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.

Free Download On SoundCloud

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.

Buy on iTunes

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.