It's Chart Mondays yet again, and there hasn't been much of a shake-up in the UK Top 10, even with these new rules that the Official Chart Company has brought in - expect a full comparison article to go out on Modern Magazine in the future. "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber is still reigning supreme at number one - without an official music video, come on guys, just make one, please! It, therefore, opens the top ten to my review and this one has managed to sneak in at number nine, and it doesn't look like it'll drop out anytime soon since the Cheat Codes & Cades remix has boosted this up the chart. Watch Maggie Lindemann sing about not being just a "Pretty Girl" and therefore getting in an argument and later arrested in this music video for her hit song that everyone is talking about.
Maggie Lindemann, believe it or not, was discovered by her manager by singing on her Instagram profile. This launched her career and she has been building it up ever since. She has a total of four singles behind her to date, with this one being her most successful and the only one that has charted; it is also her most recent, so it'll be interesting to see if she manages to follow it up. More surprisingly, the song hasn't charted in her home country of the US; although, it has charted well in many other countries and has totally become a global sensation. Best charting figures include number two in Italy, number four in Scotland and Sweden, number six in Ireland and Belgium, and number eight in Norway; as well as its current position of number nine in the UK. This could all be down to the Cheat Codes & Cades remix which is extremely popular. The song was written by Maggie Lindemann, Sasha Sloan, and Sean Myer.
Directed by Roman White, the music video is intricate and has both a narrative and a performance visual; keeping the viewers interested from the get-go. Also kudos for the LGBT+ representation, it's so nice to see that this is becoming the norm and slowly but surely music videos will be much more inclusive - or so we hope.
Of the music video, Maggie Lindemann said: "'Pretty Girl' was inspired by my experiences growing up on social media and being constantly judged and underestimated based on the superficial, which is something I think a lot of girls are going through right now." She went on to say: "Being on the set of 'Pretty Girl' with all of the amazing girls was so much fun, just hanging out and getting into trouble. We had a good time and I think it shows, especially in the shots outside where we got to be a bit sassier."
They certainly do bring the sass towards the end, and I loved the licking of her middle finger to the guys before shocking us all when she spills her milkshake on the car - oops! This leads into an argument on the street, where police get involved and Maggie Lindemann and her girls get arrested.
It's definitely a fun music video and it certainly comes across that way, but they also bring up a valid and important point throughout the visual. Just because a girl looks pretty, whether that is online or out on the street, they shouldn't be subjected to certain comments - many people in the world can understand the feelings behind this song, whether their guys or girls. It's very real and it's so good that this music video incorporates the song in every way.
After watching "Like That" last week and loving it completely, I just had to put Bea Miller back on my blog again when she dropped another new music video. After watching it, I'm much less impressed but mainly because I'm jealous of her one-bedroom apartment - I so want that and have done for over a year... Of all the music videos for me to watch, it has to be one that makes me jealous. Yet, life always has a way of working out, and hard work really does pay off, eventually. If I don't believe that, then it won't happen, and I definitely believe. Watch Bea Miller have fun with her girls away from her previous relationship, proving that she doesn't need him in this uplifting music video for "Buy Me Diamonds".
Bea Miller first came to my attention on the second season of The X Factor (US), where she came ninth; she was previously known as Beatrice Miller on the show. I have followed her career ever since, and she continues to prove herself with amazing songs every time. I literally can't get enough of her powerful voice and the ease she has of flooding songs with emotion. This song is slightly more upbeat that her previous songs, proving that she is versatile. "Buy Me Diamonds" was written by Bea Miller, Ido Zmishlany, and Steph Jones.
Directed by Miles & AJ, this music video has a lot more fun going on than in her other visuals. It's interesting that she manages to be the leader of her group of girls.
There are many scenes but not much that stands out specifically - apart from the performance scene where she is sitting at the end of the bed. She nails that one completely, whilst being relaxed throughout.
The narrative is pretty poor, it relates to the song but isn't very inclusive of the audience; although, I did enjoy the flirting scene at the end, so very cute. Overall, it just comes across very average.
My friend is obsessed with this song and music video, and since I couldn't think of anything else to review, I thought why not. Now, watching this music video surprised me, all they're doing is walking down a street, but these three sisters have made an iconic music video in every way. It's completely unforgettable and so stylish, cool, and brilliant. Watch the three HAIM sisters walk down Ventura Boulevard, adding style and dance to make it rhythmically iconic during this music video for their song "Want You Back".
HAIM are a three-piece girl group consisting of Este Haim, Danielle Haim, and Alana Haim. They have been building up their career since their first single release. Their debut album managed to hit number one in the UK; yet, their biggest single to date is "The Wire". This single is the first single to be released from their just-released second studio album. It has already charted in many countries, including the UK at number 59. The song was written by Danielle Haim, Este Haim, Alana Haim, and Ariel Rechtshaid.
Directed by Jake Schreier, this music video is beyond simple yet it is so effective. I love the concept. It was supposed to do with cars and there was meant to be some drifting donuts within the video, but they had to change the whole concept as there was an accident.
The whole clip looks as if it was done in one whole take. We watch the girls walking down the street to this song. Thing is, they aren't singing the song, they lip-sync certain lyrics but it isn't throughout. This is slightly on the disappointing side. However, it focuses more on them and what they're doing and their surroundings rather than anything else.
There's choreography that builds, which is extremely clever, and it's great to see it progress into full-on. They're all in-sync during all the right times, although there is the occasional misstep or out-of-sync that they make work.
Overall, this is better than I initially thought but it just doesn't go anywhere. It doesn't feel like a music video as they aren't singing along. There isn't a lot going on either. However, as a last-minute concept, it's great. It's truly iconic and unforgettable.
A big music video to review and any long-life readers of my blog would know that I've supported Kesha from the very start. I am so happy to be reviewing this as my New Release, and so very proud of my article I wrote for CelebMix. It's going to be difficult writing up about this music video since I have practically covered everything I need to for my CelebMix article and I don't want to write the exact same thing, so I plan to keep this short and in-depth as possible. Watch Kesha fight for herself instead of giving up in this expressive and emotional music video for her first solo release in four years, "Praying".
Kesha, full name Kesha Sebert, and originally stylised as Ke$ha; is truly back releasing music to her fans and people all around the world. It's been quite some time since she returned due to an ongoing legal case with Dr Luke; yet, finally we have some new music from her, and even though it's still on Kemosabe Records, which is owned by Dr Luke, it makes a change to see that he's had no role to play in her new musical releases. This is set as the lead single from her forthcoming third studio album, titled "Rainbow". This song was written by Kesha Sebert, Ryan Lewis, and Ben Abraham.
This music video is completely inspiring and expressive. We all know what Kesha is going through right now. There are so many scenes that make us see her belief that things will get better, she is such an inspiration to every single person in the world.
The opening scene is so good; if we aren't able to understand where she is coming from in this music video, the monologue at the start helps to focus on the meaning behind the song and the visual.
I love how she's perched on the raft as if her life is over; it totally reminds me of the times I've just laid on my bed not caring about the day ahead, wondering why I should even get up today; but it's that focused energy to get up every morning and tackle what's to come - we've all been there regardless of what issues we're going through, no matter how small it is.
There are golden scenes in this throughout; from the multi-coloured bird appearing to give her hope, to the mountainside that says 'God Is Love' which she climbs; from the pig-headed men who chase her, to Kesha dressed as a gorgeous angel playing the piano. Let's not forget the awesome TV scene where there are hateful words and comments displayed and Kesha, dressed as a cowgirl, smashes up the 'weapons of mass destruction' TV.
The ending finishes off this music video perfectly in every way. Where the start suggested the end and that Kesha was gone (maybe it signified the end of Ke$ha, someone she really wasn't); the ending suggested a whole new beginning for her. This song was 100% worth the wait, and this music video is absolutely incredible in every way. It's great to see her back, the legal case may still be going and I continue to fully support her, #FreeKesha; but at least her career is continuing.
Thought I was stuck this week for my Thursday Revisit, trust me to have already written about all of Alexandra Stan's music videos which are five years older or more. Luckily, for me, Mike Posner was the feature on Nick Jonas' "Remember I Told You" alongside Anne-Marie; so, I picked him for my Thursday Revisit this week. This song didn't chart well globally, and it's understandable since this song isn't all that memorable, and the black and white music video isn't anything special. Watch Mike Posner perform his song whilst women dance sexily as lights flash on and off throughout this music video for "Looks Like Sex".
Mike Posner is one of these artists that have a big massive hit, then isn't heard from for a few years, and then makes a total comeback with one song, and goes away again. This is the story of Mike Posner's life and it definitely has a lot of ups and downs. He's most notable for "Cooler Than Me" and "I Took A Pill In Ibiza". This was his fourth single to be released, and it charted well in Belgium, managing to reach the top five in both of their official charts. The song was written by Mike Posner and Mason Levy.
Directed by Jason Beattie, the music video is shot purely in black and white, apart from the occasional scene that contains a bit of colour that is more on the faded side than anything else.
It's a pure performance visual which Mike Posner does an okay job of pulling off, but he doesn't exactly engage the audience and gets outshined throughout by the women in the video.
On the costumes are some parts that light up, this looks so good and makes me wish I had those clothes; however, it doesn't save the video and fails to keep our attention.
Overall, I wasn't expecting much, not going to lie; but, I still expected something better than this. It doesn't go anywhere and isn't all that memorable throughout. Mike Posner has done so much better when it comes to music videos.
Another underrated artist getting time on my blog, and my word does Bea Miller deserve all the attention possible. This song is pure fire from start to finish and she's slowly getting deserved attention but it isn't blasting her into charts around the world, not just yet; but, with a killer voice like she has, it won't be long until the world knows her name. This song is powerful and Bea Miller nails the vocals completely. The music video to "Like That" sees Bea Miller in a car driving through the night city air, whilst drowning out her frustration by standing on the seat as well as hopping into the backseat as the car continues to drive.
Bea Miller was originally known as Beatrice Miller when she was a contestant on The X Factor (US), where she came ninth in the second season of the TV show. This is the season where global superstar girl group Fifth Harmony was formed - who came third. The season led to many potential stars, but only a few have truly broken out, Bea Miller being one of them. She has a unique path through music to which many of us are excited about. Her voice is pure perfection and she's not going to let her ninth place deter her intention to be heard fully; and, with her insane vocals, I expect a worldwide hit in the coming future. This song was written by Daniel James, Leah Haywood, Jarred Rogers, and Bea Miller.
Directed by Miles & DJ, this music video opens with a sentence stating: "Do not attempt to recreate the actions depicted in this video". Instantly, it grabs the viewer's' attention, making them aware of the riskiness that will be shown in the following visuals. It does come as a surprise just to see her driving a car through the city at night, but she later impresses.
Flooding the visual with emotion, Bea Miller truly feels for this song and gets it in every single way. She is focused on driving - when she's in the driver's seat - but she has that look that we all get when we have similar feelings. There are times when we all just want to stand on that driver's seat, just like Bea Miller does, and let the car go its own way as we feel the rush of wind take our emotions away.
Yet, it doesn't work for Bea Miller, and she needs a lot more to shake these feelings. She ends up trying it again, but it still isn't enough, so she jumps into the back seat and stares off into the distance. She is clearly inside her own head. She then rummages through a box and throws out a bowl, before climbing back behind the wheel.
Overall, I am obsessed with the concept of this music video; it's completely brilliant and engaging as a watcher. However, there are scenes where it's obviously green screen, and the backing video switches from scenes too quickly; the most notable being the tunnel and the city skyscrapers; it all just comes off too fake at times. On the other hand, she does amazingly well performing the song and giving the visual all that she has. I cannot wait to see what else she releases.
When I heard that Nick Jonas had collaborated with Anne-Marie, I just knew it would be a match made in heaven; add Mike Posner to the mix and we not only do we have an incredible song, but we also have a fun music video that is easily memorable. The song is one of my favourites by a male artist that is out at the moment, and Nick Jonas sounds amazing on the track throughout; the song has also had some killer remixes and I hope there are more to come. Watch Nick Jonas, Anne-Marie, and Mike Posner perform in a box-like room, mainly having fun throughout, in the music video for "Remember I Told You".
Nick Jonas first hit the music scene as one-third of the Jonas Brothers who have now split as they pursue solo projects. He has seriously become one of the leading male singers around at the moment, fully bringing amazing songs that suit his voice perfectly. His latest album "Last Year Was Complicated" is one I still haven't got over yet, and I'm shocked it didn't receive better international success. Collaborating with Anne-Marie, full name Anne-Marie Nicholson, definitely excited us all. I have followed her career since her first few songs, and I claimed that she would be one to watch, and she just proved me right in every way. There will definitely be more hits from her in the future. As for Mike Posner, he's forever being an international chart success and then you don't hear much from him before he brings out another hit single, this is what makes him a good person to connect with. This track has all the right stars, all the right lyrics, and all the right energy to be a brilliant song; and, that is exactly what it is, but it has underperformed on charts around the world, more so than you could possibly imagine. It peaked at number 97 on the UK charts - which is beyond unfair. It'll just have to become one of my treasures, like so many others. The song was written by Nick Jonas and Mike Posner.
Directed by Isaac Rentz, this music video is completely basic; yet, looked so much fun. All three artists perform in this box-like room where the camera stays in one position as it looks into the room. The colour filter is played with, originally starting off in black and white, and ending in colour; for reasons unknown to us all.
Throughout, the clips are segmented between Nick Jonas alone in the room, and Nick Jonas with a bunch of female models. As the song builds, Anne-Marie and Mike Posner appears out of nowhere and performs alongside Nick Jonas.
Overall, it's not all that appealing to the audience watching it. There are no wow moments, and there is mainly a focus on having fun and a good time, which has next to nothing to do with the song itself. I don't find this enjoyable to watch at all, and even though it does have a lot of fun involved, it's not enough to save it.
Yet again, the number one of the UK singles chart has been claimed by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee with "Despacito" featuring Justin Bieber - which still doesn't have a music video, yet; so this opens up my Chart Mondays review, and I have been dying to review this one. Another One Direction solo debut single, and this one is totally a jam of mine. I'm literally claiming it as my favourite solo material from the guys, and I'm totally looking forward to Liam Payne's future releases because I never expected that his musical route would be totally up my street. Watch Liam Payne perform his debut single "Strip That Down" alongside Quavo in a neon-lit room, segmented with an on-fire dance group who nails brilliant choreography throughout this music video.
Liam Payne, in case you didn't know, was one-fifth/one-fourth of One Direction before their hiatus. All five members of the group have gone solo, with Liam Payne being the last of them to release solo material. This single managed to peak on the UK chart at number three, but now it's slowly heading down the top ten, and will probably drop out completely by Friday, or the Friday after. Featured on this track is Quavo, real name Quavious Marshall, who is mostly known for being one-third of hip-hop group Migos, as well as featuring on DJ Khaled's "I'm The One" alongside Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, and Chance the Rapper. This song is beyond catchy and works perfectly. It samples Shaggy's hit song "It Wasn't Me", which itself samples War's "Smile Happy" which explains the long list of songwriters. "Strip That Down" was written by Liam Payne, Steve Mac, Ed Sheeran, Quavious Marshall, Orville Burrell, Rickardo Ducent, Shaun Pizzonia, Brian Thompson, Sylvester Allen, Harold Ray Brown, Morris Dickerson, Le Roy Lonnie Jordan, Charles William Miller, Lee Oskar, and Howard E. Scott.
Directed by Emil Nava - another popular music video director - the music video is a pure performance visual. It has two main parts, Liam Payne and Quavo singing the song, and a dance performance from a dance troupe.
As for the performance visual, Liam Payne is trying to look sultry and sexy, but he just looks like he is not enjoying this at all - maybe that sunbed room is too hot for him? He seriously looks lost without his band mates beside him. In the song, he mentions how he is having fun, yet he fails to send that across the viewers; and, apart from the one smile that takes up a few seconds of this music video, there is no enjoyment from him in this music video whatsoever.
As for Quavo, he tries not to overshadow the ex-One Direction member, and he doesn't do half a bad job. Yet, it's this amazing dance troupe, with the killer choreography that grabs the music video entirely. However, I am not so keen on the black and white contrasting with the very colourful neon room. You can watch the full dance video below.
Overall, this just doesn't work. I feel there was an attempt to make this sexy in every way, but Liam Payne looks bored out of his mind, more than anything else. There is a very long silent intro, that definitely lined up the tragic music video. The dance troupe pretty much saves this disaster of a video. However, the song will still continue to be a jam of mine, and I cannot wait for Liam Payne's future music; it's just a shame about the video.
After reviewing this song for Outlet Magazine, I had to go into depth about the music video on my blog. It has definitely become my favourite Hailee Steinfeld song to date, although I reckon that she'll manage to release more hits that I'm going to fall in love with. The song is an inspiring, uplifting song; it's a great spin on the concept, as many are preaching about how being different is good and not conforming to society; yet, Hailee Steinfeld wants to be confident, wants to be strong and beautiful, wants to go far and be unstoppable - just like most girls are. It's a brilliant twist, flooding minds around the world with positive energy, and it's wonderful to see. Watch Hailee Steinfeld act as different girls all aspiring to be like "Most Girls", becoming an inspiration to her fans and young people as a whole, in this music video.
Hailee Steinfeld first came to my attention in Pitch Perfect 2, and she has used this to launch herself in the acting and music world, completely dominating slowly but memorably. I'll definitely never forget her main role in the Edge of Seventeen, which she nailed completely. She has worked with some great names including Sigala and DNCE. This song is intended to be the lead single to her debut studio album. It has charted moderately well around the world, which just isn't good enough for me as she deserves so much more success with this inspiring song. It was written by Hailee Steinfeld, Ryan Tedder, Zach Skelton, Jeremy Dussolliet, Tim Sommers, and Asia Whiteacre.
Directed by Hannah Lux Davis - seriously the most in-demand music video director around at the moment - the music video sees Hailee Steinfeld in various acting scenes styling out the girls she is singing about; whilst also showcasing how they are feeling at that moment and are aspiring to be like most girls, not just some girls.
Hailee Steinfeld channels various looks in this music video, each one showing off a totally different personality trait. We have the sporty girl (who is a boxer); we have posh girl (who is glam and rides in the back of a limousine); we have book-lover girl (who spends all day reading books); we have purple-haired artist (who has a team behind her); and performance shots of Hailee Steinfeld herself, as well as with her girls - all of whom are wearing tops with words of strength on them. Almost hitting the Spice Girls personality traits - almost. She's ironically showing off most girls, but not all girls look like that. These are the people who have beauty on the inside, but she also looks incredible on the outside.
She's received a lot of flack for this little tidbit, but I feel that this is how she is expressing them on the inside. That these sort of people are actually her in different forms, that she's all of these girls inside of her, and this is why the music video works because she's just completely genuine whilst still doing everything that she likes to do. She can become anyone of these people because she is like most girls.
The opening and the ending is quite questioning. I love the start as we see Hailee Steinfeld and unknown mystery guy talk, where he tells her that she's not like most girls; well that was totally the wrong thing to say because she actually wants to be like most girls. Yet, the ending just baffles me because he is seen standing in front of nine TVs watching Hailee Steinfeld's music video, where she actually tells him that she wants to be like most girls. The ending scene just doesn't add properly into the visual.
Overall, I am still obsessed with this song, and it's such a shame it hasn't performed better on charts around the world. It's accompanying music video isn't, at all, anything like we expected. This should've been so much better, and even though delving deeper allows us to understand where she's coming from, it just doesn't come across well enough.
How have I not reviewed this yet? There just seems to be more and more music videos coming out and I can barely keep up. This is a brilliant collaboration, the song itself is full of club-vibes which totally make it my sort of track; however, the opening is a little too downbeat for my liking; it just doesn't excite me until the chorus kicks in. Even though it's rare for artists to join forces a second time, we're all hoping that they do. Watch Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato perform "No Promises" in what looks like a post-apocalyptic world, as the boys' logos and geometrical shapes emanate from within the visual of this music video.
Cheat Codes are an electronic dance trio from America, consisting of Trevor Dahl, KEVI (Kevin Ford), and Matthew Russell. They became famous after a collaboration with Kris Kross Amsterdam on the song "Sex", which certainly launched them globally. They've had a few great follow-up hits, this song being one of them - yet, they haven't managed to create the same success as before; although I bet it's not too far away. This collaboration sees them teaming up with Demi Lovato, who is certainly one of my favourite female singers around. She definitely helped the success of this single. She is currently working on new music, although it might be a wait until she releases her solo material since she has quite a few planned features being released with many top DJs. It's great to see her defining her sound and discovering new types of EDM music. This song has done moderately okay on the charts around the world, but it definitely deserves to climb up further; however, I truly believe the start of the song could be to blame for the okayish chart numbers. "No Promises" was written by Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russell, Kevin Ford, Demi Lovato, Ari Leff, and Loote.
The music video was directed by Hannah Lux Davis, the in-demand director. This has surprised me that she directed this video because I'm so used to something better; although, I reckon the visual idea behind this was awesome, and it was stripped back.
It's a full-out performance piece, and I was totally expecting chemistry between Demi Lovato and Trevor Dahl; but, instead of using Demi Lovato's acting skills brilliantly, they decide to focus on the camera, and making the audience see them. This just doesn't come off engagingly, and although these profile shots are intricate and gorgeous, it just doesn't work that much without the chemistry between the singers.
Demi Lovato steals the show completely. Her sexy scenes in the warehouse-like building are complete fire. She's channelling Clarke Griffin in every way (from The 100 TV show); it totally works with her surroundings.
Overall, this should've been polished perfection, much like many other Hannah Lux Davis-directed music videos; but, whether Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato don't get on, or they were just rushed with the whole visual, who knows. But, this clearly doesn't work as well as we all wish that it did. I also fail to see how it relates to the song exactly; however, Demi Lovato's fierce camera acting saves this from being a total disaster.
