I could've sworn this became a UK number one single, but it turns out that it only hit number 13 in the UK. I'm not sure why I thought it became number one, mainly because the song and music video was literally everywhere back in 2011. It's time for my catch-up blog's Thursday revisit, and I am more than a month behind on my blog, and I totally hate myself for it, so much so that I'm determined to focus in the next few weeks and totally catch up! This music video was totally everywhere back in the day and was filmed in real time, so this tennis match actually happened! Which explains the clarity of the visual. Watch Martin Solveig compete against Bob Sinclar in a tennis match at Court Philippe Chatrier in this music video for "Hello" in collaboration with Dragonette.
Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, is one DJ who continues to bring out hit after hit after hit. This track was certainly the start of his success. In recent years, his music has grown on me a lot, and I was completely honoured to have been given the chance to exclusively interview him for CelebMix. He's been bringing out brilliant songs to date, and I'm still obsessed with "Places". There's no sign of a new album on the horizon, and he even admitted, in my interview with him, that he doesn't plan to release an album, just yet, unless he feels it is right. This song is a collaboration with Dragonette, who currently consists of Martina Sorbara, Dan Kurtz, and Joel Stouffler. They've had a number of hits in their time as a group, although in recent years they haven't had the success that their early years gave them; however, they have an established name and when it comes to this sort of music, it comes in waves and I'm sure Dragonette will return with an absolute banger. The song was written by Martin Solveig and Martina Sorbara.
This music video takes place at the French Open at Court Philippe Chatrier and stars Martin Solveig, Bob Sinclar, DJ Grégory Darsa, Flo Lafaye, Olivia Sanchez, Mathilde Johansson, Novak Djokovic, and Gaël Monfils. Unfortunately, Dragonette does not appear in this visual. There are two versions of this music video, a long version which is part of the series of music videos titled "Smash", and then this shorter video. I may review the longer video at some point in the future.
I'm not sure what tennis has to do with this song overall, but it's comical and great to watch. Who knew that Martin Solveig and Bob Sinclar could play tennis, let alone this exceptionally? I love the fact that Bob Sinclar pretty much thrashes Martin Solveig until the final match point, to which Martin Solveig's love interest, played by Flo Lafaye comes in, and this is where he finds energy and motivation to impress his girl.
During the match point, Novak Djokovic refutes the referee, telling him to check it again. It turns out that Martin Solveig's return is actually in, rather than out. The game continues and Martin Solveig racks up the points to level with Bob Sinclar for the match point.
This is where it becomes interesting, because on comes Gaël Monfils, who will apparently be playing the winner of this match, and therefore is there to scope out the competition; although let's be honest, if that was the case, he would've been there from the beginning rather than appearing at the very end. Martin Solveig watches him walk up to Flo Lafaye, kissing her right in front of him. This is where Martin Solveig gives up and essentially throws in the towel by literally throwing in a towel, and the music video ends.
Overall, the song is about going over to someone and just saying 'hello' and not meaning anything in it and just enjoying the party. Instead, we have a music video all about tennis and competition; there is a love interest, but she isn't saying hello, instead she goes off to someone else. It does have a slight connection as Martin Solveig tries to impress her; however, she's not there to be impressed as she's already in a relationship. It's a very slight connection to the song, but I applaud it for not showing a typical party music video.
Anyone who saw my last blog post certainly expected me to follow it up with this one, since I had just realised that I haven't reviewed any of CeCe's music videos, until now. "Broke AF" was totally one of my favourite music videos from 2017; yet, her debut single "Dead 2 Me" still manages to resonate with me, and I'll never forget the day she dropped this music video. There's just something so incredibly special about this. CeCe really brings it for this visual, maybe because it is officially her debut. Watch CeCe get revenge on her guy who cheated on her in this music video for her debut single titled "Dead 2 Me".
CeCe, full name CeCelia Frey, made her name known by coming eighth in the second series of The X Factor (US). Her vocals are phenomenal, and this track really doesn't do her justice, although it is catchy. If you take a listen to her follow-up song "Broke AF", you'll see how amazing her talent really is. This song and its music video feels like the CeCe that we met during The X Factor, who was almost on the side of arrogant; however, she's grown up a lot since then. The series also made stars out of Tate Stevens, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Diamond White, Bea Miller, and Sister C. This song was written by Lydia Vaughan, CeCelia Frey, and Andrew Kremer.
Directed by Patrick Lawrence, this music video has three sections or parts as the video calls them. It's a great narrative from start to finish; although, it's something we've seen time and time again with just a different take on the storyline every time. However, this isn't that much different to others we have seen.
"Act I: The Set Up" starts off with a phone call between CeCe and the guy who has cheated on her. She announces that she totally understands and that "friends kiss all the time" in quite a sarcastic way without giving it away that it's a set up. She invites him to a party, proclaiming that they'll kiss and make up. At the end of the phone call, she tells her girls that "he bought it", before laughing and the track kicks in. They drive to the venue as the first part of the song is sung, with CeCe bringing fire to the track in her performance visuals, which we totally expected.
"Act II: The Trap" sees CeCe's on-screen lover walk on to the set of the party. The venue is deserted as he tries to find out where about the party is being held. He arrives at a garage as the second part of the song kicks in. The girls surround him, as CeCe sings and throws punches at him, which he attempts to avoid until the last one knocks him to the ground.
"Act III: The Party" is the final part, where they drag him to a chair and tie him up. CeCe has on her leopard-print face paint which we're used to seeing from her days on The X Factor (US), as all the girls dance away at the party. She sings the song right in the face of her love interest before they all walk away, leaving him strapped to the chair.
Overall, it's a brilliant music video that completely relates to the song in every way. The storyline has been thought out and is cleverly split into three parts. On the other hand, it's not something new, and this narrative has appeared time and again in music videos.
Have I really not reviewed this yet? OMG! I haven't even reviewed her first music video "Dead 2 Me". What is wrong with me? You know what's coming after this music video review, right? I did write up an article about CeCe's "Broke AF" music video for CelebMix, so that's probably why I missed it. Still, I'm ashamed of myself, because this is one epic music video that should be on my blog! This song is such a raw, emotional, and honest pop-ballad, one that no one can deny suits CeCe perfectly. The music video completely relates in every way. Watch CeCe and Ronen Rubinstein show how in love they are with one another whilst being completely out of money in this loving music video for "Broke AF".
CeCe, full name CeCe Frey, made a name for herself on the second season of US version of The X Factor. She came sixth overall and was a part of Demi Lovato's team. It was that series that made established names out of Tate Stevens, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Diamond White, Bea Miller, and Sister C. This song, alone, really shows how far CeCe has come from her first audition. "Broke AF" is a powerful track that is totally stripped back and full of real emotion in every single way. It was written by Jonathan Castelli, Zachary Scott Poor, Hayley Warner, Adam Scott Friedberg, and CeCelia Marie Frey.
Directed by Patrick Lawrence, this music video is a full narrative music video that has a performance piece thrown in throughout as CeCe sings along to the lyrics. She easily portrays the main character and gives it all the emotion it totally deserves. Ronen Rubinstein brings it too, for the narrative, and these two worked perfectly together.
Interpreting some of the lyrics literally, such as the mattress on the floor, this music video easily shows two people completely in love whilst being "Broke AF". The video starts out with our adorable couple robbing a store with water guns, as they clearly can't afford to pay for their items - let alone pay for a real gun to rob the store with. Then we watch their home life, which sees CeCe as an artist, painting a jacket and then painting her name on Ronen Rubinstein's body.
They easily convey two people in love, and it melts my heart to watch. They steal a car and then later returns it, leaving a note; they drove to the top of a hill to look at the beautiful cityscape. She finds a waitress job but feels so down after her shift, only to come home to see the cutest surprise ever from her boyfriend.
Overall, this music video is beyond amazing. It's well thought out and completely relates to the song in every way. CeCe and Ronen Rubinstein bring it, easily displaying the narrative and really getting involved with the characters they are playing. Such a brilliant music video, one I could watch again and again.
I've been avoiding reviewing this for weeks during Chart Mondays, purely because I knew it would be in the Top 10 for some time, and there was bound to be a week where I don't have much choice left. This was the week where Christmas songs dominated the charts, as they do every year. Unfortunately, I had already reviewed all the Christmas song music videos in the Top Ten, so it leaves this one and Rita Ora's "Anywhere" for me to review, but since this is a backdated review, I know for a fact that this one drops out before Rita Ora's song does, so I might as well do this one now. After my first watch, I'm wishing I was reviewing Rita Ora, not going to lie. Watch Big Shaq in Miami performing to the camera and including comedic scenes that relate to his viral track and biggest hit to date "Man's Not Hot".
Big Shaq is a comedic character who is played by English comedian rapper Michael Dapaah. He went viral with this song due to a meme after he appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra's Charlie Sloth "Fire In The Booth" section where he played both his characters MC Quakez and Roadman Shaq. The previous character released a debut single titled "Balance". It was a freestyle on the instrumental of 67 and Giggs' 2016 track "Let's Lurk" which was first used on 86's "Lurk". It became a complete sensation, and he soon changed the character's name to Big Shaq and then released the song as a single. I very much doubt he'll manage to keep his success and continue having hits, but considering how Michael Dapaah maximised on this popularity, I have no doubt he can do it again. This song was written by Michael Dapaah.
Directed by Marv Brown, this music video starts off with a skit where Big Shaq receives a phone call from Asznee who turns out to be comedian and YouTuber Chunkz. As the video goes on we see various stars appear, including Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Yachty, Jim Jones, Broederliefde, and DJ Khaled, the latter of which calls Big Shaq a "legend".
Throughout, there are some relatable scenes, mainly with Big Shaq not taking his coat off, even when a girl asks him to take off his jacket, or even when he's in a sauna. We sure get that he really isn't hot.
Overall, there's not a lot that I want to comment on for this video. It's comedic to an extent, managing to relate some of the lyrics to the song itself. It's a quality music video with Big Shaq bringing some great energy to the visual, especially when it cuts to one of his gigs. I look forward to seeing if Michael Dapaah can bring another hit to charts around the world; I really believe he can.
Again, I'm letting my iTunes randomizer choose the music videos I should review. This song came up while I was playing my music on random, I have it as part of a compilation album, and I just had to see if there was a music video because this song is addicting in every way. So, that is how I came across this and it is full of fun and totally relates to the song. Watch Martin Solveig, The Cataracs, and Kyle perform as they set up lights and a paddling pool in this fun and cool music video for "Hey Now".
Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, is one of the biggest DJs in the world, and one I am obsessed with after having the amazing opportunity to interview him for CelebMix. He continues to prove himself in the music industry, his music chart positions come in waves, most of the time it takes time for his songs to go viral and become popular, but as soon as they do, they become chart successes. This one had mild success. It features The Cataracs, who was down to one member at this time who was Niles Hollowell-Dhar, he is now known as KSHMR. As a duo, they scored many successes and song-writing hits; and now, as a soloist, he continues to make splashes in the music industry, which is great to see. The same goes for Kyle, full name Kyle Harvey, who totally went viral a few years later with "iSpy"; it truly shows if you work hard and never give up, you get there in the end! This song charted well in some countries, with it becoming a hit in Ireland at number eight. "Hey Now" was written by Kyle Harvey, Martin Solveig, and Niles Dhar.
This music video is pure fun in every single way, which is totally expected considering the overall joviality of the track. To my surprise, Martin Solveig sings this song. I'm so used to him using a vocalist to sing these songs that I so didn't expect to see him singing - that certainly shocked me from the very start.
The whole theme has a Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" feel to it, only updated to the max - since that old music video was done way back in 1965. It's all about fun in the summer sunshine as they continue to spread the cheer and create words out of the set they have.
Once again, Martin Solveig proves that he's a DJ and not really a performer whatsoever since there's no energy behind his singing. However, he does try his best and he's much better at being himself and having fun. As for Kyle, on the other hand, he brings it with the energy and really gives the camera what is missing.
This totally works with the song, how this didn't become a hit in the UK or the US, I'll never know. We need more fun songs like this dominating charts all around the world. I also think "Kings Of The Playground" would've been a much better title for the song.
