Critic Jonni

Look What You Made Me Do - Taylor Swift |

She's done it, Taylor Swift has finally got her first UK number one single. Now, I have to review one of the most incredible music videos I have ever seen - and I have been dreading it. There's so much going on in this visual, that no one can pick up every single detail, but I sure as hell going to try. This video is beyond epic and it's something I haven't been able to stop watching. It's full of shade and I totally love it in every way. I also liked the song from the minute I heard it, I just can't help but be a fan of Taylor Swift's, her music is incredible but this visual is off the radar, for sure. Watch Taylor Swift in her best music video to date, where she throws shade, hits back at comments made about her, and shows off her various personality traits of her past for new song "Look What You Made Me Do".

Taylor Swift is one of the biggest female artists in the world right now. She sent country music out to the world, but as time went on, she developed her sound and gone down a more pop route. She is gearing up to release a new album, titled "Reputation". This song is the lead single from the album and has certainly got me excited for the other tracks to be released. "Look What You Made Me Do" hits back at all the controversy she has received in the past few years, specifically her feuds with Katy Perry and The Kardashians. Not to mention, the way the media has heightened these arguments. The song contains an interpolation of Right Said Fred's song "I'm Too Sexy". It was written by Taylor Swift, Jack Antonoff, Fred Fairbrass, Richard Fairbrass, Christopher Fairbrass, and Rob Manzoli.

Directed by Joseph Kahn, the music video is a pure performance piece which sees Taylor Swift deal out a whole lot of shade. There's so much for me to cover about this visual, I'm just going to have to start at the beginning.

We have a zombie Taylor Swift rising from a grave with the headstone that says: 'Here Lies Taylor Swift's Reputation'. It totally gives off a Michael Jackson "Thriller" vibe, that's for sure. She starts to shovel soil into a grave, with a headstone stating Nils Sjöberg, which is the pseudonym that she used when she co-wrote the Calvin Harris track "This Is What You Came For" which features Rihanna. In the grave is Taylor Swift herself from the Met Gala 2014; where she looks like a princess. The whole scene has an "Out Of The Woods" vibe to it, which is her last official solo music video, discounting "New Romantics" tour video.

Next up is the bath scene. Taylor Swift can be seen in a bath tub filled with various diamonds and jewellery that is definitely giving off a Britney Spears YM Magazine cover look. People have stated that it could be a response to the media who stated that she cries in a marble bathtub surrounded by pearls, whereas others believe it's a connection to Katy Perry's "This Is How We Do" or it's to do with Kim Kardashian's robbery in Paris where she was placed in a bathtub; the latter one coincides with the lyrics to some extent. Not only that but the dollar bill that Taylor Swift won in her recent court case against DJ David Mueller who sexually assaulted her, can be seen right next to her; and a locket can be seen on the floor which may signify the locket Calvin Harris gave her for their one-year anniversary, it spells the word 'no', but more on that later.

The mirrors in the bathroom open up to reveal a set of stairs with Taylor Swift wearing a gorgeous red dress, sitting on some sort of throne. The words 'Et Tu Brute' can be seen on the columns and the armrests of the chair. There is a bunch of snakes slithering all over this scene, and one even pours her tea (which has to be a reference to gossip - no tea no shade as many say in the drag world). The words are from Shakespeare's drama Julius Caesar, which means 'and you, Brutus?' in English, suggesting a betrayal. Whereas the snakes are a reference to both the hate Taylor Swift received online during the controversies and also people who can't be trusted.

Then we've got the incredible car crash scene. She's sporting quite the Katy Perry look with her hair and the cheetah-print coat. She flashes her Grammy award - she currently has ten, whereas Katy Perry has none. There is also a cheetah in the passenger seat, giving a lot of Katy Perry "Roar" vibes, and not forgetting the similarity to Daft Punk's "Starboy" featuring The Weekend video which has a panther in the passenger seat; very loose connection but they're both cats! The car resembles a Maserati - even though it's just a sports car - which references her song "Red"; the album was also nominated for a Grammy but didn't win. Not only that but the car is similar to the one in Katy Perry's "Waking Up In Vegas".

Birdcage scene is next. Now we've seen a lot of these in a lot of music videos, most notably Miley Cyrus' "Can't Be Tamed". She is dressed in orange and has a snake tattoo on her thigh, similar to the one Kendall Jenner dons for her V Magazine shoot; while she swings in the air. Kendall Jenner was initially known as one of Taylor Swift's friends, before the feud between Kim Kardashian (who is Kendall Jenner's sister). Then we see Taylor Swift sit down for a meal in the cage, continuing to suggest that she's been locked up in the past, done things that weren't her choice; as she picks up a lobster with a fork as a rat sniffs at the plate.

Now she's robbing a bank with her cat squad. The vault she's chosen is the 'stream.co' vault, which is highly suggestive of when she famously took all her music down from Spotify and had words with Apple about their three months free trial for Apple Music. She's brandishing a golden baseball bat that definitely gives off Beyoncé "Hold Up" vibes, even if director Joseph Kahn refutes that claim. There is also an engagement box in the background with no ring inside; apparently, Calvin Harris was shopping for engagement rings when he and Taylor Swift broke up... Remember the locket that spelt the word 'no' beside the bathtub, well there's the answer to the engagement question. She is also wearing a sweater that says 'Blind For Love' suggesting she falls for guys quickly - don't we all. Also, the fact that they're all wearing cat masks is either a dig at Katy Perry's Katycats - which are Katy Perry fans - or just that Taylor Swift is known to own cats who she loves very much.

Then it's the motorbike scene. Personally, Taylor Swift is giving me total Fergie vibes, for some reason; although this isn't the connection. Some think it's connected to Kim Kardashian's robbery as they ran off on motorcycles and it sure looks like they're stealing, plus when she picks up the bikes, money does fall. And, let's not forget Kanye West's "Bound 2" music video which features both him and Kim Kardashian on a motorbike.

It's time for the manufactured U Squad scene, that is so channelling the film I, Robot - that's for sure. It hits back at the people who have called out her Squad - her friends - because they're all beautiful stunning professionals. It definitely takes us back to the "Bad Blood" music video, which is also about the Katy Perry feud. If you're wondering what happened, it's all to do with their tour dancers who jumped onto Katy Perry's tour and left Taylor Swift's tour.

My favourite scene is next because it so reminds me of one of my favourite music videos from her - "Blank Space", also Todrick Hall stars in this clip! Taylor Swift walks in and eight guys, in heels, line up behind her, Todrick Hall has a clipboard as if he's writing down the list she previously mentioned in the lyrics, or maybe it's a list of guys she's dated. The guys fan out revealing their tops which say 'I ❤ TS' which is similar to the top Tom Hiddleston wore last summer during their much-photographed relationship. There are also eight men to signify the eight relationships she's had with other celebrities (who are Joe Alwyn, Tom Hiddleston, Calvin Harris, Harry Styles, Jake Gyllenhaal, John Mayer, Taylor Lautner, and Joe Jonas). She also dances in the clip, which is a total rarity in her music videos, but she pulls it off with style and class, nailing the choreography fiercely and perfectly.

Interspersed with this clip is a few seconds of Taylor Swift on the wing of a plane wearing a bloody outfit, using a chainsaw to chop off the wing. Now some say this correlates to Katy Perry's "Roar" video where there is a plane involved, others think it's a connection to Iggy Azalea's "Team" video because she spray paints the plane with the title of her album, which is similar to what Iggy Azalea does; who knows, maybe she doesn't want to fly around the world anymore.

I love the scene that's next, the pyramid of Taylors. Now, this is where we wish there was a behind-the-scenes video because this looks beyond epic. We see new Taylor Swift, standing at the top with the letter 'T' lit up behind her, as all the Taylor Swift's from the past try to crawl up to the top. There's some from previous music videos, others from red carpet events, others from award ceremonies. It's just complete chaos that is beyond amazing. New Taylor Swift then flings her arms out which shoves all the old Taylors away - goodbye!

The talking snippet is next, where she's on the phone saying 'I'm sorry, the old Taylor can't come to the phone right now... Why...? Oh... Cuz she's dead'. This reminds me so much of the "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" talking snippet.

The final scene has got everybody talking. 14 Taylor Swifts from the past and this music video are lined up in front of the plane that is missing a wing - and that Taylor is standing on, making it 15 Taylor Swifts in the aircraft hanger. They all take a bow of some sort, the "Shake It Off" Taylor Swift falls to the floor. They then all throw shade at one another. "You Belong With Me" Taylor says: 'You guys.' and is wearing a t-shirt with an updated list of her squad members. Zombie Taylor retorts: 'Stop making that surprise face. It's so annoying.' referencing when she kept on winning awards. "Shake It Off" Taylor even joins in saying: 'Yeah, you can't possibly be that surprised, all the time.' Snake Taylor hisses. Then, new Taylor Swift (from dance scene) says: 'What's with that bitch?' and Zombie Taylor says: 'Don't call me that.' suggestive of Kanye West's "Famous" song and video which is where the whole feud with him came from. Then fresh on the scene Country Taylor (that so reminds me of "Teardrops On My Guitar") says: 'Y'all', so Ringleader Taylor says: 'Oh, stop acting like you're so nice. You are so fake.' Then Country Taylor starts to cry, to which Biker Taylor says: 'There she goes, playing the victim, again.' - which is a constant criticism Taylor Swift has received in the past. The Met Gala 2014 Taylor sees Cheetah-Print Taylor snapping photos, she asks: 'What are you doing?' to which Cheetah-Print Taylor says: 'Getting receipts! Gonna edit this later.' both taking a dig at Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" song lyrics whilst implicating Kim Kardashian, as well, who released video footage of Kanye West and Taylor Swift talking about the "Famous" song, suggesting Kim Kardashian edited the clips. Lastly, the 2009 VMAs Taylor - who was rudely interrupted during her acceptance speech for an award, by no other than Kanye West - says: 'I would very much like to be excluded from this narrative.' which was from a statement she released regarding the Snapchat videos that Kim Kardashian released.

Overall, this music video blows my mind. There's so much going on and Taylor Swift nails everything completely. She proves that she can hold a grudge; hell, we know that from her previous songs. There's so much shade that we all love this way too much. Plus, there's bound to be references we have all missed in this music video. It's clear that "Reputation" is going to be one of the best albums this year, and I cannot wait to hear her other tracks. She also confirmed that there will be 15 tracks on the new album, the same amount of Taylors that can be seen in the ending scene. Some believe that each of the Taylors represents a song and hence why the sixth Taylor is the Cheetah-Print Taylor because this track is so shady.

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Angel - Fifth Harmony |

They recently released their self-titled album; Fifth Harmony continues to stay strong as a four-piece girl group. Their new album hasn't impressed me, though, and I truly believe it's their weakest album to date. The previous two albums they have released have been killer LPs with every single song on point; this one, however, just doesn't live up to the standard they have previously set. Regardless, "Angel" was released as a promotional instant grat single, and just like "Write On Me", it received a music video. YAS! Thank you! Watch a man fall asleep and dream up Fifth Harmony who proves they are anything but angels in this music video for instant grat single "Angel".

Fifth Harmony are a four-piece girl group consisting of Normani Kordei, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, and Dinah Jane Hansen. They previously were a five-piece, hence the name, but Camila Cabello left the group and has gone solo; if you didn't know already. They were formed on The X Factor (US). This song follows "Down" which featured Gucci Mane - and is the only collaboration on their new album. It's a catchy R&B-style ballad, yet it's nothing on "Write On Me" or the other tracks they released in the past. It did manage to chart in some countries, although no great chart numbers. The song was written by Sonny Moore and Jason Boyd.

Directed by David Camarena, this music video doesn't have a high budget because it was a promotional single; most, of which, don't even get a music video. It's a pure performance visual, that has a slight narrative throughout.

Quite a bit of thought went into the video, especially the opening sequence where the word "Angel" appears in a devilish font. We then see a man lying in bed, clearly dreaming about this four-piece girl group.

For the rest of the video, we watch Fifth Harmony performing the track in neon lights. They bring energetic vibes and quite the aggressive body language as if the camera is their ex - who we presume is the one who is dreaming about them.

The scenes aren't all that memorable and it's not something that will stay in my mind. At the very end, the guy wakes up with quite the shocked expression on his face. It's a good concept, but it's just lacking a lot.

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Werqin' Girl (Professional) - Shangela Laquifa |

After interviewing Shangela for CelebMix, yesterday, I just had to review one of her music videos. Little did I know how incredible the song and the visual will be; call me impressed, as I did not expect this at all! Halleloo! The song certainly reminds me of RuPaul's "Supermodel (You Better Work)", but has Shangela's stamp all over it; it's basically her personality in song form and it totally works. I cannot get enough of this song. Watch Shangela Laquifa Wadley dance, sing, and audition, whilst claiming that she came to work and that she is a pro in this music video for "Werqin' Girl (Professional)".

Shangela Laquifa Wadley, real name D.J. Pierce, made a name for herself by being the first contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race to compete in two seasons. She first appeared in season two, where she was the first to leave; yet, she returned for season three where she popped out of a box and came fifth overall. She has since toured all over the world, co-starred in Hurricane Bianca, and has released a few singles and music videos. She exclusively told CelebMix that she will be in new film A Star Is Born which also stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga; she also revealed that new music will be on the way too. The future is looking bright for Shangela, and she continues to bring it when needed. This song was written by D.J "Shangela" Pierce and C.J. Emmons.

Directed by Camrin William, this music video is a pure performance piece that really puts Shangela in the spotlight. She nails all the choreography and the scenes. It also stars Jennifer Lewis, Abby Lee Miller, Yara Sofia, Jason J. Carter, Josue de la Vega, Vincent Harris, Tony Moore, Jonathan Silva, Francisco Thurston, Samantha Starr, and Mia Fierce.

The opening scene sees Shangela and her girls sitting on a couch as a commercial featuring Abbie Lee Miller comes on asking if you have what it takes for the Abbie Lee Dance Company, suggesting that you should get down to auditions. This is where Shangela calls the number and starts her opening lyrics.

Then Shangela turns it out for the rest of the music video, being fierce at the camera, and dancing like that is what she was born to do. She totally brings it for the music video, adding comedy and showing off her performance skills.

There are various clips such as the scene where Abbie Lee Miller saying no to D.J. Pierce - who isn't dressed in drag. She can also be seen singing along to the lyrics at one point. There's also the dance-off scene which is on point in every way. And, we can't forget about the scene where the dancers leave and Shangela talks about going down the elevator.

Jennifer Lewis appears towards the end, saying that she taught Shangela all that. Also, at the very end is the words "In Loving Memory of Our 'Sista' Sahara Davenport" with Shangela and Yara Sofia holding up a large photo of the drag queen; she died of heart failure in 2012 at age 27. She was a contestant on the second series, alongside Shangela.

Overall, this music video is well thought out and completely fierce. Shangela brings it, she states that she "came to work" and that is exactly what she does. It is low-budget and there are a few scenes that I wish had been done better; however, this is a killer song with a killer music video! Halleloo!

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Hair Down - Mollie King |

We've all been missing The Saturdays and their music but, luckily, Mollie King's brand new song and video are giving us all sorts of girl group vibes. The song itself reminds me of Girls Aloud's "Sexy! No No No...", while she impresses with her vocal range. It's something new and different for her considering she released her debut single, "Back To You", which was more of a pop-ballad. The release of this song coincides with the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, which launches next week; where Mollie King has been confirmed as a contestant. Watch Mollie King dance with her girls, flipping her hair and bringing it completely for this music video for "Hair Down".

Mollie King is best known for being one-fifth of British girl group The Saturdays, who are currently on hiatus with no plans to reunite - will they ever get back together? (We shall keep dreaming of the day that they do). She is setting her sights on a solo music career, but "Back To You" totally underperformed when it was released last year; it also has a killer music video that I'll never forget. Now, she's got this new song which I can't help but love, and with her being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing next week, this could actually become a hit single for her; I sure hope it does. This song was written by Mollie King, Ben Taylor, Brian Higgins, Carla Marie Williams, Florrie Arnold, Georgia Morgan, Keir MacCulloch, Kris Ryeland, Kyle Mackenzie, Lauren Morgan, Sarah Thompson, and Timothy Deal.

Directed by Kyle Lewis, the music video was filmed in South Africa. The song and the visual certainly has a Kylie Minogue vibe to it as well as Girls Aloud; the latter of which isn't a surprise since the song is a collaboration with Girls Aloud producers Xenomania.

There is a lot of bright colours going on and edited slow motion, both of which relate to the song perfectly. There is great dance choreography that Mollie King perfects with her backing dancers. The visual is on fire from start to finish.

There's a lot of style and fashion going on in the clip, with Mollie King totally showing herself off as a professional artist; one who is determined to make it in this industry. She easily connects with the audience, as the dance moves are something any of us could nail if we put our mind to it.

Overall, this basic music video has got me gripped. Mollie King proves that this is exactly what she should be doing. She brings performance vibes and energy that just makes this track even better. I so hope that this slowly rises on the charts as she competes in Strictly Come Dancing.

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Yo Te Lo Dije - J Balvin |

Thursday Revisit time, and I was extremely interested in listening to some of J Balvin's early hits, so I chose this one since it did well in some international countries. The song is catchy, to an extent, and J Balvin is looking well stylish and hot, whereas now he has his own unique style that only he can pull off; in contrast, he's slick and stylish here. This track is certainly one of his defining releases and just listening to the song, you realise why that is. Watch J Balvin leave a woman in a hotel room all by herself as he drives away in this music video for "Yo Te Lo Dije" - which is Spanish for "I Told You".

J Balvin, full name José Balvin, is one of the biggest male artists in Latin music at the moment. He's had plenty of phenomenal career moves that has launched him to the top. He's now a highly successful international star, even bringing Latin music to countries that haven't given this genre a chance - I am totally talking about the UK here. Not only that, he has sung with some of the biggest stars in the world, including my queen, Inna - on "Cola Song". So, I have been aware of him for a few years, and I'm glad he's getting the global credibility he deserves. His latest single, "Mi Gente", in collaboration with Willy William, is a complete international success; and, is the reason I'm reviewing this song for my Thursday Revisit. "Yo Te Lo Dije" charted at number one in Columbia and number four in Romania, as well as various US Latin charts. It was written by José Balvin.

The song is about a one night stand and the agreement that they wouldn't call each other the next day and that they will go their separate ways. Well, that didn't happen, because J Balvin sticks to his plans and drives away to Las Vegas, whereas the woman he was with, wakes up and calls him.

If the song is anything to go by, she's hoping she can convince him to come back to her. He ends up pulling over and speaking to her in Spanish, basically telling her that this is what they agreed and that he was clear from the start.

Throughout the rest of the video, we watch J Balvin perform his song, and he is bringing pure Latin vibes. This song is really groovy and it's no surprise it was a hit in a few countries. It shows how much of a brilliant performer he is, and how he deserves to be on stages all across the world - which he sure will be now! He's one artist I wouldn't want to miss at a festival! I also bet he enjoyed filming this music video with that Lamborghini.