Bonnie Tyler, international songstress from Wales, full of power, and full of life. She's bubbly, she can hold her own in a power ballad, and has just released her new album 'Rocks and Honey'. Her real name is Gaynor Hopkins. She is well known for her number one UK single "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", and the song that was on the Footloose Soundtrack "Holding Out For A Hero", which missed out on the top spot and settled at number two. Bonnie Tyler has been touring over the last couple of years, and has been performing this song. However on the night, I don't think she performed it that well, I feel that she's performed it better in the past, and her gravelly powerful voice was missing in her performance (video can be found at the bottom).
"Believe In Me" was written by Desmond Child, Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide. The song is a ballad, but doesn't key into Bonnie Tyler's powerful side. The song doesn't help all that much, and doesn't give her a chance to power it out. It's a nice simple song, and we did pretty well considering, I was expecting the worst.
At the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, the UK got a total of 23 points, placing us 19th out of 26, up six places from last year. We got 4 points from Spain, 5 points from Malta, 3 points from Romania, 1 point from Sweden, 7 points from Ireland, 1 point from Slovenia and 2 points from Switzerland.
The music video looks low budget, although I doubt that was true with how professional Bonnie Tyler is. It's a simple video with very little going on. This is usually a focusing technique so that Bonnie Tyler is central to the video. And she is that.
The problem with her being the main feature of the video is that she fails to entice us. She doesn't do a lot, and she's either sitting down or leaning against the wall, or just normally standing. The song is about believing in her, that she's there for that guy, the one who she truly loves. She sings about not lying to him, that she'll always stand beside him. But where is this guy in this video?
The beach scene shows her independence, and her strong powerful side. She may just be standing on the beach to most people, but to me, I can feel energy vibes coming from her, something she lacked in the performance last Saturday. This is the Bonnie I would like to see live.
Overall a song that doesn't give the range Bonnie Tyler is capable of. And a music video that follows suit. Missing things that could possibly engage the audience. The beach scene should have been extended, that is the most alluring bit of the video. Bonnie Tyler gets the same rating as I gave Engelbert Humperdinck last year for "Love Will Set You Free".
Papa Roach becomes my Sunday Revisit, for many reasons. The main one is because before this week I hadn't reviewed them, another is that we need more rock music on this blog, and country music and other genres that hasn't even been touched just yet.
Papa Roach is a four-piece band consisting of, at the time, Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Dave Buckner. The latter left in 2007 and was replaced with Tony Palermo. This is their first ever single and was released in 2000.
"Last Resort" was written by Jacoby Shaddix and Tobin Esperance. It is their signature song, hitting the UK charts at an amazing number three. I very much doubt Papa Roach will beat that charting position, especially since their most recent singles have yet to be released here.
The music video is full of surprises. It's quite small with a performance piece in the forefront. Uniquely this band has incorporated a narrative piece into the performance piece, this is something new, and have yet to be done again, usually it's vice versa.
The performance is great, with lots of energy, a lot of people there, a few crowd surfing moments and crushing effects that makes you easily identify with the people there, as well as making you feel a part of the video.
The narrative clips are short, and shows the crowd in the respective bedrooms or other rooms of people's houses. It shows them in depression, and now that they're at this gig, they aren't quite so depressed. However I think these clips are too quick, it leaves us questioning, why do they feel that way?
With that question in mind, and looking back over the video, some are obvious. One out of the four girls is totally different, therefore not in the clique and not popular. The couple in a relationship... Well the boyfriend seems very possessive... Maybe too possessive? Some aren't so clear. And I think they should have been developed a little more.
Overall a song that brought the attention of a lot of people to this band and which pushed this band into mainstream success. However lately they have failed to keep their fan base, and hard core fans are pretty much the only ones keeping tabs on these guys. They need another big hit! The music video fits in with the song well, and I can't help but enjoy this simplistic, but very real music video. My one problem is that they should've done more to the narrative. However a great music video to go with a great song.
Agnes' song has been stuck in my head all day, it's because I watch her performance of this song on the second Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The Swedish pop diva, who looks and sounds similar to Leona Lewis has been a global success, and this is her signature song. However she needs another hit song, otherwise she will just be known is Sweden. Her real name is Agnes Carlsson, and released her first album in 2005, since then her third album 'Dance Love Pop' charted worldwide along with the hit singles "On and On", this song "Release Me" and "I Need You Now". But can she do it all over again, and chart worldwide, or will she become lost to the UK and other countries and settle with Swedish success?
"Release Me" was written by Anders Hansson, Sharon Vaughn and Agnes Carlsson. The song is very reminiscent of Leona Lewis' songs, I could so imagine her singing it, and I can't help but think of her duet with Avicii (another well-known Sweden artist), their song was "Collide". Agnes' song got to number three on the UK chart. She is signed to 3beat records, who also has Inna and Alexandra Stan, amongst others, on their label.
The music video is taking the song in it's literal meaning, as well as using the dance music as a forefront. I can't help but laugh at that guy clung to her left side, holding onto her body, while she sings about asking him to release her. It would be good to actually see him, but usually the camera cuts him out. I bet she felt uncomfortable singing while a guy is caging her body with his.
The dance theme with the clubbing atmosphere adds a lot to this music video, showing that it is the sort of song you hear in the clubs. The pulsating lighting is much more intriguing, and makes you feel like you're there watching the dancing.
The make-up scene in the bathroom makes me lose interest. I don't think there's anything to this scene, and it feels like it got added in. If you were to do this scene, it should be at the start, because girls tend to do their make-up as soon as they enter a club. This is what Rihanna did for her video "Don't Stop The Music".
Overall a song I could imagine being played in a club, yet I haven't heard it played in any of the ones I've been into, guess it's too old... The music video shows that longevity brings high charting numbers, as the music video received high praise on the music channels, and was repetitively played four months before the release date. A similar thing happened with Inna's "Sun Is Up". The video represents the music video perfectly, and the bathroom scene is all that lets it down.
Paramore is a three piece band, who has been through it all, break-ups, fall-outs, hiatuses, and awesome music, with verifying degrees of genres. This is a band that will be forever with us, whether dishing out new music, or just in our hearts, they'll never be far from our minds, YouTube playlists and iTunes music or Spotify. The band consists of Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis. A few hardcore fans think they should return to their more rockier days, but I like how they've grown and this song is just perfect, I even think it's better than their previous single "Now".
"Still Into You" was written by Hayley Williams and Taylor York. The song is about Hayley's feelings for Chad Gilbert who she has been in a long-term relationship with, and how those feelings are still the same as when she first met him. Chad Gilbert is mostly known as the lead singer of New Found Glory. The song was released in the UK alongside it's radio release, this is usually a daring thing to do, yet they succeeded, and managed to get to number 26 on the UK chart.
The music video is filled with so much fun, I want to be there and just jump into that room full of balloons, I want to light up my sparkler while fireworks go off in the background. I want to ride my bicycle in that posh house. I want to have as much fun as they did. Guess this is what Amy Studt was on about in "All I Wanna Do", a cover version of Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do".
There's a lot to like about this video, and it's obviously a performance piece music video, showing that they are a fun, mature band, and that you definitely won't be disappointed seeing them live. It makes me want to see them again, but a) I can't afford it, and b) no one to go with, guess I'll have to deal with all their music.
The problem I have is that this has nothing to do with the song. This is a main thing for me, and although her butterflies in her stomach whenever she sees Chad Gilbert is probably similar to all this fun she is having, I think this video could be for any upbeat song, and failing to add anything to properly connect with the song.
Overall, a great song, that should've charted higher. This band is still looking for a UK Top 10, as well as a number one, surely they'll get it in the near future. The music video is fun fun fun, but fails to represent the song in the meaning of the lyrics. However I want that house, filled with so much fun.
So waking up this morning with no song stuck in my head, makes this blog hard to keep up with. So I decided to add some more rock, and was surprised I have never reviewed Papa Roach before. Well it's time to change that right now...
Papa Roach is a four piece rock band who have been going for a number of years. They consist of Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo. They've been on my radar ever since their first song "Last Resort" that surprisingly got to number three on the UK chart. But I never became a fan of theirs until they released "Hollywood Whore" along with the album 'Metamorphosis'. I remember buying the album and playing it non-stop. It also invigorated me into buying their previous albums and a couple of singles such as "Time And Time Again". However they have not breached the UK top 100 since "Getting Away With Murder" got to number 45 back in 2004. However "...To Be Loved" reached number 171 in 2006 and "Hollywood Whore" reached 139 in 2008. However their albums keep breaking into the top 100 Album chart. So why are the singles not? It's down to airplay, and rock isn't that popular at the moment, but also only a few of their singles are getting released here. Once again it's all down to promotion.
"Lifeline" was written by Jacoby Shaddix, Tobin Esperance and James Michael. It was originally titled 'Hanging On' but was soon changed to what it is now due to the lyrics being changed. The song is about hardship in America, and being able to live with who you actually are. This was a well-received song and should've charted in the UK, unfortunately it failed to get the sales it needed.
The music video fits in well with the song. As per usual there is a performance and a narrative piece, this is definitely not uncommon for a rock band. The performance piece is full of energy, Jacoby Shaddix just can't help but move around. There is a lot of energy vibes coming from this band, and you definitely would have a good time if you went to one of their gigs.
The storyline is engaging, although short. I like how he kind of cracks under pressure. The kind of thing that everyone does once in a while. Bills are a common problem with people attacking their inner worries. He is pushed over the edge with an eviction notice, and you can't help but feel sorry for him. He is very relatable.
He soon is seen running from another person, who is later identified as himself, but a broken, bruised and bloody version. I like the incorporation of the lyrics as words as they say "I'm never going to fade away" then the one we are following turns round and says "I'm looking for a lifeline". They collide, and they wake up as one.
At the end he goes home and is happy when he is greeted by his family. I like the happy ending, proving that family and friends are what is most important in life and not money struggles.
I like the whole concept of this video, battling inner demons as well as making them a part of who we are as people, and realising that in some cases there is nothing more you can possibly do.
Overall a song that is now stuck in my head, I really can't stop singing along to it. It's accompanying music video is just perfect. There are no faults, and the imagery behind the concept is inspirational and pertinent to many people in the world. I have a lot of love for this music video, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. You can all probably guess my rating, but here it is anyway.
Jenn D was reviewed by me last month. My plan was to review this song the week after and include her as my Artist of the Month. My problem arose when I had exams to revise for and to complete along with essays to hand in and 'News Days' to deal with (the latter is where trainee journalists, such as myself are journalists for a website for a day). With all this university work I had little time for my blog. But I'm ready to rectify that right now.
Jenn D is a new artist currently signed to All Around The World Productions. She used to be in a band called Soft Toy Emergency, now she is hitting it out on her own, but had struggles as she wanted her name to be Vela but had to change it due to someone else using that name. She has released a second song: "You Keep Giving Me Love", which also failed to chart. Could she disappear before she's started? Or can her fan base help her get prominence when she really needs it? I hope her third single brings the popularity she needs it.
This music video fits well with the song. I have to admit a lot is going on, and when the skater jumped over that guy sitting on the steps, I knew I was in for a treat with this video.
There is a lot to like about the video, I'm sure many people like the topless guy at the start, and clearly Jenn D enjoyed that part too, but the choreography is interesting to watch, as like in her most recent music video, she is doing little compared to the dancers behind. I like how she is centre of attention, always a good thing.
The idea of her being arrested for disrupting the peace, which is what she is doing with her loud music. And then she escapes and climbs on top of the police car, which is a complete shock, she is definitely showing her daring side.
Overall a song that is catchy but failed to chart, and a music video that is engaging to an extent, but looking at it in a different way proves that there isn't much going on, however they've made it so that there is not one thing you focus on, apart from Jenn D. There's so much going on behind her, but she's doing very little. Here's my rating.
Little Mix, a winner of The X Factor here in the UK, yet this song; probably one of their most catchiest songs, got their lowest charting position to date, what happened? Well a push release is what happened. High demand is what made it get released in the middle of the week, and as we all know, it is difficult to get a high charting position when so many singles have been bought already, especially since some of us wasn't aware of it's release until the next week (some of us includes me myself). Little Mix is a four-piece group consisting of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall. They were the first, and so far only, group to win The X Factor, and they are currently working on a second album. Second was Marcus Collins, released an album and now in a musical. Amelia Lily came third, who has three singles and an album which keeps getting pushed back. Fourth is Misha B, following in the footsteps of third place, with three singles and an album to be released. Next was Janet Devlin who is just starting up. Sixth place follows suit, but has much exposure recently with his new look, and that's Craig Colton. Kitty Brucknell came seventh, she's touring at the moment with new songs. Eighth was Frankie Cocozza, who got ejected, appeared in Big Brother, and went on to release two EPs. Presenter Johnny Robinson came ninth, he also released a Christmas song. Tenth was The Risk, who released single "Missiles". And finally 2Shoes came joint fourteenth, and released "Turn Me On (Turn Me Out)". Could this be the most acts signed and released from one single series? And some critics said that series wasn't up to scratch, guess the finalists had the last laugh.
"How Ya Doin'?" was written by Darren Lewis, Iyiola Babalola, Shaznay Lewis, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, James Stanley Carter, Glenn Francis Skinner, Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot, Nicholas Bernard Thorp, Julian Godfrey Brookhouse, Miguel Drummond and Missy Elliott. This is a lot of song writers, however it is because the song samples two songs (hence why those writers have to be named in the song writing credits), the songs that have been sampled are Curiosity Killed The Cat's single "Name And Number" and The Walnauts' single "Help Is On The Way". Both of these songs have previously been sampled on De La Soul's "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)". The song should've been a hit, and I was expecting it to hit the top 10 at least, if not, go straight to number one. But it was pushed out in the middle of the week, and some fans (including me) were unaware until it was too late. If the record label had waited until the Sunday and announced that they were going to bring it a week or two forward, it would've got the promotion it needed.
Long paragraphs behind, let's start to focus on the music video. Another performance piece from these guys, reminding me of "Wings" as well as Belle Amie's "Girls Up". It has the bubblegum pop feel, and suggested that this should have been a hit. I am definitely blaming the record label, since airplay was strong.
The video links in with the song, adding various phones that Missy Elliott snips with a pair of scissors. The choreography is short but still noticeable.
There is Product Placement. Not as much as Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell" but still there. This time Little Mix promotes Live Colour XXL in a sponsorship deal. Hence why each of the girls have bright colour hair.
Overall a song that should've topped the charts and shouldn't have been pushed out by the record label. But it happened and there's nothing we can do about that. As for the music video it features the awesome Missy Elliott, whose credits are incredible, she's one rapper who will never disappear. It also features great dancing, phones to link in with the song, and catchy colours. This is their last single from this album, leaving me disappointed that 'Going Nowhere' co-written by Nicola Roberts (from Girls Aloud) will never get a single release.
Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, is called Avis Cyrus in this music video for no reason I can think of. Maybe it's another alter ego? Or is she playing a part? Is this not who she is, or a whole different side to her that wanted to come out and play? This is the song and music video that hit major controversy for Miley Cyrus, leaving her 6-12 year old fan base to try and get credibility between her own age which is young adults. Now she is 20 years old (same age as me) and has short hair, and is working on a fourth album. Could this be her most daring album yet? She has left her old good-girl image behind her, much like Britney Spears did with "I'm A Slave For You" and Christina Aguilera did with "Dirrty". So this new album could take any form she wants.
"Can't Be Tamed" was written by Miley Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James, Paul Neumann and Marek Pompetzki. The song can be taken and be seen in various different lights, I always saw it in a relationship side and how she doesn't want anyone to turn her into someone she isn't. However it can also be seen as a school situation and trying to be oneself instead of being involved in a clique. The song hit the UK chart at number 13 making it her fourth highest charting position behind the joint firsts of: "See You Again", "The Climb" and "Party In The U.S.A.". Will Miley Cyrus ever get a UK Top 10 hit? Or will she constantly be getting number 11?
The music video is held in a museum and it starts off with the cage keeper announcing: 'a creature so rare it was believed to be extinct. In captivity for the first time, the rarest creature on Earth, Avis Cyrus'. Miley Cyrus is in the cage and when someone takes a photo she protects herself with those awesome wings.
The music video continues with her and her backing dancers taking over the museum and causing a bit of a havoc.
There is a lot of choreography, which is performed well and shows that she can dance (although we already know that from various previous music videos). The setting is extremely interesting, teaching younger audiences that it is cool to go to a museum and learn about extinction.
The ending proves that everything will end up in rubble. Again, I believe this also manages to hit out at the paparazzi, with the camera at the start, and the song could also be linked to them, she doesn't want to be a good-girl, she wants to be who she is, and would rather the paparazzi leave her alone.
A lot of people have referenced this to Britney Spears, the paparazzi angles can be found in "Hold It Against Me", "If U Seek Amy", "Everytime", "I Wanna Go" and "Piece Of Me". Miley has even done her own music video that hits at the paparazzi which was "Fly On The Wall". Is there never going to be an end to music videos hitting out at the media? On the other hand, some of them are the best videos I have ever seen.
Overall a song that has been stuck in my head, and should've also hit the Top 10 of the UK chart, and a music video that is perfect in every way. I do think they should've used the wings more as they were only in a few scenes for a few seconds. The video portrays the song exactly the way we want it to and also manages to show off her dance ability.
Demi Lovato is setting herself up to hitting the UK charts big style. Her highest charting single "Skyscraper" only managed to get to number 32, yet here comes her new single, raking up the chart, making this song her best charting position to date. But will her album be such a success as this single is. She has failed to reach the top 40 in the album chart, but let's hope her new album 'Demi' will be just as good. Last year she was a judge on The X Factor US, winding up Simon Cowell much to our amusement, and clearly to his as she is to also be a judge on the third series as well. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Demi Lovato.
"Heart Attack" was written by Demi Lovato, Mitch Allan, Jason Evigan, Sean Douglas, Nikki Williams and Aaron Phillips. The song has been compared to Kelly Clarkson, and it is definitely her kind of style. The song is about being scared of falling in love again after being rejected. Demi Lovato, as usual, manages to put her own spin on things and push the song emotionally. I don't think this is her best song over the last few years, I still think "Skyscraper" is her best, but I can see why this one is more of a commercial success.
The music video fails to excite me. I was expecting something narrative similar to "Give Your Heart A Break". Instead we get a performance piece that doesn't quite fit the emotional song. She has proven herself in "Skyscraper" with an emotional performance music video, but this seems to lack emotion.
The song announces she's scared of being in another relationship, afraid to fall in love again, as she thinks she might have a heart attack. But the video shows her as a strong independent person, could that mean she is happy being single?
I like the black and white scenes, it shows she doesn't know what to do, and what she thinks. However there's still not enough to this music video than there should be. Showing her backing band also gave us a more rockier Demi Lovato, could that show us what her album is like?
Overall a commercially great song, although not her best. And a music video that fails to convey her emotional side, and lacks very much. On the other hand, her backing band, and the song shows us that she would be good to see live, but I am not impressed with this video compared to her others.
So new this week is a new artist called Chris Malinchak, and with this glorious sunshine, it's obvious this is going to be a hit, however if it wasn't so hot and summery then this wouldn't have done well at all. There isn't much on the internet about Chris Malinchak. His twitter feed is used now and again, and information about him is hard to find. I'm sure a Wikipedia page will pop up after this song has charted, so I'm interested in how much is known about him. All I know is that he's American, and has previewed a few songs on his Soundcloud. The song is the perfect summer relaxer (yeah I did just make up that word). It's not a summer anthem it's a summer relaxer, one to listen to as you are sunbathing or relaxing in the sun.
The music video continues the relaxing element from the song. A cute little girl loses one of the tallest animals in the world, a pet giraffe! And goes looking for it, then it sneaks up on her and they play hide and seek and have fun.
The girl is adorable, and the story line is a little too simple for my liking, but I can't help but appreciate it for its relaxing quality and the summer sunshine spirit.
Overall a summer relaxer song that will have everyone listening to it in the sun. The music video has next to no substance to it, but it relates to the song, and is a video I would watch while relaxing. The only fault is that it needed a bit more to it, maybe scenes of when she first got the pet giraffe.
Another proof that Sunday Revisits are usually a struggle. Take this week for example... Most of the artists are newish and haven't released a music video older than four years ago... And the occasion where one has, I've already reviewed it, such as Platnum who featured on H "Two" O's "What's It Gonna Be". So I am left with this, and I had a choice of three music videos from Far East Movement, and I just went with this one out of sheer luck. Guess I don't have much of that left, especially in this case.
Far East Movement is a four piece hip-hop band consisting of Kev Nish (real name Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (real name James Roh),
J-Spliff (real name Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (real name Virman Coquia). The featured guests are The Stereotypes, they are a three piece production team consisting of Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus and Jeremy Reeves. They have worked a lot with Far East Movement, but have also worked with the likes of Justin Bieber and Alesha Dixon. This song was released before Far East Movement made it big, and although it failed to chart (except for in the US on their Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay Chart where it got to number 27) it has received a number of TV and film appearances. And it is catchy, just not as good as "Like A G6".
The music video is not great, it is just not my thing and I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again,. however, opinions as big as this out of the way... It does actually relate to the song.
Believe it or not, but the song is about being with girls on the dance floor, and that is exactly what Far East Movement is doing.
I think the shots of them on tour should've given the music video a perfect performance piece, but the camera angles as well as the scenes doesn't help the band one bit as I cannot attest their energy on stage, although they do have it.
Some scenes does not fit, and really aggravates me, why do we see one of the band members amongst desert hills? And what is with the monkey? Maybe it shows this band has a chaotic side, but display that on stage, or at least make it relatable in the music video.
Overall a song that might just get stuck in my head if I hear it again, luckily for me I shall be going out of my way to try and avoid it. And a music video that I really do not like, but I can't help but rate it up due to it relating to the music video. So although I do not want to see this again, I'm going to have to give it this rating.
Mat Zo, real name Matan Zohar, is a British DJ, who has released a number of songs, remixes and mashups. This is his first charting song, as far as I can tell, but this song is extremely catchy, and I hope that his other songs are similar and it's quite possible that this song has helped to promote his others. Porter Robinson is an up and coming DJ from America. He has hit big here in the UK, with his song "Language" managing to get to number nine on the UK chart. The following single is this song, which also charted high... Is this one DJ whose name will become as highly praised as David Guetta and Avicii? Guess we'll find out in the near future.
"Easy" got to number 28 on the UK chart. Not as high as "Language" but still in the top 40. The song has been played a few times in clubs I've been to, it's infinitely catchy, but easily mixed up in this big mass of dance anthems we have coming and going. However I think this one will stay prominent.
The music video is animation. I have nothing against animation, and sometimes they are the best music videos because they manage to portray the song amazingly. But sometimes I feel it is missing something, and this is one of those times.
The song is all about loving someone and that it's easy. The video shows that near the start with what we would presume is her boyfriend calling her, or trying to get in contact with her. This sparked my idea that she loves him, but he just wants to be friends? Or maybe he's in love with her and she isn't? Who knows? It's not made clear.
And then she throws her phone and then blows up the town with this cool electric blue thing, which transports her to this place. She had a photo of this place in her apartment... I just don't get the video in connection to the song.
However that blue animal that can fly is quite cute, he is definitely a trustful, loyal friend that everyone would love to have in their life.
Overall, a song that should've charted higher, but can easily be lost in the amount of music available. And a music video that fails to connect to the song, and doesn't have much reasoning behind it. On the other hand, I think it is engaging and would make sense after watching it ten thousand times, guess that will never happen.
Hey Monday are a five piece rock band who are currently on hiatus and have been since 2011. Many people believe they have broken up, however no official statement has been released and the band members have been stating that they are only on hiatus, meaning they will return some time. The band members are Cassadee Pope, Mike Gentile, Alex Lipshaw, Chris Gentile and Patrick McKenzie. Cassadee Pope has recently won The Voice in the US, and plans on kicking off her solo career, but as I have previously stated, she has said Hey Monday is on hiatus, but if she gets bigger than she already is, will she ever return to this band? I hope so, as this band will show off her rock side. She can do both.
"Candles" was written by Mike Gentile, Sam Hollander, Dave Katz and Cassadee Pope. The song is highly emotional and definitely stands out on their album 'Hold On Tight'. Cassadee Pope's voice manages to portray the emotion, making you feel every word she sings. The song was released as an EP, that unfortunately failed to chart.
The music video is definitely different from their other songs such as "Homecoming" and "How You Love Me Now". Moving away from the typical broken relationship drama.
It's good that candles are used, and although there isn't much to the narrative you can really imagine her aloneness and what it's like when the person you used to rely on is no longer there.
There's not a lot for me to comment on, but the performance piece is energetic, making me want to see this band live, shame that they are on hiatus.
Overall a great song that was also covered by Glee. The music video is empty, but that is exactly what it is meant to be like, I still feel something is missing, there's nothing there that gives me the wow factor. On the other hand the song gives me that.
Far East Movement are a four piece hip-hop band consisting of Kev Nish (real name Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (real name James Roh), J-Spliff (real name Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (real name Virman Coquia). This is definitely their signature song at the moment, but as we all know it is just as easy to become popular again with a whole new song. Their band is also shortened to FM, hence the list in this video. The features are The Cataracs and Dev. The Cataracs were a duo consisting of Niles "Cyrano" Hollowell-Dhar and David "Campa" Singer-Vine, they have heavily been involved with Dev, but have gone on to release a few singles of their own as well as albums. David Singer-Vine has recently left the duo, leaving Niles to continue under the name. Dev, real name Devin Tailes has had a great couple of years in 2010 and 2011, scoring quite high charting positions around the world and featuring with many credible artists on their singles. Recently, however she has been under the radar working on a new album, but will it push her back in the limelight? Or will she become buried like many other artists?
"Like A G6" was written by Jae Choung, Virman Coquia, Kevin Nishimura, James Roh, Niles Hollowell-Dhar, David Singer-Vine and Devin Star Tailes. The song is extremely catchy and it is definitely the song that pushed Dev into the spotlight.
We have a narrative and a performance piece so this pushes it right up to the good videos. But is it all it's cracked up to be?
We are shown a list at the start of the narrative. Erica Ocampo is holding the list at 8pm. The list is a "To do list for FM" and includes: "1) Grab Champagne" which is done at 10pm, "2) Pick up CD", I don't actually see this happen, but I presume it happens at 11pm, "3) Get Stickers & Posters" which is done at 11pm and "4) Meet at FM show" which is done at 12:30am.
I like the timings in this including the following morning at 7:30am when they board the Gulfstream IV which is the reference in the song: "G6".
The performance side is very club-like, reminding me that this song is played in the clubs a lot, or it used to. Dev is the main focal point, however Far East Movement does appear quite a bit.
Overall a great song that easily gets stuck in my head. The accompanying music video is good to watch, but I feel that they make this list idea really important, but I don't know where it fits. So here's my rating...
Rizzle Kicks are still the most viewed artist on my blog, their music video "Mama Do The Hump" has gained so many hits on my blog, that I don't think any other blog post will ever catch up. The duo, who consists of Rizzle, real name Jordan Stephens, and Sylvester, real name Harley Alexander-Sule, have been doing well in the UK, but have been dropping slowly. Their most recent single "Dreamers" failed to reach the top 100 of the UK chart. Is it really all down to the music video that made their name? Or can they conquer the charts once again and finally get their own number one single? Guess time will tell.
"Down With The Trumpets" was written by Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule, Dag Nabbit, Darren Lewis, Iyiola Babalola and Will Davies. The song is really catchy and managed to get to number 8 on the UK chart. Showing that it caught the UK with the song. I just hope the second album will bring much more unique sounds but also something that people will like. These guys need to pull something out of the bag, or they might be lost forever.
This music video is very similar to what the song portrays, making it an exact conversion to an extent. Hence why we see certain scenes such as them getting down to the ground with a trumpet, as well as Rizzle touching knuckles with someone while Sylvester is rapping about feeling 'Safe'.
This sometimes fail to bring audience attention, on the other hand they are very mischievous, and this is what makes this video great to watch. The best scene has to be when they are hiding behind the wall.
Overall a song that easily grows on people and before you know it you're singing along by the end of it. The music video is too much of a replica for my liking, I want a bit of a narrative at least, or a bit of performance, however we get to know what they are like to an extent, making them funny and great to watch.
BishopRadio recently came to my attention by a comment on my Suggestions page. And as I always say, I never say no to any suggestions. So here is a totally new artist, and they have made me laugh with their first music video. BishopRadio releases his first EP 'Aliens' soon, after getting creditable claim for his mixtape, 'Live From A Park Bench II: Alien Run'. This is his first video release from his upcoming EP. And I cannot wait to find out what is around the corner, especially since I have quickly become a fan with this amazingly catchy song, and hilarious video.
The video had me in giggles, but I can't help thinking that it has a very similar style to Rizzle Kicks' "Mama Do The Hump". Although, they've switched it up and made me surprised, so I'm glad it's not a straight copy. I am surprised there isn't more of these sorts of videos around after the success of Rizzle Kicks' "Mama Do The Hump", guess people don't want to step on their shoes, but then again we need someone like BishopRadio in our music circle.
I like watching the elderly people walk into the shop and they even order two teas. For the first time watching, you are not aware of what will happen, especially since 'Bishop' and 'Babz' are in the tea room too.
I have to admit, I love 'Bishop',. his eyes are so funny, he is good at pulling a shocked face. The music video develops where the elderly people are standing up, dancing and grooving to the music. Even pulling good hip-hop moves. This definitely adds to the music video's uniqueness.
Seeing 'Babz' and 'Bishop' get involved showed their stage presence, it's full of movement and energy, as well as emotion. This is exactly what I want to see in a performance side, and they have it right there. I want to be there watching them.
Overall, a great song that becomes infinitely catchy that I'm definitely going to buy it when it gets released. The music video makes me giggle, no matter how many times I watch it. If it had stuck to the elderly people sitting in the tea room and lip-syncing, not only would it be repetitive, but it would feel too similar to Rizzle Kicks' "Mama Do The Hump", but because of movement, dancing, and 'Bishop' and 'Babz' getting involved as well as the woman in the corner, I just have no choice but to give it this rating.
So two weeks ago this song got released, I was so wrapped up in my exams that week that I never got around to blogging about this single and so it never became one of my New Releases, although I had been looking forward to reviewing it on my blog. So I am making up for it right now.
Platnum is a three piece dance band from the UK. They consist of Aaron Evers, Michelle McKenna and Mina Poli. They gained success when they were signed to Hard2Beat records, which later changed to Dance Nation records, and now they seem to have dropped all their artists. The label had well known artists such as Basshunter, September and Sash!. This group is now on All In Recordings and Platnum are leading the record label. They are one of my favourite bands, and I really thought this song would hit the UK charts, and although I saw it climb up the iTunes top 1000, it never seemed to break the top 100. With an album being released soon, I don't know what more this group can do. They need more promotion, they also need their album to chart. We could lose these guys altogether, and that will leave a black hole in UK music.
The song and the music video reminds me a bit of their first song, which got to number two on the UK chart, as well as it being a collaboration with H "Two" O. "What's It Gonna Be" was a hit, but it's gone sour since then.
This video relates to the song perfectly, with an interesting narrative, and a performance piece that is engaging, I just want to be there with them and hang out. They look fun and great to be with. They are also very relatable, and you can't knock the vocals on this track, so full of emotion!
The narrative has each member being with a person, this shows they've backed away from one another as their first single suggested, as well as that I'm so glad they each like different people unlike One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful". Michelle seems to be getting on with Lucien Laviscount (Waterloo Road, Big Brother Contestant and various other shows), the other two people I do not know, so if anyone knows the names comment below and I'll add them.
I like the warmth, suggests summer's coming soon, still waiting for it though. I like the boat idea, and the various locations, it seems there was quite a high budget for this, unfortunately they didn't spend it on trying to get promotion, various appearances on shows could've helped, or getting it played on radio and music channels. Granted I saw it once or twice on a couple of music channels, but that was rare.
Overall an amazing song that should've charted, this group needs a strong fan base, and also needs to be back on top, they can do it! The music video is everything I want and more, I cannot knock it at all, and I can't help but watch it again and again. The one thing missing is Heart Hands, since this is a song about love. However they definitely can't look back on this and feel embarrassed by heart hands!
Misha B, real name Misha Bryan, is another X Factor star (that's two in a row for my New Release and even from the same year, the eighth series). Last week was Amelia Lily's "Party Over". So can Misha B get a better charting position than number 40? Well we'll have to wait and see.
Misha B came 4th, in front was Little Mix (1st) who have done amazingly, Marcus Collins (2nd) who has done well but needs to be in the public eye again and Amelia Lily (3rd), who has been hitting the UK charts well. I think there's a real competition between Amelia Lily and Misha B. Both their albums are out soon, their singles have had similar charting positions here and there, let's hope we don't lose any of them, as theere is space for both of them. The finalists who finished behind Misha B were: Janet Devlin (5th) whose just starting up and getting exposure, Craig
Colton (6th) also just starting, Kitty Brucknell (7th) who is touring,
Frankie Cocozza (8th) who released an EP, Johnny Robinson (9th) released
a Christmas single as well as doing a lot of presenting, The Risk
(10th) released a single "Missiles", 2Shoes (Joint 14th) is signed and
have a song and music video for "Turn Me On (Turn Me Out)" out there but
nothing more. This seems to be one of the most active years, and I'm interested in the future of these finalists.
"Here's To Everything (Ohh La La)" was written by Misha B and Talay Riley, who is a singer himself, and is most known for singing "Make You Mine". He also has a bunch of collaborating writing credits including Chipmunk's "Oopsy Daisy" and Jessie J's "Who's Laughing Now", so surely this song should be a hit, right? Wrong. It's catchy, but needs more radio airplay, I haven't heard it at all, and it only becomes catchy after hearing it a few times over. However I do see it charting this Sunday, but I'm expecting another low charting similar to Amelia Lily's most recent single.
The music video follows the music in the way that it fails to capture me in, and there's nothing to make me want to watch it again. On the other hand I would rather watch it over other videos I have seen, the fact they've linked it in with the song lyrics as well gives the video a bit more credit.
The dancers and the choreography is a nice touch, although I did worry at the start that it wouldn't be quick enough, and that it might lose all timing. But they proved me wrong and kept to the beat of the music. The one thing missing is Misha B dancing in perfect timing with them, that would have made the video much more engaging.
The solo bits of Misha B is presented well making her centre of attention. She clearly enjoys dancing, and the few bits makes me believe she should've been given the choreography. The only other thing is that I think her music videos are all becoming similar, especially "Home Run", I hope a totally different one appears, "Do You Think Of Me" was a nice break.
Overall a song that grows on you the more you hear it, and a music video that contains elements of intriguing aspects, but fails at keeping you entertained and needs Misha B dancing with the dancers. It links in with the song, though, so it's not all bad.
Amelia Lily has come from The X Factor, and has released 2 successful singles so far, which were "You Bring Me Joy" and "Shut Up (And Give Me Whatever You Got)". She has an album to be released soon, was meant to be sooner but it has been pushed back, for unknown reasons. Amelia Lily came third, behind Little Mix and Marcus Collins both of which have gone on to do so well, it's hard to compete. Behind Amelia Lily, Misha B (4th) is doing just as well, Janet Devlin (5th) whose just starting up and getting exposure, Craig Colton (6th) also just starting, Kitty Brucknell (7th) who is touring, Frankie Cocozza (8th) who released an EP, Johnny Robinson (9th) released a Christmas single as well as doing a lot of presenting, The Risk (10th) released a single "Missiles", 2Shoes (Joint 14th) is signed and have a song and music video for "Turn Me On (Turn Me Out)" out there but nothing more. It seems it's Little Mix Vs. Amelia Lily Vs. Misha B as the most successful artist from the eighth series of The X Factor, but in my opinion Little Mix is just ahead because they've hit America.
"Party Over" was written by Amelia Lily, Brian Higgins, Matt Gray, Miranda Cooper, Wayne Hector and Annie Yuil. It's very catchy and I can see it being played a lot in the clubs. But by the looks of things it's slowly climbing up the iTunes chart, and it's taking it's time, this could be her lowest charting position to date...
The music video is technically great, although first view I didn't really get it, and I still don't get the end. I like the idea of time in music videos, it's been done rarely because they have to be exact (in my view) and the amount of takes a music video goes through, it's hard to keep up with it, however Madonna Featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland's "4 Minutes" was daring but did an okay job. Others find different ideas, none of which are coming into my head right now.
The video is full of performance with a short narrative over the whole thing. The time is kind of crucial, I had to keep pausing it to get the idea of the video in my head, and that's the only thing I didn't enjoy. My suggestion is to have it in the corner so you're much more aware of the time. Also at the start I was unsure if it was going forwards or backwards, since usually time skipping goes backwards.
Overall a great song that NEEDS to chart much higher than it currently is on the UK iTunes chart. The accompanying music video coincides greatly with the song, suggesting a massive party and I like the inclusion of the end of the party, but it doesn't have to be. I still don't get the ending, and the time skipping confused me first time round.
Jenn D is my new release, not a lot is known about her, she was in a band called Soft Toy Emergency, and has since then decided to go solo. She was apparently previously called Vela but she had to change her name due to another singer having the same name. She is on All Around The World Productions alongside well known dance acts Basshunter and Cascada. She previously released a single called "Lose It". This is her second single to date, and it is quite catchy, but will "You Keep Giving Me Your Love" ever hit the UK chart? I really hope so, but I am pretty doubtful, as there is no sign of it on the UK iTunes chart, as of yet.
This music video is shot in a heritage funfair, it's got a little bit of a narrative as Jenn D and her 'Crew' sneak in and just have fun. It relates to the song because it's all about being young and having fun, but there's no sign of someone giving her love... So missing a little something.
The performance slide is slick and sexy showing off her style as well as her singing, her voice is so powerful, it's surprising. The choreography is simple but effective. Jenn D can definitely dance, and given a more complicated dance routine and she will definitely show you what she can do.
Jenn D is the full package, my advice is to keep an eye on her, as she will start hitting the charts soon. She is someone I would like to see live, and I look forward to her debut album, it clearly is going to be amazing.
Overall, a great song that should be heard by more people, and a music video that fits perfectly with the song and her entire style. The only thing I don't like is that she is singing about falling for someone and giving them a chance, but where is this person? I am excited about what the future brings for this girl.
I would be reviewing Cascada's "Glorious" as that is this week's New Release, however it is a Eurovision 2013 song, and since I shall be doing a Eurovision 2013 Special, I have to wait until then. So instead, I chose The Mend, who are fairly known.
The Mend are a four-piece band who first came to my attention on Britain's Got Talent. For some unknown reason, before coming to type up this review, I thought they were young, about 15/16, but when they auditioned the age range was 21-22, so that does explain the song choice and the old style as well. The band members include Kris Evans, Dean Kelly, Craig Worsley and Jay Kontzie. They remind me a lot of The Overtones although there has been quite a few other bands who have tried something like this and been unable to do as well. I wish The Mend the best of luck, but I don't think they are grabbing their target audience.
This music video relates to the song, in the style and the choreography, however it fails to entertain, to grip and hold on to their audience.
They are four guys in their 20s, they should be influencing the same age group, however they are singing the sort of song that wasn't even popular 20 years ago. If you're going to do this then at least make sure you can bring this style back just like The Overtones are doing. Or spice it up and create something totally new like The Baseballs. If you're going to do it, swap it, change it, never copy.
The old style, the old microphones, the brown and white colouring, the braces, the singing, the dancing... It's a complete old video, it's like I've been transported back in time. The one thing that proves it's recent is the old people dancing, these dancers are 20 years older than the singers, it's like watching your parents dancing.
To make this better is to make something like Daniela Brooker's "Heartbreaker", make something old, new... They could've used young dancers, and maybe half way through The Mend could've stepped down from the microphones and did some dancing themselves.
Overall a song that will only interest a few people but enough to chart this Sunday, and an accompanying music video, that fails to entertain and fails to interest me at all. If they wish to continue, I hope their next song and music video is a lot better, or these are going to fail before they've even started.
Times Red followed me the most recently, they were one of a few reasons why I started this special, because this is an amazing song and music video, how can I not set up a special to explore my twitter followers? They followed me on 17th March.
Times Red are a three-piece band consisting of Scott Ritchie, Staz Nair and Luke White. They first came to my attention when they were on The X Factor, how can you not remember their audition (for those of you who can't, you can find it below). They got all the way to the Judges Houses, where Louis Walsh didn't put them through. I supported them all the way and even voted to try and get them in during the wildcard vote, instead Christopher Maloney won that. Now they are going their own way, and just look at what Simon Cowell has missed out on, these are going to get big quick, and be on your guard, they will be running up the chart pretty soon.
This music video is simple, and could be considered low budget compared to other music videos, BUT it is WOW. There's is such an energy when they perform, they can sing, harmonise, play instruments, dance, act, the list is endless, is there anything these guys can't do?
Two sides of this music video, this is getting quite popular recently. A performance side, which is full of energetic vibes, that makes me looking on the internet for gig tickets, unfortunately no tour dates yet as they are recording their album, but this is one band I do not want to miss.
The narrative side is interesting, we have this woman who is obviously who the band is singing about, I like the role she plays and then she gets annoyed as he thinks she's no good for him. And the apple idea is flawlessly great.
The little choreography given works well, it shows they are a new band and don't want to push the boat out just yet. But I reckon if they get a choreographer in they'll be able to dance and surprise us even more. On the other hand, the dancing is raw, and they're all in sync too.
Overall a song that is just amazing, I cannot stop listening to it. They remind me of a cross between Maroon 5 and Theory Of A Deadman, I cannot wait for their next single and music video, and I just know I'm going to be excited when their album comes out. The accompanying music video works perfectly with the song, it relates, it makes me want to see them live, and I just have nothing bad to say about it... So I guess you know where this is going...
