I have just written up an article about this song and music video for Outlet Magazine, so I thought I might as well write a blog post about the visual too. She's pretty new on the scene, after launching her music career last year, but LIZ LOKRE is certainly gaining momentum and definitely one for us all to keep our eyes on. This song does remind me of Drake feat. Rihanna's song "Too Good", but only slightly. Watch LIZ LOKRE bring a burst of colour with this infectious confident track that energises all the viewers to be sassy and be prepared to say "Buh Bye"; perfect motivation throughout this music video!
LIZ LOKRE, previously known as Liz Loughrey, launched her debut single "Rise Up!" last year, and this one is her second single release. Both songs have over 150,000 streams on Spotify, which just goes to show how catchy her music really is. This song, in particular, is sultry and hot, whilst bringing some soul into this undeniable pop song. I could so imagine this being remixed with Drake feat. Rihanna's "Too Good", it'll just work perfectly.
Directed by Sean McBride & Caroline Torti, the latter of which also acted as the choreographer, this music video is a pure performance visual surrounded by a full on burst of colour. It has a pop-art feel to it and contains LIZ LOKRE knocking out killer choreography with two backing dancers.
It's complete confidence throughout with LIZ LOKRE keeping the spotlight on her. She is seriously telling us "Buh Bye" and she means every single word of the song. This singer/songwriter proves that she deserves to be in the music industry and needs so much more recognition.
Overall, the music video is great to watch, and something I could watch over and over. She totally nails the choreography throughout. There are no distractions and it's very colourful. There isn't a love interest, unfortunately, but this video is fire nonetheless.
Making their debut on my blog with their new release is Everything Everything. If I'm honest, I've been aware of this band for many years, but they aren't to my taste and I haven't really dabbled in their music. So here I am, dabbling in their new release, and it's a lot better than what I was expecting. Watch Everything Everything perform their new song "Desire" in this colourful music video displaying their passion for music in every way.
Everything Everything are a four-piece band consisting of Jonathan Higgs, Jeremy Pritchard, Michael Spearman, and Alex Robertshaw. They are from the UK, and have been attempting to become popular for many years; this band proves that if you continue on with your passion, you'll finally make it. Their albums consistently chart highly, and I reckon this new one will follow suit. They haven't really had any hit singles - not one that has made their career, although "Cough Cough" and "Kemosabe" both have charted within the UK Top 50 Singles Chart, but they totally deserve to have one massive hit; especially if this song is anything to go by. The song was written by Jonathan Higgs, Michael Spearman, Jeremy Pritchard, and Alex Robertshaw.
Directed by Dave Tree, this music video is a pure performance visual with very little going on. The band displays their on-stage energy and it definitely desires us to go and see them live one day.
Performing on a square stage, Everything Everything are in a box-like room as they display their song. There's really not a lot going on but there's some great imagery and interesting energy that doesn't go unnoticed.
This is literally all I can say about this music video. It's very colourful; there's a lot of blue and pink filters used in the visual. Everything Everything show their interaction with one another and how they group well together as a band. This song is one that I could've seen being a hit, but I don't see it going up the charts, unfortunately.
Okay, so I'm behind on my blog, and I truly am sorry guys. It's because I had an interview in London and took a much-needed break away to my favourite city, and they still rejected me - oh well, my life will sort itself out eventually, and I'll prove to the world that I'm worth something at least... Until then, I shall catch up with my blog.
For Thursday Revisit, I thought I'd do review this country music legend's biggest hit. This song did amazingly well in the UK, and I remember hearing it all the time. I'm actually surprised that she has never had a UK Single number one, regardless of how popular she was back when I was young. She's now returned to music and "Life's About To Get Good" has quickly become a favourite song of mine - I can't wait to hear more new music from her. This music video is clearly an old video, but I love the concept and it works to some extent. Watch Shania Twain in the desert trying to hitchhike but she only wants the right guy, so she's turning down hot guys left, right, and centre, because they don't impress her in this music video for "That Don't Impress Me Much".
Shania Twain is definitely one of those iconic stars that everyone knows. She made her name by launching hit country songs around the world, which is usually unheard of. It's so difficult to market songs like this in certain countries, especially the UK, who don't really get or understand country music; yet, Shania Twain managed to do it. She has been releasing new music that has been gaining momentum - what is it with Shania Twain that makes her bring out killer songs that deserve to be international successes? Anyways, this song got to number three on the UK singles chart, along with its follow-up "Man! I Feel Like A Woman". I expect her to make a full return to the UK charts in the future, especially with her great new music she has been releasing. This song was written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and Shania Twain.
Directed by Tag Savage, this music video was filmed in the Mojave Desert at El Mirage Dry Lake and Barstow, California. There's not a lot going on but it's definitely a great concept - but seriously, how did she come across so many hot guys who wanted her in a desert? I can't even do that in a gay club - well I can but the guys that check me out don't come up to me.
She's wearing a leopard print outfit with a big circular bag to match, whilst trying to hitchhike to get out of the desert; however, she turns down every single hot guy that stops for her because they don't impress her much. She's probably still in the desert, and surely she's teasing every single one of them by sticking her hand out to them for a lift.
Overall, it's an all right music video. I totally love the concept but surely she's trying to find a way out of the desert; by turning down every guy that offers her a lift, just makes her stuck in the desert with nowhere to go.
Her first solo singles away from Fifth Harmony, and I don't even know how I have not blogged about this music video before today. To be fair, Camila Cabello's debut solo music video isn't striking or all that memorable - which probably explains it all really. The song is a climber and a grower for everyone and has been starting to get those important chart numbers that it clearly deserves, but it's been quite the wait. I'm interested in what her new music will bring, whilst Fifth Harmony continues as a four-piece. Watch Camila Cabello perform "Crying In The Club" and "I Have Questions" in this haunting club music video for her debut solo singles.
Camila Cabello is mostly known for her time in girl group Fifth Harmony and for being the first member to release solo music and leave the band. Fifth Harmony were put together on the second season of The X Factor (US) and each member auditioned individually before being put together. They came third overall and went on to become the biggest act from all three seasons. Now going solo, Camila Cabello is definitely proving that she can make it on her own; however, Fifth Harmony remains strong without her. This song has charted all over the world, not making a striking impact but it's done all right. The song samples Christina Aguilera's "Genie In A Bottle". It was written by Camila Cabello, Sia Furler, and Benjamin Lever. The start of this video gives a snippet of the promotional single "I Have Questions", which charted in a few countries. It was written by Camila Cabello, Jesse Shatkin, and Bibi Bourelly.
This music video was directed by Emil Nava, who is totally an in-demand music video director - this name pops up all the time. Yet, this video is less impressive and I'm not so keen on the two song medley.
The opening starts with "I Have Questions" which is my favourite out of the two songs; yet, as a snippet, it's that slight bit too long and it makes you wonder when "Crying In The Club" will start up - it fully takes one minute and forty seconds.
Visually it's appealing but it doesn't go anywhere. It's mainly, haunting profile shots of Camila Cabello. The bath scene reminds me of Britney Spears' "Everytime". I totally love the glass box in the centre of the dancefloor, it reminds me of the mini-stages and the poles that you get in some of the clubs - but Camila Cabello looks awkward being in the centre spotlight, not quite being confident.
Overall, it's an all right music video that relates to the song to an extent; yet, it's nothing new, nothing exciting and definitely doesn't stand out. The song is a killer track, that had an even better follow-up, but the video just fails to impress.
She is BACK! After a massively long break, Shania Twain is here to spread joy and positivity in her first single in over five years. She's the woman who brought country music to the world and is held in high regard by many famous country singers of the world. She's been through a lot during her break from music, but it's now time for her to return and this song is definitely catchy and is one that is jovial and spreads joy to everyone. Watch Shania Twain strip away everything that reminds her of her ex with the help of a guy in a purple suit, as she turns her life around in this music video for "Life's About To Get Good".
Shania Twain is an iconic female country singer. She has a range of hits that conquered the world; even managing to hit it big in the UK, where country music rarely sees the light of day. The big question that everyone is wondering is, will Shania Twain manage to make a full-on chart comeback? She hasn't hit the main charts since "Don't" in 2005 apart from the one-off single "Today Is Your Day" which only charted in Canada and the US. This song is catchy and deserves to do well, but it's not mainstream to the extent where the song will launch up the charts. Her album might do well around the world, but if this song is anything to go by, she won't be having single chart success for a while. It has, however, charts in some countries: Canada Hot 100 at 70, the US Country Airplay & Hot Country Songs at 36 & 33 respectively; and Scotland at 91. "Life's About To Get Good" was written by Shania Twain.
Directed by Matthew Cullen, this music video exactly relates to the song, and it really works. We all want that leaflet so that we can open it up and a purple-suit guy appears and sorts out our lives for us. This visual is what dreams are made of.
The opening sees Shania Twain in a gorgeous oceanic dress as she walks along the beach, intercut with scenes of her in her house doing everyday things - like getting the post and making a cup of tea. As she goes through the post, she comes across a vacation leaflet which dares her to open it with the words "Open at your own risk".
Inside is a man in a purple suit with an entourage, the leaflet says "Change comes from within". She puts the leaflet down and the people she just saw just magically appear, prepared to help her sort her life out.
This entourage rearranges furniture, gets rid of memories about the guy who hurt her and brightens up all her rooms in the house. It's a totally uplifting visual to go with the joyful song. It works well, and we all wish this would happen to us so that we'd be walking along that beach some day or living in that beautiful house with the swimming pool - that I'm sure we've seen a few times in TV series and/or films and/or music videos.
She is back on top form, Rita Ora's "Your Song" is so good. It didn't impact the UK chart immediately, but soon made a steady climb; however, it's currently stalled at number seven and isn't able to beat its peak. It looks like it will decline in the next few weeks, but being inside the top ten is still a good peak position. Currently, Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee is at number one with "Despacito" which features Justin Bieber, hence why I'm reviewing this song today. Watch Rita Ora walk backwards through her day as she thinks about the kiss goodbye she gave to this guy, whilst everyone else's day go forwards in this music video for "Your Song".
Rita Ora recently got away from her record label through a settlement and she is now gearing up to release her second studio album which this, we presume, is her lead single. She has hit it big in the UK and the US, and even judged and coached on rival TV shows The X Factor and The Voice UK. We've been waiting patiently for new music and when we finally got it, it gradually grew on us all. "Your Song" has done all right globally, charting high in many countries, although it does deserve better placings. It was written by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac.
Directed by Michael Haussman, the music video shows Rita Ora thinking of the goodbye kiss she gave to a guy last night; whilst everyone else's day goes forwards, her day goes backwards, back to the place and the time she kissed that guy goodbye.
The first time I saw this, I thought Rita Ora looked like Khloe Kardashian; she still does in this video, it's because of the way her hair has been styled and because of her makeup, which is on-point throughout. The opening scene sees her in a meeting in an office building, where she's the only woman.
We watch various scenes which see Rita Ora going backwards, which includes driving a car in reverse too - which looks completely awesome. It all leads back to the goodbye kiss - it is adorable.
Overall, it's a great music video and in-depth, yet not something we expected when we first heard this song. It's intricate and interesting, I like how some of the scenes are clearly in rewind as she is actually going forwards, but then there are also times when it's clear she's actually walking backwards. It's quite confusing. This is becoming more and more common with music videos at the moment, and will no doubt become a phase.
Let's be honest, since we're all caught up with RuPaul's Drag Race, we all have withdrawal symptoms, enough where we end up just playing music videos that he stars in. This is what happened to me today and I stumbled across this Oz video by Todrick Hall, and it is EPIC! I'm not going to lie, I strayed away from Todrick Hall music videos before RuPaul's Drag Race because I didn't think it was my thing - I couldn't have been more wrong. Watch this Oz inspired music video that shows Dorothy, The Tinman, The Scarecrow, and The Lion, as Todrick Hall and RuPaul perform their collaborative song "Low".
Todrick Hall made his name known on the ninth series of American Idol, where he got as far as the top 16 before being eliminated alongside four other contestants. He later found success on YouTube where he gained a lot of fans. It wasn't long until he guest-judged on RuPaul's Drag Race, where he later became a regular judge. It's clear that Todrick Hall and RuPaul get along brilliantly and there's bound to be more collaborations as this is pure gold. RuPaul, full name RuPaul Charles, is one of the biggest drag queens in the world, and first launched his music career with "Supermodel (You Better Work)" which had international success upon its release in the early 90's; now, thanks to Drag Race, he's really come into his own. This song is part of his most recent album titled "Straight Outta Oz" which collaboratively is a full musical - with this video being just a segment of the whole story - taking inspiration from the Wizard of Oz, as well as his rise to fame in Los Angeles (also known as Oz).
This music video was directed by Todrick Hall and Moorhead&Benson. As I previously stated, this entire clip is from the musical which forms the complete album. This also stars Brittanie Brant as Dorothy, Chester Lockhart as The Scarecrow, Jamie Bennett as The Tinman, and Jojo Guadagno as The Lion.
The narrative itself is very short. It practically introduces the characters to us - which is very much needed since they are quite different to that of who we remember from the original Wizard of Oz. This introduction relates to the song's lyrics so well and works perfectly regardless of how short it is.
The biggest scene in this is the performance piece where we see Todrick Hall and RuPaul perform together. RuPaul isn't in drag whereas Todrick Hall is. The former's biggest scene is where he's in a carriage being pulled by men; let's be honest, we all see RuPaul this way on Drag Race - he's a force to be reckoned with, so watch out!
As for Todrick Hall, he's both the good witch and the bad witch, both Glinda and Elphaba. Clearly reinterpreting this iconic film into there only being one witch; one woman who battles with her inner demons and is just as normal as we all are. We all have the ability to be evil just like we have the ability to be totally good. In stories, people tend to pick a side, but in a normal world we're both, and it's our choices are what makes us who we are and how others portray us.
Overall, this music video is beyond fierce. It makes me want to watch everything together and to see this whole musical. I may have once thought that Todrick Hall wasn't for me, and I do believe he is before his time; but, he's a trendsetter, and has totally won me over. I can't wait to see what he does in the future and I know I'll end up sitting back and watching the complete musical one day.
Was totally struggling to think of a music video to review today, and then this came up on my iTunes and the sample of Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" totally made me decide to review this music video. Today was the first time I saw this visual and it is in-depth and totally addicting, but there's just something missing - it doesn't have the wow-factor. Watch Fall Out Boy enter an amphitheatre like the Colosseum and go up against a gladiator and initially lose before fighting back in this music video for "Centuries".
Fall Out Boy are a four-piece band consisting of Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Pete Wentz, and Andy Hurley. They have been going for many years, and have had a number of international hits, back when rock music was on top in mainstream; however, it's rare for rock music to impact the charts nowadays; but, Fall Out Boy is one of those bands that many still listen to and so they still manage to get some high chart numbers. This one, for instance, hit number 22 in the UK and number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was an international success and continues to prove that Fall Out Boy can still get those chart numbers. As previously mentioned the song samples Suzanne Vega's song "Tom's Diner" with the lyrics sung by singer-songwriter Lolo for this track; the band wanted to 're-inject' the song into popular culture; it was previously a hit through a remix and Britney Spears also covered it with a release by Giorgio Moroder. "Centuries" was written by Michael Fonseca, Raja Kumari, Jonathan Rotem, Justin Tranter, Andy Hurley, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Suzanne Vega, and Pete Wentz.
Directed by Syndrome, this music video has a gladiator-style concept that is completely fitting to the song. The four guys from Fall Out Boy are captured and put into an amphitheatre (which I thought were all called colosseums, but it turns out there's only one Colosseum).
We watch as each of the band members go up against this gladiator, who they have no chance against. But, after they have fallen they collectively come together to create a weapon. The materials come from a hooded man who gave Fall Out Boy a piece of the weapon each, during the opening scene.
This would naturally be the end, but in a true cliff-hanger style, in comes Rick Ross as the next gladiator the guys have to defeat.
It's a great concept and it keeps things interesting throughout; however, there's something majorly missing. I feel that too much time is given to profile scenes of the hosts of the gladiator fight and the cloaked man; rather than keeping the audience interested in what is happening in the arena; and, even though we don't miss much from the battle itself, it just takes the experience away from us.
It is not long until we finally have Kesha's new album playing through our speakers. Yet again, she's given us another music video in promotion of the album; this is her third song from the "Rainbow" album and regardless of the clear low-budget compared to "Praying", it's well thought out and so so so good, just like the previous low-budget music video for "Woman". Whatever's happening with the whole #FreeKesha thing, we know that she is completely on form, for sure. Watch Kesha "Learn To Let Go" in her new music video which delves into the past and her childhood, and see how she takes inspiration from the home videos.
Kesha, full name Kesha Sebert, is preparing the release of her third studio album "Rainbow" and we are so excited. She's released two songs "Praying" and "Woman" which are complete killer tracks, just like this one and really proves that her new album is one that we are going to have on repeat for quite some time. She is still caught up with the court case with Dr. Luke but she's now releasing music and we are loving every new track. This song was written by Kesha Sebert, Pebe Sebert, and Stuart Crichton.
Directed by Isaac Ravishankara, this music video sees Kesha looking back on when she was a child and was all innocent. She transforms the home videos into reimagined scenes and it's beyond beautiful.
The start sees her putting a video tape into the player and her sitting down and watching with us. The walls collapse outwards and she walks through a forest where there are various items that link back to her childhood. We see a giant bed with a giant teddy bear, a truck in parts, a puppet stage, a reimagined swimming pool, and more. At one point, she takes the dance moves shown in a home video and transform them into a choreographed dance scene with her backup dancers; talk about coming up with good ideas!
The ending sees Kesha return to the room with her home videos of her childhood whilst the visual ends with the back of her denim jacket that says "The Sweet Little Devil Herself Ms. Kesha Rose" - we all want a jacket like that.
Another great music video from Kesha, we really should expect nothing less. Very thought out and relatable to the song. It works completely and we can't stop watching. We wish this had a much bigger budget as it could have been beyond awesome; but, regardless, it works well.
Now, this is what you call a collaborative debut single! This is from DJ Khaled. Today is Thursday Revisit, and I was eager to know what DJ Khaled's first single was like, and I actually can't believe that this wasn't an international hit, maybe it was just before its time. It's quite the collaboration and one that definitely becomes memorable after watching it. Watch DJ Khaled in his first music video alongside collaborators Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull for his debut single "Holla At Me".
DJ Khaled, real name Khaled Mohammed Khaled, is really on chart-form lately bringing it with his popular collaborations. He has had two UK number one singles to date, and it looks like he will continue to bring out dominating tracks. It shows how things have changed for him, now that he's in the international spotlight - and if this song is anything to go by, it's been coming for some time. On this track is a number of collaborators; Lil Wayne, real name Dwayne Carter Jr., is one of the biggest rap artists in the world and continues to stay on top; Paul Wall, real name Paul Slayton, is best known for his early collaborations with Chamillionaire but then later went solo and even had a number one US album. Then there's Fat Joe, real name Joseph Cartagena, who was in Terror Squad with DJ Khaled and Remy Ma (she also appears in this music video), he was also in Diggin' in the Crates Crew, as a solo artist he's had incredible hits in the early 00's with Ashanti "What's Luv?", as well as Jennifer Lopez on "Hold You Down", with Ricky Martin and Amerie on "I Don't Care", and with Ja Rule and Jadakiss on "New York". Also on this track is Rick Ross, real name William Roberts II, who needs no introduction, it's a name we all definitely know; and then there's Pitbull, real name Armando Pérez, who also needs no introduction as he truly is Mr World Wide as he's songs have charted everywhere - he continues to bring out chart-defying hits and has collaborated with the industry's best artists. This collaboration is full on for a debut single and it works brilliantly. It samples Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's 1983 song "Looking For The Perfect Beat".
Directed by R. Malcolm Jones, this music video is a simple and typical rap and hip-hop visual. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, and yet it is shot amazingly with every artist brings it when it's their time to shine.
As per usual, these sort of music video do not have a lot to them, and this is the exact same. Only, there are a few subtle differences. Lil Wayne stands out completely - which isn't a surprise - where his opening scene totally sets up the video well as he's not surrounded by many people.
It builds as it becomes more of a party, and by the time Pitbull arrives it's packed. This definitely deserves to go down in history as a great collaboration. In the visual, there are cameo appearances by Jim Jones, Birdman, Slim Thug, Dre, Remy Ma, Trina, Trick Daddy, DJ Drama, Scott Scorch, DJ Clue, Cool & Dre (who also produced the track), DJ Felli Fel, and DMX.
