Raluka - Tattoo / Du-ma Spre Noi


Tattoo (English Version of "Du-Ma Spre Noi") - Raluka |

After writing this up for CelebMix, and potentially gaining an interview with this amazing Romanian female singer, I just had to write this up for my blog too. Raluka has sure come a long way since she first hit the music industry, and we are all loving her red hair - which she debuted in the "Du-ma Spre Noi" music video - the Romanian version to this one. "Tattoo" is just the English version of the song and visual. Watch this backwards motion clip of Raluka running away from her vocally abusive guy in this music video for the English version of "Du-ma Spre Noi" titled "Tattoo".

Raluka, real name Alexandra Raluca Nistor, first came to my attention when I was flipping through Inna and Alexandra Stan's music videos on YouTube; Raluka came up amongst my suggestions with her collaboration with DJ Sava on the song "I Like (The Trumpet)"; since then I have been a fan and have followed her career. Before then, she was one-third of girl group Pepper Girls. In recent years, she has been bringing it with amazing songs that I definitely can't get enough of, and "Tattoo" has just been added to that list alongside her previous singles. The song's lyrics were written by Sophia Ayana.

Directed by Alex Ceausu, this music video starts with the end and shows Raluka spending time with her friend - who we find out is named Angie. We watch the backwards-motion narrative interspersed with a relaxed performance piece.

The whole visual is very sensual between Raluka & Angie and could explain the ending - which is really the start. Although we all much prefer the sexy Romanian version of the song since it has that tantalising feel to it.

The performance piece is relaxed, with Raluka really getting into the song and trying to make the English lyrics have the same effect as the Romanian lyrics; which is not easy to pull off. Raluka does a great job and it totally makes us want to see her live.

Overall, it's a great music video, and reminds me of Inna's "Crazy Sexy Wild / Tu Si Eu" only because that too has a Romanian / English music video versions that are the exact same with subtle differences; just like this one. It fits the song beautifully and it's a song we can never quite get out of our heads for the rest of the day, whether that being the English or Romanian version.
Buy on iTunes
Buy on iTunes

Manel Navarro - Keep On Falling


Keep on Falling - Manel Navarro |

I watched this music video upon its release a couple of days ago and it made me cry, it is incredibly emotionally powerful; definitely the best Manel Navarro music video to date! This Eurovision 2017 star may have come last, but he's proving that he won't let that defeat him; besides this song is way better than "Do It For Your Lover", and this amazing music video just proves he has talent. Watch Manel Navarro cheer everyone up with his inspiring song "Keep On Falling" in this music video from the Spain Eurovision 2017 representative.

Manel Navarro is best known for coming last at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 where he represented Spain with his song "Do It For Your Lover". He was known by many when he previously released "Candle" - which I reviewed for Outlet Magazine and its music video - and I even interviewed him for CelebMix in the run-up to Eurovision. He admitted that he had more songs to come, and this latest contribution shows how amazing he truly is. This song is heartwarming and completely special. Manel Navarro's vocals are on point throughout and he manages to convey all the emotion he feels for this song. According to Vevo, the song was written by Antonio Rayo "Rayito".

Also, according to Vevo, the music video was directed by Fran Gas. It contains a performance piece and a narrative piece which all adds up to this perfect music video that made me cry on my first watch - it still touches my heart every time I watch it.

In the narrative, we watch three people - a girl and two guys - who are dealing with nasty words that have been said to them and lingered with them. For those of you who know me, this is currently me at the moment; I have an awful person in my life who is saying nasty things to me hurting me with every single word, and although I ignore those words, they still hurt regardless. I am one of those people in this music video - and so are a lot of others in this world.

We continue to watch as a box appears with a hand crank music box inside; on the lid, it says "Listen and pass it on!" The girl starts and cranks the music box and the words on her face magically disappear. She passes it on to the young boy and the same happens to him; this boy then passes it on to the older teenage boy, who also listens to the music box and everything is all right again.

We later find out that Manel Navarro created the music box himself to spread love, hope, and happiness. His narrative piece sees him sitting on a chair in a bedroom expressing emotionally what this song means to him. It's simply wow! The music video is completely incredible in every way!
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New Release: Alice Kristiansen - Lost In Translation


Lost in Translation - Alice Kristiansen |

Today was a struggle to find a New Release with a music video, most of the ones that do have a music video are instant grat singles; however, I stumbled across this one and I'm glad I chose this one for my New Release blog review. Infusing kaleidoscopic images projected onto her face for this music video, Alice Kristiansen loses the viewers as nothing new happens with this visual for "Lost In Translation".

Alice Kristiansen is a New York-based singer who gained a high following after Ashton Kutcher posted one of her videos to Facebook in 2015. Since then she's been building up her career with more releases that show her sound and emotional spirit. This song is newly released today following on from her most recent single "Lost My Mind". The video has already gained 36,000 views and counting on YouTube and the song has received over 2,000 streams on Spotify. "Lost In Translation" is an empowering emotional song that is totally unforgettable.

This music video is beyond simple with not much going on. It's a pure performance visual with kaleidoscopic images being projected onto her face and the background. Other images include falling leaves and block imagery.

There are two main scenes, one which is zoomed out completely, and one which is a proper headshot. This exposes her performance vibes which are barely there. She doesn't interact with the song, and fail to express what it means to her; it's frustrating to see because I know she can bring it and do the song justice, it's just a shame she doesn't for this video.

Overall, it's a good concept, it just doesn't go anywhere. Alice Kristiansen fails to connect with the audience; it's lacking substance and emotion.
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Samantha Jade - Step Up


Step Up - Samantha Jade |

It's time for Thursday Revisit, and I thought I might as well promote Samantha Jade more and show off her debut music video, which was actually the theme song to the hit movie Step Up! It's surprising that she was a part of one of the biggest dance films ever released, and it didn't help to launch her career - however, promotion with the song is usually key when it comes to this sort of thing. I guess it's good that things didn't work out as she ended up going on The X Factor Australia and won. Watch Samantha Jade and her friends create their own "Step Up" music video in promotion of the film and its soundtrack.

Samantha Jade, real name Samantha Jade Gibbs, made it big when she won the fourth season of The X Factor Australia in 2012; which saw her winner's single "What You've Done To Me", go straight to number one in her home country. We are still waiting for an international smash from her, which we sure isn't far off. However, many people - including me - were unaware that she attempted a career way before then. This is her debut single released in 2006 in promotion of one dance film that we all know (and that launched Channing Tatum), titled "Step Up". It was the title track of the soundtrack to the film. The song was written by Diane Warren and produced by Wyclef Jean.

Directed by Scott Winig, this music video is a typical mid-00's visual, that is totally taking us back in every single way! She's seriously bringing it in the music video and it works completely.

There's not a lot to this video, however. We see her and her mates find out about a "create your own Step Up music video" promotion, and decide to do just that. They end up in front of an electrical shop and they distract the cashier as they record the video, using the equipment.

Throughout there's typical 00's dance choreography that Samantha Jade totally nails with her backing dancers. Most of this scene is in front of the electrical shop. We later see the narrative expand as she gets a message about being in the Step Up film - suggesting that she won the music video competition.

As this is a soundtrack music video, we also see clips of the film Step Up throughout. It's so great to see Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan again; reminding me of how long it's been since I've seen this film - way too long.

Overall, it's a great soundtrack music video; however, the clips of the film are way too short, and I feel like the narrative could've been broadened as it's not completely obvious. On the other hand, Samantha Jade is totally fierce and brings it in every way. I also really like the concept too.
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Little Mix - Salute


Salute - Little Mix |

A few days ago, The Nightingale Club - which is my favourite club to go to in Birmingham - announced their event dedicated to Little Mix. They've recently started playing more Little Mix songs amongst their sets - old and new; so this didn't really come as a surprise. During one of my nights out, my friend and I came up with a salute dance move to this song - I'm sure we all have one - and we cannot wait to do it again whilst clubbing at this event, on 5th August. The song is one of my favourites, and has killer choreography throughout! Watch Little Mix "Salute" to this amazing song representing all the women in this empowering music video.

Little Mix are a British girl group consisting of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. They are still the only group to ever win The X Factor; which they did back in 2011 on the eighth series. They continue to up their game with every single release and album release. Their most-recent album finally got the girls their first number one on the UK Albums Chart. This single was the last one released from their second studio album of the same name. They didn't release many from this album, compared to the others; even though they have killer tracks written by Nicola Roberts on their albums - why oh why did they not release these ones as single? This song managed to chart at number six on the UK singles chart. The song samples Xzibit's "Paparazzi". It was written by Thomas Barnes, Peter Kelleher, Ben Kohn, Maegan Cottone, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall.

Directed by Colin Tilley - another in-demand music video director - this visual is commanding, dark and completely fierce in every way.

As mentioned, the key part of this music video is the dance choreography. The girls bring it like no other girl group can, that I have seen. Fully nailing every step and seriously getting into it in every way.

There are some profile scenes on each of the girls; these really work to emphasise independence even when they are seen in a group. This allows the viewers to latch on to one of the girls, someone who they can identify with slightly and follow throughout the visual.

Overall, this music video should've had a slight narrative, and it looks like there could've been one in the making but it may have been stripped away. Regardless, this is fierce and on point. The girls give it their all and it really does pay off.
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Samantha Jade - Circles On The Water


Circles on the Water - Samantha Jade |

This has been amongst my YouTube recommendations for quite some time now, so I thought today would be the perfect opportunity to watch and review it. This music video is pure magical, and the song is amazing even if it is unmemorable - talk about relating perfectly to the song, and making us all jealous in the process; this is the type of relationship we all want! Watch Samantha Jade and her on-screen lover Levi Neufeld become "Circles On The Water" as they spend time together in this adorably cute music video.

Samantha Jade, full name Samantha Jade Gibbs, is an Australian singer/songwriter who is best known for winning the fourth season of The X Factor Australia. She has had a successful career to date, having charted well in her home country since winning the TV talent show. She has also done some acting in Home and Away, as well as House of Bond. We can presume this single is from her upcoming third studio album; unfortunately it hasn't charted well, managing to get to number 270 in Australia. It totally deserves to do better, the song is a killer - although it isn't all that memorable and would get forgotten if heard on the radio; however, the music video makes up for it in every way. This needs a remix that launches the song internationally! "Circles On The Water" was written by Johan Gustafson, Hayley Aitken, and Cassandra Ströberg.

The music video is completely relatable to the song, and as I previously mentioned, Samantha Jade and on-screen lover, actor and model Levi Neufeld makes us all jealous with their relationship goals on-screen relationship.

They do a lot of couple things, whilst managing to convey their chemistry throughout. It's a great display of emotion whilst they go camping, play in the arcade, go cliff golfing, play basketball, curl up in bed, and every thing else.

Overall this music video completely reflects the song in every way. It's sweet and totally adorable. Samantha Jade is certainly a rising star in the music industry, and I hope that she has a global number one sometime soon, and/or represents Australia at Eurovision. This song and music video just proves how incredible she really is. The only thing that lets this down is the performance piece, which isn't memorable at all.
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Chart Mondays: Calvin Harris Featuring Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean - Feels


Feels (feat. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean) - Calvin Harris |

This is one of those sorts of songs that grow on you. I've heard this song so many times now that I've started to like it; yet, at the same time, I'm still not going to be a fan of this track. I wish it wasn't in the Top Ten of the UK Singles Chart, just so I don't have to review it (yeah, I had two other options, but this one is more likely to drop out sooner than the other options I had today); since Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber is still on top with "Despacito", I kind of had no option. This video has all the coloured filters you can imagine and want, distorting reality yet keeping it real. Watch Katy Perry, Pharrell Williams, and Big Sean perform "Feels" on what looks like a tropical island, as Calvin Harris rocks up in the background with a guitar as colour distortion switches up this music video!

Calvin Harris, real name Adam Wiles, has really come a long way since his debut and is absolutely bringing it when it comes to music; his latest album is all collaborations, showing off his producing side, which we've seen before; however, I truly believe we prefer his own vocal music, as that is what soars him up the chart, in some cases. Regardless, he continues to be a top DJ that we continue to love. Featured on this track is Pharrell Williams, who has also been bringing it over the past few years; he's definitely a solid performer and vocalist, one everyone wishes to collaborate with one day. Katy Perry also appears on this track; real name Katy Hudson, she's quickly pushed herself up there with the top female singers of the world. And then there's Big Sean, real name Sean Anderson, the rapper who comes in and out of mainstream music and also manages to stay on top form. This is one heck of a collaboration, it's just a shame that this song is a grower and not an instant catchy hit, but it's one that stays in our head annoyingly. It was written by Adam Wiles, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry, Brittany Hazzard, and Sean Anderson.

Directed by Emil Nava - here's his name again, definitely an in-demand music video director - this visual is taking colour distortion to the next level; pretty much using every colour filter imaginable to not only infuse summer but to show that colour doesn't matter.

All three vocal artists nail this performance piece, but I feel that there isn't a lot for them to do, and there's more focus on the colour, making us blink so much that we practically miss what they're doing; not that they're able to do much since Pharrell Williams is trapped in a boat in the middle of a lake surrounded by sand; Katy Perry is lying down in the grass with a bright yellowy/orange dress that is unflattering on her, hiding away; and, as for Big Sean, he's sitting down on a chair as if he's the King of this tropical island, but he can't embody his lyrics because of his two parrot side-kicks, that totally steal the show.

There's just not an awful lot going on in this music video. The colour transforming filters can either capture the audience or turn them away, and since they stick with this idea, everything else loses focus and gets sent into the background.

Overall, this music video deserved to be better, it embraces summer and goes over the top with colour filters - it's literally the only thing I can comment on. It's interesting to an extent and we all want to visit that place, but it's not awesome at all.
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Madonna - Music


Music - Madonna |

I've been watching RuPaul's Drag Race, and I am now on Season 9 - I truly am addicted since I only started watching a month ago; anyhow, the queens lip-synced for their lives to this song, and I truly realised how much I love this track; hence why I am reviewing this song today. After watching the music video in full today, for the first time, I realise it isn't as good as the song itself, although it is a typical 00's music video. Watch Madonna ride in Ali G's limousine going from club to club playing this song, as well as turning into a bad-ass animation superheroine in this music video for "Music".

Madonna, full name Madonna Ciccone, is pretty much the biggest female artist in the world. She has literally managed to stay current over a number of decades and eras - very few female artists manage to do this. However, lately, she hasn't been doing so well when it comes to the singles chart; this seems to be the consensus when it comes to long-time females in the industry; heavy-weights who have been going since 80's and 90's haven't been able to soar up the singles charts even though their albums manage to do just that. This song is still one people love to this day and charted at number one in various countries including the UK, the US, and Australia. "Music" was written by Madonna and Mirwais Ahmadzaï.

Directed by Jonas Åkerland, this music video embodies music just like the song does. It mostly takes part in a limo, which is where we mainly hear music - not in a limo, but in a car; you know what I mean. Other places include clubs and bars, which also happens in this video. Sacha Baron Cohen as Ali G stars as Madonna's driver; not only that but her longtime backup singer Niki Haris and actress Debi Mazar also star in the video.

Throughout, there are great comedic scenes between Madonna and Ali G. He's driving them to two clubs; the first one sees him being the DJ, where Madonna is dancing to her own song with her girls. The second one sees him being denied entry as Madonna and her girls attend a strip-club; she later brings the strippers on board the limo.

The animation is cool throughout, with Madonna becoming a superheroine - who we'll never forget; Madonna looks amazing as an animated character.

However the video is lacking in some respect, it could have been bigger, better and more involving of the audience. Although, during this video, she was four months pregnant; as a little twist, she's wearing a necklace that says 'Mommy'. I feel it's highly forgettable, and I'm pretty sure I've seen this before, but I have no recollection of ever seeing it. It's just not something I'd easily remember - and that's not good at all since the song is fierce in every way.
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Sam Feldt X Lush & Simon Featuring Inna - Fade Away


Fade Away (feat. INNA) - Sam Feldt x Lush & Simon |

We have been waiting for this music video ever since the song was released last month; and, now it is finally here! For those who want to explore my articles about this track, you can read my CelebMix "Fade Away" Teasers, CelebMix "Fade Away" Review, Outlet Magazine "Fade Away" Review, Electric Mode "Fade Away" Review, CelebMix "Fade Away" Music Video Review, Outlet Magazine "Fade Away" Music Video Review, and Electric Mode "Fade Away" Music Video Review. This means I don't really have a lot to comment on when it comes to this music video, but I am obsessed with this visual, that I can't stop watching. The song, itself, is my current alarm sound to wake me up in the mornings - that's how much I love this song. Watch Inna hang out with her girls in The Bahamas in this serene music video for the Sam Feldt X Lush & Simon track which Inna features on, titled "Fade Away".

Sam Feldt, real name Sammy Renders, made his name known all around the world with his version of the classic song "Show Me Love" which was originally sung by Robin S - also titled "Show Me Love". This launched him as an international DJ and he has had some moderate chart hits that followed. Regardless, he continues to bring it with every song, and I am so happy he chose Inna to feature on this gorgeous song. This collaboration is with Lush & Simon, who made their names known when they collaborated with Don Diablo and Steve Aoki on "What We Started"; they're definitely ones to watch as they continue to bring out hits we cannot stop playing. The vocals for this track comes from Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu. She's one of the biggest, if not the biggest, female Romanian singer in the whole world. She has many hits behind her and is gearing up to release her fifth studio album. This song has charted in a few countries but hasn't had the success it clearly deserves. Now that the music video is out, I'm hoping it will create waves and turn into a summer smash.

Directed by Barna Nemethi, this music video showcases Inna having a good time with her friends in The Bahamas. Alongside her, are makeup artist Anca Buldur, and model Joanna FX.

There are various scenes throughout, with the opening one showing all three women in a Camaro creating tyre tracks on the sand. We later see them driving on the road, wearing wrestling masks, they later pick up a guy - a hitchhiker. Towards the end, he jumps out of the moving car as Inna takes a photo - he so could've been a love interest to link to the song, but that didn't happen.

Other scenes see them walking on a boardwalk, and at a beautiful hut-like treehouse-like place - where, we all wish we could visit. It's clear that it was a very windy day in The Bahamas when they filmed this music video since their hair is constantly getting in their faces.

Overall this music video exudes summer in every way - just like the song does. Everything going on in the visual is what we would love to be doing every time we hear this song. It truly captures summer, and the song will definitely be one of my 2017 summer tracks, I just hope that the release of this music video will enlighten millions of people to this brilliant song.
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New Release: Kesha Featuring The Dap-Kings Horns - Woman


Woman (feat. The Dap-Kings Horns) - Kesha |

Kesha continues to surprise us by dropping another new music video and even giving us a snippet of another new song at the very start. Having just written up an article about this for CelebMix, I'll do my best to not write the same comments, I suggest you head over there and read my article on this music video. This has certainly excited me for her new album, just like last week's release of "Praying". Watch Kesha and The Dap-Kings Horns team up for her second song release from her new album "Rainbow", where she heads to a bar to perform in this music video for "Woman".

Kesha, full name Kesha Sebert and originally known as Ke$ha, is making her comeback, finally. This song is another scorcher and shows her versatility as well as her direction for her new album, "Rainbow". This is the fun-style Kesha we like to see, and she's completely happy and relaxed in this music video. The song is explicit but it's so damn catchy I cannot stop listening to it. The fact that this song and previously released "Praying" are tracks I can have on repeat all day long just shows that this new album is going to be a sure-fire hit and completely addicting! This song was written by Kesha Sebert, Andrew Pearson, and Stephen Wrabel.

Directed by Kesha Sebert & Lagan Sebert, this music video is basic compared to "Praying"; however, they clearly chose the right song for this low-budgeted music video because it fits the song perfectly. Kesha is a motherfucking woman, as she states and this music video shows that she's independent and doesn't need "a man to be holding [her] too tight".

The opening gives a snippet of a new track, which fans have assumed is "Hunt You Down" before Kesha stops the track and slams right into the first verse of "Woman". She's driving her car down the road with The Dap-Kings as her passengers; the guys who play the horns are in the back. They arrive at the Oddity Bar, which is where they're playing.

The rest of the narrative sees Kesha performing the song, totally in her element and loving being on stage. This is literally what she was born to do, and it's incredible to see her enjoyment. In verse two, she switches it up by laughing out some of the lyrics. She also heads to the bar with her backing vocalist Saundra Williams of The Dap-Kings; where they have a few shots. The rest of the scenes are of Kesha on stage.

Overall, the music video works perfectly with the song. It may be basic compared to "Praying" but who needs anything more than this? I feel that they could've played out the narrative a little bit more, especially when they headed to the bar; I was expecting the story to extend slightly. However, the performance is on point throughout, and no matter what Kesha is going through, #FreeKesha, we know that she's putting 100% of herself into this newly released music.
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