Chart Mondays: Rihanna Featuring Drake - Work



Rihanna, Rihanna, Rihanna. Gone are the days when I was actually a fan of hers. Now, I wasn't expecting much from her for this music video, but she actually surprised me, because we get two music videos in one. So now I'm going to have to review two music videos... It's going to be a long night! Both videos are sexual, the first one is less so than the second. Rihanna twerks. grinds and booty shakes to her new song, most of the time all over Drake, who is clearly loving every second of it.

Rihanna, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, is a worldwide superstar, let's be honest, the chances of her career spiraling downwards and ending is never going to happen. Although as she gets older she might not bang out chart hit after chart hit, just look at Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Madonna; there are plenty more that are superstars but are suffering in the chart world. I used to love Rihanna when "Umbrella" came out, but it wasn't until "Don't Stop The Music" was released that I fell in love with her music for a couple of years, until she changed style and then I went totally off her. Still, "We Found Love" was the closest she came to making me like her all over again, but it didn't take off in my world. No song from her will beat "Don't Stop The Music", that's my Rihanna tune on any dancefloor! As for Drake, real name Aubrey Drake Graham, he has yet to have a solo number one in the UK, and isn't quite as popular here as he is in other countries. However he is a chart success for a rapper, considering not many do manage to chart consistently well in the UK. This song was written by Jahron Braithwaite, Matthew Samuels, Allen Ritter, Rupert Thomas, Aubrey Graham, Robyn Fenty and Monte Moir.

There isn't a lot to comment on either of these videos, I definitely prefer the first one over the other, but none of them surprises me, or actually makes me want to watch them a second time.

The Director X Music Video



The first music video is directed by Director X, who has been mentioned on my blog multiple times, his videos are usually intriguing and definitely high rated by me, but it annoys me to know that this music video is directed by him, I could deal with someone less known, but why this video Director X, just why?

The music video invites us into a club called The Real Jerk, and it excites me slightly, thinking this music video might be inspired by "Don't Stop The Music". Unfortunately, we are in a totally different club, where twerking and booty shaking is the norm.

Not a lot to comment on, apart from Rihanna dancing in front of a mirror, which I'm pretty sure we've all done often, no? Just me then. I am not a fan of what she is wearing, although I guess it could be a lot worse, and at least she totally works it.

A lot of grinding in this club too, especially against Drake, who is obviously loving every minute of it.

Not a whole lot to this music video, and Director X actually disappoints me, but I guess he didn't have much to go on, especially since the song is inspired by Jamaican songs, and it is a club song and so he manages to relate to the song. Many people will be twerking and grinding in clubs to this song.
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The Tim Erem Music Video



The second music video is directed by Tim Erem. A director I am not aware of, as I haven't reviewed a music video from him, until now.

A solely performance piece in a narrative music video, Rihanna looks entirely uncomfortable, and can you blame her with what she is wearing? Going braless is nothing Rihanna hasn't done before in her music videos, she's been wearing even less in some of them, as well as being nude. Yet with this see through top, she might as well have done it totally topless as the top hides nothing, and although set in a home setting, she doesn't look happy at all.

Rihanna just dances little and sings the song, with no emotion, and no intention of performing like we all know she can. This is too exposed, too raw even for Rihanna, and it just fails completely. Drake doesn't help much either and the video doesn't flow quite as well.

I hope never to see this music video again, as it feels cheap, nasty and low budget. This isn't the Rihanna or the Drake that we know and this video shouldn't have been an option, let alone released.
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JoJo - André



If anyone can relate to Kesha, it's JoJo right? She has already given supported tweets out to Kesha as well as being interviewed about her law suit and how she feels about Kesha's legal battle, even though the situation is much different, it's a similar process. During JoJo's battle, the hashtag #FreeJoJo was trending on Twitter, much like the hashtag for Kesha is; #FreeKesha. JoJo released this online with her EP Agápē, as she was frustrated that she couldn't officially release music. She had recorded plenty of songs and gave plenty of completed albums to her record label, who never got back to her. The record label had changed hands a number of times, leaving it's artists in limbo, it didn't help that the label got dropped from the distributing company. JoJo filed a lawsuit in 2013, and it took a year until she was finally free from her contract with her record company. JoJo looks sexy, relaxed and at home in this music video. The performance side has unimaginable vibes that shows the song means a lot to her.

These are JoJo's tweets in support of Kesha.
JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, has finally returned to music after her legal battle with her previous record label, and she is stronger than ever, just listen to these songs and watch the accompanying music video; they're powerful and vocally brilliant: "When Love Hurts", "Save My Soul" and "Say Love". Infinitely catchy songs that have got us all excited for her album. This song was inspired by André 3000, JoJo feels that he is someone to admire. Not a direct tribute. The song was written by Joanna Levesque and Jake Schmuggle.

The video was directed by Embryo. It has a narrative and a performance side, and features Leah LaBelle, Karina Pasian, Francia Raisa, Leven Rambin, Denise Janae and JinJoo Lee.

The narrative is interesting as the guy called André tells her to make herself at home in his loft apartment. We watch as she explores his apartment, before going to an art collection reveal event. Where André reveals JoJo as the main art canvas feature.

The performance throughout is strong, you can tell JoJo is a performer at heart, she believes every song she writes, sings and performs. Her new tour is coming to London for one date, and sold out quickly. I just wish I had tickets for the show, because it'll be one amazing show that shouldn't be missed by anyone.

Overall, a nice uplifting song, for once, by one incredible singer. A relatable music video goes with it, with both a perfect narrative and an amazing performance piece. It works perfectly and I can't fault it, although it is pretty predictable that JoJo would be the main featured art piece.
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Ke$ha - We R Who We R



Starting off my #FreeKesha and similar stories special this week, is Kesha, unsurprisingly. She has amassed a tonne of support on social networks around the globe after her injunction has been denied. She is obligated to record six more albums with a guy she claims sexually assaulted her, which Dr. Luke has denied. However, she wasn't looking for justice or punishment, all she asked for is to be released from her contract. We've all seen the photos of her being upset about the verdict, but Kesha is one brave woman, and she will overcome this. Kesha looks like she's having a great time in this music video, being daring and partying hard, it's her only UK solo number one, and I hope she makes a great come back in the next few years.

Ke$ha, real name Kesha Serbert, has got to be strong right now, it's upsetting to see anyone go through what she has gone through. Just looking at her success, three UK number ones, including this song, and many top ten hits. Kesha should be an international star, but with her being caught up in this legal battle, she hasn't been able to release any new music. Surprisingly, this is her biggest chart hit, whereas "TiK ToK" has sold more copies, it only peaked at number four. This song was written by Kesha Serbert, Joshua Coleman, Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), Jacob Kasher Hindlin (Ammo) and Benjamin Levin (Benny Blanco). The song is to inspire people to be themselves, Kesha hoped it would become a gay anthem.

Directed by Hype Williams, the video is self-appreciated and it's free, which is everything Kesha had hoped for after her trial. She gave us gays an anthem we can sing and shout, because We Are Who We Are, yet all we can give back to her is support through social networks and petitions. We're here for you Kesha, and you know it.

The music video plays on the fact that it's a party anthem, so Kesha attends the party, glammed up and sexy, she is ready to party like no one's watching, and that is all about being who you are, if Kesha wants to dance she can because she's free to do so, or was in this music video. She's not free of her contract, unfortunately.

Apparently famous faces appear in this, but none I can find personally and I can't find concrete references for them either.

I have to talk about the jump, this is pretty well known in this video. We all know Kesha is wacky, so maybe keep her away from the Tequila; jumping off a building isn't anything major for her, although obviously this didn't literally happen, and yet they've pulled it off well, making it look real.

Overall a great song that is empowering for the majority of LGBT+ people out there, as for the music video, it's a main performance piece, that has Kesha giving us great vibes and free emotions, it relates to the song and it looks like it'll never get old. However, I think a small narration would've helped this flow slightly better.
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New Release: Steve Grand - We Are The Night (Dave Audé Remix)



I have been waiting and waiting for the next Steve Grand music video and here it is, finally and I am so not disappointed. One of my favourite songs off his debut album and not only has it finally been released as a single, had a music video released too, but it has also been remixed by no other than Dave Audé. I woke up this morning thinking I was still dreaming as an alert came through on my phone announcing my future husband (I wish) has released his new music video, I literally screamed. Can Steve Grand look any more hotter? Gorgeous, sexy and totally fit, Steve Grand looksstunning in this video for his most uplifting song on his album, which has been remixed by Dave Audé who has elevated the track even more.

Steve Grand is my favourite male singer in the world, he is such an inspiration to a lot of LGBT+ people out there. He was formerly a model, the money of which he used to further his career as a singer. He has been knocked down time and time again for his looks, his choices of clothes, as well as his past. But if we were him we would have done the exact same thing, besides who doesn't flaunt themselves in one way or another? He created a kickstarter campaign to record and release his debut album. Which not only smashed his target but became the number one most-funded Kickstarter music project among musicians who have never been affiliated with a label. He had 4,905 backers who pledged a total of $326,593. Quite the achievement. Steve Grand has been working on this album for a number of years, and every single track is worthy of being an actual single. This is the fifth single from the album, and possibly the last one as it is a remix, although I really wish "Soaking Wet" would be released, imagine the music video to that song! That song will forever become a single that never was. This song was written by Steve Grand, along with the rest of his awesome album. This is the one song that shows off his amazing vocals, he totally proves that this is the career for him. I cannot wait to hear new music from him, and I think Dave Audé should remix his entire album, as he has done a great job on this one.

Directed by John Lavin, this music video is beautiful. It's one that I definitely won't be forgetting, it's artistically brilliant. Everything has come together for this music video.

First off I want to talk about Steve Grand's jacket. I first spotted it on one of his Instagram posts, he obviously was recording the music video at the time, and it was love at first sight. This jacket would go with everything I've got, I need it in my life, and yet I know I have no chance of getting it, plus the price range would be so out of my league, so is Steve Grand for that matter, yet the jacket and Steve Grand are welcome to continue to appear in my dreams tauntingly. If anyone sees an affordable red jacket just like he is wearing in this music video, please direct me to a place where I can buy it from.

The narrative is interesting. Following different people in their lives, obviously listening to this song and finding it an inspiration. This is what Steve Grand is. He uses music to inspire LGBT+ people, if I he had been releasing music when I was younger, I would've had the confidence to come out earlier, I would've looked up to him as my inspiration, if he can do it and go through everything he did with it, then coming out of the closet is no big deal. He is not only an inspiration, but a supporter, with no prejudice, he is a fighter, one we can all look up to.

The performance piece is spot on. Steve Grand looks ultra-sexy in that red jacket that I so need in my life. He looks gorgeous as he walks towards the camera in his white tee. He lets loose and he wants to show that we are free. He puts so much effort into his performance, you can tell that this song means the world to him, it's so personal in a non-relationship kind of way. This is my anthem for LGBT+ people, it's the song I use to uplift myself, I used to use the album version of the song, which is amazing, but this dance remix by Dave Audé is even better. I shall be dancing my way into work from now on, nothing will get me down when this amazing song is around. We are the night.

Overall a brilliant song, that is so meaningful and utterly inspiring, everyone needs to hear this! The remix is good in it's own right, it doesn't change Steve Grand's emotions on the track one bit, yet makes it available to be played in clubs and at parties, which is exactly what I've been waiting for, thank you Dave Audé. The music video is fully relatable and it is next to perfection. I love the actors used, who are Tiaday Ball, Jay Jay German III, Jason Greene and Johnny Liner. The only problem could be the dancers, although they are diverse and are all in-sync, I felt the choreography could've been better. It was performed okay too, it wasn't stand out and it wasn't full of emotions for the song, it just didn't relate to the song and more related to the beat, it felt slightly out of place. But that is nitpicking, and I can't drop a star because of it, as this is perfect from start to end. Thank you for this video John Lavin, thank you Steve Grand for the empowering song and thank you Dave Audé for the remix! I needed this in my life, all I need now is that jacket.
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Gwen Stefani Featuring Akon - The Sweet Escape



As of yesterday, I realised I had screwed myself over as none of the five artists I had reviewed in the past week had a music video older than 2011. Thursdays are always my revisits, where I review a music video that is more than five years old, from one of the artists I have reviewed in the week. Therefore I had to review a music video from an artist who has been in the music industry for some time. Gwen Stefani's new song popped up "Make Me Like You", and I hadn't seen the music video yet, so I chose that one, and hence why she has become my revisit today. Gwen Stefani is stuck in a golden jail, as she tries to tempt the dog to give her the key to let her our, she turns herself into Repunzel and escapes.

Gwen Stefani, if you don't already know, is attempting a comeback in the music industry; top 10 hits used to be easy for her ten years ago, but now it's quite the struggle. She reformed with her band No Doubt in 2012 for one album, before going back on hiatus. Gwen Stefani is attempting to continue her solo career, but it looks like she is struggling, is she a singer we're all done with? Does she belong in the past? Are her new songs not current enough? They definitely aren't hit songs she's been releasing. Gwen Stefani is definitely stuck in the past, and she needs to come across a banging song some time soon, or she won't be furthering her career. This song is her biggest hit in the UK so far, it hit number two in 2007. The song was written by Gwen Stefani, Aliaune Thaim and Giorgio Tuinfort. The middle songwriter is Akon, who features on this single. He has had a string of hits and have dipped in and out of charts across the world in the last few years, he has managed to stay current, he can easily get a hit single if he needs another one.

Directed by Joseph Kahn, whose name keeps popping up again and again. It features Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Girls, who appeared often in her music videos and stage performances. The Harajuku Girls consist of Maya Chino, Jennifer Kita, Rino Nakasone and Mayuko Kitayama.

A lot is going on in this video, there's reference to not being able to escape from yourself, which is the jail. The penthouse suite is also another jail as she needs to be rescued by the Harajuku Girls. They meet Akon in the car park where they are pursued by two more Harajuku Girls who put her back in the golden prison.

It's a quirky narrative, a typical word used for Gwen Stefani, it's not always easy to understand what is going on and her choice of outfits usually only work for her, and no one else.

She out performs herself again and again, it's obvious she cares about this song and she does a good job of it. Let's all be honest, if we ever saw her live, we know we'll have a show and a half on our hands.

Overall, a great performance from Gwen Stefani, if a little cheesy, but we all love a bit of cheese now and again. The song is catchy, and should've got her an all important number one, especially since her most recent efforts haven't had much of a chance. The narrative of the video is relatable, and yet isn't exactly easy to follow.
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