Sam Callahan - Crazy

Sam Callahan, Critic Jonni's first ever Artist Of The Month, way back in February, is soon going to be one of the most talked about artists at the end of this year. He is currently doing well in The X Factor this year, so we'll all be seeing him on our TV screens in the future. He previously released "Runaway Train" as his first single. Next was this single which involved him taking part in 15 crazy stunts for charity, all of which appear in this music video as he reminisces over those stunts. So while you are watching The X Factor this year, don't forget to root for him!

The 15 crazy stunts Sam Callahan was involved in were: 1) A Ghost Hunt, 2) Eat a 26" Pizza, 3) Back flip off the top divers board, 4) Wake Boarding, 5) Pole Dancing, 6) Horse Jump, 7) 160ft Bungee Jump, 8) Morris Dancing, 9) Fire Walk, 10) 100mph Zip Wire, 11) Zorbing, 12) Spartan Challenge, 13) Skinny Dip, 14) Dirt Bike Jump, and 15) Sky Dive. All crazy stunts include videos and they can be seen by clicking here, you can also still donate, he was raising money for Teenage Cancer Trust.

This video is mainly a performance piece, without all the editing, all we would have is Sam Callahan singing the song. However, that is not all that he is doing. His lyrics mean a lot to him, and each word in the song is sung with emotion, and you can really believe Sam Callahan is going to do well in the music industry.

The videos have various scenes to them. The start clip can be considered part of the narrative, as Sam and this girl in the video clip are going on a road trip, and he is clearly fantasising about her, and therefore the song relates to the video pretty well.

Overall a song that deserved to chart, but didn't, however might get a chance when The X Factor returns and his audition is shown. And an accompanying video that is good in some ways, but not so good in others. I have to give credit to the editors, they did a good job with this. But I feel that we should have seen a little more of the narrative and the videos rather than focusing entirely on Sam Callahan's performance piece.

Caleidra - Ask Me Why



Caleidra, real name Naomi Higginson, got global press last year when her song "With You" got submitted for a GCSE exam which not only gained her an A in her music GCSE, but it also came with a record deal that planned on pushing her into the limelight. Yet I hadn't heard of her until just a few weeks ago, when this song came to my attention. And I'm surprised Caleidra hasn't become a household name, but hopefully she will keep fighting for what she loves and she'll eventually be someone who everyone talks about.

"Ask Me Why" is one of those songs that after first listen you are unsure about, yet an hour after that first listen you realise it's stuck in your head and you've been singing to it. It is very captivating, and if her other songs are just as good I'm sure this girl will find the success she clearly deserves.

The music video is a typical school teenage music video, this has been done thousands of times from Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time", to JoJo's "Leave (Get Out)", from Stacie Orrico's "Stuck" to Mandia Nanatsios' "One Last Time", as well as H "Two" O featuring Platnum's "What's It Gonna Be", The Fader's "No Sleep Tonight" and even the most recent Avril Lavigne's "Here's To Never Growing Up". Are we actually getting bored of seeing these settings? Are we seeing them too often?

Well I think it's hard to make it original, but it is always possible. If you think of all the settings in all music videos you have ever watched, you will notice that a lot of music videos contains beaches, towns, parks, tours, gigs and other settings. I just think a school setting are much more noticeable.

The video relates to the song well, and usually a narrative and performance piece in a music video gets high ratings, but there are a few problems. The narrative scene seems old and out-dated, I think it was the camera used, but it has this thing to it, that makes it feel older than Britney's "...Baby One More Time". Caleidra is a modern singer, and that needs to be reflected in the narrative scenes.

On the other hand, the performance piece is great, vibes are thrown out while she sings, especially when she is on the stage, but as well as that the bit where she is beside the water, is bright and fun, and she clearly means every word she is singing.

Overall a song that is appealing and something I may be listening to over and over again. And an accompanying music video that is relatable, fun and really introduces Caleidra to us. Some issues are there, but since the future is Caleidra, this is one girl we should be seeing more of in the future. I wish her the best of luck in conquering the music industry. If she really wants it, she'll get it.

Panic! At The Disco - This Is Gospel

After the last two music videos I have reviewed which were Ellie Goulding's "Burn" and Miley Cyrus' "We Can't Stop", both videos fail to keep me engaged, I thought it was about time I chose a video that did, and this one sure does.

I have to admit, I had lost hope that Panic! At The Disco will ever come back with an amazing track. Their songs are those sort of songs that fit the time period, ones that are catchy at that time of year but never stands the test of time, and when you come across those tracks once again you want to know what made you like them so much. And after the release of their most recent single "Miss Jackson" featuring Lolo, I thought it was the end of them, but this new song has definitely changed that around, and I actually want to hear their new album. This song has given me hope. The band is now a three-piece consisting of Brendon Urie, Spencer Smith and Dallon Weekes.

"This Is Gospel" was written by Brendon Urie, and is extremely personal to him, apparently it was kept back from the rest of the band for a few months before he plucked up the courage to show it's awesomeness to the band. I find it really catchy and something I'll be playing again and again. I hope it charts well here in the UK but since it has received quite a lot of hits on YouTube considering it was only released yesterday, this is bound to be a hit.

The music video is... I'm not quite sure how to explain this music video one bit. But I guess a lot of girls out there are enjoying this video, as the YouTube comments suggest.

Brendon Urie is being restrained and obviously for his own good, guess these surgeons don't let you leave against medical advice. And they sedate him to get him to comply. They clearly know what they want to do to him.

While asleep he gets all dressed up only to be contained into a coffin and filled with water, but he breaks out when the chorus kicks in and just like that he heads towards the light, leaving us wondering if he has gone up to heaven and died during the surgery, or was it the light that brings him back to life, all the surgery done and dealt with?

Overall a song that has impressed me, and I really do hope this band gets a hit out of this, that beats "Nine In The Afternoon" which got to number 13 here in the UK (which now sounds surprising since it's more of a guilty pleasure than anything else). The accompanying music video is good, and is representative of not just the song, but also their band mate Spencer Smith, who has been battling an addiction to alcohol and drugs. I have respect for this band, but they haven't brought me back as a fan of theirs just yet, but I hope their third single release from their new album will make me want to listen to them all over again.

Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, has finally got her first UK top 10, and not only that but it reached the top spot! Miley Cyrus has FINALLY got her first UK number one, and this song is what put her there. Her previous highest chart number was joint 11, three of her singles from her music career has reached that number and those are "Party in the U.S.A.", "The Climb" and "See You Again". She definitely had a destiny, and this is exactly it. I doubt she'll disappear, and at just 20 (the same age as me) she is very much in the limelight, and I can't wait to see what her album brings, it's bound to be good.

"We Can't Stop" was written by Mike L. Williams II, Timothy Thomas, Ricky Walter, Theron Thomas and Douglas Davis. It has an infectious sound, and apparently was made with Rihanna in mind, I bet they never guessed our sweet little Miley Cyrus would be singing it. But she is far from who we all thought she used to be. I hate to admit this, but I wasn't into it that much the first time I heard it, but the more I've been hearing it, I just can't help but love it as much as everyone else. It really is infectious.

The music video, on the other hand is not what I was expecting. This has a first music video written all over it. But I guess it can be seen as a directional change and so will let it off. Other critics have compared it to Lady Gaga's first music video which features Colby O'Donis "Just Dance" as well as Christina Aguilera's directional change music video which features Redman "Dirrty". And I have to agree.

The song is about being young and having fun and drinking and clubbing and everything that contains, as well as Miley's new favourite dance: 'Twerking'.

There are a few fun bits in the music video, such as the pool and where the water gets splashed over Miley, it is fun fun fun, and what more should you expect. It relates right?

Well it does, but it's not something that I'd go out of my way to watch, the Teddy's are something I would have liked to have seen more of, but it's pretty much crazily fun which makes me realise I'm missing out on stuff at this current moment, and I just feel the video doesn't keep me entertained.

Overall an amazing song that I can't stop listening, well we all can't stop can we? And a music video that does relate but fails to keep me eager to watch it. Leaving me stuck for choice on a rating. But I've finally chosen a rating, and I hope you all agree. As I've previously said, if it was down to the song I would be giving this top stars, but since it's purely music video only, this is my rating. I cannot wait to see what her album brings, and I've heard there's a Britney Spears collaboration on there too...

New Release: Ellie Goulding - Burn

Ellie Goulding, real name Elena Goulding, is set to storm the UK Charts this week with this song, if she manages the top spot she will be claiming her first number one. This is the first time she has been reviewed on my blog, since I'm not much of a fan of hers and usually there is other singers I'm much more interested in reviewing. Today it was a toss-up between reviewing this one or The Wanted's "We Own The Night", however I chose Ellie Goulding because I haven't reviewed her previously, even "Your Song" her version of Elton John's "Your Song" hasn't been on my blog yet, although it is uniquely great. I still think she's finding her place in music at the moment, but now that this song is set to chart high, has she just found her place?

"Burn" was written by Ryan Tedder, Ellie Goulding, Greg Kurstin, Brent Kutzie and Noel Zancanella. It was originally recorded by Leona Lewis with her third album in mind, however it didn't make the final cut, I bet the people behind Leona Lewis are screwing at how this hit has slipped through their hands (Leona's version can be found below). I prefer Ellie Goulding's version, but I think that is because Leona's is just a demo (although better vocally), Ellie's has been produced and released, and it sounds better, my opinion might be different if Leona had gone on to release it. This song has been played often on the radio, hence why it's doing so well on the iTunes chart this week. It's not my sort of song (I'm not being biased, it just isn't something I would buy), however I do see how so many people find it catchy and why it has stormed the iTunes chart.

The music video relates to the song well, but that is where I stop enjoying it. Not a lot is going on and I've already had to watch it again and again as I keep forgetting what happens in the video due to the fact that not a lot is happening. Instead I'm looking around my room and tapping and waiting for the video to finish. I am distracting myself without even meaning to.

I have to admit Ellie Goulding looks relaxed, she's having fun and seems to be just enjoying recording the music video as well as singing the song. She seems free and open.

I like that they use the lights to spell out her initials in a triangle. It relates to the song as lights burn, but it's only a slight link.

The party seems fun, in fact I want to be there, guess I need a night out, yet I still have to wait until September. But this looks like a lot of fun, and that's what I need.

Overall, a song that fails to capture me but has become a hit here in the UK, and has become catchy to many other people. And a music video that has failed to excite me, yet has shown fun, lights and everything that an average music video usually brings. So what sort of rating does an average video get from me? Well this rating of course.

Lukay - Dance With You

Lukay... Hit or miss? Well he is definitely a hit with me, he can sing, dance and he shows some acting skills in this as well. He is the triple threat, watch out guys, his name will be on your lips in the next few years, and we won't even remember the day he wasn't well known, but for the moment we are living those days. He is a big hit in his home country of Canada winning numerous awards for his music. His first single was "I'm In Love With Music". Now with his second single doing so well, which is not at all surprising with his fan base and amazing vocals and dancing, this is one person we're going to have to keep our eyes on.

"Dance With You" is written by Lukay and is super super catchy, his voice reminds me a lot of Ne-Yo's, but the beat behind it is reminiscent of some of Avicii's stuff. This explains why it is so catchy and something I have watched quite a few times over. But I have to admit it isn't because of the song, it's because of the music video.

My current count is four times watching this, trying to find some flaw to knock this video down a star, but there just is no bad stuff with this video. It's full of amazingness that I can't stop watching.

I like the choreography, as I have stated before, this guy can dance! And that is more than a fact. Whoever the choreographer was is brilliant.

It is both performance and narrative rolled into one, as he wants this girl to dance with him. It reminds me of the chemistry between PSY and Hyuna in "Gangnam Style". He follows her about and she finally dances with him, but looks more of a fight to get him away from her. But with persistence gets you everywhere and she succumbs to his brilliant dancing.

Overall a song that I've already downloaded, and I reckon you should do that too, as it is oh-so catchy. And a music video that I would love to see on the music channels, as it is so good, and we need more dancing in music videos!

Avicii - Wake Me Up

Avicii is back with a brand new track, that I was unsure of at first, but as radio play for it picked up and it slotting right into the top spot of the UK chart, I've come to be obsessed with it, much like everyone else. His real name is Tim Bergling and has gone on to release singles under the names of Tim Berg and Tom Hangs as well as Avicii. This is his first single from his first album to be released some time next month. It contains many collaborations and is going to be called 'True'. This Swedish DJ is definitely my favourite DJ in the world, at the moment, and I support all his music, and luckily for me I have yet to come across a track I don't like.

"Wake Me Up" is written by Tim Bergling, Aloe Blacc and Mike Einziger. Aloe Blacc provides the vocals for the track. The song is super catchy and has hit number one in many different countries. This has literally stormed the chart everywhere.

The music video is sweet and interesting, the two girls in the video are great characters, and they both have the Avicii logo on their arms. The little girl doesn't understand why no one likes them. While it's clear to us that they have nice clothes (product placement of Ralph Lauren's 'Denim & Supply') whereas the villagers are all wearing dirty clothes that they have probably worn day in day out. So the older sister rides her horse and goes into a town, where she finds another girl who also has the Avicii sign. They go to see Avicii live.

Afterwards she rides home tells the little girl to pack and they walk on the road into town. The last scene shows another girl looking quite lonely, maybe she wanted to go with them.

The gig promotes Sony, which is another product placement. This is starting to become well known in music videos, especially after Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell".

I was happy to find Avicii and Aloe Blacc appearing. And this whole video has 'The Walking Dead' feel to it, although there is not a zombie in sight, just people branded with the Avicii mark.

Overall a exceptional song that is more than worthy of the number one here in the UK and practically everywhere else. The music video is so relatable since most people feel out of place somewhere within their lives, as well as that it is relatable to the song. My one problem is that I feel there is more to this story than what the video shows. Why are them two outsiders in their village? I feel like maybe there's a prequel to this story, since this leaves me with many questions such as... Where are their parents? How did they get the Avicii mark? And the main question is why aren't they liked?
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Times Red - Not Listening

Times Red is my new release this week, I am definitely a fan of theirs and they came to my attention when they followed me on twitter. That made me make a special on my blog, and made me realised where I had come across them before, which was on The X Factor, where they only made the Judges' Houses. They are a three piece band consisting of Scott Ritchie, Staz Nair and Luke White. They have previously released a single called "Just No Good For Me". This song is different but just as good. They call their fans TReds, I guess I'm one of them too.

The music video is something different, that's for sure. I have never come across another music video that is done the same way as this one has, with the camera, however, I wouldn't be surprised if there has been other videos using the same technique, I've just never come across them that's all, not yet anyway.

It is mainly performance based, with scenes where they're just chilling with mates, which could be a slight narrative, but not much of one.

There are many laughable bits, mainly coming from Luke White, who falls asleep on a bench and gets kissed by two old women (reminding me of Good Charlotte's "Girls & Boys"). Luke also slips near the water making me laugh, as well as pretending to be a photographer and throwing the photos behind him. And not forgetting the Usain Bolt pose.

But is that all the laughs people get? Well that definitely isn't it, people keep pausing the video at exactly 1:42... And I think we all know why.

I also find the camera monumentally great. I love how they throw it up in the air and catch it a few seconds later, it's like they are actually throwing you around. They definitely had fun that day, and I think a behind the scenes video is exactly what we would all like to see.

Overall a song that becomes more and more catchy the more we hear it, and a music video that looks like it should be bland and boring, but much like the song I keep watching it over and over again as it's so unique and fun, sometimes I feel like I'm flying through the air, which is so great. The one single problem I have is that the narrative should have been expanded more. But apart from that, an exceptionally great video!
Buy on iTunes

Inna - Crazy Sexy Wild / Tu Si Eu

This week, Britney's "Ooh La La" is not the only new release I am in love with. Inna's most recent album 'Party Never Ends' has finally got a UK release. However it looks like it will fail to chart come Sunday! It had a great start yesterday, and I even saw it hit number 197 on the iTunes UK albums chart, but it has recently dropped to number 462, and it looks like it will continue to go down as other albums are bought. This is the summer anthem of the YEAR! Get it now! You surely won't be disappointed, I love every track and can't stop playing it!

Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, is probably the biggest artist to ever come out of Romania. She has managed a total of one billion hits on YouTube and it's growing even more. She is the first European female singer to surpass that milestone on YouTube. She hit the UK with "Hot" at number six, three other singles managed to chart well, these were "Amazing" at 14, "Déjà Vu" at 60 and "Sun Is Up" at 15. Her first album 'Hot' hit the UK chart at 32. But since 2011 her most recent singles and albums have failed to chart, not managing to get enough sales. Promotion is the key thing, I reckon not many people know that Inna released more songs since "Sun Is Up". She needs to turn up on TV channels, she needs Radio 1 to play her songs often, she also needs her UK record label promoting her songs, they're doing an okay job, but I reckon they could market her more than what they are.

"Crazy Sexy Wild" / "Tu Si Eu" was written by Sebastian Barac, Marcel Botezan, Radu Bolfea, GoodWill & MGI, Kimberley Cole and Inna. One is sung completely in English, the other is a mix of Romanian and English. "Tu Si Eu" translates as "You And I". This is one of many amazing tracks on the album, ones you have to listen to are this one, 'We Like To Party', 'OK', "Be My Lover", "More Than Friends", 'Take It Off', 'J'adore' and 'In Your Eyes'. I had to stop myself from putting them all down, this album is that good! I'm even listening to it now, which explains why it's taking me so long to type out this review as I'm singing along to all the tracks. It looks doubtful that 3beat will release this song, or any of the singles off this album, although "More Than Friends" which features Daddy Yankee, is on Clubland 23, could it get an official single release? I surely hope so, I want remixes to all these tracks!

The music video is both a performance piece and a narrative video. I have put "Tu Si Eu" video at the bottom, it is the exact same, but has Inna singing along to the different lyrics in the performance scenes.

Yet again the male actor is unknown, I have never come across a name for any of the male actors in Inna's music videos, if someone can find a name for him, or any of her other male actors in her music videos, please comment below with source.

The storyline is good, she takes the money from the busker who she likes, and it leads to some crazy sexy wild events such as spending his well earned cash on ice creams and a motel stay. She steals an orange, some clothes, and a ride in an apple cart, which mystery unknown name guy takes a chomp on.

The bar scene is surprising, especially since there is a scene where she kisses another woman. However, Europe is much further ahead of the UK, and it's nothing unusual since Krista Siegfrids kissed a girl in her Eurovision Song Contest 2013 performance of "Marry Me".

The performance piece has many energy vibes, they're short and snappy, but her presence as well as looking sexy (as the song suggests) definitely makes me want to see her live. Apparently a UK tour is on the cards soon, and I will definitely be one of the first to buy them.

Overall a catchy song that I am hoping will get a release here in the UK as the remixes are bound to be good, but it looks pretty doubtful. And a music video I can't stop watching, it's full of everything I want and more, it's what I expected and more, it's fun, it's crazy, it's sexy and it's definitely wild! There are many amazing tracks on the album, so what are you doing continuing reading my review, you NEED to buy this album right now, you won't be disappointed.
Buy on iTunes (Crazy Sexy Wild)
Buy on iTunes (Tu Si Eu)

New Release: Britney Spears - Ooh La La

Britney Spears and The Smurfs in a music video together... Am I seeing this right, or is it one of my dreams? Nope definitely not a dream, my life is now complete.

Britney Spears, well-known across the world, hasn't had a UK number one since 2004 with "Everytime", unless you count her collaboration with will.i.am on "Scream & Shout". As well as that she has never had a UK number one album, shocking I know, but she will get there one day, we all should keep faith. Her next album is on it's way, and how healthy she looks in this video, and after a year of being a judge on The X Factor US, it's bound to be a great album!

"Ooh La La" was written by Lukasz Gottwald, Joshua Coleman, Lola Blanc, Fransisca Hall, Bonnie McKee, Henry Walter and Jacob Kasher Hindlin. Some well known songwriters right there, so it explains why it is so catchy. It was supposed to be sung by Lola Blanc, but a deal was made to give it to Britney. I have listened to it way too often and I can't stop. It's simple lyrics, it's clubby motives and the beat is all so drawing. This should be a hit, yet it's slowly climbing up the charts, hopefully it will hit the Top 40 this Sunday, but at the moment it looks unlikely.

The song is on The Smurfs 2 soundtrack, and since I'm seeing The Smurfs 2 on Thursday, I definitely expect this song to be played. As expected The Smurfs are in the music video. However I'm a little disappointed that we haven't got any songs from The Smurfs on the soundtrack. The first movie had them singing a few songs, and I expect the Smurf theme to be sung, but no sign of it on the soundtrack. I thought this would be like an Alvin and the Chipmunks soundtrack, guess that may never happen, I was really looking forward to Smurfette's 'I Kissed A Smurf' cover of "I Kissed A Girl" by Katy Perry.

The music video is mainly performance piece, with interspersed clips of The Smurfs 2. I like everything it's so good and so cute, what with Britney Spears' children and niece being in the music video, they are called Sean Preston Federline, Jayden James Federline and Maddie Aldridge respectively. They go to the cinema to see The Smurfs 2, and Gargamel zaps Britney into the film.

The opening scene with the Cinema is a homage to Janet Jackson's music video for "Nasty". Here Britney goes again with her homages!

The scenes with the boys and Maddie in the background are great to watch, and they perform so well, it makes it believable, and they did a great job.

Britney looks healthy in the entire video, she's dancing and having Smufette (voiced by Katy Perry) on her hand. She's having a great time, and it's good to see her well again. It may be due to having her boys with her, but since the song is for them anyway you can't help but smile. The world has Britney back once and for all.

The Smurfs perform a dance to her song, I keep watching it, and I'm hoping to learn the dance moves. I'm also expecting a lot of DJ's remixing this song for clubs, it has that hook in the middle that will suit clubbing perfectly.

Overall, a great song which should be a global success, yet it hasn't managed to do that well, could the reason be digital downloads? Since when CD Singles were released children could go and buy the single and help it chart, but now it's all digital downloads, the song attracts many younger audiences who probably can't buy the single without bugging their parents to death. The accompanying music video is amazingly cute. I don't know how Britney gets out of the Smurf world (she may be stuck there forever!) This has excited me for her new album, and I can't wait to see what the future brings to Britney.

Mandia Nantsios - Smile

Mandia Nantsios, 16 year old singing sensation, that although hasn't quite hit the charts anywhere, she has gained an amazing fan base and a lot of people look up to her. Her second single "One Last Time" was a hit in my world, and on my blog especially since it is in the top 10 most viewed blog posts of all-time on my blog! She became my Artist of the Month for March, and she is definitely one to watch. She has been strumming up popularity on Twitter, by following people who would be interested in her music, that's how I came across her and many other fans have been found that way too. Her first single "Never Again" isn't quite so popular, but it definitely shows her voice off... But is this new song as good as her previous singles?

"Smile" is a very catchy song and will be stuck in my head all day. It reminds me a lot of her previous single "One Last Time", it is very similar, and is a great direction for this girl to take. Her voice is phenomenal and I can't help but sit back and relax while such a beautiful voice reaches my ears. If Mandia Nantsios never charts there would be no justice in the world, and the world will have to live with such a huge loss. But she will make it one day, she's driven and that is all you need.

This music video relates to the song a lot, but it also is similar to "One Last Time". It may not be filled as big, obviously the budget couldn't have been stretched out as much as it did last time, nonetheless you can't help but like it and it definitely leaves my face with a smile.

The school presence continues, but they're graduating, and Mandia Nantsios has a new crush, who always makes her smile. They're getting ready for their graduation photos and they get to dress up and have fun, that's clearly the world Mandia Nantsios lives in, don't we all wish we could live in the world of fun?

There's a lot of performance in this, and she's extremely expressive, which is such a great thing, I hope she eventually gets a tour here in the UK, as I shall be in the crowd at one of her gigs! However the presentation of it in the video didn't work, I didn't enjoy the black and white graduation photo book, it just seemed too static, and it needed more substance.

Although, the ending is great to watch as the stern teacher relaxes and just lets rip and has fun too, and even the photographer gets involved too.

Overall a song that is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of today. And a music video that doesn't live up to her previous music videos, but it is great to watch and always makes me smile.

New Release: Diana Vickers - Cinderella

Diana Vickers came fourth on The X Factor, a show that is probably dominating my blog since it started, and I reckon it won't stop being present since the artists are very popular and seem to do well in the charts. Diana Vickers came fourth in the fifth series of the show. She has had a break from music, but is now back with this amazingly catchy song, and an album to follow later on in the year. But where are her competitors from that series? Alexandra Burke (winner) working on her third studio album and has a U.S. record deal; JLS (second) due to break-up and go their separate ways; Eoghan Quigg (third) released a single called "28,000 Friends" and an album back in 2009 but nothing new since; Ruth Lorenzo (fifth) just released "The Night" and is gearing up for her first album release; Rachel Hylton (sixth) getting ready for her first release; Daniel Evans (seventh) released an album that failed to chart and no more new news from him; Laura White (eighth) released a single and now working under the stage name Martha. The others are either disbanded, haven't released anything or are planning to release soon.

"Cinderella" was written by Diana Vickers, Miranda Cooper, Simen Eriksrud and Simone Larson. The song is about being in love and wanting to be with that person no matter what is going on around you and not caring about anything else. The song is catchy and it is something I can't stop listening to, however radio play hasn't really picked it up and although it definitely will be charting this Sunday, it might not be as high as I hope it will be. It deserves a top 20 position but I think it'll be lucky to chart in the top 40 to be honest. More people need to download this now!

The music video works with the whole song, the fact that it is Cinderella-ish, works entirely, although I wouldn't think Cinderella wears what Diana Vickers is wearing, even a modern day version wouldn't be wearing what she is.

I like how they run together away from the ball and the party, to go and have fun and to be together. They clearly wasn't having such a great time there anyway. One of the lyrics in the song just fits this perfectly which is 'If Cinderella was here tonight, she wouldn’t walk out the door leaving you behind'.

The ending is good with the pool and the guards finding her shoe on the stairs. It's a nice little spin of a twist.

Overall a song I fully love and hope will chart high this Sunday as it definitely deserves it, however I doubt that it will, due to not enough radio play. The music video fits wholly with the song and I can't think of a single bad bit to this video. The teasing, the fun, and the sneaking away is just exactly what I wanted and more. So here's my rating.

Basshunter - Every Morning

Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, is still awaiting a release of a new album which will be called 'Calling Time', so far three UK singles have been released from the album "Northern Lights", "Dream On The Dancefloor" & "Crash & Burn", and one Swedish single from the album called "Fest I Hela Huset" which is apparently also on the new album. Basshunter has had a few changes recently, from being the most successful act on the Hard2beat / Dance Nation record label, to not charting with on All Around The World Records with "Northern Light" & "Dream On The Dancefloor", he has now released "Crash & Burn" under Rush Hour records, is this a new record deal? I'm not sure. All I hope is that Basshunter releases a song and promotes it so it will get him to become the worldwide star we all used to know him as.

"Every Morning" was written by Basshunter. It's catchy and definitely was a good first single off his second UK album 'Bass Generation', giving us an insight into his new album which wasn't quite as popular as the first album. I think this is one of his better singles, having good emotion in his voice when he sings the song, and I can't help but sing-a-long too.

The music video continues the Jonas Altberg & Aylar Lie relationship. This video is definitely my favourite of them all, as it is funny as you watch it and then at the end the cliff-hanger is scarily amazing, so much so I'm sure I was upset the first time I saw it, it was that shocking to me.

So let's start off with a RECAP! "Now You're Gone" gave us Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text yet they both go clubbing with their respected friends and end up in the same club and get back together. "All I Ever Wanted" shows them on holiday in Spain, they have fun and go clubbing, but Lucas finds a 'mate's cousin', is it the end for them? "Angel In The Night" broke Aylar & Lucas up via text again, and Aylar finds Jonas Altberg (Basshunter) and after impressing her with his street racing and singing, they kiss... "I Miss You / Jingle Bells" brings Christmas in Norway, there's snow, presents and a dip in the hot tub, as well as Jonas having to fend off a guy from coming on to Aylar. "Walk On Water" breaks the story as we're shown the touring life of Basshunter (I've made it link, but it is the smallest link ever).

Jonas, in this video, wants to make the next move and propose to Aylar. She obviously makes him so happy, and the bedroom bit at the start is extremely sexy, what with her getting ready for the big day ahead. It looks like they are enjoying being together.

This music video was filmed in Majorca. After leaving the hotel, Aylar and Jonas part ways, Aylar doesn't understand why, but I guess it is to get the engagement ring. She goes onto a boat to party.

Later on Jonas catches up with her on a jet ski. And as he gets prepared to propose he is wrestled down by his mates. Later on they are at a beach and he is prepared to propose, when once again he is thwarted by his mates.

Aylar and her friends go swimming, only her friends return saying that Aylar is lost at sea. Such a dramatic ending, definitely the biggest cliff hanger from all of Basshunter's music videos, yet I'm catching up to his most recent single, and the story hasn't progressed that much.

Overall a song that gets stuck in my head over and over again, and a music video that kept me entertained and left me hanging on the edge until "I Promise You" got released two months later. This is definitely my favourite video from Basshunter, and I hope he manages to top it with the future videos, I also hope Aylar returns to continue the storyline.

Eurovision 2013 Winner: Denmark Entry: Emmelie de Forest - Only Teardrops

Before I even start this, I have to say I'm sorry for not reviewing this video earlier, however I have just found out it has been released, although it's been on YouTube for a month now and there isn't that many hits to be honest. I am quite annoyed with the team behind this girl, it feels like they knew she was going to win and therefore decided to do a winning music video, similar to The X Factor UK's winner's single music video. It just is pretty out of place, and they've left fans waiting... Is this another winner who will disappear from the UK and Europe, only to release in her own country, Denmark?

Emmelie de Forest became the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, therefore bringing next year's contest to Denmark. She was the bookies favourite to win, and that is exactly what she did. This single and an album was released before the contest. Afterwards her album managed to hit the UK charts at 148, meaning she made a big impact, but will her second single "Hunter & Prey" get a worldwide release? And if so will she still maintain her fans, or will people just not realise it's been released, and therefore making her another winner who fails to keep in the limelight, guess time will tell.

"Only Teardrops" was written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen and Thomas Stengaard. The song is extremely catchy, I have to admit that, but I feel that the performance at Eurovision was a little bit over the top, so much so that it looked like it had already won, on the other hand, that is exactly what happened and so I guess it worked for them. I just feel the whole team behind Emmelie de Forest were cocky and arrogant, and I'm sure that they weren't, but not posting a music video until afterwards puts this in the arrogant category. So it would've been interesting what this video would've been like if it hadn't have won.

Denmark came 1st easily. Emmelie de Forest gained 281 points. France gave 12 points, Lithuania gave 2 points, Moldova gave 6 points, Finland gave 7 points, Spain gave 8 points, Belgium gave 10 points, Estonia gave 8 points, Belarus gave 1 point, Malta gave 6 points, Russia gave 4 points, Germany gave 10 points, Armenia gave 4 points, the Netherlands gave 10 points, Romania gave 6 points, the UK gave 12 points, Sweden gave 10 points, Hungary also gave 10 points, Iceland gave 12 points, Azerbaijan gave 5 points, Greece gave 7 points, the Ukraine gave 5 points, Italy gave 12 points, Norway gave 7 points, Georgia also gave 7 points, Ireland gave 12 points, Austria gave 5 points, Slovenia gave 12 points, Croatia gave 10 points, Montenegro also gave 10 points, Cyprus gave 7 points, Serbia gave 12 points, Latvia gave 6 points, Macedonia gave 12 points, Bulgaria gave 2 points, Israel gave 8 points, Albania gave 1 point and Switzerland gave 3 points. San Marino were the only country not to give any points to Denmark.

This music video is similar to The X Factor UK's winner's single music video, with highlights of her win from Eurovision. This fails to interest me. I have watched this video once, and I shall not be watching it a second time. There's just nothing concrete that makes this amazing.

The song leeks so much potential for a video, I could imagine a perfect video in my head right now, as the song contains a lot of imagery. And when it started I had to admit that I thought a theatrical music video displaying most of the imagery in the song would be shown to us, yet we are left with Emmelie de Forest performing her song in a forest and lying down in the grass.

This is imagery to an extent but not at all what I expected. And then we had clips in black and white (I really don't like black & white all that much, so bad move on their part) showing her time at Eurovision, as well as winning. But it all makes it look like a fan video, something someone had pieced together to celebrate her winning. Failing to connect with the song and make something amazing.

The song has a lot of potential, and managed to get to number 15 on the UK chart. The accompanying music video could have been perfection at it's greatest, however it's a memoir music video, failing to capture me and keep me entertained. I hope her new single "Hunter & Prey" has a much better video, or she will go from a worldwide star to a Denmark star.

New Release: Bowie Jane - Bad Boy

Bowie Jane first came to my notice when she stumbled across this blog and started talking to me on my Facebook page. Since then she has gone on to promote her singles anywhere and everywhere here in the UK, as well as turning up at Staffordshire University (my university) for a radio interview, where she left me a signed CD of  "Luv Bomb". Since then I have been keeping an eye on her Twitter and Facebook, and found out her third single (the first being "Miss U Hate U") is being released this month. So just for you lot, I have organised an interview with Bowie Jane, and she will become Artist Of The Month for July.

"Bad Boy" was co-written by Bowie Jane and her producer Jason Bond. It's really catchy, and I know I'll be singing it all day today. Especially since I've bought it from iTunes, and I can't stop playing it.

The music video has become one of Bowie Jane's most viewed YouTube videos so far, and those views are only ever going to go up and up and up. It may not be a big budgeted video that well-known artists push out, but as I have proven on this blog over and over again, the simple videos can sometimes be the best, and this is clearly one of them.

It is practically performance based, with Bowie Jane singing in front of a brick wall, but she knows how to perform, and you are engaged right from the start.

Then the slight narrative jumps in with a bunny rabbit, who clearly is the 'Bad Boy'. It is very suggestive and makes this video stand out.

The slight narrative includes various slides which say various things. The first is: "Taylor Swift Admits 'I Knew You Were Trouble' Was A Blast At Harry Styles", and the rabbit just before the words is dressed up as Harry Styles. Next is the rabbit dressed as a golfer with the accompanying headline: "A leopard might change it's spots... but a Tiger doesn't change his stripes", a dig at Tiger Woods obviously. Next is the Hugh Grant and Divine Brown scandal. Afterwards the rabbit has a gas mask on definitely dressed up as Justin Bieber, with "Selena Gomez Throws Gifts Bought By Justin Bieber In The Bin? Bye, bye, bye Bieber....".

Overall a song that is stuck in my head, and one that I will be listening to for years to come. And a music video that makes me laugh, it's enjoyable, it relates to the song, and has everything possible to make it a great video. I can't stop watching, I can't stop listening, this is one song you all need to get now!

New Release: Lawson Featuring B.o.B - Brokenhearted

Lawson releases this song this week, it's so catchy that it should chart high, I so hope it gets to the top of the UK chart, but with so much competition it seems like it's going to be difficult. Lawson is a four piece band consisting of Adam Pitts, Andy Brown, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher. This band has been doing pretty well here in the UK, managing to get all four singles in the top 20 of the UK chart, and this one will manage to do the same. Are they going to be like The Saturdays, always hoping for a number one and yet not getting one until five years down the line... Or will they disappear like so many bands before them? Guess we'll see with time... I bet they will stand the test of time. They have collaborated with B.o.B, real name Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. He is another amazing singer and rapper, who previously had a number one with "Airplanes" featuring Hayley Williams, from Paramore. Could he be the one to push this song to number one?

"Brokenhearted" was written by Andy Brown, Ki Fitzgerald, Paddy Dalton, Duck Blackwell and Bobby Ray Simmons. The song should be a number one hit, yet with the competition this week, it's going to be quite a battle, however the song is racking up the charts. Even I, who isn't much a fan of Lawson, really like this song, and I can't stop listening to it.

The music video has a performance and a narrative side. This is one music video that reminds me of other videos such as Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" as well as Simple Plan's "When I'm Gone". This is a typical band video having both sides, and it really works in their favour.

The narrative is strong, there is a break-up between Andy Brown and his on-screen girlfriend, yet it is all in the media, and she isn't happy about that at all, because everywhere she looks there is Lawson. And, unknown to here, Andy's ghost-like form is following her around, is it her imagination? Is he dead? Yet again my brilliant idea of him actually being a ghost goes out of the window, and maybe it's the camera's imagination.

The performance piece is energetic, yet lacking somewhat. When B.o.B comes in there are quite a few vibes sent out to the crowd, but Lawson is failing to make me eager to watch them live. Where is their energy? Maybe they are good live, but this video fails to portray this.

Overall a great song that should hit the UK chart hard, but a music video that lacks energy. The narrative is full of amazingness, maybe a little copy-cat, but that is to be expected, and it's something I would watch again and again, yet the performance piece just doesn't match as well as it could.
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Eiffel 65 - Blue (Da Ba Dee)

Eiffel 65 were a three piece Italian dance band consisting of Jeffrey Jey (real name Gianfranco Randone), Maurizio Lobina and Gabry Ponte (real name Gabriele Ponte). They were active in 1998 till 2005, as well as a reformation in 2010 apparently they are working on a new album, but it now seems unlikely since three years have passed. They were well known for this hit, however they also managed a second hit with "Move Your Body" which got to number three here in the UK, followed by the album 'Europop' at number 12. So where did this band go wrong? Personally I think no promotion for global success was made. And the only reason people remember this song is because it's catchy and has the blue men in it, and the music channels really picked it up and kept playing the music video. Whereas the other videos wasn't picked up enough to make such an impact.

"Blue (Da Ba Dee)" was written by Jeffrey Jey, Maurizio Lobina and Massimo Gabutti. The song is about a guy who is 'Blue inside and outside' and he and everyone else is blue, suggesting it's a state of mind, as well as various objects he owns are blue as well. Guess this is where 'I'm feeling a bit blue' comes from. The song had massive success (most likely down to the video being memorable). Hitting number one here in the UK, this definitely put this band on to the rail road to global success, yet they didn't make it. This reminds me of Infernal, and I'm worried other acts will be following in these bands footsteps soon enough.

The music video has been listed in NME's '50 Worst Music Videos', however I do not agree with that at all, and even though it isn't exactly amazing compared to recent animation music videos such as Mat Zo & Porter Robinson's "Easy" and Britney Spears' "Break the Ice"; at the time it was so great, and even now people are watching it. What with 39,000,000 YouTube hits so far and it was uploaded in 2009, it shows it is still popular. The song appeared in the film 'Iron Man 3', and managed to chart at number 40 in the UK on 6th May 2013. It just goes to show that people still likes this song and it's definitely one of the classics in dance history.

The music video has much going on in the narrative. The two main blue aliens have even got names, they're called Zorotl and Sayok6. Not only that but their planet has a name which is Tukon4 and the blue martian aliens are collectively called Tukonians. This is a whole new world, and although they aren't quite cute I still want to go there and see their world.

Zorotl and Sayok6 abducts Jeffrey Jey from a music gig and deposits him in a similar gig only on their planet, while at the same time Maurizio Lobina and Gabry Ponte go in their own star ship to save their band mate. I have to say that I think Maurizio Lobina looks a lot like H. P. Baxxter from Scooter. Anyhow, they fight with the Tukonians to rescue Jeffrey Jey. They find him, take him back, but the Tukonians ask for them to return and so they do to perform for them.

Overall a song that will probably chart again in the next few years, it's one of those songs that will not stop being stuck in peoples heads. As for the music video, I have to disagree with NME, it is definitely not a bad video, it's probably one of the best from that year, although compared to 2013 music videos it isn't as good, it's still something I would go out of my way to watch. So in total contradiction to NME's '50 Worst Music Videos', here is my rating...

New Release: The Saturdays - Gentleman

The Saturdays! And this is their third single to be released off their new album, which hasn't been released yet. The girls, who consists of Rochelle Humes, Frankie Sandford, Una Healy, Mollie King, and Vanessa White, recently created a show called 'Chasing The Saturdays' where the cameras follow their attempt at hitting the American market. And they have managed to chart on the US Hot Dance Club Songs at number 27 and the US Pop Digital Songs at number 50 with their song "What About Us", that single also gave the girls their first UK number one since they started five years ago. But will this single follow in it's predecessor's amazingness? Well it's not making as big as an impact here the UK, but it will definitely be charting high. Will they succeed in getting a second number one? Surely they can do it in the near future. But this song is a genre redirection and unfortunately won't chart as well. However I think it's one of their better songs.

"Gentleman" was written by Priscilla Renea. The song is catchy and a new direction for the girls. It is one of those songs DJ's will love, I can't wait to club to this song, it will be mixed heavily, and it'll be exciting to see what the DJ's will do with it, the remixes supplied on the EP are just great. There is also a segment near the end that is kind of a half-rap. Which is something I didn't expect at all, yet it works and I find it one of the best bits on this track. I hope there is more of that on their album when they get around to releasing it.

The music video shows a heavily pregnant Rochelle, who has given birth to a baby girl called Alaia-Mai Humes. She is not the only Saturday to have been on set of a music video while being pregnant. Una was pregnant on the "30 Days" music video, she gave birth Aoife Foden. At the moment Frankie is pregnant, I wonder if they will film another music video when her bump is showing...?

Anyhow, this music video has a desperate housewives inspired narrative, where they are all out in their gardens doing gardening as well as spraying one another with water and what-not.

I like when they walk on the road to meet their boyfriends, who have been playing poker and have also bought gifts for their girlfriends. The boyfriends are also The Saturdays. This definitely goes with the song.

I also enjoy the performance of the half-rap, it is definitely good to watch.

Overall a very relatable music video that goes perfectly with this amazing song. I just wish the song will chart high this weekend, but it seems doubtful. I feel like there isn't a lot for me to say about this music video. Yet I enjoy it so much. Maybe I'm a bit on the speechless side? Which is extremely unusual.

New Release: Bridgit Mendler - Hurricane

I was surprised to find this on iTunes today, I thought I'd see if it was out because my iTunes shuffler put on 'Top Of The World' which is one of her tracks on her album 'Hello My Name Is...' and here was the single with a remix EP. I was so happy I bought it and have been playing all the tracks over and over again, it's so catchy and the remixes are interesting, yet I am disappointed by the album artwork, it looks like it was done on a whim, why can't we have the American album artwork? The UK's looks really amateurish, hope it doesn't put people off from buying it. Her single "Ready Or Not" got to number seven here in the UK, I doubt this will do as well since it hasn't gained much radio play, but I'm hoping it charts okayish, at least.

The song was written by Bridgit Mendler, Emanuel "Eman" Kiriakou, Evan "Kidd" Bogart and Andrew "Goldstein" Goldstein. The song is about love and falling for it every time even after boarding up the windows and locking her heart. It's catchy and sticks in my mind easily, it's just a shame that it hasn't really been picked up by radio and people won't hear it often enough to go out and download the song to give this song the charting position it needs.

The music video is more of a performance side to things than anything else. There is a very small narrative that is hardly discernible. In the narrative Bridgit Mendler's co-star in 'Lemonade Mouth' can be seen as her best friend, played by Naomi Scott, for those of you (including me) who don't watch 'Lemonade Mouth', you may have seen her in 'Terra Nova' playing 'Maddy Shannon'.

Naomi Scott comforts Bridgit Mendler and takes her out for some clubbing, which clears her head, but that's all there is to a narrative, and I feel there should've been much more to it.

The performance side of things is featured much more often, there are various places she sings the song, one is on a white background which leaves very little to the imagination. She performs well clearly emphasising her thoughts when it comes to this song and it's engaging, with a lot of energy, the club scene is pretty involving, also making me want to go out clubbing, I haven't gone out in months! And as for this bit by the house or wall or wherever she is, I feel it links in with the 'boarding up the windows' part, yet there is no windows being boarded up, and although this scene is featured very little, it's the one that links in the most with this song.

Overall a great song, you really much check out the remixes too, they're as good as the song. The music video fails to entertain, a solid narrative is what is needed, something not too far from Mandia Nantsios' "One Last Time". The performance could have been much better, and more or less links in with the UK album art than anything else. This just seems like it was created on a whim, with little thinking behind it.

Krista Siegfrids - Amen!


Krista Seigfrids may not have done well in Eurovision this year, yet she's not letting it knock her down, oh no, her new single is on fire, what with over 200,000 hits on YouTube and getting good reviews across the board, this is one girl who is not going down without a fight. And I intend to support her all the way!

"Amen!" was written by Krista Siegfrids, Erik Nyholm, Jessika Lundstrom, and Kristofer Karlsson. The song is different to "Marry Me" yet is still outrageously catchy, that no other song will knock this out of my head for the rest of today. It hasn't been released in the UK as of yet, but I'm hoping it does, as I reckon it will do well, if radio play picks up, I have been requesting it lots, and I hope it gets lots of promotion.

The music video is raunchy, but that is who Krista Siegfrids is, after seeing "Marry Me" music video along with the performance at Eurovision. This is someone who isn't afraid.

The video reminds me of Basshunter's videos because it's a continuation of the previous video, and if this is exactly what Krista Siegfrids plans then I'm excited where this one will lead.

The music video announces at the start that she did get married a couple of months ago yet 'Needless to say: it didn't last' according to the writing at the start.

The song is all about starting a new life, and her husband releasing her, and she is clearly more alive than ever. The limousine scene reminds me of Tyler James' "Single Tear" and she is currently getting a lot of comparisons to Katy Perry and Ke$ha... But she is totally herself, and I can't wait to see what more she gives to us.

Overall a song that will be on my mind for today, if not for the rest of the week. The music video relates well, and has a loose but well-fitting link with "Marry Me". This girl is going to be a star, she just needs to push herself and show how much a mistake everyone was for not voting for her in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013.

New Release: Ruth Lorenzo - The Night

Ruth Lorenzo is back! It's official, her second single is actually going to be released here to the UK, and I'm so happy. I just can't stop talking about this song to people and I have been listening to it over and over again, I am really hoping it will chart this Sunday, but there's no sign of this song on the iTunes top 1000, it needs to chart people, you need to buy it now! This has been a long time coming to be honest, and her first single "Burn" didn't get released in the UK, so this makes it her debut here, but with little promotion and not a lot behind her, will she suffer? Well with this voice she will not be defeated, and I do see her eventually gaining the chart numbers she needed.

Ruth Lorenzo is from The X Factor UK, and came fifth in the fifth series. Her fellow contestants also got recording contracts and stuff, here's where they are now... Alexandra Burke (winner) working on her third album, has three number one singles and is kick-starting her career in the U.S.; JLS (second) are due to break-up, they have four albums behind them, five number one singles and are getting ready to release a greatest hits; Eoghan Quigg (third), one album, one single, and has disappeared from the spotlight; Diana Vickers (fourth), one album with a second being released soon, one number one single; Rachel Hylton (sixth) just starting up; Daniel Evans (seventh) released a single and album but failed to chart and has disappeared from the spotlight; Laura White (eighth), one single, has an album in the works and is now working under the stage name 'Martha'; Bad Lashes (twelfth) disbanded after releasing one single.

"The Night" was written by Ruth Lorenzo and Tim Ross. The song was originally called 'The Night Belongs To Us', and was given as a free download to her fans on FaceBook a couple of years back, and now it has been turned into a single, with remixes, that are great to listen to. The song is extremely catchy after a few plays, and her voice is outstanding, it's a shame she never got to the final of The X Factor, Simon Cowell missed out on something good here. Her emotion comes across amazingly, and I still think her rendition of Prince's "Purple Rain" on The X Factor sing-off is one of the best performances ever, I don't think anyone can top it.

The music video is mainly a performance piece but has a slight narrative that I find similar to Avril Lavigne's "Wish You Were Here". The narrative tightens heart strings and kind of displays her emotion out on a plate, however I think there should've been more to it, it lacks something crucial, maybe it would have been good to include past memories that she is thinking about.

The performance side of things to this music video is theatrical in a good way, you know her live performances will be full of energy and vibes that will reach across to the fans.

Overall a great song that gets stuck in my head really easily. The music video lacks a solid narrative, and the performance piece has lighting which doesn't always keep her in the light. The video, at the end of the day could be better, and be improved, yet it goes well with the song.
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