How have I not seen this video before today? To be fair I only just about remember P!nk's debut single. This video is amazing! What a great ending, I'm so glad I chose this as my revisit.
This is P!nk's, Alecia Moore's, debut single. She was previously in a girl band called Choice, however they disbanded and P!nk got a solo career. This song is a surprise, who would've thought P!nk was firstly an R&B singer? Written by Alecia Moore, Kandi Burruss and Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, it hit number six here in the UK. Considering the songs out at the time, Destiny's Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills", TLC's "No Scrubs" and Mýa "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)", this sound was very popular in the early 00's and I do miss this sound, maybe it will return, like all good music does, in the future.
This video is awesome. I like her skater side, makes me think of Avril Lavigne's debut single "Complicated", and they also brought back the skaters in "Raise Your Glass", which was a nice tribute to her past.
The narrative was something interesting to say the least. I loved the ending as I wasn't expeciting it at all. The whole scene with the bike is pretty reminiscent of Britney Spears' "Toxic", but then again motorbikes are featured in this way a lot, whether it's in a music video or not.
I can't help but laugh at the phone, back then the flip phone was popular, and it soon came back around again, but the size of the screen is laughable considering the size of our screens now and what they can do.
P!nk, even back then, proved how great of a performer she is, she sang and danced her way through the song, and she commands us to watch her and give her our full attention. She just looks powerful.
Overall great song, with a brilliant music video. I just don't understand the topless scene, although Rihanna also did it in "Umbrella", and Miley Cyrus, most recently, did it in "Wrecking Ball", so I guess it's nothing to be surprised at.
This has to be my favourite One Direction song thus far. I did like "What Makes You Beautiful", but their voices in this song are so powerful and emotional, this is exactly what I've been waiting for from these guys. A memorable video to boot too, although it only links in with the drag me down part of the song, since they're in a spaceship and creating a force against gravity. Maybe they're off to see Britney in "Oops!... I Did It Again" or maybe they're after Ariana Grande in "Break Free".
One Direction hit headlines recently as they announce they're splitting up, however it's only for a year, before they return as a band again. So can we get this straight, just like many other bands do, they're going on hiatus, they are not splitting up completely... So can we all stop using the words One Direction Are Splitting Up, because they really aren't. They deserve this break, and they will get back together after a year.
They are now a four-piece band consisting of Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson. Recently, Zayn Malik left the band to pursue a solo career, however if this is the outcome with him not being in the band, then they're better off without him. Sorry Zayn fans, but every time I saw Zayn, I always thought of the day he cried at bootcamp on The X Factor, not a good look at all. They came third on the seventh series of The X Factor, behind Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson. Other notable stars from that year includes, Cher Lloyd, Mary Byrne, Katie Waissel, Paije Richardson, Aiden Grimshaw, Belle Amie and Storm Lee. The song was written by Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott and John Ryan.
Directed by Ben & Gabe Turner, the video is set at NASA, and features One Direction as astronauts, I have to admit, this has not been done before, and the idea that a spaceship defies gravity and there for even gravity can't drag them down is a great link.
Their performance piece looks good, purely because of the setting and the camera angles as well as the way the cameras are used. However, it works exactly the way you expect, as it makes you want to go and see them live. I saw them live at The X Factor Tour, but they have a lot more energy now than back then, and you can see it in their music videos.
Overall a video that doesn't disappoints, but doesn't give us the wow factor. However the song makes up for that entirely as the song is so heartfelt and emotional, even though they didn't write the song personally, you know they've connected with the song and they mean what they're singing.
Now this is the P!nk I adored. I loved all her albums, however her most recent "The Truth About Love" put me completely off P!nk, I still love her old songs, but "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)", "Try", "Just Give Me A Reason" and "True Love" had me removing her songs from my iTunes, and the only times I hear P!nk now is on the radio or through YouTube. It's mind blowing how one album can change your whole listening habits.
A funfair video with a narrative and performance piece, what is not to like about this video though?
P!nk, real name Alecia Moore, has had none stop success and I used to be a fan of her right up to her most recent album. I hope that she returns to her old sound, or at least something better than her previous album. "Who Knew" was written by P!nk, Max Martin and Dr. Luke. A perfect song writing team, and no wonder this was a hit. The song is about a friend P!nk lost to drugs when she was just 14. This song is so powerful and her emotion in the song comes across. The song came to my attention this week as it was played on the radio, and it just explained my life as I'm back to single life, another week and a half relationship gone by. If it's meant to be, he'll come back to me. If not, someone else will surely come into my life.
The video does the song's meaning justice. A lot is compacted in this short three and a half minutes, it's surprising it all fitted in.
The narrative is emotional. A couple is clearly in a new relationship, yet the funfair shots suggests they've been together much longer. The girl is clearly more into the guy, than what he is into her. Although he is secretly injecting drugs into himself without her knowing. She finds him in a drugged state at the end, and she walks away from the relationship. (If anyone know the actors names, please comment below).
Let's be honest, if we all had the chance to, we'd go and see P!nk live. We all know that she is an amazing performer. And her passion in the words she sings are clear during the video footage. She has a presence that we'll all love to see on a stage in front of us.
The video is perfect in every way, with a developed storyline and a good performance piece. It contains a funfair and has good subliminal messages. This is the P!nk we all miss, the one we'd like to see return.
Jess Glynne shows us that we shouldn't be hard on ourselves and that we should fight for what we want because we can achieve anything if we set our minds to it. Uplifting and inspirational, this should've amazed us, yet it falls flat like so many others.
I have decided to start the week off with Chart Mondays. Every Monday I shall review a video in the UK top 10, usually it will be the current number one, however this isn't always possible due to it already been reviewed or it doesn't have a video.
Jess Glynne scored her fifth number one with this song, no longer helping Clean Bandit get awesome hits, Jess Glynne has took the UK by storm. She is tied with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini with the most UK number ones for a solo British female, however Jess Glynne has done it within 18 months compared to Cheryl's five years. Jess Glynne will be around for a long time, and I expect more number ones will follow.
Written by Jess Glynne, Wayne Hector and TMS. The song inspires us all, with it's disco theme, Jess Glynne tells us to never give up. The catchy song is so good it's no surprise it got to number one, her vocal range is amazing to listen to, and this song fits perfectly with her previous released singles. I Cry When I Laugh album is one to listen to, for sure.
Declan Whitebloom was the director, and considering his previous videos: Taylor Swift's "Mean", "We Are Never Getting Back Together" and Pixie Lott's "What Do You Take Me For?". Its surprising that this one isn't as memorable as the others he has directed.
I like the narrative side, what with the drummer practising over and over and his father encouraging him and eventually he is good enough to be included.
Yet the performance side totally lets this video down. I would never be interested in seeing Jess Glynne live. Don't get me wrong, her voice is phenomenal, and since she's had five number ones already, she clearly is one of the UK's best female acts, however it looks like she is just singing the song in this video. Where is her performance? Where is her passion? Her feeling? Does she even mean anything she is actually singing?
What's next for Jess Glynne? Another number one, surely. Or will Cheryl Fernandez-Versini fight back? Has Jess Glynne relaxed? In this video she seems complacent. Will she be able to keep her chart reign? I guess we'll have to wait and see. As for the video it fails to excite me like I was expecting it to.
Back with one of the catchiest songs of the summer, Little Mix continues their success here in the UK. Like many girl groups before them, they inspire girls to prove that no matter who you are, you can get the guy, you can look good, and that you should never let anyone put you down because you're beautiful inside and out. The perfect video, to a perfect uplifting song, that definitely sticks in my brain nearly everyday.
Little Mix are still the only group to win The X Factor, thanks to the help of Tulisa. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall. Black Magic was written by Edvard Forre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, Ed Drewett and Camille Purcell. This is their first single from their new album, Get Weird, which is out in November. They have been the most successful from the eighth series of The X Factor, however other well known stars include: Marcus Collins, Amelia Lily, Misha B, Janet Devlin, Kitty Brucknell, Frankie Cocozza, Johnny Robinson and 2 Shoes.
Directed by Director X, this music video is one we will never forget. Something new and different for this foursome. Narrative based, with the band as central characters. It is exactly what I wanted and more from these girls.
It instantly reminds me of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, mixed with films The Craft, Clueless and Mean Girls along with tv series like Charmed and Switch. Director X has really combined all these into one.
The video stars Mikey Grand as the guy that Little Mix find cute, and Stefanie Michova as the mean girl. What this video should give is strength to teenage girls, and girl power is definitely something Little Mix supports, and yet they do make us all envy since there isn't a day that goes by when we all just wish we had magical powers to sort out our lives.
Uplifting and magical, there is not much wrong with this video. Although I do understand that, style wise, they aren't good role models, what with what they are wearing, but come on it is 2015 now, and we all have to admit they look good in what they're wearing, there's worse problems to worry about, this just shows that a geeky girl can be turned sexy.
First we had the hump thanks to Rizzle Kicks' song "Mama Do The Hump", next we had the gangnam style dance thanks to PSY's song "Gangnam Style". Now we have the whip, the nae nae, the stanky leg, the break your legs, the bop, the yule, the superman and the duff, however we already had all these dance moves, Silentó has just put them all together into a full dance, I am so disappointed.
Silentó, real name Ricky Hawk, is an American rapper. This is his debut single. At only 17, he has already made a name for himself with this single, managing to chart in various countries around the world, including charting at number three in the US Billboard. It is currently climbing the UK chart, and I wouldn't be surprised if it hit the top 10.
This video looks good to start off with, however the budget was clearly blown on the extras in the background, from cheerleaders to old ladies, from dancers and dance crews to celebrity singers who include Lil Scrappy and Rich White Ladies. This could've been so much better.
These dance moves aren't Silentó's own, which makes me sad. We Are Toonz created the whip and the nae nae, the latter was made popular in their music video for "Drop That NaeNae". The stanky leg is from GS Boyz's song "Stanky Legg", break your legs is just known along with the bop. The yule and the superman is from Soulja Boy's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" which everyone is aware of and the duff is also just known apparently.
Overall a music video that is all about dancing and watching Silentó dancing, which relates to the song since he asks us to watch him do all the dance moves. I do feel a little cheated that the moves aren't his own, nor are they original either. However he's only 17, and he does dance well, and this song is catchy and there wasn't much they could've done with this video. It reminds me a bit of Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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...
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.
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.
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.
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...
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, 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.
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.
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.
