New Release: Rachel Platten - Fight Song



Rachel Platten is one hell of a fighter, she is an inspiration to us all, she tells us that we should always go after our dreams and we will get to where we want to be. The video proves this perfectly and it is her fight song, and this is one girl who won't be disappearing without a good brawl.

I struggled choosing a video today, purely because JoJo has released a tringle of singles, three singles in one, yet there's no music videos for them, and although they are amazing, and you should so go and buy them, I'm unable to review them until there's a video. So instead I chose Rachel Platten's Fight Song which is being played often on the radio, and will probably chart extremely well this week.

Rachel Platten has released two albums, one in 2003 and one in 2011, none of which made much of an impact, yet her songs have featured in some tv series. Now after a lot of hard work, she's proven she can make it. This song was written by Dave Bassett and Rachel Platten, the song encouraged her to believe in herself and it incites us all to do the same, it's uplifting and inspirational, I just believe every word as it is not only what I need to hear myself, but because she means every word she sings.

The music video was directed by James Lees. It directly links in with what Rachel Platten is singing, and that is exactly what I expected.

A lot of artists gig before coming well known, and it is a common story that only a few people will turn up to their first few gigs, and that is definitely shown at the start, along with the pain Rachel Platten is feeling at not quite making it in the music industry.

Then she just goes for it, hops in the car and sees where it leads. Slightly similar to Tim Berg's "Seek Bromance" This is a little unexpected as she's out having fun and doing what she wants, however letting it all go and starting afresh doesn't always work out for people, as we know from other videos. Could they have possibly shown that hard work gets you where you want in life?

Overall a great song, a well linked music video, and definitely something inspirational and memorable. I wish Rachel Platten the best on this week's chart, I bet it's going to do well.
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Beyoncé Featuring Sean Paul - Baby Boy



I've woken up with this song in my head everyday for about two weeks now, maybe longer. It's so weird how a catchy song can do that to you. The music video is sultry and sexy and fits perfectly. The reason this song is in my head is because I have been dating a guy, and we recently decided to be in a relationship and we put it on FaceBook too.. I don't stop thinking about him, and Beyoncé's lyric "I think about you all the time, I see you in my dreams" repeats itself in my head often.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter was in a girl group called Destiny's Child best known for their song "Survivor". However Beyoncé's is known for herself, with four UK number ones under her belt, this is one pop star who will never disappear from the chart. She is powerful and strong and influential to a lot of people. Sean Paul, real name Sean Paul Henriques, has had a shifty placement on the UK chart. He has never had a solo number one, and only managed to get to number one on featured songs. Maybe he'll score his first solo number one soon.

As I mentioned above this music video is sultry and sexy. Which links in with the song perfectly.

Beyoncé shines out throughout, and shows her incredible dancing as well. Scenic and beautiful. Definitely a perfect performance piece.

Sean Paul has a good active role in this too. Desirable and comfortable, he looks like he's in his element for this music video, and it's definitely good to see that.

Overall a great song with a great music video, it's a shame it didn't reach number one in the UK. But since the Black Eyed Peas' song "Where Is The Love?" was at number one at the time, it is understandable that this song never topped the UK charts. The music video works well, and I just have to give it this rating.
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New Release: Only The Young - I Do



Critic Jonni is back! Kicking it off with this awesome New Release... Which is now on Fridays, thanks to New Music Fridays. Which has not only changed the day of the UK music chart, but has also changed my entire blog. This also means that Revisit Sundays are no longer a thing, and instead revisits are done on Thursdays. So are we ready for the weekend?

Well Only The Young are with their release. This music video is not at all a surprise, it's cheerful and generic. A typical ex-X Factor first music video, and doesn't make me interested in watching it again, although I give it kudos for relating to the song.

Only The Young are a four piece band consisting of Mikey Bromley, Parisa Tarjomani, Betsy-Blue English and Charlie George. They were on the 11th series of The X Factor, which was won by Ben Haenow with Fleur East and Andrea Faustini coming second and third respectively. Stereo Kicks came in fifth place and released one single before breaking up. Jake Quickenden has an independent release coming up soon after finishing ninth. Only The Young came seventh overall, and I hope their career continues past this debut single.

The song is so catchy, it gets stuck in my head after first listen. Yet I feel it hasn't got the spark that first interested me in this band. The big question is whether it will chart or not. I hope it does as I can see this band going a lot further than this one single, but a quick glance at the iTunes chart reveals that this single hasn't hit the top 40 yet. However there's still time. I haven't heard it on the radio either, and radio play is very important when it comes to the chart. Fingers crossed for these guys.

The music video relates to the song well. And I love the black and white photo shoot scenes, it gives the music video something new and interests the viewer. I have to admit, I don't like Charlie's hair curled, though, it doesn't suit him.

Other good parts is that two people get married in a fake wedding, and Betsy-Blue and Parisa do heart hands in the photo scenes.

Overall a good music video with a very catchy song, which I hope charts next Friday. Yet a typical first music video from an ex-X Factor group, and I hope their follow-up music video is more personal and exciting.
Buy on iTunes

Cascada - Blink



Dance powerhouse group Cascada have already made a name for themselves in this genre. Not needing to do a single thing, they still continue, two singles released last year, both failing to chart, will 2015 see the return of Cascada or the end? I'm hoping for the former. They've had a number one in the UK, and they certainly can do it again.

Cascada consists of three members, Natalie Horler, Manian and Yanou. The latter two are DJ's whereas Natalie Horler is the vocalist and fronts Cascada. "Blink" was originally released by U.V.U.K. but it wasn't a success, and eventually given to Cascada. It was written by Eric Sanicola, Damon Sharpe and Shanna Crooks. Cascada's version wasn't a success either, failing to chart anywhere, yet it gained a lot of talk. Cascada also released "Madness" last year, featuring rapper Tris. This song also failed to chart. Fans are speculating that Cascada's downfall is due to their Eurovision Song Contest entry with "Glorious", where they didn't position well.  Hopefully they will impact the chart once again.

This video is a performance piece, nothing new from Cascada, and the sort of videos we have come to expect from this group.

Natalie Horler is stunning as ever and her vocals on the song is pure perfection. If this is the direction Cascada plans to go down, then I am all for it. This is definitely one of my favourite songs of last year. Making me think of uni. I certainly don't want to blink, these three years are already going so quickly. This is my university anthem.

Not an awful lot I can say about this video, and the song could have given us a much better video, yet it is performed well, and does definitely stand out.

Kiesza - Hideaway



Dance like no ones watching, in one single street, and around the corner. Kiesza shows she is a dancer and pulls it off just as well as the professionals. With the attraction of three guys, yet she leaves them in their neighhbourhood and grabs the same taxi back to where she came from. What could've been straight out of a musical film, falls flat and totally unreal.

Kiesza, real name Kiesa Ellestad, had a big year in 2014, hitting the UK by storm with this song alone and her follow up singles "Giant in my Heart" and "No Enemiesz" impacted the top 40 with the former getting to number 4. Her album didn't chart so well, but she has proved she'll be around for a long time, and I can definitely see 2015 being the perfect year for this Canadian singer and former navy reserves.

"Hideaway" was written by Kiesza and Rami Samir Afuni. It's extremely catchy and definitely one of those songs you not only identify with but you can't help singing along to. As soon as I heard it, I knew it was going to be a hit, and the constant playing on radio and music channels helped it achieve this.

The video is disappointing. As I mentioned above it could belong in a musical film, but it is not real enough to included in such a film.

I like watching the background people, like the three men standing on the left at the start watching, clearly surprised this was happening.

The dancers are in sync and pull the dancing off seamlessly... But Kiesza sticks out like a sore thumb, some of her dancing is not in time and she is sometimes a few seconds out. It looks like she didn't even rehearse enough with these dancers. Clearly more time for choreography was needed. Apparently she had difficulty with the choreography due to breaking a rib before filming... That does explain the timing issues.

Video isn't as unique as some people mention. It may have been shot in one, but this isn't the first time this has happened. Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Getting Back Together" was also done in one shot. I bet there are plenty of others too. As much as I am a fan of Kiesza's music, and this video does stand out, there is plenty of things that could be improved about this video.
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Morandi Featuring Inna - Summer In December



Bringing the warmness to the cold, this song is a summer anthem made for winter. Defining and compulsive, a song I can't stop playing. Adorable and enchanting, the music video shows Morandi's Randi and Inna as angels, looking over Morandi's Marius Moga. Reminds me a lot of Cupid with his bow and arrow.

Morandi consists of Marius Moga and Andrei Ştefan Ropcea (known as Randi). They have been successful all over eastern Europe. It begs to question... Is their next plan to hit the western world? I'm sure they can do just that considering how popular they are within various countries in the eastern world. The song features my favourite singer in the world: Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu. She's had some chart hits here in the UK, as well as other countries too. I can't stop hoping she releases a chart topping hit soon. "Summer in December" didn't chart in any country, but that doesn't mean anything, as I will continue to love this song and I definitely won't stop playing it.

The music video is both a performance piece and narrative. I shall start with the performance. As many people have commented on the video, Inna looks cute and it makes a nice change seeing her in something wintry. The scenes depict her as emotional and understanding, a perfect angel watching over Marius Moga. As for Randi, his performance outshines Inna's and keeps me engaged.

Marius Moga's narrative story is interesting and enveloping. I'm caught within the story and I want to know the outcome. I love the flashbacks, a typical resulting symptom after falling off a motorcycle. I also loved the ending, although the hallucination in the middle made me question the ending... Is she really there?

Overall great song with a perfect music video. Angelic and wintry. I can't wait to see where the future will take these two artists.
Buy on iTunes

Fifth Harmony - Sledgehammer



This girl group is officially the most successful X Factor (US) artist to come from the show. America's answer to the UK's The Saturdays, and they have made an impact across the world. Their vocals are astonishing. They should be around for some time, hopefully.

Fifth Harmony consists of Ally Brooke, Camila Cabello, Normani Kordei, Dinah Hansen and Lauren Jauregui. They came third in the second series of The X Factor (US). The other contestants who have released music, or plan on doing so soon are: Tate Stevens (winner), Carly Rose Sonenclar (2nd), Emblem 3 (4th), Diamond White (5th), CeCe Frey (6th), Paige Thomas (8th), Bea Miller (9th), Jennel Garcia (11th), Lyric 145 (12th), Sister C (joint 14th) and David Correy (joint 14th).

Sledgehammer was written by Jonas Jeberg, Meghan Trainor and Sean Douglas. An obvious hit considering one of the writers was Meghan Trainor (who already has a number one single in the UK with her own song "All About That Bass"). Yet this was released as a B-Side on the single release of "Bo$$" here. Their first single: "Miss Movin' On" was never released in the UK. However my guess is that they will re-release it since "Bo$$" wasn't so radio-friendly and was rarely played, yet it charted so high due to their X Factor UK performance. This song charted at number 112 by it's own right. I can definitely see this being re-released here to promote the album.

The music video isn't much. A massive performance piece, showing their vocals off beautifully.

That is not all though. It shows how close they are, how they have harmonized. Their dance sequences are in sync when they need to be. And I cannot help but do the sledgehammer move when they do, it feels so satisfying.

I don't get the white horse by Camila. But I guess it fits in it's own little way. As well an appearance of a sledgehammer is extremely unsurprising, yet needed. I can't wait to see where this girl group with go. I'm begging Simon Cowell to release more Fifth Harmony here in the UK!
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Ariana Grande Featuring Zedd - Break Free



We all know what Ariana Grande wanted to be when she was older, an intergalactic warrior princess. Video set in space on a fictional planet, inspired by Barbarella and Star Wars. Takes me back to the TV series such as Doctor Who, Firefly and Atomic Betty. Childish, yet sexual and provocative. Ariana Grande is no longer the cute, innocent nickelodeon teen idol... Pretty sure we've said similar things about Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera... The list is endless.

Ariana Grande shot to fame in Nickelodeon show Victorious, playing Cat Valentine. She continued her role into spin off series Sam & Cat. She next went into singing, and although her album hit number 7 in the UK charts, her singles from her first album rarely made the top 100. Her Christmas album didn't help either. She shot to fame in the UK thanks to featured artist Iggy Azalea on song "Problem" which scored her first top 40 single, as well as her first number one. Since then she hasn't stopped impacting the UK chart in a major way. 2014 was definitely her year, and I'm sure she will have continued success.

This song, written by Anton Zaslavski, Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, is definitely my TUNE! When this comes on in the clubs, I just have to dance, I just can't help it. Not really a surprise since it's written by some great song writers. The song features Zedd, DJ and music producer, who has yet had a number one single, but came close when he collaborated with Hayley Williams on "Stay the Night", which charted at number 2 here in the UK. Could 2015 be his year to dominate the UK charts?

The music video surprised me when I first saw it. This was just not what I expected from Ariana Grande. However she is 21 years old (same age as me), and as we all know, children TV stars have so many restrictions that when they become of age they do branch out and show they aren't so innocent. It worked for Miley Cyrus, she scored number ones here in the UK, after trying so hard innocently. And it worked for Britney and Christina, they definitely wouldn't be around if they had kept up their innocent acts. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these things need to happen, regardless of parents views. As much as we all want to, we can't be sweet and innocent for our entire lives.

The video disappointed me as the monsters wasn't quite so thought out. They weren't quite so scary. However she did get captured, and she broke free. Zedd rescues everyone through a spaceship, and there is a cute baby elephant hybrid thing in the spaceship too, I want one of those!
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Arctic Monkeys - Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?

Suggested on 28th August 2013, by an anonymous commenter, I thought it was about time I reviewed this. Thank you for the request, whoever you are. This is a band who have never appeared on my blog thus far; there's a first time for everything right? Arctic Monkeys are a four piece indie rock band consisting of Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Nick O'Malley and Matt Helders. They have released five studio albums, all of which have topped the UK chart over the years, as well as two number one singles which are "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" and "When The Sun Goes Down". This is their most recent single. "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?" was written by Alex Turner. The song is their first top ten UK charting single since "Fluorescent Adolescent" got to number five in 2007. It's obvious what the song is about, and radio surprisingly picked this song up and played it often, hence the high charting position, yet I don't quite get it. I've never been a fan of the Arctic Monkeys, yet I can't dispute that they have done well for themselves, especially with the five consecutive number one albums. I just don't see the interest in their music. However I'm not really into indie that much. The music video relates well to the song, and actually contains all four members of the band who are having a drink at the pub. Wasted, Alex Turner (the frontman), texts this girl called Stephanie (played by Lamie Stewart) and gets no reply. He walks the street seeing explicit hallucinations of the general street people around at that time. But the key portrayal is that he is thinking about Stephanie, and so the hallucinations involve her, including riding a motorcycle naked, as well as having sex with a kebab owner. The images continue this perverse imaginations, that I can't quite repeat, even for this blog, I really don't want to put my mind through a second viewing of this video. It is obvious what the ending would be, instead of appearing on Stephanie's doorstep, instead he is knocking on the wrong door. While on the opposite side of the street, Stephanie sees her 17 missed text messages all of which she ignores as she continues to head towards whatever room she planned on going to, leaving two people asleep on the couch. After those explicit hallucinations, what's to say she isn't as filthy as those images? Overall a song that is catchy to an extent, thanks to constant radio play, but one that does not appeal to me. The music video relates perfectly and I find no fault with it whatsoever. Fair enough I may not want to watch it ever again, but that isn't because it's a bad music video, it's because I do not want to see the content shown in it a second time, yet they have made it link with the song. So you can imagine where this rating is going...
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Conor Maynard - R U Crazy

Waking up with this song stuck in one's head, was not what I thought today would bring. But as I trundled down the stairs ready to watch the music channels, I was hoping this video would get played; that is what happened, and I haven't stopped singing to it in my head all day.

Conor Maynard, was born two months before me, and I still can't get over the fact that he's nearly 21. He's highest charting single is his debut "Can't Say No" which got to number two here in the UK. He was tipped as the UK's answer to Justin Bieber, and even though there is a few years between them, he'll never shake that from himself. This song reminds me of Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend". Yet with some big differences...

"R U Crazy" was written by Conor Maynard, Timothy McKenzie, Ashton Foster and Ray Djan. The second songwriter being the real name to singer Labrinth. The song sounds very personal to Conor Maynard as it's about a girl who wants him back, now that he is a household name. The start is good, and people believe it should have been a complete swing version, but I don't think it would've been quite so catchy. As the song progresses, we find out his falsettos aren't strong at all (reminds me of Justin Timberlake's falsettos, in his early years), but unlike Timberlake, Conor Maynard can't pull it off. And as the track ends, the producers mess around with his voice, making the track less enjoyable, and more experimental. I love the song, but they shouldn't have messed with it as much as they have done.

The music video relates well with the song, including a performance piece at the start and a narrative that starts and ends just the way we expect it to.

The performance piece at the start is quite misleading, unless Conor Maynard were to take the swing road, however that seems very unlikely. Then the narrative gradually appears with him wearing that horrible green jumper. This is an artist who people are meant to look up to and follow fashion wise, yet that jumper does nothing for him at all.

The video continues with the expected narrative, but with a surprise with him lying on top of her during a bedroom scene. I usually forget he is nearly 21, and seeing that every time just surprises me.

Overall, a strong song that doesn't need all the theatrics that has been put in; this is what stopped it from reaching the top spot of the UK chart, in my opinion. The music video has everything I want and more, the theatrical ending with the vases smashing, and although he never gives her his middle finger as the song says, there is a clear narrative, which adds to the song completely. Only problem I have is that hideous jumper. This video makes me aware that he's nearly 21, he needs the world to keep knowing that, or he'll be stuck with the 'UK's version of Justin Bieber' label.
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Lorde - Royals

So last week was a disaster, my promise of posting a review every day of the week, failed. And even though I did plan on catching it up. I failed to find the motivation to do it. But this week, I will not be defeated and I shall review every day. And our new release for this week is currently sitting at the top spot of the UK iTunes Chart. This is Lorde, with "Royals".

Lorde, real name Ella Yelich-O'Connor, is an aspiring new artist who shows a lot of promise in her vocals, especially since she's only 16. But will she become a one hit wonder, or will she stand the test of time? We shall see, but I fear for the former. Lorde is from New Zealand, and this is her debut single, which has pummelled her into international fame, gaining the top spot in America. She has released two consecutive singles which are "Tennis Court" and "Team", the former has already charted at 197 on the UK chart. The singles have charted well in her home country but internationally they have faired much worse than her first single. Is she a one-trick pony? I think so, but I sure hope she can prove me wrong.

"Royals" was written by Ella Yelich-O'Connor and Joel Little. The song is simple but very catchy, and I can understand why it is an international hit. There were a few inspirations for the song, one of which was seeing a picture in the 'National Geographic' magazine. I just hope this isn't going to be her only hit, internationally; she has much more to give to this world.

There is, apparently, two versions of this video. The normal one and the US version. I am reviewing the US version, since that is the one that appears on the music channels here in the UK. There isn't much difference apart from more visuals of Lorde in the US version.

The music video has a performance piece and a narrative piece (if you can call it that). The performance adds nothing to this video. It feels like she's very relaxed when performing, including forgetting to lip-sync her words during some of the scenes. This is highly noticeable at the very start. Which makes me question, whether she is really into this music, and is it really her? Or maybe she just loves hearing herself sing.

The narrative side is all in slow-motion, or most of it anyway. With cut-scenes showing that they box, like to swim, and shave each other's hair, or their own, in some cases. They like to meet up and socialise. This depicts some natural teenage life, although we are missing a lot.

I feel this is quite incomplete. Is there any scenes that got cut out completely? Or did they just not have the time to include them? The song is catchy, and I think people will be singing and playing it until the song is forgotten about. But the music video adds nothing to the song whatsoever. This is one video that makes me question what the point was in making it. Which then questions as a whole, why make music videos in the first place? So you can all guess where this rating is going... The only good thing I can drag out of this is being able to identify Lorde and it relates to the song ever so slightly. There is worst videos in this world.
Buy on iTunes

The Other Tribe - My Girl

The Other Tribe will become my Artist of the Month in the next few days, they have released two music videos that are really catchy and really great to watch. There are five band members who are James Hill, Miles Metric, Ollie White, Alex Oldroyd and Max Cleary. I am a bit of a fan of theirs, as you probably guessed; if it weren't for Aiden Grimshaw I doubt I would've stumbled across them. Their first single got a great reception and "Skirts" charted at number 36 on the UK Chart, unfortunately "My Girl" failed to follow suit, although it did receive much publicity from various showbiz sites. But clearly didn't strum up enough promotion for it. It just isn't as great as "Skirts", but I still love it nonetheless

The music video is full of narrative with interspersed performance pieces. It's the possibility of a perfect music video right? And guess what I can't find a fault with it, it relates to the song, it has a great storyline and is something I could watch again and again.

The performance snap shots are really just that; leaving us unclear on their vibes on performing, but what we do get out of it is their love for their music and eagerness to have fun up there. They're energetic from what we can see but does it extend to the audience? I reckon so, and I bet they would be good at a live performance, however these scenes don't really demonstrate that.

The narrative is all about a couple. The girl has some sort of magical powers making her unique. I think the song announces that she's good in bed, hence the whole nakedness in the song as well as certain scenes. The girl has a serious problem though and uses her power regularly to get what she wants. Eventually it looks like it is all going to finally topple on top of her, karma coming round?

But yet she lets her boyfriend take the fall for it. This is so unfair however could this lead on to a sequel? As she still has her powers and she is free to explore them however she wants, watch out world.

Overall an okay song, but the band has released better songs, and a music video that relates and blends well with the song and the meaning behind it, although more ties could have been added. This band needs another hit song, and an album to follow would just fill me with glee. This is a band to watch, hence why they will become my Artist of the Month.
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Lawson - Juliet

I thought it was about time I started this thing up again. Reasons for not continuing was because I had started a job, which took up most of my time, as well as starting uni once again recently. But I am back, and I'm hoping I will be able to continue this on and on for much longer.

Lawson are a four piece pop rock band consisting of Adam Pitts, Andy Brown, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher. This is their sixth single to date. "When She Was Mine", "Taking Over Me", "Standing In The Dark" and "Brokenhearted" of which has hit the top 10 of the UK chart, and this single looks like it will be following in their footsteps. "Juliet" is extremely catchy and has been air-played a lot, if it doesn't chart high this Sunday I'll be extremely surprised. This band seems to be going strong. They're only going to get better and better.

The music video is performance based with a narrative to follow, with a surprised ending. But what is more of a shocker is that they nabbed Kelly Brook for the video, if the song was bad, just the appearance of Kelly Brook would make this song a hit, yet this is such a great hit nonetheless and if it doesn't chart high this Sunday, something is wrong.

I like the narrative, with Kelly Brook finding the richest guy, getting him drunk and then taking all his money, or the equivalent of. And we presume she is Juliet, who the boys are singing about, especially as she goes from one of the band members to the next in an extremely flirty manner, but with this twist ending, it completes the video perfectly.

The performance side is full of energy, they clearly love being on a stage and giving people the music they want to make. I think they would be great to see live, and are a great band to get the fans going.

Overall a great song that would've charted high no matter what the video was like. But this amazing video definitely helps the song, especially since Kelly Brook is in it too. I have no issues whatsoever with this video, and it relates with the song, what more could we possibly ask for? You can probably guess the rating if you haven't seen it already. But here it is anyhow...
Buy on iTunes

Kids In Glass Houses - Animals

Ever since this music video first came out, I've been dying to review it, but time passed and I kind of forgot about it. But now it is finally on my blog.

Kids In Glass Houses are a five piece band consisting of Aled Phillips, Iain Mahanty, Philip Jenkins, Joel Fisher and Andrew Shay. I saw them live in 2008 when they were a support act for Paramore. Back then I had no idea who they were, and it wasn't until after that tour they soon became well known. This song along with the follow-up singles and their album was much more heavier than I was used to from this band, and it kind of makes sense why they didn't chart very well as it is far from "Give Me What I Want" and "Undercover Lover" and "Matter At All". However their new single "Drive" sounds promising, and their new album, 'Peace', out on 30th September, sounds like it could be their best album yet. You can preorder the album, plus grab many exclusives here: http://www.pledgemusic.com/artists/kidsinglasshouses

"Animals" was written by Jason Perry & Kids In Glass Houses. The song has grown on me since I first heard it, and eventually their entire album 'In Gold Blood' has become catchy, and I actually really enjoy listening to it, however I still think it isn't as good as 'Dirt' and 'Smart Casual'. The song failed to chart here in the UK, and I thought it was a sure sign of this band disappearing, but their Christmas single "Secret Santa", managed to chart at 87. So they still have a massive fan base, and I'm sure this new album will bring their best charting position, hopefully.

This music video was filmed in Birmingham, UK. I remember because they offered their fans on facebook to be in the video, I would've applied, but I went on holiday on the day of filming, but knowing my luck they wouldn't have accepted me anyway.

The video is good, I like the use of UV paint, reminding me of The Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta A Feeling". It is a little on the dark side, which is not what we were used to seeing from this band.

The performance piece has vibes and energy and the people they are performing to are clearly enjoying it.

I also like the entrance and the way they enter, as well as when they put the UV paint on.

The priest and the worshippers are a little on the weird side, I don't see the point of it, just that they are showing it, and it doesn't even link in with the song that much. It's kind of scary in it's own way, this was the direction of this album, a darker and hauntingly rock sound. And I never became a fan of their new direction, until a year and a half after it was released.

Overall a song that eventually becomes catchy, and a music video that fails to keep me entertained, there's very little to it, but all kudos goes towards the performance piece.

Loreen - My Heart Is Refusing Me

Loreen, real name Lorine Talhaoui, won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012, which brought the most recent contest to Sweden. She has since gone on to release an album and a few singles, along with a re-release of her album, but is she following in the footsteps of all the other winners before her, failing to keep charting in the rest of Europe, and will she just end up releasing in her own country? I surely hope not. I'm expecting a new album at the end of this year, or the start of 2014, with a smashing new song that will chart globally. She is a superstar and deserves credit for it, she deserves to be heard all over the world and not just in Sweden. She has the passion for it, so I hope her fans do too.

"My Heart Is Refusing Me" was written by Moh Denebi, Björn Djupström and Loreen. Loreen performed the song on Melodifestivalen 2011 in attempt to compete in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011, but she came fourth overall. The single then got released as her first single in Sweden. Next year comes and she once again competes to be in Eurovision 2012, and she wins with "Euphoria". Then she wins the entire contest, and this song becomes her second international single. Which gained moderate success in Europe. She has gone on to release "We Got The Power" which she performed on Eurovision 2013, which also got moderate success. These songs are amazingly catchy, and I hope she gets her credit and success in the next year, as she definitely deserves it.

The music video is both narrative and performance. It is highly emotional too, and makes you wonder what Loreen has been through. Clearly that girl is Loreen at a young age, and she has definitely been through the wars.

A hard life is something that is shown in this video, and it definitely is what the song is about. Her vocals out stand me, and it is clear that Loreen means every word of it.

The song and it's video is on the dark side, and dancing really is the uplifting moment of this video, it's where Loreen releases her anger and everything else that has been building up. The inclusion of the slow motion effect really makes her iconic moves look incredible. And although it is similar to "Euphoria" it is also not, at the same time.

The ending is inspirational, it shows that she is still in her dark place, even though she is globally known, and it's like she hasn't moved, and she has just got older. Basically her problems haven't gone away, they're still there but maybe not as prominent as they used to be.

The song gets stuck in my head easily, and it should've been Loreen's second international hit, yet it only did moderately well. It's accompanying music video relates to the song and is highly emotional, just like the song. I feel there is more background to the narrative, which I would've liked to have seen, yet leaving it out was also a good idea, making us want to know and making us want to understand.

Lady Gaga - Applause

I cannot believe I'm reviewing this. This song is one that doesn't necessarily get stuck in my head, but it is being played too often on radios here in the UK, so much so that you recognise the song whenever it is being played. Lady Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, is finally back. It has been quiet for the last year, but she hasn't disappeared, hell no, and this song proves it. She is iconic in her own way and she'll never be forgotten.

"Applause", which fans are reading it as 'Applesauce', was written by Lady Gaga, Paul Blair, Dino Zisis, Nick Monson and Martin Bresso. It charted here in the UK at number five. But it wouldn't surprise me if it climbs higher in the next few weeks, since it is definitely being over-played.

This music video is extremely artistic, and that is what Lady Gaga is all about. She's intricate and involved in every aspect of her career, she knows what she is doing, even though at times we don't think she does. She's become what she is because of how involved she is, and memorable is what she aims for.

This artistic video plays with colours, costumes, some things unbelievable and some things shocking. And even though you may think: 'What is she thinking?', she clearly is thinking, and this video has made me watch again and again purely because of it's unusuality as well as the half swan half Lady Gaga.

There is no narrative, but this leaves very little to the imagination. It is in both black & white and colour, and although the black & white is used to dramatic effect, which is artistically great, I can't help but dislike the use of it. Lady Gaga is such an incredible performer and this video (and previous videos) shows it, so why did she need to experiment with colour, it's like taking a step back, in my opinion.

On the other hand, ignoring the colour overall. Her dancing is on point, the complex choreography is too easy for her, she pulls it off like it's something she does everyday, the only other artist I can come up with who dances that great is Britney Spears, yet that is a collaboration we would all love right?

Overall a song that exudes perfection and the accompanying music video exudes artistry, but do we really want that in a video? It may well be entertaining during first and second plays, but after seeing it a couple of times, and not being able to throw that image of the gaga/swan hybrid that is embedded in your head for forever, enough is enough, and your more interested in watching a video you'll enjoy watching.

New Release: Follow Your Instinct Featuring Alexandra Stan - Baby, It's OK

Follow Your Instinct, also known as FYI, is a new urban group who happen to be up and coming. They are a three piece group consisting of Addis (a.k.a. Raptile), Lionezz and Viper. These acts alone are pretty credible, this group is what we all call a 'supergroup', that is a group that each member were successful solo artists or in another group before this one. Addis, found fame under the name Raptile, charting high in Germany, he apparently has had 500,000 sales worldwide, now he is ready to take his career to the next lever with this group. In the exact same position is Lionezz who found fame in a TV show called 'ego trip's Miss Rap Supreme', and came 8th overall. As for Viper, he has worked with various producers over the years. This group has been named the new 'Black Eyed Peas', is that true? Guess we'll have to wait and see. They kind of remind me of a mix of 'N-Dubz' and 'Platnum'. I really think FYI and Platnum should collaborate, that would definitely be an unstoppable single. Instead they have collaborated with Alexandra Stan.

Alexandra Stan, she is the whole reason I have bought this single.After having a massive hit in the whole world with "Mr. Saxobeat" as well as doing well with her follow-up singles "Get Back (ASAP)" and "Lemonade", she fell so quickly, which led to her ending up in hospital. Her then boyfriend and manager beat her up after a money dispute back in June. Now she is back, and ready to conquer yet again!

"Baby, It's OK" samples K.C. and The Sunshine Band's "Give It Up". It's a great update of the song, and so catchy. I'm surprised that it looks like it might not become a good hit, since it is one of those songs that easily get stuck in your head. However the lyrics aren't exactly strong and Viper's solo in the song adds nothing. He has a unique voice but it's not something I can see myself listening to, he isn't a great singer, but I can see how his vocals change the track.

This music video is a typical video we've seen over and over again, only this has extra scenes you never expect to see in this type of video, so it's not all bad.

We're getting pretty bored of these rap guys being surrounded by women in bikinis and in some music video even less. It doesn't interest me and what prevents one of these videos being different from another?

This music video however includes a dance sequence with professional dancers, it features two females on vocals, that being Alexandra Stan and Lionezz, so it's not all bad. Alexandra Stan is looking healthy and on top form once again, she even shows that she has dance finesse, give that girl some choreography, she will surprise us all with how she can move. Following from that Lionezz proves she is a dancer, she can definitely pull it off, and it works well.

Overall a great song that gets stuck in my head all day and for the days to follow, you lot should buy this song now! It comes with great remixes too. The music video starts off as a typical rap music video, but soon changes and proves that Follow Your Instinct is not following in footsteps of other great rappers. Keep your eyes on these guys, if they don't make it big, they'll make it global. That's what my instinct is telling me.

Cassadee Pope - Wasting All These Tears

Cassadee Pope, lead singer of a band called Hey Monday, who I was obsessed with not long ago. When they went on hiatus I was surprised and a bit sad, but knew that it was for the best, what with them not doing as well as I had hoped, plus they didn't release much here in the UK. So then I heard Cassadee Pope had auditioned for The Voice US. I was excited and tried to follow her but since the show is not shown here in the UK, I found it difficult to remember, but when she won I was once again obsessed with her and her music, this song is so good that I couldn't help myself but buy it, now I can't stop playing it, on my laptop, on my phone, wherever and whenever I can, it's so good.

"Wasting All These Tears" was written by Caitlyn Smith and Rollie Gaalswyk. The song was unusually first released here in the UK, but with no promotion behind it, it failed to chart at all (which we expected), and later released world wide, charting well in the US. If only she were able to promote herself more, the world needs to see how brilliant she is.

The music video has everything I expected and more. The song is about hearts breaking as her boyfriend has cheated on her, and how she doesn't want to waste any more tears on him. The visual of this story is fantastic, and the narrative, which is short, works so very well.

I like the use of the photo book as well as the swing, it's part of reminiscing about past events that is now seen in a different light. She realises that he never really felt much for her compared to how much she felt for him. I love the shower of rain as she is on the swing, it's suggestive of the amount of tears she has shred. I just wish it would stop as the music video finishes.

The performance side is beautiful, as ever. It kind of reminds me a bit of "Candles". The way she performs is the exact same way she used to perform, only her voice has improved since then. She has emotion behind every single word, and she also had that in the Hey Monday videos too.

Overall a song I'm in love with, and I cannot wait for the album, it's going to be one of the best, I'm sure of it. The accompanying video is perfect, it is the only word I can possibly come up with to describe it, and we all know I'm into banjos in music. I can't wait to see what the next few years will give to this superstar in the making.
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Matt Cardle Featuring Melanie C - Loving You

Matt Cardle, winner of The X Factor Series Seven. He was signed to Syco but soon parted ways so that he could create the music he wanted, and boy has he done just that with this amazing song that should be charting high this Sunday. Matt Cardle is set to released his third album soon, and if this single is to give anything away, it is going to be a much loved album by his fans. The X Factor returns very soon, and the promo advert for it is so good including hits from the winners and the successful acts, however it hasn't included Matt Cardle, as well as other great acts to have come from the show. this brought quite a bit of controversy, as it does every year the promo gets released.

This song features the amazing Melanie C, 1/5th of one of the biggest and one of the best girl bands the world has ever seen, The Spice Girls. But she has definitely made a name for herself. She is currently performing in the west end, and has improved her voice and her acting skills. This is one person who knows how to perform.

The seventh series of The X Factor gave us a few good acts, as well as a few not so good. Reguardless, some got some great record labels, and this is what they have been up to as of late... Rebecca Ferguson (2nd), planning a second album, my guess is that she is on broken ice, if her new album doesn't chart well it could be the end for her and her Syco recording contract; One Direction (3rd), possibly the biggest boy band ever at the moment, here and in the US, if you don't know them, you've been hiding under a rock; Cher Lloyd (4th), working on a second album, after making it big in the US; Mary Byrne (5th), released 2 albums that charted well, and she is working on a third; Katie Waissel (7th), released an album which did not chart, and is now the front woman of a band called Red Velvet; Paije Richardson (8th), has released a few songs but nothing more; Aiden Grimshaw (9th), released "Is This Love" and "Curtain Call" as well as an album, and he is soon going to be releasing a follow up; Belle Amie (11th), released "Girls Up" but then another band member left, rumour has it that they are planning to return as a four-piece; Storm Lee (14th), re-released his album. There's a few other promising acts, but nothing concrete just yet.

"Loving You" is a song that is very catchy. It definitely reminds me of the famous duet between Bryan Adams and Melanie C called "When You're Gone". The song is also being released outside of the UK, in an attempt to crack the US maybe? With a featured guest as big as Melanie C, I guess it has a very big chance. I love the song, and although I am not a Matt Cardle fan, I have bought this song because it is that good! It's currently charting high on the iTunes top 100, getting into the top 10, lets hope it can stay there.

The music video has caused a bit of a controversy spark all over the country due to the kiss... Are they together? I want them to be as they would be a great couple, however I believe they are just friends. But I'm sure their fans would be happy for them if they did start a relationship with each other, we can always keep hoping they'll announce they're together, but it seems unlikely at the moment.

It is mainly a performance piece what with them singing the song in a house. Which is quite empty to be honest. It is full of emotion exactly like the song is and I can't help but feel sad for them as I try to work out why they are so lonely.

The performance piece acts as a narrative too, as far as I can depict, they are two people who have been having a fling together, this relates to the song perfectly such as when they sing 'does somebody hold you when you let me go?'. It is vividly strong, and they continue to sing how it's not enough for their hearts, they clearly deserve to be together, and the harmonies in this amazing song is just outstanding, they should so collaborate again in the future.

Overall a song that just blows me away and deserves a high charting, I'm hoping the more people who hear it the more people who will buy it, and surely radio has been picking it up, and if it isn't, it will do after this week as it seems to be charting this Sunday. The music video is great to watch, I have a few problems like what Melanie C is wearing... What is with that biker jacket? It just doesn't suit her, it may have done if she was wearing it properly, but she really isn't. But no other problems, just that the narrative could have been expanded that little bit more.

Lumidee - Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)

So Lumidee's only hit to date in many countries, so of course I was going to review this song as my Sunday Revisit, since she is set to make a comeback, we hope. Her full name is Lumidee Cedeño and has released a fair few other singles, which never gained much interest. She is still a one hit wonder, and returning to this track, like many others before me, has revealed that she wasn't that great of a singer as I remembered, but who needs to be a good singer if you have the right song, you can conquer. Especially since her comeback has shown she's a great rapper. Check out her new song, which vs. Fatman Scoop: "Dance 2013", it has to be a hit right?

"Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)" was written by Lumidee Cedeño, Teddy Mendez, Edwin Perez, Steven Marsden, Trevor Smith and John Jackson. The latter two are the real names of the people who feature in this song and those are Busta Rhymes and Fabolous respectively. I am not sure why they aren't officially featured. I guess they wanted to market Lumidee's first track and features wasn't quite so popular as it is now, however Lumidee only got to number two in the UK with this back in 2003, being beaten by Blu Cantrell Featuring Sean Paul "Breathe". I could've sworn this got to the top spot here, but clearly she got a lot of money from this track, since she has come back looking well off. Some people do say that all it takes is one hit song.

This video is definitely old school. The video I have found doesn't show it off that well, and I'm pretty sure there are probably better videos of this music video about. But ignoring the whole picture quality this is a video from the streets, where Lumidee is from.

There is a narrative and a performance piece, along with various dance sequences mixed in with the scenes. This adds to the video a lot.

The performance side is good, Lumidee is just going about her day walking through the crowd as if it is any other day, it's like she's not even aware of the camera and we're just part of the crowd, she is very much a natural. I love Busta Rhymes' rap it works well and he is really getting into this song, the way he is moving and you just know he is happy to be there... Whereas Fabolous... Well he's trying to not be there, hiding under his cap not even moving, as if he's extremely nervous and then when it's his turn to rap his head pops up and it looks like he's thinking 'Is it my turn now?', he soon raps and once he's finished he starts to loosen up a bit. I think they should've helped him to relax more, I hope he has improved from that day.

The narrative side links in well with the song, there's a love interest who is played by J. D. Williams, who has featured in many music videos these are Aaliyah's "Miss You", Freeway's "What We Do", Mariah Carey's "Through The Rain", Cam'Ron's "Lord You Know", Fabolous' "Breathe", Tupac Shakur's "Ghetto Gospel", Mario's "How Could You" and Prodigy's "Stuck On You". Quite the music video actor isn't he. Not much really happens with them two, but you can tell that they were together and there's still feelings between them.

The dancing is really good, and a lot of work was put in to nail all of it. I feel it would have been better to have seen Lumidee take part too, like we wanted Rita Ora to dance in the song "Hot Right Now" by DJ fresh, which she features on. The choreography is on point, and although we don't see all that much of it, it still stands out, and reminds me of the dancing in Step Up and it's sequels. This song would have been perfect for it's soundtrack.

Overall a song that I still like today even though her vocals aren't so great. This song is definitely a guilty pleasure, one of those ones that you still like even though you haven't heard it in ages, and you still know most of the lyrics (much to my embarrassment). The music video, relates, is funny (especially at Fabolous' expense) and was released at the right time. The song should've been number one here in the UK, and I hope Lumidee manages to make a worthy comeback, I am still waiting for that amazing day.

Fifth Harmony - Miss Movin' On


Miss Movin’ On - Fifth Harmony |

Fifth Harmony, a girl group from the US, who are well known for competing on The X Factor US season two, came third overall. They consist of Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Lauren Jauregui, Camila Cabello and Dinah Hansen. They have become the first artist from The X Factor US to chart in the Billboard Top 100, and I hope they continue to succeed. They were competing against many great contestants, and it was such a great series to watch, but what are the finalists up to now?

Tate Stevens (winner), released an album and single, and charted well on the country charts; Carly Rose Sonenclar (2nd), the amazing 14 year old who is currently getting ready to release her first single (expect a chart worthy song, she's so good!); Emblem3 (4th), released a single called "Chloe (You're The One That I Want)" that made them the second X Factor US act to chart on the Billboard Top 100, as well as releasing an album that also charted well; Diamond White (5th) has been signed as well as playing minor characters in various tv series; CeCe Frey (6th), has some news that is yet to be announced, I'm hoping she has been signed as she has star quality; Paige Thomas (8th), has been signed, released a song called "Lolli" and apparently there's an album in the works; Beatrice Miller (9th), became signed in April 2013, but no more news; Lyric 145 (12th), released a single called "I Get It", along with a mixtape that I'm obsessed with, I am hoping for more releases from them in the near future; Sister C (joint 14th) released a self-titled EP, and I'm also hoping they release more in the future. I hope that all the finalists get a recording contract, as they are all amazing and I think it's going to be hard for the third season to top this!

"Miss Movin' On" was written by Mitch Allan, Jason Evigan, Lindy Robbins and Julia Michaels. The song is one of those songs that become stuck in your head after hearing it a few times. I feel that it isn't quite the right song for them compared to the amazing performances they did on The X Factor US... As well as that, the video isn't quite right either...

A performance and a narrative in one, this should get top marks, but if you have already scrolled down, you'll see that this isn't the case.

The performance side is sloppy, messy and out of sync. Come on, this is a girl group, who are bound to be compared to other girl groups, from The Spice Girls to The Saturdays, from Girls Aloud to Little Mix. The girls need to have choreography down to a dot, they need to all be doing the same moves in sync, or it turns out like this.

Not only that but it looks like five upcoming female artists who have collaborated for this one song, they all want the spotlight as if it's a competition and the winner gets a recording contract, it just looks wrong and unappealing.

The narrative attempts to bring it all back, but we're too lost by the awful performance scene to ever be entertained by this narrative, which focuses on the girls getting rid of the past and moving on; hopefully, to forget their ex-boyfriends.

Overall a song that still hasn't been released in the UK, but if it ever does, I so hope it charts well here. And a music video that probably looked good on paper, but in reality, the visual just fails to keep me interested. I'll be giving it kudos, though, based on this being their first music video, as well as that I hope the team behind them bring out a better second single video.
Buy on iTunes
(only available on a soundtrack)

Lumidee Vs. Fatman Scoop - Dance 2013

Lumidee, remember her? Well known for her first single "Never Leave You (Uh Oooh, Uh Oooh)"? No? Well it got to number two here in the UK way back in 2003, being beaten to the post by Blu Cantrell and Sean Paul's "Breathe". You could call her a one hit wonder here in the UK, especially since her second single "Crashin' A Party" failed to make it in the top 40. Her full name is Lumidee Cedeño, and has been trying to get a hit for a while, and I'm sure she has found one right here, could she get this song to number one here in the UK? Well the song includes another 2003/2004 hit maker called Fatman Scoop, real name Isaac Freeman III, who made it to number one in the UK with "Be Faithful" in 2003, and his second single "It Takes Scoop" featuring DJ Kool, managed number nine in 2004, but no other charting singles to date. Could this song too push him back into the spotlight? I definitely can imagine this song tearing the clubs up and down the country. So I'm hopeful it will do well. And we may just have two stars from a decade ago being well known again.

"Dance 2013" is a remix of the previous 2006 release of "Dance!" which did okay across the world, with a few top 10 hits in Europe. It was written by George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam, Cordell Burrell, Lumidee Cedeño and Isaac Freeman. I am presuming the writing credits are the same for the 2013 remix, as I don't think much has changed except for the extremely catchy beat. The song samples Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" as well as Scooter's "Maria (I Like It Loud)" and Nina Sky's "Move Ya Body" apparently.

The music video is totally different to their first music video for "Dance!", which I will review in the future as it is different. This one is updated, more modern, and the song is definitely one of those songs you are more than likely going to be hearing in the clubs.

The video relates to the song a lot, with various trained professional dancers doing backflips, and various other moves that I can't even think of doing let alone know how to. Some of them really stand out, and I'm like, how'd you pull that one off?

The performance pieces are great to watch, they clearly enjoy this remix and I can't help but sing along, it's such a great song, and if it's not a hit here in the UK, I'm going to be shocked.

Overall a song that needs to chart at number one here in the UK, or at least really high, and it's so catchy. The accompanying music video, relates, is great to watch and is just perfect in every way. I love that they have people off the streets dancing too including Buzz Lightyear, Elmo, Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty. As well as the Statue of Liberty. So much greatness all in one video.
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