Critic Jonni

Ты Мой Огонь - Kristian Kostov |

This music video is completely awesome, and that is why I'm covering it on my blog today, even though I'm going to have to deal with this awkward title that I can't possibly type out on my English keyboard - why do I always make it difficult for myself. This track is addicting, but it's the music video that really allows this Eurovision 2017 singer to shine. It excites me, as it proves he has a bright future in every way. Watch Kristian Kostov perform, dance, and act alongside an actress as they transform his new song into a stunning visual in this music video for "Ты мой огонь".

Kristian Kostov is best known for coming second in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 with his song "Beautiful Mess"; he represented Bulgaria and scored 615 points. That certainly launched him internationally, but before then he appeared on Golos. Deti (The Voice Kids Russia) where he got to the finals coming joint fourth. Not long after that, he competed in The X Factor Bulgaria, once again he got to the finals and came second overall. He's been a big hit in Bulgaria and has had a couple of hit singles. His Eurovision song sure launched him as an artist, but he has since released songs in his home language of Russian, just like this one. "Ты мой огонь" means "You Are My Fire" in English and regardless of the fact that I don't understand a word he is singing, the song is beyond catchy and shows exactly why he deserves to be an international star. The song was written by Vadim Igorevich Bulaev, and Daniel Kostov.

Directed by Vasil Stefanov, this music video has a lot of Nick Jonas and Tove Lo "Close" vibes going on, but in a more warped sense. There is a clear connection between the pair, but they don't quite get together, almost like they're playing the game, just like the lyrics suggest.

It's really clever the way they've managed to interpret the lyrics and made this addicting visual - I only know this as I used a rough Google Translation of the lyrics to understand what Kristian Kostov was singing.

The dancing is on point throughout, and it is amazing to see Kristian Kostov fully nail the routine. The choreographer was Milen Dankov and he also came up with the concept that really makes this whole thing work. We all wish we could dance like that; Milen Dankov please come to the UK and teach me!

The performance piece includes Kristian Kostov's face being projected on his real face, with some awesome smoke effects too. This really shows off his stage presence, which we also saw at Eurovision 2017. He brings the fire, just like he does during the dance sequence.

Overall, the music video has a big concept that totally relates to the lyrics in every way. This is one of those visuals that continue to impress every time you watch it. It's one I will never get tired of, and one that works perfectly with the song! Even if you haven't got a clue what the lyrics of the song are about, the characters sure gives a great representation, instead.

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Apocalypse - Marcus James & Jessica Zraly |

I had planned to review this back in April, during my Birmingham Pride Special 2017; however, it turned out I got confused with the fact that there are two Marcus James', and this one isn't the DJ who performed at Birmingham Pride 2017. This one is someone totally different, yet he proves he is just as good and on fire with this track! This has literally been sitting in drafts for ages, so I thought I might as well write up about it. Watch Marcus James & Jessica Zraly drive to an abandoned space under a bridge, where they smash up a watermelon, spray paint, and just have fun in this music video for "Apocalypse".

Marcus James, full name Marcus Jame Berelowitz, is a DJ from Vancouver, Canada. He has released a number of singles and has collaborated with Jessica Zraly a number of times. He's quickly becoming someone to watch, especially since one of his tracks, "Dancer" feat. Lord L, has had over 34,000 plays on SoundCloud. This track is available as a free download and it sure is addicting in every way. It's a collaboration with Jessica Zraly who has gone on to become an Instagram cover singer with the number of followers climbing on her profile. She's beautiful and has a killer voice, it's not surprising that she's gained traction on YouTube and now Instagram. I expect her to never give up on making singing her career and doing so will surely allow her to make her dream a reality. The song was later followed up with an official release, titled "Turn Off The Lights", which sees both artists collaborate together again.

Directed by Suave Papi, there isn't really a lot for me to comment on when it comes to this music video. We watch the artists perform the song whilst having a fun time together. It's actually nice to see Marcus James in this music video since most DJs decide not to appear in visuals.

The performance piece is on point, Jessica Zraly sure knows how to perform. Not only is she stunning in her style and presence but her vocal ability is outstanding. She really allows this track to come alive with her vocals, and she sure captures the attention of every viewer, creating vibes we're all enjoying - she'd be amazing to see live on a stage.

As for the fun scenes, we watch them smash up watermelons with hammers, spray paint the title of the song on a tunnel wall, they also shake up champagne (or it could be prosecco) until the cork pops. They clearly had a brilliant time making this video and being together for this experience. Then we have the night scenes where they let off fireworks and sparklers.

It's all pretty cute, laid-back and simple. There's a lot of fun involved and you can't help but enjoy watching. On the other hand, there's not a lot to keep the viewers entertained, nothing progressive and nothing that keeps us watching until the very end.

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Lonely Together (feat. Rita Ora) - Avicii |

Now, this is a collaboration I have been waiting to write up on my blog. It's been in the Top 10 of the UK chart for quite some time, so I've been waiting for the right moment. At this current time (the backdated time of this blog post, and even now), Camila Cabello has the UK number one with her song "Havana" featuring Young Thug; therefore opening my Chart Mondays review to the UK Top 10. This is at number eight (at the backdated date). It's an addicting song and a brilliant collaboration. Watch Rita Ora be all sultry whilst we watch a narrative of a couple moving through frozen scenes as they are "Lonely Together" in this music video to the Avicii song.

Avicii, real name Tim Bergling who is also known as Tim Berg, has had an amazing career to date and he continues to bring it with non-stop amazing music and collaborations. He's definitely one of the biggest DJs around, bringing in chart numbers from all over the world, which is certainly a rarity when it comes to artists who are DJs; only a few manage to draw in these sorts of chart hits. Featured on this track is the talented Rita Ora who stuns us with her incredible vocals. She truly brings it to this song and it certainly works with the music she has recently been releasing. Once again, she's on top form. This song managed to peak in the UK at number four, it's a shame it never quite got to the top spot. The song was written by Benjamin Levin, Ali Tamposi, Bergling, Brian Lee, Magnus August Høiberg, and Andrew Watt.

Directed by Levan Tsikurishvili & Phillip R Lopez, this music video has two parts, one's a full-on narrative and the other is a performance piece with Rita Ora. The latter certainly disappoints compared to the former, as the lighting is all wrong and she doesn't have her usual performance energy.

This is what's not so great. Rita Ora is usually a stunning performer, have you not seen "Your Song", just wow! Yet, in this, she doesn't have her usual flair, and it might be due to where the video is set and the lighting and the way it is filmed. There is a stark contrast, especially when intercut throughout the extremely clever narrative.

This story is defining in so many ways. How many times have you fallen in love with someone, so much so, that the world seems to stop whenever you are with that person? Gosh, don't we all know how that feels; and, damn, do I miss that right now. But, all of our times do come around, and it will happen again to me, no doubt.

I love how they capture images in this world where only time is moving for these two characters; it's a shame we don't get to see the photos they take. The two stars manage to convey that they're in love with one another and easily represent their relationship on screen. They're having fun and enjoying themselves - that's what we all want in life.

Overall, the music video has two totally different parts and usually this is what makes it good; however, this time around, the dark depths of the performance piece doesn't show off Rita Ora all that well, and when intercut with this amazing narrative, it all just falls a little on the short side. This so could have been epic; disappointingly, it isn't.

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How Long - Charlie Puth |

OMG! Charlie Puth needs - and I mean really really really needs - a choreographer to sort him out. This feels too much like dad-dancing or the dancing from the unforgettable awkward scene in The Inbetweeners. However, there is a slight scene that saves the whole entire music video from being a total disaster - but more on that later. The song is a flat-out banging tune though, and I can so see it gaining momentum and becoming popular. I was saving this for Chart Mondays, but as it jumped into the top ten, Camila Cabello grabbed the top spot with "Havana" featuring Young Thug, and now this song is dropping down the UK chart, unfortunately. So here we are. Watch Charlie Puth dance through downtown Los Angeles in the street and inside a building in this music video for his song "How Long".

Charlie Puth is quickly becoming one of the biggest male artists in the world; he keeps releasing hit after hit after hit, and I have no doubt that his new album is going to be mighty popular. This song peaked at number nine in the UK, which is the exact same chart number that previous single "Attention" grabbed; both songs are addicting in every way and really shows that the new album is going to be something we all won't be able to get enough of. The song was written by Charlie Puth, Jacob Kasher, and Justin Franks.

Directed by Emil Nava, the music video is a pure performance piece that really shows Charlie Puth's confidence and stage dance ability - which isn't much. He isn't afraid of making a fool of himself, and this is what makes this music video a soon-to-be classic.

There are some amazing moves such as flying and wall climbing, which definitely switches up the music video; and, it is great that he can dance freely but there's just no connection to the song and it just comes off so embarrassing.

He's trying to be smooth, casual, and slick, but it comes off quite smarmy. It might've worked a bit better if he hadn't have been dressed in a suit, and the obvious product placement of the Dodge Challenger car suggests there was meant to be a narrative to the music video, especially since there is a love interest inside the car. People say it signifies the woman he got with, versus the woman in the painting who is the person he cheated on.

Overall, this music video has nothing to it, and even Charlie Puth admitted that he wanted to do something random. Music videos should represent the song and transform it into a visual experience for every viewer, and although there are some scenes that link in with this song, this just doesn't work as an overall concept.

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Rockets - Samantha J. |

Chose this from YouTube Recommendations as I thought there wasn't going to be much to this music video; and, once again, I am surprised because this song is completely catchy in every way. It's not brilliant, but it's my sort of tune, so YouTube Recommendations for the win, yet again. Samantha J. is a rising artist who we must not get confused with Samantha Jade - there's just so many artists with similar names now. Her style, music, and confidence are definitely what will launch Samantha J. in every way. Watch Samantha J. be confident and sassy as she flirts with a guy in this music video for her song "Rockets".

Samantha J., real name Samantha Gonsalves, is a Jamaican model and singer-songwriter. She went viral with her international debut "Tight Skirt", she then followed that up with the Swedish and Norway chart-hit "Light It Up" where she provided the vocals for the Marcus & Martinus track. She's collaborated with some great rappers, and she's definitely taking large steps in the music industry. I suggest you note this woman's name because she is going to be big as she continues on this unstoppable journey. The song was written by Erik Smaaland and Kristoffer Chaka Tømmerbakke.

Directed by Tobias Myklebust Fjeldheim, this music video has a main performance piece set in two different scenes and an identifiable slight narrative. Samantha J. definitely keeps us entertained throughout. It was filmed in Oslo, Norway.

The narrative pretty much starts this video off, as we watch Samantha J. and her love interest flirt as they handle sparklers - which aren't fireworks like the song suggests, but they're close enough. I love the dancehall element of the song, and these scenes sure are showing off their acting skills bringing this flavour of a slightly new couple hanging out with friends.

The narrative continues right up to the end where they stumble across a pool and decide to dive in. This is also the setting where a few performance pieces take place, it's full of colour and really allows Samantha J. to shine.

However, it's her tunnel performance scene that really captures her energy and displays exactly how she would perform on a stage. She sure knows how to bring it. On the other hand, there's the male-attention grabbing scene in the milk bath, which takes some guts to do. I feel like she shouldn't have to stoop this low for a music video, but her confidence and boldness is certainly what is giving her the views. All it takes is some nerve, and that is certainly a ballsy move.

Overall, this music video works well with the song, it gets better the more times you watch it, so I suggest you click that replay button. The song is addicting and is currently stuck in my head, and the music video totally relates, and I guess it is kind of unforgettable.

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Rise - NADINE |

Just a reminder to everyone, this has been backdated, so really it's 10 November, according to the date of this post, even though it's actually 26 November - that's how far behind I am on this blog, but I promise I will catch up. I'm actually really happy I've stumbled across this one. It's melodically haunting with NADINE bringing infectious vocals! Make sure you don't confuse her with Nadine Coyle though, who is also going mononymous as Nadine. Watch NADINE perform her new song in a church as she releases emotions on the track and feels every single lyric in the music video for "Rise".

NADINE, real name Nadine Furer, has recently released her third EP, titled RISE (on 23 November). She's making waves in her native country of Switzerland and her home country of the UK. Her vocals are shockingly brilliant, you wouldn't expect that gorgeous voice to come out of this female singer, and this is exactly how she is gaining traction. I'm actually interested in her other songs, especially after watching this music video and listening to this incredible track "Rise".

The music video was directed by Gareth Kay and was filmed at The Church of St John the Baptist, Hoxton, in London; which is mainly known as St John's Hoxton. It's a beautiful location that has really made this music video and NADINE pop.

It's a pure performance piece with NADINE fully using the whole church to create many different scenes. She has this enormous presence, especially when she sings, easily capturing every single viewer.

She brings it in and unleashes this incredible energy. This just works in every way. However, there's not a whole host of things going on, and it's all down to NADINE to keep the attention of the viewer from start to finish, and although she manages to do well, it's just not good enough. The scene with the piano does pique my interest a little bit.

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The Town - Macklemore |

I've been eager to watch an older music video from Macklemore, so now that I've covered "Good Old Days" featuring Kesha, I thought it was the perfect excuse to delve into Macklemore's previous songs and pull this one out for my Thursday Revisit. It really does encompass the song's title and the lyrics. It's not surprising that he managed to build up his career if he was previously releasing treasures like this one. Watch Macklemore perform and present the town in his debut music video for his song "The Town".

Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, originally released this song and music video, along with a few others all before he became famous when he teamed up with Ryan Lewis. They've had a successful career to-date as a duo, but they are currently on hiatus as they pursue solo projects. This song's music video is Macklemore's debut video and has an air of "Good Old Days" to it, which has just been released in collaboration with Kesha - and is the sole reason I'm reviewing this today. The song hits us all in the heart emotionally from the very first verse; Macklemore can seriously write some amazing lyrics; like, WOW! This was worthy of being a hit, although there is only a simple melody and rhythm to the song; however, it's the lyrics themselves and Macklemore's delivery that makes this one we all need to treasure.

Directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi, this music video seriously is incredible. The town of Seattle is fully shown throughout the clips, the people, the city, the photos, the events, everything. Linking in perfectly with the song.

There's a performance piece with the city skyline behind Macklemore, and it has his usual energy. He really means every single word of this song, and it's so heartwarming to see that.

The main scene that makes an impression on all of us, is the table filled with flyers and photos that represent music from Seattle in every way. It's great to see this side of Macklemore, and his ability to flood a song like this with emotions. The lyrics are outstanding in every way, and it's great that the music video manages to represent the song totally.

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Good Old Days (feat. Kesha) - Macklemore |

I actually thought I had already reviewed this, clearly, I haven't, so it's time to do this one. It's still in the UK chart, and I actually thought it would climb its way up and make it into the Top 10 so I could review it for Chart Mondays, however, that seems extremely unlikely, so I might as well cover it now since I adore this song and music video in every way. This was a killer collaboration, one that should've brought international chart success for both artists; it's sad that that didn't quite happen, but this will be one of my treasured songs, for sure. Watch Macklemore and Kesha live their lives freely and together in this cute music video for their song "Good Old Days".

Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, went viral when he teamed up with Ryan Lewis. Together they brought some phenomenal tunes that smashed the charts all over the world, but this collaboration didn't stick around for long, and Macklemore is continuing his solo career. They are officially on hiatus, much like many bands and groups that we know. He's been having a tough time getting those chart numbers as a solo act, and we all thought it would change with this song and collaboration, since Kesha has had amazing success, but her court proceedings have affected her career, that's for sure. Her full name is Kesha Sebert, and she recently released her third studio album which has got everyone talking. This song sees the artists complementing each other effortlessly, so much so that we hope that they release more collaborations in the future - we can only hope. The song was written by Ben Haggerty, Kesha Sebert, Joshua Karp, Andrew Joslyn, Sam Wishkoski, and Tyler Andrews.

Directed by Johnny Valencia, the music video has a laid-back theme to it just like the song. Really managing to capture "Good Old Days" in every sense of those three words.

Taking the lyrics and transforming a world around them, Kesha and Macklemore impress with their acting ability and vocal skills. There's an old camera used to capture some of the scenes, and it's clear they both got on really well with each other. They certainly make a great couple, and it's heart-warming to watch every single scene in this video.

There may not be much to this video, with it bringing some sort of hippie vibe, where they relax and take it back to the good old days. But, it perfectly relates to the song, bringing it everything we wanted and needed. This music video warms all of our hearts and makes us a little teary as we think of our good old days, as well as knowing how personal this is to Kesha's life since we all know she's going through some tough times, right now.

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Enchante (Carine) [feat. Axl Jack] - Fergie |

I am still 17 days behind on my blog, and it's all Fergie's fault for dropping music video after music video - I managed to cover them all on CelebMix, including this one; in doing so, I fell behind on my blog, so I might as well just review her music videos on my blog too since she is the culprit. This is one of a few of my favourite songs from her brand new album, however, this music video is much more basic than her other videos. Watch Kendall Jenner go about various tasks as repetitions of her going forwards and backwards is constantly shown in Fergie's music video for "Enchanté (Carine)" featuring her son Axl Jack.

Fergie, real name Fergie Duhamel and previously Stacy Ferguson, is best known for being the female singer in the Black Eyed Peas. She previously went solo over ten years ago and has been working on her second studio album for a few years. To me, it is one of the best albums of the year, Double Dutchess shows off her versatility in every way. I pretty much like every single song on the album - which is rare for me. This one stands out because the song features her son Axl Jack. The song was written by Fergie Duhamel, Tal Meltzer, Philip Patterson, and David Riff.

This music video was released as part of the Double Dutchess Visual Experience, which sees all 13 tracks get a music video, bringing a visual experience album to her listeners and fans.

This is one of the most basic music videos, that certainly has inspiration from Instagram's Boomerang feature - which is becoming very popular at the moment in visuals. Kendall Jenner appears both as main characters and backing characters in this multi-Kendall-Jenner universe. This isn't the first time one of the Kardashian/Jenner's have been in a Fergie music video, Kim Kardashian featured in "M.I.L.F. $".

There's not a whole lot going on, just multiple Kendall Jenner going about her life, waking up, walking the dogs, getting ready, being in a meeting with various versions of herself, and then we go back through her routines.

What I can't fault this on, is her fashion and style. Kendall Jenner is on point all the way through this music video. Some surprising choices have been chosen, but she works them completely; totally showing off how great of a model she is.

Overall, the music video has nothing going for it, it doesn't really keep the audience entertained, and it certainly has a warped effect. Plus, could we really deal with multiple Kendall Jenners? This would be too many, however, imagine if you had multiple versions of yourself, you could literally stay in bed all day whilst they do everything else - that'll be the life.

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Havana (feat. Young Thug) - Camila Cabello |

According to this backdated blog post, it is 6 November 2017, which means that during this week we had a brand new number one on the UK Singles Charts. Yes, that's right, Camila Cabello climbed her way up into first position, knocking "Rockstar" by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage off the top spot. It's been a steady climb for this single, but radio play sure pushed its success - plus it is undeniably catchy. As for the music video, there is a hell of a lot going on with multiple versions of Camila Cabello. I have not been looking forward to writing about this, but here goes. Watch Camila Cabello bring some Latin flair as she performs and acts in this music video for her song "Havana" featuring Young Thug.

Camila Cabello is mostly known for being the first member of Fifth Harmony to leave the girl group; the other girls have continued as a four-piece. All five girls auditioned on The X Factor (US) separately and came third, as a collective, in the second season. Camila Cabello has certainly made impressive strides in her solo career and it seems to have certainly paid off, especially by claiming the UK number one. She needs to keep on to this success though, as we've seen many reach this pivotal point, only to fall dramatically. This song is a collaboration with Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams. He's had moderate success as an American rapper internationally, but nothing career-defining, unless you count this track. He has made his name known and has collaborated with a whole host of artists. He's bound to have a solo hit sometime soon. This song was written by Camila Cabello, Brittany Hazzard, Ali Tamposi, Brian Lee, Andrew Watt, Pharrell Williams, Jeffery Lamar Williams, Adam Feeney, and Louis Bell.

Directed by Dave Meyers, this music video is a full-on narrative piece with a performance piece set within the story. It's pretty much another film, which seems to be the way music videos are going at the moment. There's a long intro to this, that acts as a double intro, all before the music actually kicks in.

The video opens up with a telenovela. Camila Cabello walks into a bedroom where she sees her boyfriend Juan (played by Marco DelVecchio), and her best friend and the maid, in bed together, then the real Juan comes out of the closet and states that in bed is his twin brother, before he gets down on one knee and proposes. We flit to a couch where Camila Cabello is sitting watching the telenovela, which her grandmother then turns off using the remote.

This is where we see a full family storyline, we see Camila Cabello play Karla, LeJuan James playing the grandmother, and Lele Pons playing the sister, Bella. There's a chat around the table, mainly telling Karla to go out in the world and find life, rather than sitting at home watching telenovelas.

Karla later goes out to watch a film, titled "Camila in Havana". This acts as the main part of the music video, and Karla watches Camila Cabello perform in a club with various guys whilst wearing a stunning red fringed dress. The dancing is on point throughout, and we have to give kudos to the two guys dancing together - just yes!

There's a lot of flirting and teasing going on in the main part of the music video. Camila Cabello brings it for the performance piece, strutting her stuff and bringing all the energy needed. Unfortunately, Young Thug is overshadowed in every way, and we completely forget that he appears on the stage for his part - however, it is needed to break up the song.

Lastly, she follows a shadow outside and slaps this guy, and then lets him walk away because she loves herself more than she loves him; well, talk about being extra - to be fair, that's me all over though. Only Karla isn't happy with the ending, and says so; to which there's a fiction-to-reality moment where Camila tells Karla that if she doesn't like the ending, she should go out and write her own.

So, that's what happens, Karla goes outside and starts to dance like she saw in the movie, and a guy crashes his bike. They dance together on the street, and her sister spots them and she's so surprised. Not only that, but the grandmother seems to also know about it happening, back at the house.

It's a great music video, with the male love interest being played by Noah Centineo. However, the intro is very long but completely relatable to the theme of the song. It does have that Latin flair. I want to give it four stars because the intro is too long, but it deserves five, for sure.