the surfing scene. Although, it's great to see Manel Navarro showing us Tenerife and how enjoyable surfing can be; it's clear he really had a great time.
There are performance scenes throughout which has Manel Navarro's usually flare. It's summery, relaxed, and freeing. It's great to watch even though there is nothing special to make this video stand out. It's relatable to the song itself but not really to the lyrics. I cannot wait for this promised album.
This one was one of my early favourites in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. It's a shame it didn't make the Grand Final; although, with the amount of ballads that were in the competition this year, it wasn't really a surprise that some didn't quite make it. This one was very strong on the night, with Tamara Gachechiladze looking completely stunning in the first Semi-Final. However, representing Georgia, she only managed to get 99 points, placing her 11th - a whole 16 points away from 10th place Greece who was represented by Demy with "This Is Love"; Tamara Gachechiladze gained 37 points from the televote and 62 points from the jury. I love the message behind this song. Watch Tamara Gachechiladze perform her Eurovision 2017 song "Keep The Faith", whilst a diverse group of people sing along to the lyrics of the song in this incredibly powerful music video.
Tamara Gachechiladze, formerly known as Tako Gachechiladze, was originally a part of the quartet Stephane & 3G, who originally attempted to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 where they won the national final; however the song was flagged for political reasons and refusal to change the lyrics led to them withdrawing from the contest. In other years, Tamara Gachechiladze took part in Georgia's national selection shows for Eurovision 2008 (where she came tenth), and Eurovision 2009 (where she came fourth but also won as part of Stephane & 3G). Zip forward eight years, and she won Georgia's national show for Eurovision 2017. It's just such a shame she didn't go through to the Grand Final, but, much like the other acts who didn't make it, she's gained fans around the world who will support her, just like me. This song is strong and powerful, it hits my heart every time I hear it; it was written by Tamara Gachechiladze and Anri Jokhadze.
This music video is one of a few favourites of mine from the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. It's really simple and basic but has such an explosive and cultural impact. If anything, this has a lot of power, which is surprising from something so basic.
In the visual we watch Tamara Gachechiladze performing the song, in various stunning outfits, none quite as beautiful as her Semi-Final outfit - now that was beyond gorgeous. She gives it so much meaning in the video, she clearly loves this song and the message behind it, which she easily conveys.
Throughout the music video, we see other people singing along to the words of the song, they aren't performing it so it's okay that they're not giving it their all, but that's because who they are is what sends the message out to us. The song is about not letting people get you down, to not hide, to go out and become who you are meant to be. These people in the visual are certain stereotypes that may be verbally abused for their appearance and their choices, but you should never be someone that those mean people want you to be; be yourself.
The music video is completely powerful, the song has the perfect message and should definitely have made the final. I hope that Tamara Gachechiladze continues to "Keep The Faith" and releases more music and more stunning songs because I can't wait to hear what she releases next.
Another great song and artist that just missed out on the Grand Final; however, at least Tijana Bogićević is a part of my Eurovision Song Contest 2017 Special. I much prefer the music video over the staging production of this song during the second Semi-Final. "In Too Deep" is an amazing song that I could listen to again and again. She represented Serbia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, she gained 98 points during the second Semi-Final coming 11th, just three points short from Denmark's Anja with "Where I Am"; she got 53 points from the jury vote and 45 points from the televote. Watch two dancers perform as if they're submerged in water, "In Too Deep" of one another's love in this music video of Serbia's Eurovision 2017 song by Tijana Bogićević,
Tijana Bogićević has been singing for many years. She first came to prominence when she released "Cudo". She has released many singles, her first being in 2009, and previously entered the Serbia national selection in 2009, titled Beovizija, but only made it to the semi-finals. She next went on stage of Eurovision 2011 as a backing singer for Nina. Now, through internal selection, she got the Eurovision 2017 spotlight on stage but missed out on making the Grand Final by three points. Regardless, she's gained more fans from around the world, and I'm totally interested in what she brings next. Her song and performance reminded me of Ira Losco's "Walk On Water". This song was written by Borislav Milanov, Joacim Persson, Johan Alkenas, and Lisa Desmond.
The music video is mainly a performance piece, that sees Tijana Bogićević on a metal hoop which is attached high above; almost like a swing. She looks serene and confident up there, high above.
The other side of this music video is a man and woman who are dancing to this song; interpreting it into this choreographed dance scene that has a lot of watery elements to it - just like the song.
It works well, but I feel there isn't a lot of substance to this music video. It's very basic, yet at the same time it's been edited well and filmed well. The water scene was a nice added surprise, and yet there isn't much going on in the water either.
