At first, I thought I had so much choice when it came to my Thursday Revisit, this week, but it turned out that I didn't. I chose Nicki Minaj since I've never actually seen the music video to her debut single before today, and so I am definitely interested in what it's like. Are you ready? I'm not sure if I am. This is the failed single and is one people would rather forget, it was later dropped from her debut album altogether due to the very little radio play and hardly-there chart success. The music video is jungle inspired with many people commenting that this is the original "Anaconda". Watch Nicki Minaj and Sean Garrett perform her debut single "Massive Attack" in a jungle with visuals of a snake, tarantula, scorpion, and Amber Rose.
Nicki Minaj, real name Onika Maraj, started her career with this very song back in 2010. Earlier she had charted globally under label group Young Money, with the song "BedRock". Who would've thought she'd grow into this successful female rap artist? This was later scrapped as the lead single from her debut album "Pink Friday" in favour of "Your Love", which did much better commercially; however, this song will always be her debut single. The reasons it didn't work out the way they had hoped, was that they wanted something different and new, but it was too different and too new that it just didn't work. Featured on the track is Sean Garrett, real name Garrett Hamier. He is known for his producing credits, most famously Usher's "Yeah!". He went on to work with some top acts and lately some rising stars. This song was written by Onika Maraj, Sean Garrett, and Alexander Grant.
The music video was directed by Hype Williams. Nicki Minaj wanted contrast, something dirty like the jungle, and something clean and pink. It's quite the contrast and definitely makes her 'Barbie' style take a forefront. The visual also stars Amber Rose, Birdman, and Ringmasters of Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew. As well as scenes of a snake, a tarantula, and a scorpion - deadly creatures that people have phobias of.
The opening clip shows Birdman giving Nicki Minaj a stack of money before pointing to some far-flung place amongst the desert, suggesting that she takes it to where he's pointing. There's plenty of powerful scenes, but the one that stands out the most is Nicki Minaj and Amber Rose in a pink Lamborghini driving along a dirt road while a helicopter chases them; possibly a reference to Thelma & Louise.
Other scenes include her lined up with a Harajuku army; two guys from Ringmasters doing double-jointed dancing, and plenty of shots with her in the jungle in various costumes. Sean Garrett appears shirtless as he sings his part of the song.
Overall, this music video is definitely not your average debut visual, and that is exactly what Nicki Minaj wanted to do. It's bizarre but for all the right reasons because it's beyond memorable. Maybe the song was before its time and maybe the music video was too; but, looking back on it from now, it just shows that Nicki Minaj had some great ideas and knew exactly where she wanted to be.
This music video was released yesterday alongside the release of Faydee's new EP titled "Patterns", which contains four additional tracks along with this song. If this song is anything to go by, we reckon we all need to take a listen to his new EP. The song has a very European-pop twist to it which is certainly becoming extremely popular all around the world. Faydee may have only had one global hit to date, but he deserves so much more recognition and stardom. Watch Faydee singing in Sofia, Bulgaria about wanting so much more. He clearly likes this woman so much and this music video easily portrays this.
Faydee, real name Fady Fatrouni, is an Australian singer-songwriter who is of Lebanese descent. He is mostly known for his hit with Shaggy, Mohombi, and Costi, titled "Habibi (I Need Your Love)", which charted moderately well around the world. From that success, he has had some all right hits and has appeared on many compilation albums. He continues to prove that he can make it in the music world with great song releases, just like this one.
There isn't a lot going on in this music video, that was filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria - as many viewers have identified. Mainly it is a performance piece, with Faydee bringing some usual male energetic vibes throughout.
He oozes emotion in this song. He clearly feels a lot for this song and means every single lyric. The shots are very prolific showing off Faydee's handsome looks; interspersed with scenes of the female love interest who is just as sexy.
There might not be a lot going on in the visual, but it tells a slight story whilst Faydee sings about her. It works so well in a relaxed way. They could've done so much more though.
This turned up on my YouTube recommendations, and Nicki Minaj is looking totally on point in the thumbnail of the video, so I thought why not? It might be quite the intricate video with brilliant scenes of London to open the music video with. She's also included two top rappers on this track creating a brilliant song that will get stuck in my head today, no doubt. It may be different from her previous top hits, but it still manages to slays and prove that she can bring it when she needs to. Watch Nicki Minaj be a queen on her throne next to Lil Wayne, with scenes of her in London, and of her with Drake in this music video for all three's collaborative song "No Frauds".
Nicki Minaj, real name Onika Maraj, is one of the biggest if not the biggest, female rappers around at the moment. She totally brings it to every single song and music video; although there have been a few not-so-great moments, I guess that happens with everyone's career. As she gears up to release a new album, she has released some killer rap tracks that are performing quite well on charts around the world, proving that she's still successful. This track is a collaboration with Drake and Lil Wayne. The former, real name Aubrey Drake Graham, continues to bring out chart hit after chart hit and truly is a name that will go down in history; along with the latter, whose real name is Dwayne Carter Jr., he is one of the top hip-hop artists around and continues to give it his all in the songs he releases - this track is no different. This song was written by Onika Maraj, Dwayne Carter Jr., Aubrey Graham, Brittany Hazzard, Shane Lindstrom, Tim Gomringer, and Kevin Gomringer.
Directed by Benny Boom, the music video caused some controversy in the United Kingdom, as the scenes of Nicki Minaj on the Westminster Bridge was the place where a terrorist attack took place not long ago. There were sources saying the scenes would be cut, but this didn't happen. Regardless, I think it's great to see Nicki Minaj in the UK, at a place many people have probably walked past - I sure have.
This is fierce from start to finish, with Nicki Minaj taking the central spotlight throughout, although Lil Wayne totally steals it during his part. As for Drake, he isn't all that memorable, and yet gives us something this track totally needed.
Overall, it's a brilliant performance piece from all three of them. It's an iconic music video, one that isn't easily forgettable. Yet, I feel that there's both too much going on and not enough at the same time. We're given too much of one scene and not enough of the other, leaving it quite the choppy music video.
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.
