We have new music from Ashley J and a brand new music video to go with it - that I'm totally loving. She came to my attention recently when the music video to "Trapped" was sent through my email, now I'm a fan and I really can't help it. This music video, however, is probably one of her best to-date, and I literally can't stop watching. The song is crazily addicting too. Watch Ashley J show the process of songwriting, whilst she performs her passionate and emotional new single in this music video for "Unbreakable".
Ashley J, full name Ashley Jean, is building up her career and I am so loving her music to-date. This song is a fan-favourite, and it's not a surprise at all because it is brilliant in every way. Unlike her previous songs, this one is a bit more stripped back, fully exposing her emotions within the song. I was lucky enough to interview her for CelebMix, as well as write up an article on the song and the music video. She's definitely a rising star in the music industry and this song and music video is completely powerful. She plans on dropping an EP very soon - we really cannot wait for that. This song was written by Ashley J, whilst it was produced by Jamie Sellers and Warwick Matthews.
Directed by Ashley J - yes she directed this awesome music video all by herself - this visual is engaging from start to finish, fully showing off all sides of herself. She's beautiful, genuine, sweet, sexy, and focused in this confident visual.
There are various scenes throughout; our favourite is where she's in the woods as she is so confident and genuine during this scene. She expresses herself completely, to the extent where we wish we were friends with her as she'd definitely be an amazing friend to have.
The other scenes show her in her house songwriting. There's the casual day where she has a cup of tea with her - perhaps an ode to London where the song was produced since Britain is known for their tea. There's the sexy evening scene where she has a glass of wine as she writes her song, she then takes it to the piano, later on. Then there's the scene with the mirror as she sings to her reflection as she dyes her hair with Marilyn Monroe framed behind her.
Overall, this is one polished music video. Ashley J completely shows herself off as an artist and as a person in this visual. She displays her songwriting process as well as her confidence - relating well with the song. I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for us in the future.
I previously wrote up about this release for CelebMix so, of course, I was going to write about it on my blog. Especially since I'm a big fan of Raluka. This song is completely beautiful in every way, fully showing off her vocals, more so than her previous songs. This is why I love this so much, and clearly, I'm not the only one because it is racking up the YouTube views. This visual displays Raluka as the brilliant female singer we know her as. Watch Raluka perform her song on a beach, full of professionalism and dance technique in this beautifully crafted music video for "Cine sunt eu".
Raluka is a Romanian singer who has had a number of hits with DJ Sava during her early releases. He real name is Alexandra Raluca Nistor. She has had a great solo career to date with plenty of amazing songs. Her recent releases have been pure fire, and I even had the chance to interview her for CelebMix on the release of "Tattoo" which was an English version of her previous track "Du-ma Spre Noi". She's clearly bringing it with her releases, and her future is certainly bright. I cannot wait to see where her career takes her, I hope I get to watch her live on stage, and I hope she gets to release an album. This song was written by Irina Rimes & Raluka.
Directed by Alex Ceausu, this music video is a pure performance piece visually shown in black and white set on a beach - we all know how much I hate black and white music videos. Although, I'll give this credit as it allows Raluka to fully step into the spotlight and fully allow the shades to blend - not something that can be shown in colour.
As expected, Raluka gives it her all in this music video. She's clearly passionate about the song - the title means "Who Am I" in English whilst the song is about breaking away from a relationship that held her back. The visual shows how strong she is all by herself; she doesn't need anyone else.
Not only that, but Raluka treats us to a choreographed scene that proves she can dance. This is the YAS moment of the music video. Raluka shows she doesn't need anyone, she brings flames of fire and sparks of energy during this dance sequence, just WOW!
Overall, there isn't a lot to this music video, and although relatable to the song, there's nothing at all that memorable. She brings it for the performance, but the black and white visual does leave the viewers wishing there was more to this.
Okay, so I'm still on my catch-up spree, in case you haven't guessed. I'm behind by seven days now, which sounds so much better than 13 days like I was a few days ago. Anyhow, what I wasn't expecting was a music video that would make me cry because that usually equates to a very long review, one that will take me some time to write up; time of which I don't have because I'm trying to catch up with myself. Low and behold, here is the perpetrating music video, and it just so happens to be Chart Mondays too. Since Post Malone is holding reign at the top of the UK Singles Chart with "Rockstar" featuring 21 Savage, which doesn't have a music video, it opens the top ten, and just sitting at number ten is this song, with the video that made me cry. Watch Coy Stewart play a gay character who is contemplating suicide in this heart-wrenching music video for Logic's song "1-800-273-8255" featuring Alessia Cara & Khalid.
Logic, real name Sir Robert Hall II, is an American artist and rapper who has really been building up his career in the last two years. Previous song "Sucker For Pain", which was a massive collaboration, became an international success; a year later, he's hit it off with this song, fully raising awareness for homosexuality and suicide prevention that this track is a smash around the world. Personally, I want to thank him for this song and video, it's rare for these issues to be shown in the media, let alone in rap and hip-hop music, so this track certainly has my support in every single way. Featuring on this track is Alessia Cara and Khalid. The former, whose real name is Alessia Caracciolo, is another star who's built up her career and who is still fighting for a certain song to be identified with her name and image - she's had hits but nothing that she's mostly known for. Then there's the latter feature, who is one of the top rising stars out at the moment. Khalid, full name Khalid Robinson, is someone we're all keeping an eye on. He's made such an impact, this year alone, that he's going to be monumental in the direction of the music industry as the next year rolls in. This song is iconic, it's stamped itself into 2017, and it will never go away, and nor should it. This track is Logic trying to help people, and when you make something this powerful, it deserves to be a hit. "1-800-273-8255" is actually the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline in the United States; the song itself was written by Sir Robert Hall II, Arjun Ivatury, Alessia Caracciolo, and Khalid Robinson.
Directed by Andy Hines, this music video has touched the world. It's left people speechless, it's left people in tears (including me), and its left people annoyed - because they don't agree with people being gay. It's a powerful visual, one I'll never forget. The video stars Coy Stewart, Nolan Gould, Don Cheadle, Luis Guzmán, and Matthew Modine; it lasts for almost seven minutes, turning it into quite a film-like short.
Coy Stewart plays our main character and can be seen from the very start as he deals with his life. The opening scene sees him running down a street, clearly running away from his life. The following scenes show his childhood, how he's grown from a baby into a man.
As a teenager, he arrives home to his father finding out about his sexuality by discovering a copy of Gay Times Magazine - boy, would I have hated my parents finding out about my homosexuality that way. After a discussion with his father, who clearly doesn't understand, we return to him running down the street. Other scenes see him detached from his college life; worried about his father's words.
We previously saw him acting out a secret handshake with a guy in school, and the following scenes see him hanging out with this guy - played by Nolan Gould. They end up in bed together, and when Nolan's father walks in on them chilling in bed together half-naked, Coy Stewart grabs his clothes and hastens out of the house; disapproval on the father's face, tells all.
This is where Alessia Cara comes in, who can be seen performing her song on screens within the school, adding a passionate and caring vibe to these hard-hitting scenes. Logic also joins in, appearing on computer screens in a tech room; he adds flames to the performance piece, bringing an energetic yet meaningful vibe to the scenes. A joke is played on Coy Stewart in the locker room, where someone's attached a dildo to the inside of his locker.
More depressing scenes follow; one suggesting that he's living at the school since scenes show him sleeping on the floor, and taking a shower at the school. He also falls asleep in class, where his teacher asks if he is okay. His teacher offers him some food, to which he is thankful for.
The next scene sees his father, played by Don Cheadle, heading down the school's corridors and chatting to the kind teacher. Even more distressing scenes follow, where Coy Stewart is seen to be back home in his bedroom with a gun, extremely upset and clearly contemplating suicide - man, this is tough to watch, especially since we've all been there at one point or another, probably not to this extreme but a simple thought or more.
This is the most heart-breaking scene, seeing him acting out with the gun, putting it to his head, to his reflection in the mirror, all the while having flashbacks on certain moments of his life. We are cut away from this scene to what looks like a hook-up scene, where he meets this guy and the car is driven to the top of a parking lot. It's intercut with Khalid performing on the computer screens where we previously watched Logic sing.
Then we see Coy Stewart in the school's bathroom, dialling a number - we presume his calling "1-800-273-8255", the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The turning moment in his life, where he seeks help. The cute scenes that follow show him getting married to a guy, and his parents there to celebrate with him - to know that this scene is part of my future makes me a bit teary, because I never thought I'd be able to get married, and now that it's legal, the thought of going through this process and to marry a guy I love with the support of my family and his family, really gives me goosebumps. To see the proud face of his father is simply amazing.
And to add further cuteness to this ending, we see the happily married couple welcoming a child into the world. Another thing I hope my future brings me. The ending is beautiful and brings it around perfectly. It really does feel like a film, totally representing the LGBTQ+ community as well as suicide, which is something we're used to the media hiding, or not fully taking it into account. It's one of the biggest killers and just talking to someone can actually save a life. This video is brilliant in every way.
How has it taken me this long to review this music video on my blog? Could've sworn I had already done it, but that's what happens when I also write things up for CelebMix. I absolutely adore this song and its visual, it's so serene and gorgeous, that I've seen this way too many times. Alexandra Stan and Monoir make one beautiful couple. Monoir was a surprise as he is extremely hot with his top hat and suit. Watch Alexandra Stan walk around Santorini, Cyclades, Greece acting as if she's searching for someone or something, as Monoir follows her like a ghostly apparition in this music video for their song "Save The Night".
Monoir, real name Christian Tarcea, is a Romanian DJ and producer who previously went under the name of Chris Thrace. You might recognise that name, as he has remixed some of the biggest Romanian songs from the likes of Inna, Alexandra Stan, and Raluka. He's also had some hits of his own, under this new name, including "The Violin Song" and "We Had Love". He's certainly a male Romanian artist to keep our eyes on; one who will keep releasing massive hits like this one. "Save The Night" features Alexandra Stan, who is one of my all-time favourite artists. She went international with her song "Mr Saxobeat" and has continued to bring sure-fire hits that I cannot get enough of. She's currently in Los Angeles for the next few months as she works on new music; just imagine the album she'll be releasing! I cannot wait! This song was written by Christian Tarcea and Alexandra Stan.
The music video is gorgeous visually, in every way. It was set in the delicately beautiful Santorini, Cyclades, Greece - a place we all want to visit. Monoir and Alexandra Stan really showcase this serene city perfectly.
The video is perfect as there's a narrative and a performance piece. Alexandra Stan fully gives it during her singing scenes, fully embracing the song and really getting the meaning of the song across to the viewers.
As for the narrative, we watch Alexandra Stan exploring the city. She talks to various people who tell her the direction she needs to go; there are even a few sweet moments, which sees her talking to an elderly person and a child, the latter of which she gives a badge to.
Throughout, Monoir followers her in his sexy suit with that top hat we are fond of. She doesn't realise that he's following her, and there's something ghostly about the way he appears to be keeping up with her. Throughout, the walls of the city are digitally edited, creating intricate but subtle colours within the visual.
The ending sees Alexandra Stan looking lost, as if she's met her destination but hasn't found what she is looking for. Monoir sits down beside her and there's an instant connection - unsurprising since they both look stunning in this music video. He passes her a gift, which is a pocket mirror, she glances at her reflection, instant feeling happier; but, when she turns back to Monoir, all is left of him is the top hat.
Overall, the concept is interesting throughout, with the ending showing that being who you are and being confident brings everything you want. Alexandra Stan goes looking for herself, but little did she know that all she needed to do was realise how beautiful she really is. The narrative is in-depth and slightly relates to the song. As for the performance, it has Alexandra Stan's usual stage vibes all over it, and it's clear she loves this song as much as we all do.
Here we go, we all knew this was going to appear on my blog, at some point, because of how big of a fan of Inna I am. I actually fully love this song, it's catchy in every way. I previously reviewed the song and music video for CelebMix, I also wrote up articles about their performances on Radio ZU and Virgin Radio Romania. Now, I'm finally revealing all my thoughts on the music video, which is definitely on the weird side, that's for sure. Watch The Motans' singer Denis Robeş perform in a kitchen as he serves the two main characters in this music video for "Nota de Plata" whilst Inna is at a different table.
The Motans are a band from Moldova. Leading the band and providing the vocals in all their songs is Denis Robeş. They have had a number of hits in Romania and are currently signed to Global Records. They have also, previously, collaborated with Delia, so it's no surprise that they ended up collaborating with the most prolific star on the record label. Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has had international success, has worked with some of the biggest and most well-known stars, and continues to release amazing songs. Her recent solo music video, "Ruleta", hit 100 million views on YouTube. She's bound to have another world chart hit, and her popularity doesn't stop growing. This collaboration works amazingly; I had my doubts, at first, but Denis Robeş & Inna sing amazingly well together, with some great harmonies. The song was written by Denis Robeş, Irina Rimes, Inna, Alexandru Cotoi, Costin Bodea, and Damian Rusu.
Directed by Ionut Trandafir, this music video is set around a restaurant and a couple who are out of sorts. The restaurant scenes are intercut with scenes of them in bed, clearly in a mood with each other. Other scenes that are shown throughout is one of Denis Robeş performing the song in the kitchen as he prepares their meal, and one of Inna who looks totally gorgeous, performing her parts of the song.
The narrative is quite dicey, and although it is easy to follow, it's not always easy to understand. The script and concept were created by Vlaicu Bunduchi and Andrei Botnaru. The opening scene sees a couple in bed together, facing opposite ways. The characters are played by Romanian actor George Pistereanu and Romanian actress Madalina Craiu.
They fight for the quilt as they sleep. We enter their dream world, where they are both sitting at a table in a restaurant. In his dream, he stands up, puts his hand inside his jacket (and inside his body - we presume) and takes out what looks to be his liver - although maybe it's supposed to be his heart? - and places it on the table.
In her dream, we see them embracing and enjoying themselves as shiny silver material cascade around them. Then she flashes into the restaurant looking at the menus again. Later, his liver is served back to him and as the song ends, she decides all is forgiven and they curl up in bed together.
It's a cute narrative but I just wish I could understand what is going on fully. Regardless, Denis Robeş and Inna bring it out for the performance pieces. Inna looks absolutely stunning with the flowers in her hair, and she really gives it to the camera - this song means a hell of a lot to her. As for Denis Robeş, he's extremely passionate about this song too, as well as the chef character he has created for himself. It totally works.
Overall, this music video has a polished narrative with a killer performance piece. The Motans and Inna have fully given us an engaging and unforgettable music video; one that will no doubt stick in the minds of everyone who sees it. The song itself is also beyond catchy, and it's one of those that will eventually catch on very soon.
Sabrina Carpenter has been on form recently, to the extent where she's slightly grabbing me as a fan; if she keeps dropping bangers then I might just have to start buying all her music. Well, that depends on the money I have and whether I can actually afford all her music, so I'm hoping she drops something I dislike soon so I that decide not to buy all her music. This collaboration is amazingly perfect, and I'm sure that after a few weeks rotation, the song will go viral and chart well globally. Watch Sabrina Carpenter and Lost Kings show off their festival gigs whilst bringing an expressive performance scene in this music video for "First Love".
Lost Kings are an American DJ duo consisting of Robert Abisi and Nick Shanholtz. They have been releasing music since 2015 and have collaborated with some big stars, including Emily Warren, Fifth Harmony's Ally Brooke, Tinashe, and now Sabrina Carpenter. They have been building up their career since they launched in 2014, and I'm pretty sure it won't be long until they start to get chart hit after chart hit. As for Sabrina Carpenter, she's best known for starring as Maya Hart in the Disney Channel series Girl Meets World. She, too, has been building up her music career, and after a really tough start, she released "Thumbs", which got a whole lot of attention and charted well around the world. Since then she's gone from strength to musical strength, and I'm literally excited to see what she releases next. The song was written by Norris Shanholtz, Robert Abisi, Rami Yacoub, Kristoffer Fogelmark, Albin Nedler, and Brittany Amaradio.
The music video sees interspersed scenes of Sabrina Carpenter and the Lost Kings. The former is walking down the street, singing on her balcony, and just generally going about her day. As for the latter's scenes, they are chaotic, to say the least, full of energy, prepared to show off any way they can.
Sabrina Carpenter keeps her cool throughout, attempting to bring the emotion to the song, although not quite hitting it. With the Lost Kings going all out, she fails to keep the audience in. Both artists fall flat because their scenes are on totally different spectrums.
I feel like the Lost Kings are giving us backstage gossip and an insight into their chaotic life; whereas Sabrina Carpenter is actually trying to film a music video. The mesh of the scenes just plays around with the viewers and doesn't quite keep them engaged. They're lucky the song is a complete banger of a tune because that is the only reason viewers make it to the end of the video.
I had a massive amount of choice for my Thursday Revisit music video review today. I chose this one, as I don't think I'll have much of a chance to review more Lasgo music videos in the future unless they do decide to make a comeback. So here we are, and I do not remember this song at all... Not only that but I don't even get the music video either, so confusing. Watch Evi Goffin walk around this cool building with a flashlight, as ghostly apparitions appear here and there, all the while she is followed by Peter Luts and Dave McCullen in the music video for "Alone".
Lasgo were a three-piece trance group from Belgium, consisting of Evi Goffin, Peter Luts, and Dave McCullen. They've had a few line-up changes over the years and will probably never make a comeback even if Evi Goffin and Dave McCullen have been seen performing under Lasgo's name together. Who knows what is happening? What we do know is that they haven't released a song since 2013, which is a seriously long time. This song never quite measured up to the success of "Something", but it was still a pretty big hit for the trio, even managing to hit number three in Belgium and Scotland, as well as number seven on the UK Singles Chart. It was written by Peter Luts and David Vervoort.
The music video is all set in this amazing cool building. It looks really haunting, so it's no surprise when ghostly apparitions appear - well that's what I think they are.
The opening scene sees Evi Goffin drawing and painting. She's creating images of her past with the guy she fell for. This guy isn't around anymore, and by the looks of the music video, he might not be alive - hence the ghosts.
As ghosts run around, the singer doesn't even act surprised, even when the champagne pours itself back into the bottle. Once again, she acts as if she's trying to find something or someone. Unfortunately, she never finds her lover and ends up back in the room with her drawings and Peter Luts and Dave McCullen appear behind her, just like she foretold in her drawing.
Overall, this music video could've been so much better. The cameraman clearly seemed more interested in playing around with camera angles and movements during the performance piece, that even their presence as they sang the song didn't impress. It's such a disappointing portrayal but gets kudos for the concept, which is relatable to some extent.
Released today, Mýa is back with a brand new music video. It's completely sensual, which is something we have come to expect from this prolific singer; unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot going on to keep the audience entertained. Regardless, the song is definitely catchy, certainly giving us new Christina Milian vibes - imagine if these two collaborated, now that would be a fired-up track. Watch Mýa be all sexual and dance up to a guy because she is "Ready For Whatever" in this brand new music video.
Mýa, full name Mýa Harrison, has had a lengthy career, she's one of the biggest female singers around; or rather, she was back in the year 2000. She even collaborated with Christina Aguilera, Lil Kim, and P!nk for "Lady Marmalade". Let's be honest, we expected her to keep her fame and fully bring out hit after hit after hit. It's unfortunate that it didn't exactly work out that way for her. Regardless, she kept going and became a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, where she came second in 2009. She's focusing on her music, once again, and it looks like she has some killer tracks, and this is certainly one of them. They may not go viral, they may not chart internationally, but they're songs we'll end up treasuring in future years. This song was released in September, but the video dropped today (10 October). It was written by Mýa Harrison, Kevin McCall, Lamar "Mars" Edwards, and Khirye Tyler.
Directed by Dana Rice and Mýa, the music video doesn't have a lot going on at all. It's a pure performance piece that is sexy and sensual, just like the song.
Bringing it as much as she can, Mýa stuns the viewers by fully embracing the song. She also knocks out some killer choreography that makes us hope there is a dance break; unfortunately, that doesn't happen, and we are left hoping for more. Instead of the dance break that should've been there, Mýa dances flirtatiously towards a guy, totally ready for whatever he wants to do.
Overall, I kind of expected a lot more from Mýa. This music video comes off low-budget, to an extent. She should've gone all out and shown us how she would perform this song on stage, rather than trying to be sensual and meaningful, because it just doesn't work.
At a loss of which music video to write up about, I decided to let iTunes decide for me. The randomiser played a remix of this song, so I thought I might as well write up about this one since I haven't reviewed it yet. The Saturdays were my favourite girl group for some time, and I am still wishing they will get back together as Little Mix and Fifth Harmony dominate the charts globally. For the moment, each of the members have a solo career going for them, so at least they haven't totally disappeared, although we all do miss their pop music. Watch The Saturdays perform with neon light sticks in this brilliant performance-based music video for their song "Not Giving Up".
The Saturdays are currently on hiatus, with no signs of them getting back together anytime soon. They consist of Rochelle Humes, Frankie Bridge, Mollie King, Una Healy, and Vanessa White. The girl group had massive success in the UK but were always trying their best to get the UK Singles Chart Number One, it took them a total of four years to finally hit the top spot; which was "What About Us" featuring Sean Paul. This song was their second-to-last single they ever released and managed to hit the UK Singles Chart at number 19. It was written by Antonio Egizii, Celetia Martin, David Musumeci, Carl Ryden, and Carla Marie Williams.
Directed by Chris Sweeny, the music video doesn't have much of a concept, leaving it all down to the girls to fully knock it out with their performance piece. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot they can do with light-up sticks.
Each of The Saturdays have their own profile visuals within the music video; surprisingly, these parts are where the girls fully bring it. They all manage to exude sexiness with their corresponding light up sticks, ropes, and turntable.
As for the group performance, the choreography is pretty basic, which leaves The Saturdays to do their best with what they've been given. Disappointingly, they don't make it work and the choreography falls flat, no matter how much they attempt to style it out.
So, that's it for this music video. There really isn't a lot to it, although I do commend them at how stylish and on-point The Saturdays are. I totally miss them and their music, come and reunite, please!
Time for my Chart Mondays review, and we have a whole new number one. Post Malone is at the top with "Rockstar" featuring 21 Savage; unfortunately, there isn't a music video for the said song, opening up the UK Top 10 to my Chart Mondays review. This song has snuck in at number 10 after climbing up the chart week-on-week. If there's one style of music I'm not really that into, it's hip-hop, and this is certainly not something I would listen to, as well as the current UK number one "Rockstar". Regardless, here we are. Watch Yungen & Yxng Bane sing about a girl they really like whilst performing in the desert as the narrative takes place in the city at night, in this music video for "Bestie".
Yungen, real name Clive "CJ" Brooks, is a British rapper who has been building up his career. This is his biggest hit to date. It's been a difficult road, but he's not one to give up and that is truly inspiring in every way. This collaboration has definitely launched him successfully in the UK, and I'm pretty sure this will help maximise his potential, allowing for future hits to come along. He teams up with Yxng Bane on this track. He has definitely made some waves this year. Yxng Bane followed this track up with a solo song titled "Rihanna" which zoomed right onto the UK Chart and is inside the Top 50 at the moment. He is proving himself to be an important influencer in rap and hip-hop music. I totally expect lots more hits from him in the future. This song was written by Clive Brooks, Amish Patel, and Guystone Menga.
Directed by Oliver Jennings, the music video was shot in Dubai, with the main scene seeing the two rappers performing in the desert. The concept of the narrative isn't something new, we've seen it a few times before. Ignoring that, they do not make it all so clear, and it is pretty difficult to understand and follow.
Shall we start with the performance piece? It is mainly based in the desert, although we do see them in the city performing the song at a gig, in some scenes. Yxng Bane fully gives it, passionately singing the song throughout. Yungen doesn't quite live up to the featured rapper, but he does grab the spotlight at times, giving some power and some meaningful expressions for the song.
As for the narrative, it's clear that the two rappers fall for the same girl. However, that is basically the normal concept, it doesn't seem to go anywhere, there's no build-up of tension, no shocking or memorable moments, nothing that keeps the audience engaged and following the story - well, there isn't even a story just that one concept.
Overall, I feel that there are too many scene swaps. It messes with the viewers as they flick from gorgeous sunshine desert to the nighttime city exploring. The narrative isn't easy to follow and they lose the audience as the visual continues. However, we sure all laughed when we saw one of them fall off the quad bike into the desert sand - that is definitely something that would happen to me.
