I haven't seen this music video in some time, and Justin Bieber has quite the baby face! I am reviewing this music video for my Thursday Revisit, as I previously reviewed Justin Bieber's "Purpose: The Movement" collection of promotional videos for his most recent album. Justin Bieber's first top ten hit here in the UK, he makes a fool of himself in the video, ever heard of coming on way too strong? Whatever happened to playing it cool? And stupid girl gave in in the end.
Justin Bieber started at just 16, but he looks like he's 13 with that baby face. This was his first big hit around the world, but as we all know, he improved as he got older, and he just got hit after hit after hit. This song was written by Justin Bieber, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Christopher Bridges (Ludacris) and Christina Milian. Who knew the latter was a co-writer to this song? Christina Milian was, at the time, The-Dream's wife. The song is catchy, and it's not a surprise it charted so well worldwide. Justin Bieber surprises us all as his vocals are pretty much perfect on this track, especially since this isn't an easy song to sing.
The music video was directed by Ray Kay. The video features Jasmine Villegas also known as Jasmine V, as Justin Bieber's love interest, as well as various stars who are Drake, Lil Twist and Tinashe. The Rangers are a part of the dance crew.
Justin Bieber just doesn't know when to give in. Jasmine V plays hard to get, and at the very start it's clear she isn't interested, and yet Justin Bieber doesn't leave her alone. He shows off way too much, enough to put me off from the first second.
His dancing isn't the best. The choreography isn't outstanding, yet when performed, it works. However Justin Bieber fails to convey the moves properly, even though he nails the sequences, he is focusing so hard on getting the moves right, that he isn't even looking at his love interest at all. Jasmine V, you should've stayed away, he wouldn't ever be dancing with you, he'll be too busy trying to look good on the dance floor. As for Jasmine V, she rarely danced in this video, and when she does it's short snapshots, she obviously didn't nail the choreography as well as her other dancers.
Performance wise, Justin Bieber doesn't make me want to see him live. There's no passion behind what he is singing, and yet again he attempts to show off by making up some freestyle moves that fails to keep me interested. Ludacris attempts to have fun, but there's no pulling back this video on the performance side.
Overall, I liked this idea of this all taking place at a bowling alley. But this is just too much for me. Justin Bieber comes across way too strong for my liking, and his dancing may be on point, but he is focusing too hard on the steps.
Whoever said persistence was a waste of time? Karen Harding proves that taking a risk and appearing on multiple talent shows doesn't only show you can take rejection, but it can also get you a record deal. Karen Harding delights us in her debut single's music video, her stage presence is obvious, although she fails to capture us entirely, great singer, visually beautiful, Karen Harding is one to watch for 2016!
Karen Harding first appeared on TV as an entrant for 'Your Country Needs You', the UK's selection for Eurovision 2010. She failed to make it past round one and was eliminated. The winner was Josh Dubovie, who was the third UK entrant to come last in the competition. Pretty sure Karen Harding would've done better. She next appeared on the tenth series of The X Factor, but was eliminated during the six chair challenge. And now she's made a name for herself, and hit the top ten of the UK chart with this banger. It just shows persistence does work. The song was written by Karen Harding and Uzo Emenike (MNEK).
Directed by Carly Cussen, the video is set in a club, and Karen Harding is just arriving, looking secy and ready to show who she is as an artist.
This debut song is perfect for clubs, and so I expected some sort of dance sequence, and although Karen Harding is seen dancing, it looks more like it was choreography she made up so that it doesn't look like she's just singing the song.
There is a group of dancers, which Karen Harding is with at certain times, however she isn't dancing with them, especially when the beat picks up and the dance group shows us what they've got, I just wish Karen Harding was dancing with them.
Overall a great performance-based music video for the song, however it gives us no narrative whatsoever, and the video doesn't give us much insight into Karen Harding, can she even dance? We need something more from her to really capture our attention, because this song is definitely something.
Finally, JoJo has released her third and final music video from her tringle, with dynamic effects. Personal, inspirational and full empathy, this video pulls at the heart strings, JoJo is a vision, open, free and she's not letting anything or anyone bring her down. I need to see her live!
JoJo gave us a snippet of future songs back in 2015. Real name Joanna Levesque, she is ready to hit the music industry by storm, once again, her tringle created a major social buzz and the songs she released: "When Love Hurts", "Say Love" and this one are all technically brilliant, a perfect glimpse into her future releases. She is going to nail this album, and it will definitely be her best one to date. The song was written by Nikki Flores, Anton Malmberg Hård af Segerstad, Joy Deb and Linnea Deb.
The music video captures the meaning of the song perfectly. Directed by Zelda Williams, the desert shows the openness, the freeness of the song. The video features Heather Matarazzo.
I love the couch, it is represented of a psychiatrist's couch, one you get in therapy. I love how the actors, as well as JoJo relax on the couch in every which way they feel, this really works, it's like they're opening their minds, abnormalling reality to what we are used to (yes I know abnormalling is not a word, but it's what's going on). Open and free yet isolating and alone.
JoJo shows how amazing a performer she is, just watch her, she believes in every word of this song. This really means something to her. Her vocals are stunning as always, but it's her presentation of the song as she performs it out in the open, all alone. She isn't isolated at all, she is telling us the story and she knows there's this audience clinging on to every word she is singing, so she gives it her all.
I can't wait for her album, the sooner it gets released, the better. It may become the most underrated album of 2016, but we all know it will be amazing nonetheless.
It was inevitable that this was going to happen, and I was worried when this day would come. Chart Mondays have allowed me to keep my blog current, but when I've reviewed every official music video in the top 10 of the UK singles chart, where does that leave me? I never thought this day would come, especially since in the last few years a new number one appeared every few weeks, but Justin Bieber has practically stormed the UK charts and is refusing to move. So I am going to review his promotional videos for his album, since he has not released an official music video for either Sorry or Love Yourself. Justin Bieber doesn't disappoint when it comes to his new album Purpose, but are his promotional videos up to the standards of regular official music videos? Do they do the album justice? Let's see.
The introduction on the main, full length, promotional video, which can be found above is inspirational, it is also used in Mark My Words. Justin Bieber's words announce his reasons behind the title of his album. He tells the world that he lost his way a bit. Can we really blame him? Look at how much media he gets; cameras follow him everywhere, so many stars have gone off the rails because of it, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse amongst others are just a couple of stars that come to mind. Justin Bieber lost his focus, he admits that, but he found his purpose. If Justin can find purpose, we all can.
A great start to his album, the song introduces the entire album, he is marking his words, and they are actually his words because he co-wrote all of his album. This one was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Michael "Blood" Tucker.
Justin Bieber is a visionary on top of a golden piano in the middle of flat pains around mountains. Lyrics, his words, strewn on lyric sheets around the piano, it is such an imaginary vision, one out of a dream, that has come together astonishingly artistically. Justin Bieber performs the song with such emotion, he really cares for this album as a whole. Great start to this Purpose: The Movement.
I'll Show You
Bye bye Justin Bieber in these videos, for now anyway. Justin Bieber tells us that his life isn't easy, and yeah we definitely agree, the media is all over him all the time. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Josh Gudwin, Sonny Moore, Michael "Blood" Tucker and Theron "Neff-U" Feemster.
These dancers show us! They are in sync after a little bit of a shaky first dance sequence, but they pull it back within seconds, the choreography looks slightly too fast for the music and therefore doesn't exactly work at times and yet we can't deny how professional and on point these guys are, a hell of a lot of practise went into this and they nail every move, each minute move is simultaneously perfect. The dancers are: Denzel Chisholm, Gusto Clarke, Ryan Davis, Noel Frias, Kendrick Martinez, Jose Ramos, CJ Salvador, Lance Savali, Tony Tzar and Hollywood.
There is an official music video for this song "I'll Show You" as it was released as a promotional single.
What Do You Mean?
Justin Bieber's first number one here in the UK, and it is what spawned the whole chart topping success. It is a banger, and one that will be in the chart for a long time, no doubt. It was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mason "MdL" Levy.
Introducing a totally different dance style, one that goes well with this song, but seems way too cliché for me. The dance troupe also practised, practised, practised. Everything on point in this almost chaotic choreography. Kudos go out for including the tap dancer and showcasing him, but does it really go with the song? There's no exact change to the song to relate it to the tap dancing. Everything feels rushed as if they've been given a certain time to fit it all in. The dancers look totally under pressure to get this right. And perfect they have made it.
This song also has an official music video, which I've reviewed. I much prefer "What Do You Mean?"'s official music video over this one. The dancers are Bianca Ikinofo, Kaelani Edwards, Madison Golightly, Shyvon Campbell, Leilani De Marco, Kyra Aoake, Althea Strydom, Kaea Pearce, Maddison Barnett, Jess Toatoa, Ruth Pearce, Samyah Powell, Kirsten Dodgen, Corbyn Taulealea-Huch, Ling Zhang, Weijun Sun, Keanu Feleti, Todd Williamson, Joseph Metuakore, Elvis Lopeti, Justyce Petelo-Neho, Michael Metuakore, Fetu Taku, Esra Pula and Andrew Cesan.
Sorry
Another number one single, such a catchy song and a great video to go with it. Apparently they were thinking of doing an official music video to this song, but they have decided to leave it and stick with this promotional video as it is liked by many and it is definitely quirky. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, Michael "Blood" Tucker and Sonny Moore.
The video showcases the type of sexy dancing we have all come to know recently, twerking is all performed perfectly from this dance troupe. What should be amazingly sexy is performed just the way it should be, it's purely clothing that removes this sexiness from the dance moves, and it's surprising how clothing really affects the visual. The dance groups are: The Ladies of ReQuest and The Royal Family Dance Crew, from The Palace Dance Studio, New Zealand.
Love Yourself
I have been waiting to review this promotional video, it's one of my favourites, and it is technically beautiful. Currently sitting at number one on the UK singles chart, and has done so for a total of six weeks, three of which are consecutive. It was written by Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Levin. This explains why many have thought it was Ed Sheeran singing, although I wouldn't have personally,identified this song with Ed Sheeran. Such a brilliant song and undoubtedly deserves to be at number one.
Choreographed by the dancers themselves, husband and wife Keone Madrid and Mari Madrid. This is the perfect video! It could easily pass off as an official music video for the song, although I think a few shots of Justin Bieber would've made this video official. There's a lot to love about this video, from the bed scene to the hallway, from the kitchen to the living room, from the bathroom to Keone moving out. There is nothing I don't like about this video.
Justin Bieber introduces the song with words about love, and he is totally right with everything he says. I think the dancing on the phones sidetrack the entire video, although it is on point and it can't be faulted. I also love how there is tonnes of mirrors in the bathroom, she clearly loves herself more than him, if only I had a guy like him, I'd be a tease, for sure, but I wouldn't take him for granted as she clearly does.
Awesome video that has got everyone talking, I believe Keone and Mari are actually in love and are probably the perfect couple, and you can see the connection between them. Perfect video for a perfect song.
Company
What happens in room 1113 stays in room 1113 obviously. The song is catchy, it's a good song, one that could be a good single to release, if any more are to come from this album. The song looks back on his past life and how he slept around, he wants to show people he has grown up, that this is who he used to be and it's not who he is any more. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, James Abrahart, Andreas Schuller, Thomas Troelsen, James Wong and Leroy Clampitt.
Narrative in a way, the video is off to a great start as we watch four girls come out of room 1113 and enter the elevator to the diner below. This is where the cameraman annoys the hell out of me. Such a confined space the camera jerks as we are introduced to a group of lads, one of which takes a risk on a girl and asks her out. Dancing in the street then pursues, to something almost as great as Love Yourself promotional video. That specific scene is definitely the highlight of the video, and if it had ended with them two, it would've been a high rating. However the video rewinds back to the party or orgy happening in room 1113. A comparative video overall, what's happening in room 1113 is Justin Bieber's past, and outside on the streets is how he would treat a lady now, or so we presume.
The dancers in the video are amazing, again a lot of practise went into this and it definitely paid off. The dancers are Lyle Beniga, Parris Goebel, Kaili Bright, Melany Centeno, Lilly Leithner, Diana Matos, Cat Rendic, Taja Riley, Tia Rivera, Tee Tee, Marquita Washington, Laure Courteller, Natalie, Paris Jackson, Miesha Moore, Tiara Kelly, Selasi Dogbaeje, Conny Azua and Rebbi Rosie.
No Pressure (feat. Big Sean)
A simple video for an extremely catchy song. Big Sean's rap is totally on fire, very well written and one I had to commemorate, I love the Empire (TV series) reference as well as Street Fighter reference and Yoko Ono is in the rap too. Nice one Big Sean! A great addition to this album, definitely one that shines out thanks to Big Sean's rap. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Robin Weisse, Dominic Jordan, Jimmy Giannos and Sean Anderson (Big Sean).
The video features Big Sean himself, rapping perfectly, his performance is on point. The dancers are Ian Eastwood, Megan Batoon and Melany Centeno. Ian Eastwood outshines them all, a solo freestyle choreographed brilliantly, this tells the exact story we expect, authentic once again, these videos are not just promotional of each song, but tells the perfect story. I'm not sure about the black and white colourisation though.
No Sense (feat. Travis Scott)
More amazing dancing from Parris Goebel, that girl is totally on fire, I don't care what people say, she has really spotlighted dancing and her choreography is amazing. The song features Travis Scott, his rap is in time with the song, it's definitely different and captures you're attention, but it doesn't work that well and after hearing Big Sean in the previous track, Travis Scott fails to impress. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Kenneth Coby, Jacques Webster (Travis Scott) and Mike Dean.
This dance troupe is on point, again a lot of practise went into it and as per usual, it paid off... I want to be taught by Parris Goebel, she is amazing, her choreography is stunning, and this is pure brilliance. At first I thought it was computer editing and that the entire troupe was Parris Goebel, because the dancing was in sync perfectly and the outfits are all the same. Travis Scott kind of ruined the video, the camera movement totally fails, and loses interest. I wish it had ended with Parris Goebel and her dance group, instead Travis Scott got the last scene.
The dancers are: Parris Goebel, Bianca Ikinofo, Shyvon Campbell, Leilani De Marco, Kyra Aoake, Althea Strydom, Kaea Pearce, Jess Toatoa, Kirsten Dodgen, Corbyn Taulealea-Huch, Althea Strydom and Oriana Whaiapu.
The Feeling (feat. Halsey)
This is probably the worst video out of them all so far, this one just messes with my head, and I find it difficult to follow, and I seem not to be the only one. However, this song shines throughout the album, Halsey and Justin Bieber's vocals work effortlessly together creating a beautiful harmony that I hope to hear again in another song. This one is written by Justin Bieber, Julia Michaels, Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson, Sonny Moore and Ian Kirkpatrick.
The start of this video engages the audience, but the lighting, camera movement and angles all fail to come together, distracting the audience totally. I love how dance can interpret anything into a real meaning. This is vivid, although many people have interpreted this differently, which is exactly how dance should come across. Personally, I believe, the guy is battling demons and how they are taking the girl he loves away from him, it's a fight he loses at times, but one he takes control of in the end.
I love the performance piece from Halsey, the faze effect works well and visually works within the video. Although the video ends abruptly. The dancers are: Pierce Cady, Janelle Ginestra, Valentine Norton, James "BDash" Derrick, Keywane Pandy, Marquis Robinson and Brandon "Beno" Anastascio.
Life Is Worth Living
Justin Bieber tells us all that life is worth living and that you don't have to give in. The lyrics remind me of Orianthi's "Courage" although this falls slightly on the flat side, unable to inspire people with this song as it should've done. It was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mark "The Mogul" Jackson.
The dancing is full of emotion, she can move! Even though she is dead, that bullet hole clearly visible. I feel that this is suggesting that the future is bright for her, and although she wants to die and end it all, there is a very nice looking guy coming into her life in the future, and she has the world ahead of her. Emma Portner and Patrick Cook are the dancers who perform the choreography, which is technically great but isn't visually appealing.
Where Are Ü Now (feat. Diplo and Skrillex)
Well what is it with supermarkets? They're obviously the perfect place to dance in, first we have Galantis' "Peanut Butter Jelly", which was on point, I must say. And now we have a very similar video that is just as perfect, if not better, because I can't believe what I just saw! I want to go shopping with these guys, hell, I want to be the girl who's shopping and has all four guys dancing over her. This catchy song hit number one in the UK, it has an official music video as well. "Where Are Ü Now" was written by Sonny Moore, Thomas Wesley Pentz (Diplo), Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Karl Rubin Brutus and Jordan Ware.
The video opens with Diplo and Skrillex talking about people coming to see them at their gigs from around the world. They then make a phone call as they're hungry. We are then cut to the amazing four dancers, who start with their tricks before they even get into the supermarket, and I am already wishing I was there with them.
Camera recording is shaky, but it adds more depth to the video. Dancers are on point, the choreography is shockingly brilliant. I am cheering on the dancers all the way. I love the shocked faces of some of the so called general public, definitely great acting skills. The girls come out of nowhere and really shoot some fire, but the real stars are the four lads from the start, boys you can move!
Although the camera movement isn't the best, it brings depth and reality to the video. The Ruggeds are the dancers, who are: Tawfiq Amrani, Jessy Kemper, Roy Overdyle, Sjoerd Poldermans, Lady Cultura, Johnny Erasme, Johnathan Rabon, Yusuke Nakai, Mykell Wilson, Devan Smith, Mona Berntsen, Christina Chandler and Elysandra Quinones.
Children
Just wow! My only word for this video, if it were longer a tear would've escaped! Nice job Parris Goebel! This is just wow! The song is powerful, amazing and inspirational. Justin Bieber has, once again, nailed a perfectly good song, this should so be released as a single, along with so many other songs from this album, no wonder all of them made the top 100 of the UK singles chart, but this is the one song I would personally suggest as the fourth single. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Sonny Moore, Brandon Green and Nico Hartikainen.
This is so powerful, of course children was going to be used for a song titled Children, but what I wasn't expecting was images and visuals of the unfortunate children in less fortunate countries, the ones who fail to survive out in the world. I am not the only one upset by these images, and these children put their entire emotion into not only their dance sequences of this amazing choreography, but into running and showing that we all need to help, that poverty is a real thing in the world and many are unprivileged.
This video may be too short, but the message is clear and it's one I shall never forget. This video has come out on top for me, the best one I've watched out of all these promotional videos. It is one that hits home. The dancers are: Giverny Hing, Maddison Barnett, Ruth Pearce, Samyah Powell, Sarah Whyte, Houston Murray, Ellise Samuels, Ally Mayerhofler, Siyanna Yarr, Drew Sackfield, Cullen Neale, Isla Potini, Alexandra Page, Frannie Aquino, Azaria Ieriko, Biranna Dixon, Aria Henry, Teesha Siale, Courtney McKay, Isabella Thomas-Edwards, Taimania Pupuke, Sophie De Renzy, Anaya Wakelin, Faolan Okan, MJ Neethling, Jovi Ngo, Henk Tomkins, Irava Upu, Ben Rawnsley, Remy Sutton, Matthew Puleanga, William Tuarae, Donnell Collins, Brookyln Collins, Ayla Ngaluafe, Quincy Ngaluafe and Dasha Collins.
Purpose
We started this all with words from Justin Bieber, now we're ending it with words from Justin Bieber. We've just been on a total roller-coaster ride, zipping through his ups and downs displayed in the awesome lyrics he has written, every single one of his songs tells us a part of who he is, either from the past or from the present. This one is his future, he is giving back to his fans, they are the ones who have given him purpose in the world, and the only people he never wants to let down. Inspirational to say the least, we can all learn from Justin Bieber himself, words I'd never think I'd ever write. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Stephen Philibin, Eben Wares, Jeremy Snyder and Scott "Scooter" Braun.
As for the video, it's not quite engaging, although I am happy he finally removed that awful, baggy denim jacket. Yes, I'm all for denim jackets, definitely has been in fashion the last few years, but this one is too baggy for him, especially out on these flat plains, with these women who aren't wearing much. The dancers fail to capture the audience, and some sequences aren't only cringe-worthy, but have no passion behind them, maybe they're a little starstruck to be working with Justin Bieber, who wouldn't be? The dancers are Samaria Barnes, Logan Hassel, Marissa Heart, Taylor Knight, Pauline Mata and Simrin Player.
Well that's the entire Purpose: The Movement viewed, reviewed and rated. Parris Goebel has really put a spotlight, not only on herself but on all the dancers in the video as well as contemporary and modern dance itself. This is the movement, this is what is popular right now in dance, and she has really put New Zealand on the map in the dance world, because these videos are next to perfection.
The album is definitely a perfectly packaged album, one I could listen to from start to finish multiple times. This album has got it all, and Justin Bieber's vocals are stunning, his collaborations adds more authenticity to this album. A brilliant album and one I don't think Justin Bieber will ever be able to top.
As for the videos, Parris Goebel have done a perfectly good job of promoting Justin Bieber's album and I wish her the best of luck. Personally, if I were an artist, I would be snapping her up to promote my album. Unfortunately, I can't sing to save my life.
The overall rating below is an average of all the ratings I have given for all the videos above. Also if you've managed to read this entire blog post, and really don't want to scroll up to the links above to buy his album, I have provided the link below as well.
This is one of my all-time favourite songs, it's vocally authentic, and just beautiful to listen to. Boyce Avenue replied to my tweet yesterday, the tweet in question can be found below. Boyce Avenue perform at the remains of a wedding, Alejandro Manzano emotional vocal announces he is waiting for his girl, he's on her way to finding her, but she hasn't come into his life yet.
Boyce Avenue are a three piece band consisting of Alejandro Manzano, Fabian Manzano and Daniel Manzano. The drummer seen in the video is Jason Burrows. The band are well known on YouTube as a cover band, they release videos of them singing other people's songs in amazing acoustic versions. They totally flip the song on it's head and fill it with so much emotion that half the time I don't recognise the song. They then release their cover versions on iTunes, which I inevitably buy. I am in love with this band and their songs, and I hope they continue, as I definitely want to see them live. This song was written and composed by Alejandro Manzano. Full with emotion, I swear it made me cry the first time I heard it. Everyone can relate in one way or another, it's just stunning.
This was directed by Mark Staubach. A pure performance piece that makes me want to see Boyce Avenue at a gig, an intimate gig would be even better. They are one of those treasures that people come across, that will never be popular and get a number one record because they aren't promoted enough, however they would certainly start getting chart hits as they build up their fan base and release more songs.
I love the setting, it's like they've set up a wedding to which the bride didn't turn up for and the guests have all left. Alejandro Manzano sings about this girl, who he's on his way to see, he describes life as everyone eventually comes across the person they are meant to be with, even though they've missed so much of that person's life already they don't want to miss any more. This is love and this is what he is singing and performing about, and this is what we are all seeking if we haven't found it already.
The ending where he picks up the ring and announce he is on his way, is adorable. The fact he already has the ring suggests a family heirloom or something of the sort. Such a powerful ending, and a song we all want to sing to our future lovers, because we are all on our way to them.
