V, a band who came to prominence the same time McFly did. It's obvious who came out on top, but what have we missed out on? The band consisted of five members, hence the name which comes from the Roman numeral meaning five. The members were Aaron Buckingham, Antony Thomas Brant, Mark Harle, Kevin McDaid and Leon Pisani. With 2 hit singles, this one getting number 6 and "Hip To Hip" getting number 5, their third single dipped to number 12. Their album can be seen as the cause of their crash out of the music industry. 'You Stood Up' peaked at number 86, and that was the end of the band. "Blood, Sweat And Tears" was my favourite song from them, and even now it still gets stuck in my head.
This music video has not a lot to do with the song, there's not a lot of blood or tears going on, but maybe a bit of sweat, but not from hard work, and definitely from the glorious sunshine.
They are practically singing into the camera, so do we presume this girl they are singing to is the camera? I don't think so. This is just a group of lads having fun in Miami, Florida. But why is this seen differently to The Wanted's "Glad You Came"?
Well there isn't an innuendo to the song, this video fails to grab many people, apart from them stripping off, but even in doing so they don't seem united, still Aaron keeps his top on through-out, how can you be a unity if you're all not doing something similar?
Overall an extremely catchy song that I'm surprised hasn't been covered and smashed the charts recently. The music video is fun, fun, fun, and lacking unity. The band's demise is similar to VS, who did "Call U Sexy" amongst other songs. Both bands appeared and disappeared around the same time. Why do I end up liking all the artists who end up disappearing?
Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, has been featured on this blog many of times. She has a big fan base, and has recently gone sexy to improve her image and to prove that she is not this innocent young girl we all thought she was. The change is very reminiscent of Britney Spears' change with "I'm A Slave For You" and Christina Aguilera's "Dirrty". Controversy sparked with this album, but she's set in the right direction, and she is not an innocent girl. She also cut her hair off within the last year. It is now short and blonde. I still haven't made up my mind if I like it, but who cares? As long as she likes it, everything is good. She is currently getting ready to release a new album this year (hopefully).
"Who Owns My Heart" was her second single from her most recent album 'Can't Be Tamed'. It was written by Miley Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James and Devrim Karaoglu. The song is about club vibes and whether or not you actually like the person you are dancing with. It is the sort of song that clubs would've picked up, however it failed to chart in the UK, this could be for many reasons, but I would put it down to next to no promotion, whereas her other singles got quite a bit.
This music video is sexy, it's the only word that comes to mind, and you can't really blame me, because that is what it is. She's waking from a bed wearing not much, then gets ready to go out clubbing and ends up back in the bed.
It shows a new completely different side to her, but it does in fact show who she really is. She's 20 years old, and you really think she's one of these people who sit alone in their room talking to friends? Nope, she's out on the town and hitting it hard just like me, and all the other 20 year olds (yes, me and Miley Cyrus are the same age).
Overall a catchy club song that should've done well in the UK. The accompanying music video fits perfectly and is a true representation of who she is, why should we ask anything less? I don't see much of a narrative and so I knocked off one star, but apart from that how can I rate it less than it deserves?
The Offspring has been going for ages! But this is definitely their most well-known song, and I was surprised that way back in 1998, it topped the UK chart (amongst other countries). The band are a four-piece rock band. Back then the band consisted of Dexter Holland, Noodles, Greg K. and Ron Welty. The latter left in 2003, and was replaced by Atom Willard, who then subsequently left in 2007, and then that's when Pete Parada came in. The band had major success back in the late 90s and early 00s, managing to get two more singles in the UK's top 10 which were "Why Don't You Get A Job?" at number two and "Original Prankster" at number six, with various other singles easily jumping into the chart. This is no small feet for a rock band. So where are they now? Well devoted fans will know they're still around and releasing, one quick look on iTunes confirms their new singles are being released. But once again, like so many others, they have fallen from their height of fame. On the other hand, some have managed to crawl all the way back to the top, and it wouldn't surprise me if they manage to do just that.
"Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)" was written by Dexter Holland. The song takes the mick out of a "wannabe gangsta" who is obsessed with hip-hop not because he enjoys it or understands it, but because he thinks it makes him cool and fly. The female vocals were recorded by Nika Futterman.
The music video portrays the song perfectly, showing a guy immersed in hip-hop stuff but not at all a part of it. He thinks he's all that when he really isn't. I like the ending and how he scares his little sister.
The performance side of this video is quite opposing. In the narrative it's sunny and fun. Then we have this dark, imposing side that is so engaging and full of life too. Only not the same. It looks like a total conflict, but deep down it relates just as well. It is definitely a perfect representation of what they would be like live.
The storyline shocks me every time I see it. It's practically over the top, but we all know that there are people who are that naïve, and you may know one or two of them yourself.
Overall a song that is infinitely catchy and will be well known until the end of the Earth. The music video links oh so perfectly, and we have added bonus of a performance scene shot through out. How can I not sit back and enjoy this while I have the chance? Well it's usually because shock replaces my happiness, every single time. I have no choice, this music video clearly deserves this rating, I just wish I could rate it higher.
This song has been stuck in my head all day, and can you blame me with how catchy it is? I had no idea who sung it, but later found the name with a jump of glee.
The Veronicas are a two-piece rock band from Australia consisting of twins Jessica Origliasso and Lisa Origliasso. The twins have released a lot of music, but this song along with "4ever" are the only singles that have ever charted, following an album called 'Hook Me Up'. This is the sort of popular music that enters the UK chart, so I was sort of expecting to only see those singles and albums to be released on iTunes, but one quick glance took me by surprise. A lot of singles have been released, so why are people not buying their music? Again I'm going to have to put it down to promotion. I didn't even realise they had released any new material, and I bet only their devoted fans know about the new songs, along with hearsay.
"Untouched" were written by Toby Gad (written many famous tracks and is definitely in high demand), Jessica Origliasso and Lisa Origliasso. The song is about the twins missing their loved ones. Their vocals are effortless and amazing to hear, especially their harmonies and for a rock group it turns it on it's head and makes this amazing. This looked like the perfect rock group to get high international success, but guess it didn't work out that way.
The music video is narrative and performance based, just like all my high rated music videos. And takes a different approached to the song, and although not exactly relatable, it can be considered to be linked.
The performance side is plain and boring. They are performing in front of a bunch of people who are rocking out, except they are not doing the same. It's as if they've been told where the camera is and to never take their eyes from it. The performance scenes are supposed to show their energy on stage and to show what they would be like to see live, and therefore encourage people to go to their tours and gigs. But if all they do is stand there and sing the song, I would never want to see them, and I don't think many others would too.
The narrative is so much better, but the integrated part with the performance as well, reminds me a lot of Avril Lavigne's "Losing Grip", amongst others. The story shows a guy who both girls meet separately. First off Jess is seen with him on the couch and she soon takes off not long after, clearly telling him to wait for her. Yet when he sees Lisa walking around the club he thinks it's Jess and goes after her. They have a passionate moment. We finally return to the couch and it is soon revealed that the guy is trying to make a move on both of them, so they walk away from him together.
Again we have another male actor who no one knows who it is. So if anyone does know please post below with source. Apart from that the storyline is very watchable and engaging (unlike the performance side of things), so much so that the second time I watched it I focused on it a lot more. This is one narrative I won't be forgetting.
Overall an extremely catchy song that will be embedded in history but never lost. The music video has two sides, if I based this video on performance alone the rating would be low, but the narrative is so capturing that it brings the video back, and even tips the balance. So therefore the video gets this rating below.
I seemed to have misjudged something this week. Last week I realised that two great songs would be going head-to-head this week for a high chart placing. So I decided to review one last week, which was Bridgit Mendler's "Ready Or Not", and I thought I'll wait until my 'New Release' to review Ke$ha's "C'Mon". However the latter is now an airplay release only, and we are unable to download the single on iTunes. Will it forever be like Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble", highly promoted via radio, TV and the music channels and never ever get a proper download single? It seems highly likely, which really gets on my nerves, I want a single release, and it has also spoiled my plans for 'New Release', I could've done Bridgit Mendler's "Ready Or Not". So after searching at all the new releases, I finally lay my hands on this one, and with my rant now over, I'm ready to review.
Daniela Brooker is another new artist, I seem to be reviewing a lot of those recently. She is 19 years old and has been releasing a few singles on iTunes, under herself as well as Storm Records/Storm Management. She has a very authentic voice, and reminds me of Lana Del Rey. To be honest the start really made me think she was in a similar style straight away. However I soon changed my mind when she started singing, as she is a great emotional singer, and I believe every word she sings. On the other hand the music just isn't to my taste, but I can see why some people would like her. She just needs a break through, some sort of promotion to push her into the limelight. "Heartbreaker" is her fifth single overall, and no sign of any album release so far, but surely there's one just around the corner. Once again this single hasn't had any promotion, I didn't even know who she was before today, let alone this song, and it doesn't look like many others know about her either, and so there's been not many sales, even though it's early days, and it doesn't look like she will chart at all this weekend.
The music video is quite old school, reminds me a bit of old Jazz. The performance side is effortless, graceful and full of emotion. I personally wouldn't go and see her live, however I can tell I wouldn't be disappointed if I did go. Her emotion flows across the stage and reminds me a lot of Amy Studt's second album 'My Paper Made Men' which spawned three singles : "Furniture", "Chasing The Light" and "Nice Boys". Daniela Brooker will eventually get the respect she deserves, and when she does everyone's going to be speechless, just wait and see.
The narrative side is slow-moving, she's singing into the phone talking about a guy, possibly an ex. We could guess that she's talking to someone who might be thinking of going out with him, while we are shown scenes of him around a table with three girls all flirting with him at once, along with scenes in the back of a car. Showing him to be a player.
Overall a song to certain people tastes, however the more prominent she gets the more people will enjoy her music and soon enough we may have our British answer to Lana Del Rey. The accompanying music video is flawless, links in with the song, portrays a perfect performance, so is there anything bad about this video? Well I surely can't see anything except greatness. Hence the rating.
Paramore gets my Sunday revisit since I was surprised on Thursday when I reviewed Mandia Nantsios' "One Last Time", that this music video has yet to be reviewed. Well today I shall finally be changing that.
Paramore, back then, were a four-piece band consisting of Hayley Williams, Josh Farro, Zac Farro and Jeremy Davis. Since then Taylor York became part of the band and the Farro Brothers have left. Paramore still have a big fan base, with their most recent single "Now" managing to chart in the UK this week at number 39, making it their fifth highest charting position in the UK to date. Paramore will definitely continue to be a success.
"Misery Business" was written by Hayley Williams and Josh Farro.This is pretty obvious since, a) most bands write their own songs, I don't think I've ever come across a pop/rock band who don't write their own songs. And B) Hayley Williams performs their songs emotionally. The song is all about an ex-girlfriend to the boyfriend Hayley's going out with, and she's glad he's moved her away from her.
The music video doesn't exactly portray that. However on the other hand it does show one mean girl, who does need to be taken down a few pegs. There is also a good performance piece, which definitely portrays the energy they release on stage.
The narrative side is quite funny, and you can't help but laugh, and wish you could do those very things, and just be mean for a full day. Again the mean girl is another unknown actress, after fervent searches I came up with a few names who it isn't, which didn't help all that much. So if anyone knows, please post below and I need a source too.
The performance side is simple, but different as the background is pretty much the album cover, managing to promote the album 'Riot!' in the process of people watching the music video. Which is extremely clever in a subliminal way. There is a lot of headbanging, which also happened when I saw them live back in 2008, so it practically is a good portrayal of what they were like on tour.
Overall a great song, that needed to chart higher, although it was understandable, at that time, why it got to where it got. The music video is fun, great, and perfect. And when Hayley gets her own back, that was a comeback that was clearly needed, and I can't help congratulating them by showing that you don't need to fight to get your own back on bullies. And although the message is right up there, it fails to make a direct link with the song, however it does come close.
H "Two" O are a bassline/garage duo consisting of Solution and Oz, real names Selim Ben Rabha and Simon McDevitt. Since this, they have not released any more on iTunes, however they are still creating music, but I doubt they will be able to make anything as big as this song was. The featuring band is Platnum. they are a three-piece consisting of Aaron Evers, Michelle McKenna and Mina Poli. They were signed to 'Hard2Beat/Dance Nation' records (who also had Basshunter, September, Star Pilots and Sash!) and released a second single with them which was "Love Shy (Thinking About You)". But recently the record label is no longer releasing, and so Platnum had to find a new record label, which just happens to be 'All In Recordings'. Platnum has released a few Singles under this record label (none of which has charted), and they have a new track "Love You Tomorrow" being released in a months time, with an album (finally) being released later on in the year called 'Lost In The Music'. We've waited so long for this album, it's bound to be amazing.
"What It Gonna Be" became a UK hit managing to get to number two in the singles chart. Just missing out on the top spot thanks to Duffy with "Mercy". It's extremely catchy, and definitely was worthy of the top spot. Platnum have failed to keep in the charts since leaving Hard2Beat/Dance Nation, but their songs are still as catchy as ever. I have little faith in them being able to chart quite so high again, on the other hand, I can see them managing to crack the chart once again, they deserve much more success.
This music video is exactly what you kind of expected. The song influenced many school kids to buy the single (whether through downloads, or actually purchasing the CD single). It's a pure narrative piece, with a few performance pieces added throughout, and a complicated dance routine involved too.
The music video was set in Dulwich College, using a school theme as a back drop. According to the 'Behind the Scenes' video, the initial thought behind it was 'St. Trinian's'. And it sure represents that.
I can't help but laugh when Aaron falls into a day dream, it's very predictable and they must have had great fun filming that part. I like the ending too, it shows that he is devoted to her, and wouldn't stray.
The ending also includes H "Two" O in a few scenes, and they are also in the class room, however you rarely see them. Platnum, on the other hand, takes up the focus of the whole video.
Overall a very catchy song that should've got to number one, it also managed to chart in other countries in Europe. The accompanying music video, has everything you could possibly want and much, much more. I also like the complex dance routines. Especially when the geek dances, you can't help but laugh. This video is fun, sexy and full of everything, it's one of those videos you would definitely watch again and again.
Eoghan Quigg - 28,000 Friends (Official Music...by Videozz
Okay, to celebrate the 28,000 hits on my blog, I thought I'd do this song since it relates. However I do not like this song all that much and as for the music video... Well... You'll find out.
Eoghan Quigg was a contestant on the fifth series of The X Factor. He came third overall placing behind JLS and Alexandra Burke. He was set to win, topping the votes for the first five weeks, along with the seventh week. Personally I felt that this year was one of the most talented, with the likes of Diana Vickers, Ruth Lorenzo, Laura White and Rachel Hylton along with first, second and third. All of which are releasing music, or are trying to do so. Others who managed to go on and do more things were Daniel Evans, Austin Drage, Bad Lashes and Scott Bruton. It sure was a competitive year. Eoghan Quigg released one single and a self titled album in 2009, the latter reaching number 14 on the UK chart and number 1 in Ireland. He was subsequently dropped from his label, and no new music ventures thus far, but who knows what will be next for him, if anything.
"28,000 Friends" were written by James Bourne (of Busted and Son of Dork fame) and Busbee. The song lacks a lot of things, and after finding James Bourne's vocal performance of the song, I realise that it's all down to Eoghan Quigg. It lacks emotion and soul, it has been heightened into a pop song that just doesn't work. The song reached number 96 in the UK, and number 32 in Ireland. Check out James Bourne's version below.
The music video follows the song perfectly in it's lack of emotion and soul. And where is all her 28,000 friends? Where's the showing of the sites quoted in the song: "YouTube, Facebook, Myspace, IM"?
We centre more around the singer, which is totally not right, since he is singing about as girl he really likes, who has 28,000 friends and can't find all that much time to include him in her busy life. So where is her busy schedule?
So instead we have a performance music video, which can get good ratings from me sometimes, however this is missing a lot. I definitely wouldn't go to see him on tour if all he's going to do is stand there with the microphone. There's no energy, there's nothing to engage the audience, and even my attention wasn't always held on this video.
Overall, a song that wasn't sung as well as the songwriter sings it, and a music video that fails to engage or entertain, it's almost like it was a complete waste of money even bothering to make the video, plus a waste of people's time watching it. However, at least Eoghan Quigg can finally put this side behind him, and if he ever returns to music, he will easily make a better video. Although, it is possible to do worse, I suppose, but it would be difficult.
So where did this girl come from? Out of the blew I got a follow from a certain person called Mandia Nantsios on twitter. I took my time exploring and finding out more about her, as I'm used to getting bands and artists following me and then when I follow them back they soon unfollow me. But after a bit of time Mandia Nantsios is still following me, so I thought it was about time to reviewed her...
Mandia Nantsios is only 16 years old, I don't quite believe that from this video, but I guess she must be. She's another Canadian star (quite a few of those popping up now), but one who has set her sights high, and one who will definitely be achieving them pretty much soon. Everyone step aside, because the biggest new thing is staring us right in the face, and she's ready to capture the world.
"One Last Time" is written by James Fauntleroy, but it is totally been made for Mandia Nantsios. Her vocal range makes this video so emotionally great that you are captured in seconds, and her power is effortlessly expressive. This is her second single, her first being "Never Again". I thought this was going to be a typical sixteen-year-old, high school crush song, but hell, I was so wrong. The song reminds me a lot of JoJo's "Leave (Get Out)" and the music video isn't too different either.
We are so use to seeing the typical high school crush music video. It's usually a singer's first music video, and she seems to be following in the footsteps of greatness. Britney Spears did this type of music video for "...Baby One More Time", JoJo did it for "Leave (Get Out)", Paramore with "Misery Business" and Stacie Orrico with "Stuck". There are many more, some become big stars, others disappear. However Mandia Nantsios will definitely be on everyone's lips soon enough.
This videos quite different though, instead this manages to link in with the song perfectly, with a nice added twist, which is always great to have. Mandia and Paul (the male lead), have been together and they keep breaking up and saying goodbye, only to reunite not long after. But she has had enough and have decided to break it off for good and say goodbye one last time.
All the markings are the amount of times they have broke up and got back together, only surely there is way too many lines, surely they've split up and got back together every single day for a year, maybe even longer and more frequent with the amount of markings. Of which reminds me of another music video: New Found Glory's "Kiss Me".
The choreography, is amazing, the professional dancers are so detailed and concise that you can't help but marvel at their dancing. As for Mandia Nantsios' dancing with her 'friends', they seem to be bringing back the dancing children can easily copy, which is totally dated and would've fitted 10-15 years ago, however we kind of need this back in the videos, and I'm all for it. Not only that, but they seem to be bringing back Double Denim too.
Overall a song that caught me by surprise and of which I shall be downloading this week. And a music video that also caught me by surprise, and has a unique twist to it that I can't help but enjoy. I have no faults for this video and everything is exactly perfect. It looks like I've found my next "Artist of the Month" for March...
Rudenko, real name Leonid Rudenko, is a Russian DJ. He hit the UK charts in 2008 with this song and it's flirtatious music video, managing to score number 24, and yes I do remember buying the single. Since then he has released more singles and there's a possible album around the corner, however everyone just remembers this song, and none of his other singles have charted in the UK at all. If I had to guess why that is then I would be pointing at the video, it was shown a lot on the music channels, and I guess people loved the video just as much as the song and bought it.
"Everybody" was written by Leonid Rudenko, Kelly Barnes and Alexander Pearls. Kelly Barnes provided the vocals for the song, but after searching on the Internet, I am still not sure who she is, and whether she has sung on any other songs. She is also not the person lip-syncing in the video. Which is also what happened in Wiley Featuring Ms. D's "Heatwave". So who is she? The song is obviously isn't implicit in the meaning, and so I shall not go there since if you don't get it, I'm sure the video will help you with that.
Right, so the video links in well with the song, of course it does. Except it may be a lot more typical than you may think. As From Above, with their song "Not The Same Girl" is pretty similar but with more narrative and Little Mix also did it with "DNA", not only that but Danny & Freja's "If Only You" takes this to a new high. I'm sure there is more examples, but it suggests that we are totally fine with showing girls kidnapping guys and possibly torturing them (take that in any sense you wish). Yet some videos are banned such as Britney Spears' "Criminal" due to the showing of guns... Sometimes I can't quite get my head around the UK's decisions on some music videos.
The main dancer, who also lip-syncs to the music, is Charleene Rena. She is now known as 11ven, and trying out a singing career. She's a good dancer, and extremely sexy too, however I can see why she would want to move away from that line of work, especially since the reaction from this music video alone, and I guess there's worse about.
The choreography is expressive and all in sync, the commonality of a guy strapped to a chair is shown obsessively through-out various music videos, on the other hand this music video goes all out and makes it much more flirtatious and almost S&M if you want to take it there. And surely the ending suggests such a thing.
Overall a song that is quite daring but worked and should've pushed this guy into fame, instead he's only known for this song and it's music video, and sometimes people haven't got a clue who sung the song but remembers this video. The music video is equally daring, and links with the song perfectly. The only thing I don't like is that the person who's lip-syncing is not the person who provided the vocals.
This song has been stuck in my head all day, and so why shouldn't I review this music video? The disappointment with this song is that it has yet to be released in the UK, and by the looks of things it never will. However in 2012, it was released as a promotional single for her album, but it soon disappeared from the iTunes store.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, is a Romanian singer, who I have followed since her first UK single release of "Hot". Since she has had a number of hits in the UK, but recently her songs have failed to enter the UK chart, along with her second album. This begs to question whether she will ever make a comeback to the UK, or will she dwindle in Romania, leaving UK fans, and other worldwide fans upset that they may never be able to download her new album or any of her new singles.
"Wow" was written by Sebastian Barac, Marcel Botezan and Radu Bolfea. And it is definitely one of those songs that could've done well in the UK. If 3beat records were to carry on releasing her singles, this one would be next in line. But as we all know, 3beat records jumbled up the first nine singles, so I should stop predicting which one will be next. As I mentioned above, this was released as a promotional single to her second album by Roton Romania. It was released along side promotional singles of: "Alright", "OK" and "Caliente" (the latter being both a radio single and an remix EP). I'm so glad I downloaded them all in time, as they soon disappeared with the release of 'I Am The Club Rocker' album. The song is one of my favourites from the album as it's extremely catchy, hence why it's been stuck in my head all day.
I was worried when I started watching this music video. It looks like I'm watching a children's music video such as Cartoon's version of "Witch Doctor". This looks very low budget. But as the music video progresses, we realise the budget was thrown at the extras. And it may have been intentional as it looks like we're watching a pantomime...
The music video shows three iconic children's stories. These stories are forever shown in pantomimes, they include, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', 'Alice In Wonderland' and 'The Wizard of Oz'. Although they missed one pantomime that's just as crucial, and that's 'Cinderella', how did they miss that one out?
Inna changes the characters of Snow White, Alice and Dorothy, into quite sultry, sexy and sleek personalities. Not only that but a great singer and dancer empowering everyone including The Hatter from Alice In Wonderland (who reminds me a lot of Johnny Depp's portrayal of the character in the 2010 film).
Many music video's have done these storylines in their music videos such as Avril Lavigne's "Alice" is 'Alice In Wonderland' along with Daisy Dares You's "Number One Enemy", which features Chipmunk, and Rizzle Kick's "Dreamers". Ivi Adamou's "La La Love" takes inspiration from 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. I'm sure there's portrayals of 'The Wizard of Oz' however I have not yet come across them. All these videos unfortunately makes Inna's portrayal look amateurish and maybe a little on the childish side due to the background. On the other hand, they really can't compete with Inna's sex appeal.
Overall a song that should hit the UK charts hard if they ever release it. But a music video that fails to meet expectations as it has no link with the song. The portrayal of the characters is very interesting, turning them away from their dainty side as we all know them to be. As the video progresses we get used to the video's scenery and start to enjoy it for what it is, and so I feel this rating is more than generous.
Bridgit Mendler is new to the UK, she has had a few hits in America, but she is most known for her television acting roles in Good Luck Charlie, playing Teddy Duncan. And her role in Wizards of Waverly Place as Juliet van Heusen. She is also known in films such as Labour Pains, Alice Upside Down, and most notably Lemonade Pains. Now she's embarking on a singing career with her solid fan-base from Lemonade Mouth, she has become quite popular in the states and over here, even managing to get her US second single to chart here in the UK as "Deteminate" Featuring Adam Hicks got to number 198. However her first two singles, which includes "Somebody" was released as part of Lemonade Mouth. Now she's embarking on her own, and you could go as far as saying that this is her first single.
"Ready Or Not" was written by Bridgit Mendler, Emanuel "Eman" Kiriakou and Evan "Kidd" Bogart. The song samples the Fugees song "Ready Or Not". The song is about no longer waiting for the world to come after you, and going after the world yourself. There's a romantic twist to it too, as she goes out to find the guy she's been waiting for. I first heard this song on The X Factor (US) when Bridgit Mendler performed during the Live Shows, I remember liking it and being disappointed at the thought it might never be released in the UK, guess I was wrong. The song reminds me of something Ashlee Simpson would release and it looks like it's going to chart next week (as that's when it's released in the UK), as it's very popular over here so I am definitely buying this.
The music video isn't what you expect, and although it links slightly, you kind of want to know what they win at the end after all they've just done, as well as finding the romantic side, which there was none of.
This whole scavenger thing looks fun, I want to do it too. The only similar thing I've done is a zombie experience day in the city centre of Birmingham called "2.8 Hours Later". On the other hand there's a few things I didn't like...
The scavenger hunt looks like it's filmed good, however after closer inspection, we don't always stick to Bridgit Mendler and her team, not only that but the other team that is filmed has a total different set of instructions. As well as that they don't all complete their required tasks, or they did but they edited them out.
The use of the Polaroid camera is fun, and I always like seeing them being used in music videos.
Overall a great song that will definitely chart next week. It's accompanying music video is missing the romantic side, and they do all these tasks and get nothing out of it, by the looks of things. Not only that but we never get the satisfaction of seeing all the tasks completed. On the other hand, it's fun, but maybe a bit on the forgettable side, I have now watched it four times, and I still can't remember everything that went on.
Paramore hasn't released an album since 2010, three years away from music has shown how they have developed, we had the big song "Monster" and then that was followed by The Singles Club EP in 2011. Since then they have been working on their fourth album which is self-titled. Paramore are a three piece band consisting of Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis. This is their first single from their new album. "Now" is a different sound to what we expect from Paramore, but just as addicting.
This music video is not at all what I was expecting, but then again I'm getting used to this. Paramore is such a big name now, that they have a high budget on their videos, with the amount of extras in this and the hard work that has clearly gone into this, you can tell the typical videos from the start of their career should be gone and lost, as they set towards an amazing new future.
This war themed video expresses the lyrics of the song, taking the original meaning and flipping it to an equally disturbing, but very real, literal meaning.
War can be seen as scary, but life is like a war, with conflicting issues between people, however it also shows that people split into teams, siding with certain people, such as Jeremy and Taylor helping Hayley get closer and closer to the soldier who's hoping to kill her.
I have to admit, I am very fond of some parts, such as showing that she gets knocked down twice, but does she give up? Hell no, she gets back up and is ready to achieve what she came there to do.
The ending is definitely my favourite part, it shows that a bit of love is all that everyone needs from time to time, and that hug she gives to the soldier stops the war.
Overall, a song that is not what we're used to hearing from this band, but something that's influential and undeniably catchy. The music video completes the song exactly the way it should, and it's hard to imagine these two apart, as they coincide perfectly. I have nothing bad to say about this music video, and therefore there's only one rating this video is worthy of.
David Guetta, real name Pierre David Guetta, is a name that is on everyone's lips and will be until the end of time, he has made such an impact on the music industry, that it's difficult for him to disappear, and for him to get better, that's just as impossible. But if anyone can do it, it's him. This song is his second to most recent, the latest being "Just One Last Time" featuring Taped Rai. So where is he now? My guess is that he's touring in some place or another, or he is working on a new album, maybe he is doing both... This song features singer Sia, full name Sia Furler, who's been working on her career for quite some time, however she is finally scoring the success she is definitely entitled to. Will she continue to be the next big thing, or has she already soared past that, and will disappear once again? I am hoping it's the former and not the latter.
"She Wolf (Fall To Pieces)" was written by David Guetta, Chris Braide, Sia Furler and Giorgio Tuinfort. It's not one of those instantly catchy songs, and it fails to meet my standards, it's more of an album tack (in my eyes) than a single, however each to their own right? The song managed to get to number eight in the UK, which is pretty good considering.
The music video is narrative, reminding me of similarities with "Titanium", in which both artists previously collaborated on. It is yet again part of the supernatural, involving Werewolves, this time, hence the title 'She Wolf'.
Hands up I don't like this video, however I can appreciate what it is. They have made the storyline more life like and surprising. The thought that cavemen used to go out and hunt wolves is surprising, but it even happens nowadays and yet we pretend it isn't.
The thing that sets this out as something for me to dislike is the editing, and the use of the Werewolf's supernatural powers, everything goes pixelated, so much so that it becomes obsessively so, and turns me off. However this can totally been seen a different way and people actually like this sort of thing.
Overall a song that isn't that amazing, along with a video that coincides with the song in it's amazingness. It's just not my thing, on the other hand it's other people's thing, and taking that into account compared to the bad music videos I have reviewed in the past, they are far worse. And so this rating is based on an overall concept and not my personal feelings.
Sash!, real name Sascha Lappessen, was a big hit in the 90's claiming top 10's in most of his singles, along with a nomination for a Brit Award for 'Best International Male' in 1998. His hits include "Encore Une Fois", "Ecuador", "Stay", "La Primavera", "Mysterious Times", "Move Mania", "Adelante" and "Just Around The Hill". So when he returned in 2008, none of the new generation (including me) knew who he was. But this song was catchy, and I had already been introduced to Basshunter, Platnum and September (all of which were on the same record label as Sash!) it was only right this song did just as well. Stunt is a dance music project consisting of producers Gary Johnson, Scott Chester, Simon Willis and Dave Valler. Molly Smitten-Downes provides the vocals to every single Stunt has released, however she is not notably known for being in the band Stunt, as she is also searching for her own solo career. Stunt's following singles which were "I'll Be There" and "Fade Like The Sun" unfortunately didn't chart, although they received quite a lot of music channel play when they were released, which begs the question: why did they not chart?
"Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)" managed to reach number nine in the UK chart. It's a mash up provided by Kindvater, according to the single information, of Sash!'s original song "Encore Une Fois" and Stunt's song "Raindrops". The two songs coincide perfectly and hence why such a high charting was received. As of yet, in the five years that have passed, none of these acts have achieved a higher charting position since, however I have faith that Stunt will return full force with an amazing new dance track, especially with an album that has yet to be released. Failing that Molly Smitten-Downes is such a great singer, she might have a chance at making it on her own.
This music video reflects everything and more. There's also narrative and performance and surprisingly, the latter features both acts. This is definitely one video that I'm not going to be able to fault.
Much like Cascada, Stunt has a front woman, and Molly Smitten-Downes takes full credit for video purposes of Stunt, therefore giving the misconception that Stunt is a solo project by Molly. This also happens to Natalie Horler, who fronts Cascada. She sings the song, and dances occasionally. Not only that but there is some good imagery when she's singing and is sitting down. When I first saw this, I thought she was sitting on the end of a pier, with the ocean's tide was out and the beach underneath. Closer inspection now reveals she's on what looks like the end of a bed frame (but could be a bench or a couch, considering the other end of it), and what I thought was sand is merely the floor, and it's just spotlights behind her. Managing to portray something else in a certain snap-shot scene is incredibly hard even for film makers, except this director of the music video pulls it off perfectly.
As for Sash!'s performance, he is seen behind the DJ deck much like Basshunter is for "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted".
The narrative follows two people who meet in a club, and they soon get together. I like how they run up the stairs and run into a couple kissing passionately exactly what they were planning to do. Up they go again and they find a spot to get together. Next the guy pushes the fire alarm and the sprinklers rain on everyone, only no one leaves the club, instead they dance more vigorously. If only this would happen to me in a club, I can dream right?
If anyone knows who played the characters in the story of this music video, please comment below, I am intrigued to find out their names.
Overall a catchy song that is definitely worthy of that chart number. But also a music video that relates to clubbing, to raining (or raindrops in this case), and everything else. I like the inclusion of both artists, and I just can't fault this video at all.
Basshunter, the next instalment. I haven't reviewed one of his music videos in ages, and since I was struggling to think up a music video, I looked through my drafts and found this one.
Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, has been suffering in the UK chart, it's the only word I can link with the artist. He used to be on Hard2Beat Records (later changed to Dance Nation Records), but by the looks of things the record label has shut down, moving it's artists on to All Around The World Productions, amongst others. This new record label is known for artists such as Cascada, Eric Saade, Tulisa and N-Dubz. By the looks of things, they haven't been doing much promotion for these artists, although it's not always their fault. Hopefully they can make a turn around soon.
"I Miss You" and "Jingle Bells" were released together in the UK, so they both share the same video ("Jingle Bells" video can be found at the bottom of this blog post). So in theory they both count as Basshunter's 4th single release in the UK. "I Miss You" features vocals from Lauren Dyson. It charted at 32, with "Jingle Bells" following in number 35 on the UK chart. Not brilliant, but not too bad nonetheless.
The music video continues our story, so let's do a RECAP! "Now You're Gone" music video started off with Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text. Their friends invite them out clubbing and coincidence or not they end up in the same club, and Aylar invites Lucas for a dance. "All I Ever Wanted" they go on holiday to Spain. They have fun with water guns and dressing up. They go clubbing and Lucas starts talking to a "mate's cousin", but we don't think Aylar buys that story. "Angel In The Night" starts with the break up of Aylar and Lucas (again via text). Aylar meets Basshunter and there's a connection. They have a street race and Basshunter impresses her by winning and then singing, but what is next for this great couple? Well it seems Christmas is what's around the corner. Again texting starts this video (this is a common theme in these videos, either it's at the start or at the end). The text reads "Sorry babe, I can't make it back for xmas. Jonas xx", and then he surprises her by throwing a snowball at the video.
This is a typical Christmas, with snowball fights, and Christmas presents. We get a nice surprise with the jacuzzi and turning the Norwegian log cabin into a Christmas house party. But once again we see the guy who Basshunter raced against in "Angel In The Night" (his name is still unknown to me, if anyone knows please comment below). And this guy thinks he is still in with a chance with Aylar, but who is he kidding? Basshunter soon steps in his way, and we finally say goodbye to this guy, he never appears in another Basshunter video (yet).
Overall a song that didn't get the credibility it deserved, it should have charted higher, and Lauren Dyson should've been pushed into mainstream success. The music video is probably one of my favourite videos, bringing the spirit of Christmas along with it. However I feel it doesn't link that well with the song "I Miss You", I think it fits with "Jingle Bells" but the former should've had a different video. Although, it was released around Christmas time, and since it's a video for both singles, I kind of feel I have no choice but to give this rating.
I reviewed M83 last week for the song "Midnight City", since this song and music video is the follow-up, doing a Basshunter theme and continuing the video on to the next song, I thought it was only right I should review it this week. The band is French and consists of Anthony Gonzalez, Jordan Lawlor, Morgan Kibby, Loïc Maurin and Ian Young. They have quite a big fan base, and have charted a few times in the UK.
"Reunion" was written by Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez and Morgan Kibby. the song is about being with someone, possibly being together, but this is definitely not reflected in this music video.
I have to admit, I like seeing music videos that follow on from one another. Basshunter has made it unique to himself, and I can't help thinking that the videos that do this is sort of copying him.
The previous music video didn't have a good enough ending, in my opinion, so I was hoping this one would wrap it all up, but guess I was wrong, since the ending has nothing for me to flow with. Does this mean another music video, if not already, will continue the story?
Not much happens in this one, we see good and evil, and we lose one of our children we saw in the first video "Midnight City". We see a stand off between the children and the handlers who want to capture them (maybe to experiment on them?) The stand off is interesting, it shows different powers, and a battle for the floating car is interesting, although somehow at the end we end up with more children with powers, how did that happen?
I like how good wins over evil, although this is a constant shown in all media, personally evil should win at least once, because that's life sometimes although everything works out in the end, if you let it.
Overall, I'm not impressed with the song, once again not my sort of thing, and it never charted in the UK, so clearly I'm not the only one who didn't think it was that good. The accompanying music video is a perfect continuation of "Midnight City", but it lacks connection with the song, and again the ending is left open, leaving us unsure if there will be another follow-on.
Avicii, real name Tim Bergling but is also known as Tim Berg, has been a constant on this blog, always appearing now and again, and usually getting high ratings from me, this music video will not be an exception. He has had lots of various hits on the UK chart, but this is his first number one, and it is well deserved. As for Nicky Romero, real name Nick Rotteveel, he is a Dutch DJ and has slowly increased his popularity, so much so that he is currently up there with David Guetta, now this song has definitely pushed him into the public eye, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get charting success within the next few years.
"I Could Be The One" was originally called "Nicktim" before the vocals were added. The vocals were provided by Swedish singer Noonie Bao. The song was written by Nicky Romero, Arash Pournouri, Avicii, Linus Wiklund, Jonnali Parmenius and Måns Wredenber, few of which are familiar as they have been referenced in my blog before. The song is really catchy and it charted at number one in the UK last week, and the summer hit has definitely brought the sunshine with it as the sun has been out with a bright blue sky, a rarity for the UK, finally the summer is coming.
This music video is pure narrative. It's quite unique, and not something I was expecting, but shouldn't I start getting used to this sort of thing? Since all of Avicii's music videos are never something normal, although I don't think he'll ever be able to top "Dancing In My Head" which was Eric Turner Vs. Avicii, never have I been so shocked to watch a music video.
I like the start, and the fact that words are used proving it isn't just music. This is what I like about Avicii, his music videos are thought about long and hard, and a lot of details go into them. I like the constant repeat showing us what her everyday life is like. But I get confused when the dream first comes in, wondering what has happened, although, it soon becomes clear.
I like the dream side, it shows the potential she has and she must have had a lot of fun filming that side of the scenes, and then when she goes crazy you can't help but laugh, especially with everything flying here, there and everywhere.
I have to agree with some of the comments, the ending is a little disappointing, but then again you don't expect it, but couldn't they have thought up something more imaginable?
Overall a worthy number one that has got everyone playing and talking about it. The music video is shockingly great, as all Avicii music videos are. I have no negative comments, so you can see where I'm heading with this rating can't you?
Tyler James first became noticeable to me on The Voice UK, he was mentored by Will.I.Am and finished in 2nd place. Before then he had a bit of success with 3 singles all getting into the UK chart and an album, all in 2004/5. His highest charting single back then was "Foolish" at chart position 16 and it still is. Recently he released "Single Tear" which only managed to make it to number 28, however his new album managed to crack the UK chart this time around at 47. Now his follow-up single is released this week, and even though the song has been picked up by Radio 1, it still is not performing as well as everyone thought it would on the iTunes top 100.
This song features Kano, real name Kane Robinson, he has had a lot of chart success, not that I know any of his songs, but almost all his singles have charted and half of them entered the top 40 between 2005 and 2010. Recently he is working on his fifth album, we could potentially be seeing more of him.
"Worry About You" was written by Tyler James and Blair Mackichan according to the album credits. And I do find it effortlessly catchy, one of these songs that will be around for a while. However as I have previously stated, it is not performing well on the iTunes top 100, regardless of the fact that Radio 1 has been playing it a lot recently. So what is it this time? Well once again, I think the sales are split, half of them have gone and bought the single, which includes remixes and the rapping from Kano which is also seen in the video. Others have opted to download the song from the album, as most did in the last two weeks, managing to get the song alone to chart at number 52. But with these annoying split sales the charting position may not be as high as it would've been if it were released before the album. It just seems so unfair.
Throwing away the sexy, flirtatious side of Tyler we first saw in "Single Tear" we now see a man ready to take on the world to save his one true love. The music video is passionate and intriguing, and confusing all mashed into one.
I was watching it unsure of where this may be going, for all we knew the music video may not relate at all and it could've just been created. But that is not the case. His love interest has a serious gambling problem, and he doesn't know how to help her... It relates to the song perfectly... But I wonder where he gets this idea for the song from... As he had a famous friend called Amy Winehouse... And didn't she have a drug problem? Clearly she is watching over her friend and is trying to help him the way he helped her. Hopefully she'll haunt people all this week and make them buy the single from iTunes.
Overall, I can see why Radio 1 has picked up the song and are playing it often. It's one of those that will get stuck in your head, if only more people will download the single! The music video fits perfectly. I'm not quite sure what the role of Kano is, although maybe he was the one who told Tyler where his love interest was... Who knows? Anyhow, I've just realised that I can't give this music video anything other than this rating, I have no negative comments, only that it's different to his first single, but what do we expect?
Elliot Minor becomes my Sunday Revisit, purely because I don't think I'll have a chance to review this band again since they may never stop their hiatus. So instead, I hope The Dead Famous or Spirits will be reviewed on this blog soon, as one member from each of those bands were in Elliot Minor. The band consisted of Alex Davies, Ed Minton, Ed Hetherton, Dan Hetherton and Ali Paul. Dan is now in The Dead Famous and Alex is in Spirits. The other three are studying in various different places.
I chose this song as I thought it would only be fair to review their first single, as I reviewed their most recent "I Believe" on Friday. "Parallel Worlds" was written by Alex Davies and Ed Minton and is about supernatural ghosts in a room, as when they were at school an attic flat was believed to have been haunted according to Alex. This song got to number 31 in it's original release, but a year later it got re-released, scoring the band's 3rd best charting single at 21, following "Still Figuring Out" which got to 17 and "Jessica" which got to 19. The UK chart was being dominated by rock bands, but now there is no successful charting positions for them, hence why teenage memories of famous bands is just a past-time (for the moment, I have a feeling the rock age will swing around again at some point).
This is not the original music video since I have been struggling to find the original. I'm sure if I was pushed I'd eventually find it, but for now we have the re-released version, which is a lot better nonetheless.
There is both a narrative and a performance, but surprisingly it's all rolled into one. The band are ghosts and so are their instruments (funnily enough), but they can still manipulate real-life objects, scaring the people eating at the dinner time, if only they knew how lucky they were to have Elliot Minor performing in front of them.
On paper this sounds amazing, in the music video... It's just as good, it's engaging, clever and different to other videos, therefore making it stand out. The only critique I have is that I think the editing has made the scenes short and quick, I had to watch it twice to see if I missed anything the first time round as it's speedy and you don't realise what is happening until too far in, and then it all clicks.
Overall a catchy song that deserves that 21 charting position, however nowadays it would have no chance. The music video is hauntingly creepy and shocking, I can't help but laugh at the wine glass, definitely my favourite scene. Apart from the speedy cuts of the camera shots, I have nothing else negative to say, and I'm willing to let the camera cuts slide, so here's a very deserving rating.
Britney Spears seems to be a constant on my blog, so the fact that she hasn't appeared since October ("Scream & Shout" doesn't count), just shows how focused I have been. But this song has been haunting me for the last month. It keeps coming up on my iTunes Up Next; then I heard it in Tesco's; next it was played on Signal 1, the radio station my alarm goes off to in the morning; not only that but my friend always plays the song when she comes over, which is quite often. People describe this song as Jonni's song, as people believe that it's about me, only I was born to make everyone happy, not just one person. I guess it's true, it's definitely a me song.
"Born To Make You Happy" was written by Andreas Carlsson and Kristian Lundin. This song is so powerful, and I can see why people think it's about me, sadly it isn't, although it could well have been. The song is about a woman who wants to fix her relationship. The video is not quite the portrayal it could have been.
Now this YouTube video is out of sync, the lyrics of the song doesn't match with Britney's lips. They're a few seconds out, which really annoyed me. I am not entirely sure if that is in the original video shown on the music channels or if it is this version on YouTube. Since I don't know, it does not affect my rating (however if I were certain it was like that in the original, it would create a low rating, since this is the worse matching up I have seen).
I have never seen this video, believe it or not. I was quite surprised that I hadn't so this is something new.
There's narrative and performance, once again. I love the use of it all being a dream. I struggled finding the name of Britney's love interest, but after much researching, I found him, his name is Christopher Snyder. There's not much to the bedroom scene apart from slow walking, pillow fights and sleeping, but she clearly makes him happy (or is it the other way round? Who knows?)
The performance side is filled with choreography. I especially like the blue and silver room that has different level tables, it's quite futuristic and engaging, I think there should've been more scenes cut from that part. The choreography shown through-out seems too quick for the song and it's not easy to follow, which shows how good of a dancer Britney is, but also makes me think she's dancing to a remixed version which is sped up.
Overall this song means a lot to me, and I agree with my friends, it is a Jonni Song, and if people were to write a song about me, it would be similar to this as I am always trying to make everyone happy. The music video is missing a lot, the choreography is too quick and the scenes flit by, you have to try and make sure you catch it all, as if you blink you might just miss something.
Elliot Minor is a band I have followed since their very first single "Parallel Worlds", since then they had a spike of popularity when the amazing song "Still Figuring Out" got released. Recently they are on a hiatus after their most recent album only managed to chart at number 73 and their accompanying singles failed to chart. The band consisted of Alex Davies, Ed Minton, Ed Hetherton, Dan Hetherton and Ali Paul. Ali has left the band indefinitely, and it is unknown if or when the band will reform. The band members are all doing different projects at the minute, Dan, at this time, is in a band called The Dead Famous, who have released two singles thus far. Alex has also formed a band called Spirits, they are currently using PledgeMusic to release their album. The other three band members are all studying. I sincerely hope that this band will reform, but by the looks of things, it seems unlikely.
"I Believe" was this band's last ever single, and it did not chart. Personally I think it's before it's time, and would've fit nicely to have been released next month as it is the perfect song to be included on the soundtrack to the film The Host. Unfortunately it looks like that won't be the case either. The song was written by Alex Davies.
This music video is up there, it's both narrative and performance based, however it's not something I was expecting. But then again I am currently reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer, so it's quite hard not to imagine a video quite similar to the book. This song NEEDS to become part of the soundtrack to this film!
The narrative side is quite the opposite to the performance side. Here we have a rock band playing instruments and singing a catchy song, on the other side we have someone performing ballet, however she has dark problems enveloping her and so ballet can be seen as a way to escape just like music can help people escape too.
Overall a song that needs to be on a certain film's soundtrack. It's accompanying music video has everything it needs to give me top marks, but I don't think there is a big enough link with the narrative and the song, so that is why I'm dropping one star. I still have my fingers crossed a reformation will happen sometime in the near future.
