This video was released on bonfire night, perfect celebratory release as we released fireworks into the night sky for Guy Fawkes Day. Here's a little UK history lesson for you all. The tradition started because on 5th November 1605, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, Guy Fawkes, was found with explosives under the House of Lords. It's celebrated because he was found, and King James I, had survived the attempt on his life. People lit bonfires around London to celebrate, and since then the tradition was born. Rita Ora looks stunning in this Sigma produced track, on her way home, perhaps for the Christmas Holidays? Sigma and Rita Ora spend time with friends, in the place they call home.
Sigma are a duo consisting of Cameron Edwards and Joe Lenzie. Signing with 3 Beat Records was the best thing they could've done. Even though I am not a fan of their record label and how they managed ex-acts, I have to admit, they are vastly becoming a hit record label, especially with the artists they have behind them, it is how they manage and promote them to the best of their ability as to why the singers and acts are on form, lately. Sigma has had hit after hit since signing with this record label, and they are not going to stop, that much is clear. As for Rita Ora, she needs another number one hit to pull out of the bag. She was raking them in, in her early days, but recently, she hasn't been quite hitting the mark. Her second studio album should be released soon, however she has recently filed a law suit to be released from her contract, and so her recorded album may never see the light of day, and her singles "I Will Never Let You Down", "Poison" and "Body On Me", may all end up as non-album singles. Rita Ora, you NEED another number one! This song was written by Wayne Hector, Tom Barnes, Ben Kohn and Pete Kelleher.
Directed by Georgia Hudson, this video shows Rita Ora returning home after pursuing her dreams and becoming the well known singer we all know her as.
I have to give kudos, straight up, to Kyle De Volle for Rita Ora's stunning clothes. Perfect outfits that make her look gorgeous without showing too much flesh, I especially like her coat in the taxi, which Jojo Copeman totally combined perfectly with purple lipstick to match. Rita Ora looks stunning! She totally outshines Sigma, almost to the extent that Britney Spears did in the Will.I.Am song "Scream & Shout".
Rita Ora never fails to disappoint, her performance glows out to us as an audience, and yet this song is not perfect for her vocal range, and yet she does her best, and gives us the energy vibes we truly need.
Sigma is just having fun, being at home with friends, and in the presence of Rita Ora, and can we really blame them? Cool, calm and relaxed, Sigma proves that the track is theirs as they don't need to do a single thing, just have a bit of a laugh and have fun.
The song is extremely catchy, and yet not one I would personally play on repeat... It gets too repetitive after the third listen, if that. The music video is beautifully stunning, Rita Ora is centre stage, and works it to the full, giving us exactly what we need, and she definitely means every word she is singing.
Nero have come a long way from when they first started, and yet I still feel that they're trailing behind. They have had one or two hits here in the UK, "Promises" was definitely massive for it's time, with their song "Guilt" just as popular, and yet they've died down since and didn't really push themselves when they were at the top of the charts. This isn't their fault and many other bands and singers have followed both before and after them. But this is where the charts are at, and it just takes one song, as usual, to become a worldwide hit. "Promises" may have been their song, but many will follow if they keep at it. Nero transports itself into the anime world, a narrative and a performance piece set in a fictional graphic story.
Nero is a three-piece band consisting of Daniel Stephens, Joseph Ray and Alana Watson. They are from the UK, and have released a string of singles from their first album with "Promises" and "Guilt" being their biggest hits, and "Me & You" charting just outside the top 10. Lately, their singles from their second album have not charted so well. As for the album overall, it too underperformed. This can't be the end of Nero, definitely not. This is a band who doesn't give up, so they will definitely come back fighting.
This was directed by Markus Lundqvist and co-directed by Daniel Stephens. The animation was done by Red Knuckles, who have actually done quite a few things, including the animation for Britain's Got Talent 2015 commercial. This studio might just do some more in the future, that we will all be aware of.
This one is done good, you can feel for each of the characters. The story line is interesting. The guy and the girl wants to run away together, into the night, but they need money to do so. So, he kind of gets some drugs and delivers them to some big fat crazy guy, who owns a club called Satisfy (possibly a connection with their song "Satisfy" which they released as the first single from their second album), who then gives our main character a case with no money in.
He's been made a fool of, and gets shot at, luckily missing every bullet, as well as surviving a grenade, that practically blew up in his face. He calls his girl, who gets upset and seeks out to find him. Then they have a street race together for fun.
As for the performance side of things, Nero looks good as anime characters, and Alana is pulling of the swish moves, as I call it. Which we definitely see a lot of, but no more so than in Caramell's "Caramelldansen"/"Caramelldancing".
This isn't the only link, Britney Spears famously became an animated character in "Break The Ice". Which this video definitely reminds me of.
However there is an error, as one YouTuber pointed out... There are six vials in the first clip, when the case is first opened, but when the robot takes two out for the evil monster, there is only five. Continuity errors are extremely important, even if this is anime. A simple vial cannot go missing!
Overall, great song and a perfect relatable music video. One that I will remember but still not quite understand, there's no background on this thing, where did the vials come from? How did our main character get involved in this? Why is it so important? And where did vial number six disappear to? The questions are left unanswered, and that is the way it's supposed to be.
Okay, someone please tell me what I have just watched? This is quite embarrassing, I didn't even realise they had switched Christina Milian into this sexed up woman. This is someone I've always remembered as being sweet and innocent in "Am To Pm". This isn't even done good, although it is the switch we've seen plenty of times, Britney Spears, Chritina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lovato, to name a few, yet their switch videos aren't this badly done. Christina Milian attempts to sex up her music videos in this extremely sexualised song, that has a long suing story to go with it.
Christina Milian has ventured into other markets such as acting, releasing her own set of wines, setting up her own company, and releasing her own clothing range. She recently returned to music with an EP. She needs a hit that will chart globally, her vocals are stunning, yet she can't be done with music and have this as her biggest hit. Dip It Low was written by Poli Paul, Teedra Moses and John Jackson. Although very catchy, it samples a track called "La Sirena" by Thomas Turino, Larry Crook and Dan Dickey, which put Christina Milian in the middle of one chaotic law suit. It seems everyone sued everyone over this single.
The music video was directed by Matthew Rolston. I totally understand that Christina Milian wanted to sex up her image, she didn't want to be seen as the sweet and innocent "Am To Pm" girl. Yet what this is, is not what should've been. This is just too much.
However, let's start off with the good points... Although I'm not impressed by the sequences, the choreography is performed to perfection, this girl can dance, and boy does she prove it!
That is all the good points I can draw from this though. Kim Kardashian makes her debut in a music video, by being an extra. I didn't even see her during the second watch of this video. A claim to fame for anyone in that video, right?
Anyhow, the black sticky tar / black paint made this video so bad, I hate how she is spun by guys, it's so suggestive of the music industry and how people are being controlled, even though she wanted to sex up her image.
As for the performance side of things, Christina Milian does her best to perform. She shows her sultry sexy side, and yet doesn't really get into the role. She looks uncomfortable and unsure of herself.
Overall, a video I do not want to watch again, but a song that is on my iTunes and does get randomly played now and again, and one I love hearing again and again. However her new songs are so much better, and I hope she releases more in the future. I am hoping for a chart hit in the near future, so she can leave this awful music video behind her. However, kudos for making the video relate to the song, at least, but I don't get the lights on her towards the end of the video when she is dancing, is she some sort of hologram?
Another suggestion from work. I still don't get the obsession with The 1975, although I have to admit, this is probably the first song by them I actually like, so I guess they are doing something right, even though this hasn't exactly charted well. This is the follow-up to "Love Me". A pure performance piece, sending out electric vibes in an 80's style, The 1975 proves that you surely won't be disappointed if you saw them live.
Sometimes all you need is good stage presence, and this is what these guys have. The 1975 consists of Matthew Healy, Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann and George Daniel. This song is the second single off their new album titled: I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It. It charted at number 42, although it deserved to be a bigger hit for them. I am guessing they will release a third single to coincide with the February release of the album, in the hope it charts better.
Directed by Adam Powell, the video has the same style and feel as "Love Me", especially with Matthew Healy topless. Although this time, it's more appealing, he isn't being quite as wild, and is definitely focused on performing the song.
Since the song is about his cocaine addiction, you would expect a narrative video with a droning depressing song, instead we have an appealing video that is full of colour, light and stage presence, and an uplifting catchy song.
It works well, no gimmicks, no belittling other artists, just The 1975 performing. Along with amazing lighting and production by Tobias Rylander. Although, not a video I would be inclined to watch again and again, it's something I wouldn't skip over on the music channels.
I've been getting some suggestions at work, and this band have been mentioned a few times, although not any particular music video. And so I picked this one at random due to the peculiarity of the thumbnail, which is quite gruesome to say the least. After watching the music video I'm still not sure what to make of it. What the hell have I just watched? Slaves are bringing back punk music, updating it and giving us weird music videos to go with their songs.
Slaves are a British duo consisting of Laurie Vincent and Isaac Holman. Before today, I hadn't heard a single song from them, to be honest I hadn't even heard of them. Although, they have been receiving a lot of radio play on Radio 1 recently, so maybe I've come across one of their songs in the car or something, wouldn't exactly surprised me. Their most recent album Are You Satisfied? charted on the UK albums chart at number eight, and continued on the chart for 22 weeks. This song is taken from that album.
This was directed by Ciaran Lyons. This freaky video gives vibes of the originality of punk music, with the old fashioned style as well as the weirdness. It's quite disturbing, although it is relatable somewhat to the song.
The song is all about a girl who doesn't have any money so she uses guys to get what she wants. She acts so sweet, but she tastes like salt... These lyrics don't really make all that much sense, and the guy's eyes are rolling around in their sockets. Taken literal, plugs go into sockets and everything works, or in this case tries to attack our main character.
I guess it's suggestive of the media and how they manipulate us, such as the girl in the lyrics. However the girl is clearly a grim reaper in this video, and is clearly into a bit of bondage and BDSM of sorts, especially since the guy gets tied up and attacked.
Overall, definitely out of date, this should've been released years ago, around the same time as when the Kaiser Chiefs released "Everyday I Love You Less And Less". Although a good concept, only just a little too freaky for my liking, it works well with the song, and has a slight connection to the song.
Justin Bieber is still dominating the charts, and he is still at number one with "Love Yourself", which is an amazing song, I have to admit. So again Chart Mondays is open to the top 10. Since One Direction has not released a music video for "History", all I am left with is this song, which I have been avoiding as much as I possibly could, now I have no choice but to review this music video. In my personal opinion, Coldplay is overrated, I have never liked any of their songs, they're just not a band for me, and I don't see why they're so popular. When you have an opportunity to monkey around, why not eh? Coldplay are transformed into unrealistic animated monkeys, pulling off the same dad-moves that leaves you embarrassed and quite surprised.
Coldplay are a four-piece band consisting of Chris Martin, Jonny Buckland, Guy Berryman and Will Champion. They are a dad-band in my eyes; they're the type of band who you'll buy their album just to give to your dad for Christmas or his birthday. However there's clearly a market for these types of songs, and Coldplay are the only ones releasing them, they're unique and are giving them the chart hits. The song was written by the band, as expected and it has charted well worldwide.
The music video used motion capture, similar to which Avatar, the film, uses. The director is Mat Whitecross, and the idea was formed after Chris Martin and Andy Serkis met on a plane.
After watching the behind-the-scenes video, I realised that they originally used more lifelike monkeys in the music video, but apparently they didn't have enough charisma and feeling to their actions. And so they recreated the monkeys to have more of a personality.
The monkeys don't really go on an adventure of a lifetime though. They discover a Beats Pill in the jungle and they start to like the music that is being released. They form their own band, after working out what the drums and guitars were for, although where they came from I do not know, also what is a Beats Pill doing in the jungle in the first place? And where did the hat come from for that one monkey?
Overall, a great concept, however there could have been more of a narrative to the music video. It is mainly a performance piece, and you can really imagine that this is what you will get from a Coldplay gig, dad-dancing and a lot of swaying, and maybe a bit of monkeying around. Not something that I'd go out of my way to see.
A bit of Nashville for you, for those of you who don't know me, I'm into my country music, but only the recent country music stars such as Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Carrie Underwood, Cassadee Pope, the list just goes on and on. There is a TV series that I'm obsessed with called Nashville. This is one of the songs that is performed in the second episode of the first season. They are recording the music video for this song by Juliette Barnes. It is not this video, whereas the one shown on Nashville looks like a Hannah Montana copy of a video. This music video has Hayden Panettiere sexy, revengeful and definitely sultry; boy, who would cheat on her? Well clearly the guy she is tying up, proving that nobody messes with Hayden Panettiere.
Actress, singer, model, all round performer, is there anything Hayden Panettiere can't do? She's starred in many TV series and films, mostly notable for playing Claire Bennet in Heroes, and definitely as Juliette Barnes in Nashville, as I previously mentioned. She has also appeared in video games Kingdom Hearts and most recently, Until Dawn. Her music career is slow going, nothing she has really pushed for as of yet, but her vocals are stunning, and the songs on the Nashville compilation albums that are being released, proves exactly this. If she doesn't go for a record deal any time soon, the charts across the world will be missing out. The song was written by Hillary Lindsey and Cary Barlowe. It's catchy and lyrically memorable, it works well in the country genre, although doesn't stand out compared to established country music stars' songs; it'll always be one song I'll sing-a-long to.
This telescopic music video is directed by TK McKamy. Full of revenge, this is how you get your own back. Hayden Panettiere is an inspiration to us all, you do sometimes need to get revenge, but the best revenge is subtle and nothing major, just a little tying up, and definitely not the BDSM type.
Some people have commented about sexism, and I can see their point, a guy would be looked down on if they had done the same thing to a girl, but that is besides the point, guys mainly cheat, women are usually much nicer, or so we all believe thanks to TV series and films.
There's inclusions of telescopes which helps to relate to the music video, well... more like the title, and yet everything works. Hayden Panettiere emphasizes how much I need to see her live, her performance is full of passion, emotion and intensity that you would definitely feel in the audience.
Overall the video relates perfectly, a full narrative that is sexy and revengeful, you do not cheat on Hayden Panettiere, or she'll tie you upside down and leave you there to hang while she looks gorgeous. What more do I want from this music video? Zilch!
Christina Milian is OFFICIALLY back in the music industry. She has only just released her EP, which this song is on, and WOW, this is a hit, if it gets the popularity it definitely deserves. Christina Milian proves you don't knock her down, in this sexy, classy and stylish music video, you won't find anyone better.
Christina Milian has had a nice little break from the music industry. I have followed her career since she first came out with "Am To Pm", I loved "Dip It Low" and I've watched a few of her films. I'm not a massive fan, but I do go out of my way, when I can, to listen to her music, to watch her films and TV Shows, and I am aware of her wines Viva Diva and her clothing range We Are Pop Culture. I also follow her on Snapchat. This song was released on her four-track EP called 4U, it was originally called Like Me with five tracks. EP's are usually a snippet to give to fans to excite them for upcoming music. Although Christina Milian has a lot going on right now, I am really hoping a new album is on the horizon, as we need Christina Milian batting out chart hits once again. Featuring on this track is Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus Jr. He is a classy, relaxed rapper. He's made it and yet he still performs with style. Although my only problem with this song is that he ends the song. Christina Milian should've repeated the chorus one last time, after his final rap.
Directed by Mike Ho. This music video could've been flawless. It's full of style, imagination and perfection, yet there is one crucial problem and it just gets worse towards the end, but I am so going to overlook it as this should've been a masterpiece.
Full of narrative, the video is off to a good start. Promotion for We Are Pop Culture and Viva Diva is not only unsurprising but something we've seen done before, Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell" definitely comes to mind. The video is set in Milian Heiress Inc., a fictional workplace where Christina Milian is the boss. The start and the opening reminds me a lot of The Saturdays' "Notorious".
The video continues with Christina Milian making important decisions, in her office, in the meeting room, clearly decisions for Viva Diva and We Are Pop Culture. There is also advertising for Christina Milian Turned Up, which is a documentary reality TV series on E! channel.
The twins are included throughout, these twins have been popping up in a few music videos recently, so it'll be interesting where the future will lead them to. The performance piece is flawless, Christina Milian is looking sexy, stylish and with attitude, boy this is what you're missing and you ain't getting it back. Snoop Dogg, is looking smart and dapper, and is definitely enjoying Christina Milian beside him.
The dance choreography is faultless, but here comes the main problem with the video. In this bit, especially, the camera has too much movement. I have no clue what the cameraman was doing, he could have been battling the wind, but there doesn't look like there's any gusts of wind whatsoever. So why was the camera shaking so badly? This messes the entire dance choreography up, and some of Christina Milian's lyrics doesn't match her lips in this clip, this definitely knocks this video down. Was the cameraman dancing along? Something was clearly going wrong.
Overall, this was supposed to be polished to perfection, and it is stunningly beautiful. But the camera at the end just messes the entire video up. Just when she's about to the finish the video with a bang, with perfect choreography, the camera ruins it, yet I'll only knock one star off. I remember her recording the video because she constantly updated her Snapchat story at the time, as well as releasing snippets of the song. If you're not following her yet, you need to start! What should've been a sensational video, drops slightly due to stupid camera movement and editing.
I'm kind of cheating once again, this was released on 13th November on iTunes, it was pushed forward due to the song appearing on compilation album Now 92. However on Amazon, the EP is released this week, which on iTunes is released the week after. All confusing and not released as originally planned, but just like last week, I've had difficulty finding a new release, so technically this is a new release. KSI and JME are asking if you can keep up, in this catchy song with plenty to sing to, and a good relatable video to match!
KSI, real name Olajide "JJ" Olatunji, is a YouTuber, rapper, comedian and a bunch of other things too, he's a great inspiration to prove to people that you can be whatever you want to be. He has had chart hits, and I imagine his future songs will keep appearing on the chart, as they are unique and extremely popular. In this song, he has collaborated with JME, real name Jamie Adenuga, who is also making quite the name for himself, appearing on the charts multiple times, and his most recent album hitting at number 12. This is where the music is at, and this new wave for grime music is going to hit the charts hard!
The music video was directed by Jack Delaney. It's a good start, I love the three girls, with the one saying about YouTubers and asking the repeated line "all we really want to know is can you keep up?" They're the stereotypical girls who get confused at the simplest thing, and it works so well here. I love how they appear once again to introduce JME.
The rapping from KSI and JME are on point, although I am not keen on the studio recording bit, it wavers the song and although a good idea, they should've stuck to the original recording, as the studio recording is so much quieter.
KSI is surely set to push the competition to the side, with the momentum he is going, I definitely wouldn't be surprised if he has a hit that settles in the top 10 of the UK chart soon, if he pushes himself, I know he can do it, just hearing this song alone proves it. Watch out for both KSI and JME! Can you keep up?
I have kind of cheated with this. Like seriously, who releases a song on Christmas Day? No one, clearly. So, after a lot of searching, I've found out that a remix of Foxes' Amazing is released on Christmas Day which is a Cahill Club Mix, which can be bought here. Since I cannot find any other songs for my new release, I have chosen this music video. Foxes is probably one of the most underrated singers I know. She is getting ready to release her second studio album, and this is the third single from that album. Foxes goes on a road trip and has an amazing time with her friends in this video, showing that all you need is your best friends in your life.
Foxes, real name Louisa Allen, is one of those singers who are totally unique, usually at first listen her songs aren't instant hits, but they're always one of those songs that gain momentum because they become ever so catchy after hearing them a few times. As previously stated, she is definitely underrated. I think she's quirky in a good way, and I will always support her music because she's vocally talented and means every word she sings. This song is written by Louisa Rose Allen, Martin Brammer, Jonny Lattimer and James Newman. Personal and emotional in a perfect pop song, that should've been a hit. The video isn't as great.
Directed by Johny Mourgue, the music video shows Foxes and two of her friends going on a road trip. As per usual, the normal hassles appear, such as getting lost, the map not being any help at all, and the car breaking down, well in this case a minivan.
Foxes cuts her lusciously long hair into a bob in this video, it's a new her, a new style and new direction for her music, but it's still her, and after a while I started to like her hair, just like I started to like this song.
I love the idea behind this, and the old style clips from the home video, shows that she is having a great time and doesn't need a man beside her, even though she is doing the typical things to get over a break-up, eating both ice cream and cake is a sure winner in my books.
The ending is interesting, and also relates to where she is, many people believe she should be charting and her singles are definitely worth better chart placements than what they are getting, however the ending suggests that this album is all about releasing music for her fans, giving them something, almost like a present, to say thank you for being with her. The ending replicates that perfectly, Foxes is just having a great time at the moment, and she'll chart when she needs to, because that amazing voice isn't going to disappear.
Quite the battle for Christmas number one this year. It was this choir vs. Justin Bieber. In one of the closest battles for Christmas number one, The Lewisham And Greenwich NHS Choir beat Justin Bieber to the top spot, thanks to a performance on TV, as well as a tweet from Justin Bieber in support of the NHS choir, which can be seen below. This single was released for charity in 2013, however it wasn't until 2015, it achieved its bid for Christmas number one. The video is a typical charity music video, showing what they are representing through clips as well as a performance piece.
so for 1 week it's ok not to be #1. Let's do the right thing & help them win. It's Christmas. @Choir_NHS good luck https://t.co/ORCtFY1k4i
This choir first appeared on Gareth Malone's BBC Two spin off show The Choir: Sing While You Work. They placed second in the competition. This single is a mashup of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and Coldplay's "Fix You". The former is one of my favourite songs, when sung perfectly, effortlessly and by someone who is vocally talented. The latter is a song I avoid, when possible, it's no secret that I don't like Coldplay, I personally think they're overrated, however I applaud them for how far they have come and how popular the band is. The song isn't something I would listen to myself. I'm not into choirs all that much, but I have to congratulate them on reaching number one in the UK, and gaining money for their charities.
As I previously stated, this is a typical charity music video. Exactly what we all expect: A performance piece, various clips of what charities they are supporting intercut throughout, and a piano.
This isn't really a Christmas song, or a video at all. This has happened often, the Christmas number one is rarely a Christmas song nowadays, and when possible, it's a charity song. This is because during this time of the year, music sales rise higher than any other time of the year.
The video doesn't make me want to watch it again. The video fails to make me want to buy the single, it's not something I would listen to, although the NHS has helped me out a lot, with my asthma, my coeliac disease and my kidney problems, as well as all the other times I've ended in hospital. However I'd rather give money to charity myself rather than spend it on a charity single, unless I actually like the charity single.
Overall, well done to this choir on reaching the top spot on the UK singles chart. However the video is a typical charity music video, just different scenes we're not used to. I have to admit, I do love the connection to wedding vows. This is honest, pure and typical, but something that will get people backing the NHS workers. But as a music video, there isn't a lot to comment on.
Every year I hear this song around Christmas time. My Mother used to be obsessed with this group when she was younger, and every year this is played on the music channels, she sings it. I actually can't believe this was released in 1978, and it's still included on Christmas albums. It's one of the UK's biggest selling Christmas singles, yet it doesn't continue to chart every year like other Christmas songs. Boney M. have donned Eskimo coats in front of a white screen for this festive Christmas music video.
Boney M., for those of you who don't know, were a group formed in Germany consisting of, at the time, Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams and Bobby Farrell. The latter's vocals was rarely used in the groups songs, and instead, producer, Frank Farian's voice was used, with Bobby Farrell lip-syncing in performances. They were an international hit, charting well in Germany, Sweden and the UK. They didn't do too well in the US, but that is one market many fail to break. This song was written by Jester Hairston, Frank Farian, Fred Jay and Lorin. It is a cover version of Harry Belafonte's hit song "Mary's Boy Child", only with a new melody, hence the mashup with Oh My Lord, which was a song written for Boney M. It hit number one in the UK, and stayed there for four weeks.
The music video isn't all that interesting, and the simple lyrics makes it obvious as to why it charted so high in that year.
The video is a pure performance piece, but if all they are going to do is sway from side to side, who would want to see them live?
It is a ballad type of song, and by the looks of things they didn't have much time to create this music video. On the other hand, there is nothing to this video, I feel that this could be easy to replicate and none of the singers perform as if the song means anything to them. They look like carol singers, or people performing at a karaoke competition. Their vocals are good, but this video doesn't do the song any justice.
Overall I feel nothing for this music video, there's just nothing to it. As for the song, it's simple, but catchy, and their harmonies are perfect. It's not surprising that they became an international hit.
Okay, so I've recently reviewed Fifth Harmony's version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" this week for my Christmas Special 2015; which is also a cover version of the original also titled "All I Want For Christmas Is You", by Mariah Carey. However this sounds so different that it's possible people won't recognise it for the same song. This one is inspired by Michael Buble's version of the song, which does not have a music video. This has only recently been released, and it took a total of five days, the first of which Steve Grand had some sort of brainwave and decided to just make it happen, out of the blue. An extremely sad narrative with a perfect performance piece, Steve Grand has captured the hearts of the LGBT+ community once again as well as many straight people in the world too, many tears have shred thanks to this video.
Steve Grand is one of my favourite gay singers, there isn't that many of them out in the world, and it's refreshing to see gay music videos doing well. Steve Grand may not be some sort of superstar, yet, but the way he's going recently, he is definitely proving himself as a successful artist. I am hoping that a second album is around the corner, and if it's via Kickstarter once again, I shall back him all the way. With Troye Sivan just hitting out in the music world, it's interesting to see how many more will follow in these two footsteps and make an impact on the charts across the world. The song is available to download on Steve Grand's bandcamp here, I don't know how long it will be available to download, so buy it while you still can.
John Levin directed this sweet loving music video. It's cute, it's refreshing, and a totally different interpretation to this fun-loving song as we know it.
Steve Grand's on screen boyfriend is played by Trevor LaPaglia. They make a perfect couple, and they are clearly on a mountain holiday of some sort, according to the start of the video.
The music video continues with cute little Christmas traditions, such as kissing under mistletoe, decorating the Christmas tree, spending time in bed, cuddling, putting the star on the tree, and Steve Grand's music in the background... Wait! That's not a Christmas tradition? Oh... Okay then... We'll make it a Christmas tradition.
The ending nearly made me cry. I didn't understand it at first, I was so shocked, I had to just watch it all over again. It's so sad, why does Steve Grand do this to us? First it was "All American Boy", then he made us sad in "Time", now it's this Christmas song. Can we have another fun music video like "Stay", please Steve Grand, we all need to know it's not all heartbreak in the gay world.
Overall, this is more than perfect, and I just cannot comment on this any more. Although the ending isn't as bad as we all think. That is one less person I have to battle it out with to capture Steve Grand's heart.
Nice job guys, shot in just one day, and released in five, the first day being the day the idea came into Steve Grand's head. I cannot fault this video one bit, well apart from that white onesie; just no.
I had forgotten about this song, until I heard it today. Destiny's Child is probably one of the biggest American girl bands ever. So naturally, we expected a Christmas single or album, I pretty much can't name a big artist that hasn't released a Christmas song of a sort. This video, Destiny's Child are looking sexy as they sing about the presents their lovers have given them on each day of Christmas, who knew there was only eight days of Christmas?
Destiny's Child, consisted of, at the time, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, this is the most recent line-up. The girl group disbanded in 2006, with all three girls venturing for a solo career. Beyoncé has become one of the most internationally-known superstars, with Kelly Rowland jumping on the bandwagon, not so far behind. The other girls and the past members have not done so well internationally, and it'll be interesting to see if they ever will. This song was inspired by the 12 days of Christmas song and instead references Hanukkah, which is a Jewish Holiday, and was written by E. McCalla Jr., Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé Knowles.
Directed by Sanaa Hamri, the video shows all three girls dressed in sexy Santa outfits. The girls are shopping in a toy store, with product placement of their own dolls on sale.
The video is very unexciting, it's like they made this video on a whim. I don't quite understand why they are singing about what their lover bought them for Christmas whilst they are shopping for presents themselves... Shouldn't they be opening the presents that they so-called got?
At the end children rush into the toy store and the girls show the toys to them, whilst still singing. There is also a carousel which all three members ride, although there is only a snapshot of Michelle Williams and her guy. Throughout the whole video the scenes are cut between Beyoncé Knowles and Kelly Rowland, making Michelle Williams look more like she's in the band for a ride. However she sure as hell proves herself in the more recent music videos.
Overall, there's snow, there's Santa outfits, there's presents and there's toys, what more do we expect for a Christmas music video? Maybe some sort of narrative that relates to the song, maybe some understanding of why there is only 8 days of Christmas, even though we all should know that the eight days of Christmas represents Hanukkah. And maybe something much better than this.
This has to be one of my favourite Christmas songs of all time, originally sung by the vocally talented Mariah Carey, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" practically becomes the highest charting Christmas single every year, it is such a national treasure of a song, and really shows how talented Mariah Carey is. Many artists have covered this song, but finding an artist who does it justice, is next to impossible, Fifth Harmony, however, has the vocals and the perfect harmonies to create a just as beautiful cover version of this very much loved Christmas song.
Fifth Harmony formed on The X Factor US, and came third, however they have had international hits and have totally become the overall winners, in theory. They consist of Ally Brooke, Normani Kordei, Lauren Jauregui, Camila Cabello and Dinah Jane Hansen. After a long wait they finally came over to the UK and have done well for themselves over here. I also saw them live in London a few months ago. They are currently working on a second album, which I cannot wait for!
The music video, directed by Nigel Dick, is simple but relatable to the song, various scenes relate to certain lines, and I love the window scene where they are waiting for their guy.
There is a lot to like about the music video, but it's obviously done quickly, and they manage to perform it perfectly, as if they are waiting for a guy. It's what we expect of Fifth Harmony, they are on form in every music video, live performance and even on their social media accounts. They will become the female version of One Direction, and I cannot wait to see where their career is heading.
Their cover is perfection, and although the video doesn't really have either a performance or a narrative side, it's really nice to see the girls interact and it definitely brings the Christmas atmosphere.
Chart Mondays again, I'm currently in the middle of my Christmas Special. At the moment, Justin Bieber is STILL at number one with "Love Yourself", which only has a promotional video. As for this one, this is a freestyle video, and although technically not a music video, I'm counting this as an official music video. Not only that, but I really do not like Coldplay, and that is my only other option to review in the top 10, so Stormzy is so much better, in my opinion, to review. Stormzy raps perfectly and on point, never missing a single beat, very rehearsed, and faultless!
Stormzy, real name Michael Omari, is literally someone I hadn't heard of until today. He's name rang a bell, but I wasn't quite sure where. After searching on Google, I found he featured on a remix of Nick Jonas' "Chains", which was released on iTunes. He seems to be doing well for himself, chart wise, and with those skills, I don't blame the high charting positions! This song was written by Michael Oman as expected, and was used as a bid to claim the Christmas number one in order to rival The X Factor winner's single, which was Louisa Johnson with "Forever Young", instead it charted at number 8, just one place in front of Louisa Johnson's song. This wasn't technically released as a single, more like a b-side on the "WickedSkengMan 4" single.
The video was directed by Jaiden Ramgeet, who is the one behind the camera, we expect, who encourages Stormzy to state his name. Stormzy seems embarrassed at the start of the video, as if he's nervous or not comfortable at all.
He loosens up as soon as he starts to sing, and really gets into spitting those bars. This is totally raw, and fresh, it works well as a music video, performance wise. He clearly means everything he is saying.
What is there left for me to say though? No narrative, but that was to be expected. The camera flits to various people behind him, in reference, occasionally, which piqued the viewers interest ever so slightly, but apart from that, there isn't much more to this video, as a music video. As a freestyle video, however, it is one of the best I've seen.
I have been playing Inna's cover version of "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber all day. The song has really grown on me, unfortunately it probably won't be released on iTunes, and nothing will come of the version, apart from the YouTube upload. Since there's no music video to it, and it not being a Christmas song, I decided to review Inna's only Christmas single to date. It's not the first time we've had a club artist release a Christmas song, Cascada released "Last Christmas" as well as "Let It Snow". Inna not only shows her amazing vocals in this track, she proves that she can be cute as well as sexy, ice skating and being fun and festive, this is a side of Inna we rarely see, and it's a joy to watch.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has pretty much dropped off the radar in the UK, only her die hard fans, who call themselves club rockers, know what she's up to and when she releases a new single. However in her own country and in some other eastern countries, she has been charting well. This song was released in 2009, and against popular belief, it was never officially released in the UK and so subsequently didn't chart. Instead, it was released on iTunes in 2014 on a compilation album consisting of Romanian artists singing Christmas songs, called "Buna Dimineata La Mos Ajun". It was written by Marcel Botezan, Radu Bolfea and Sebastian Barac.
The music video was directed by Tom Boxer, it was done in no less than five hours, in the ice skating rink. It makes it seem more like a high quality home video, and yet it's not as great as her other music videos.
The song isn't one I'd normally attach to Inna straight away, and I suppose the video follows suit in that way. Inna shows herself to be having fun with Santa.
I've still never been ice skating, definitely going to have to try it sometime. There isn't much more to this video, Inna and Santa on an ice skating rink with a bunch of other people, adults and children alike. There's a small relation to the song as she sings to some male actors now and again, but it's more about spreading the Christmas fun and cheer.
There is a multitude of singers who have released Christmas singles and albums, and this X Factor winner is no exclusion. This has grown on me a lot every year, and I truly believe it will be one of those all-time Christmas songs that are guaranteed to chart every year. Leona Lewis shows that she has a fun side of herself, in this festive video, where she has a close friends only party, and has a wonderful time.
Leona Lewis has recently parted ways with Syco Music and Simon Cowell after seven years. She has not had much recent success on the singles chart lately, and her most recent album just missed out of the top 10 here in the UK. Is this what is left for Leona Lewis? Or will she make a big comeback? Her performance with Ben Haenow on The X Factor final was awesome, proving to everyone that she was a worthy winner.
The video reminds me a lot of Basshunter's "I Miss You / Jingle Bells". It's party time, and one more sleep until Christmas, obviously.
The opening starts with snow as Leona Lewis' song talks about snow, a great literal take on the song, it continues with fun, games and partying. It looks relaxing as well as enjoyable. Leona Lewis, invite me next time please.
The video features her boyfriend, Dennis Jaunch. The video doesn't excite me, although festivities is clearly being shown. It's the sort of party I'd like to experience, but only once and never again. Not capturing and not something I'd be interested in viewing a second time. Awesome song though, that should've hit the top of the charts.
Well look who is back, bringing the festive cheer... Well technically they never went away, they've still been releasing music, yet they haven't charted since 2013, and even then it wasn't inside the top 40... So in theory, they are back, but probably not back to the UK singles charts, since this isn't doing particularly well on the iTunes chart. Although I don't know why as I'm loving this song, it's ever so catchy. This becomes my New Release this week under my Christmas Special 2015. Scouting For Girls show us what Christmas is all about in 2015, with this amazing, laid back, relaxing type of music video.
Scouting For Girls are making their debut on my blog today, surprisingly. They are a three piece band consisting of Roy Stride, Greg Churchouse and Pete Ellard. They have had a string of hits including "She's So Lovely", "Elvis Ain't Dead", "Heartbeat", "Love How It Hurts" and number one single "This Ain't A Love Song". Despite that, they have been dropping off the radar on the singles chart here in the UK, however their albums are consistently doing well on the albums chart, despite people unaware of new singles. The song is worthy of being in the UK chart, it's instantly catchy and I was singing the lyrics before I even knew them. This song needs a lot more exposure, if it's got any chance of charting on Friday.
The video, directed by Damien Reeves, is gentle to say the least. Filmed in Marlborough, the whole scene has the feel of Christmas.
This band doesn't need any gimmicks, no reindeer, no snow, just a simple town celebrating Christmas. This is usually what happens when people go to city centres, there is no snow or reindeer. It captures the viewers sense of Christmas, and you could just imagine being there.
A performance piece is set into this literal narrative piece. The crowd seems to be enjoying their stage presence, and their connection as they walk down the road is very clear. This is a band that you definitely wouldn't be disappointed to see live, especially outside in a winter's air.
Overall, a great video, that relates perfectly, almost too perfectly, taking certain sentences of the lyrics and creating a scene because of what has been sung, and then paired them together. Too literal, but in a sweet Christmas kind of way, one that isn't as bad as I'm making it out to be. Definitely a catchy Christmas song, that has definitely became one of my top Christmas songs, and a video I wouldn't mind seeing again and again, well done on capturing the Christmas spirit in a music video.
I have been exploring Jennifer Paige music videos so I could decide to review one tonight, and although there was a lot of music videos to choose from, since most of her songs that have charted have all been before 2010, this one stood out, mainly because it reminds me of a High School Musical song called "Gotta Go My Own Way", as pointed out by a YouTube commenter. Nick Carter stands out both vocally and visually compared to Jennifer Paige, but their performance is atrocious as they have no chemistry whilst performing together, luckily the narrative side of the video makes the video stand out.
Jennifer Paige is attempting to kickstart her career with the help of ironically named website kickstarter, and it doesn't look like she will gain the money she is hoping to raise. Her debut single "Crush" was a massive global hit, and has been stuck in my head for the past week, still for the same reasons... I think I'm going to have to deal with this problem of mine at some point. Her vocals are stunning on "Crush", but on this single it isn't as great as I was expecting, and even with the help of Nick Carter, this single never hit it off. Nick Carter has recently been brought to my attention because he has released his third solo album which features Avril Lavigne on the track "Get Over Me" which is set to be released as his second single from this album, which I'm so excited for. For those of you who thinks his name rings a bell... Well he is best known as one fifth of the Backstreet Boys, as well as being the older brother to Aaron Carter, who sung "I Want Candy" amongst other hit songs.
Usually a video that is split into two parts, a performance and a narrative, scores highly with me, however the awkwardness in the performance piece lets the entire video down. Jennifer Paige and Nick Carter clearly don't work well together, it's like they had an argument before shooting, or they just didn't get on. This really didn't help as they aren't performing at their best and their hearts aren't into the song, let alone the music video.
As for the story line, it's perfect. Performed by Miles Ramsey and Ciara Miller, a couple robs a jewellery store, they then pawn off the jewellery and gain money in cash, which they spend on new clothes and going out partying. She ends up drugging him and leaving him in a room, whilst she goes out and attempts to rob another jewellery shop with someone else. It's an amazing music video, and relates to the song perfectly.
Half of me wishes that there wasn't a performance piece, as the narrative works well all by itself. Unfortunately there is no ignoring the dreadful attempt at passion by the two talented singers. Luckily Nick Carter redeems himself in his new song "Get Over Me" which features Avril Lavigne. I'm hopeful a video will appear soon, one much better than this one.
This is one of my favourite Beyoncé songs of all time, a guy at work was singing it today, and it instantly got stuck in my head. I even remember watching the music video when I was younger. Beyoncé looks stunning as always in this video, asking a guy she likes to check on her tonight. She's not the only one hoping that will happen, there's this guy I like, as I've previously stated in other blog posts, but I just know he won't make a move on me, so again here is another song to describe exactly how I'm feeling.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, has had a career that could already last a lifetime. She was one third of girl group Destiny's Child, and now as a solo star she has become one of the biggest female artists in the world. A total of five number ones in the UK, she is probably guaranteed a lot more. This song features Bun B, real name Bernard Freeman, who was part of rap duo UGK, and has done all right for himself over in the US... The same goes for her other collaborator Slim Thug, real name Stayve Thomas, who is currently a part of Boss Hogg Outlawz, and who's career is doing all right too. Of course, this single totally pushed both rappers into the limelight. It was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Kasseem Dean, Sean Garrett, Angela Beyincé and Stayve Thomas. Beyoncé was once reported as saying she isn't a fan of this song because it's too simple, and I definitely agree, however it's catchy chorus is undeniably dance-worthy, and it gets stuck in my head easily. The song was planned to be on the Pink Panther soundtrack, however it was dropped last minute.
This pink filled video was directed by Hype Williams. The song features a remix of The Pink Panther Theme.
There is a lot of pink in this video, to bridge the link between the song and The Pink Panther movie. The video is unique as pink curtains appear where black bars are normally when things are shot in a 4:3 full screen. This was a common theme with the videos that Hype Williams directed back then, including Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable" and Ne-Yo's "So Sick".
The choreography is on point, as expected when it comes to Beyoncé, however there isn't many dance sequences to the choreography, and it's not complicated at all, Beyoncé is so much better than this. It's clear that they wanted to show off a few dance moves more than others, mainly twerking.
This is all a little too pink for me, it's over the top, although quite good, making sure she's looking amazing and that her man better come over and check on her. Yet it feels too simple, both the song and the music video relate perfectly in that way, and definitely not something that eagerly makes the viewers watch again and again, a few times is more than enough, if that.
As mentioned in previous posts, I kinda like someone and there's nothing I can do about it. Today I told myself that it's just a little crush and I'll get over it... Then this song just appeared in my head, and I've been singing it to myself ever since. I have no idea where this came from, I haven't even heard it for years! Such an amazing song, unfortunately this was Jennifer Paige's only hit, making her a one hit wonder, yet she's been attempting a comeback for a while now, and with that voice who can blame her. This video is so subtle it hurts to watch, but super sexy at the same time, Jennifer Paige is eyeing up a friend's boyfriend and he's doing it right back, or so it looks like, but is it all a daydream? I am not even sure myself.
Jennifer Paige... Who is she? And with this stunning voice, why didn't she become a big hit? Well this song sure did, and she charted below the top 40 in the UK with her other songs. As for recent music, she has launched a kickstarter campaign, but with only eight days to go, and only just over half way towards the goal, it doesn't seem likely she will hit her target. This is so sad to see, a brilliant hit of a song, and then the rest of her career isn't doing that well. I wish her the best of luck, as I reckon her other songs are just as good as this one, and unfortunately, this is the only one that hit hard around the world. I truly believe people can make a comeback, you just need the right song and the right backing team behind you, and sometimes all it takes is the song.
This was directed by David Hogan. The song was written by Andy Goldmark, Mark Mueller, Berny Cosgrove and Kevin Clark. It's one of those classics you can't help but love... Not many people have covered it though, surprisingly. It's one of those that you beg a contestant on The X Factor or The Voice to sing, as you know how amazing this is and it will chart once again if it was performed on one of these shows.
A perfect video was created for this song. So subtle in flirtation, and I swear this is currently happening to me, this flirting that you just can't help with another person no matter how much you try to control it and stop it. You can tell Jennifer Paige has got this guy on her mind constantly, but just like me, she will be a good girl and not pursue it. In her case it's much worse since she has a boyfriend and the guy she likes has a girlfriend, who she is mates with. A really difficult triangle, well actually it's a square. In my case it's age difference that is the problem, hence why I won't pursue him.
If anyone knows the actors' names then please comment below. All I know is that Brandan Williams plays the actor of her love interest in this music video, not her crush. He also spins her round on the swing. Such a sexy video without being sexy at all, so subtle and amazing and I love the wink at the end, it's so quick can we even be sure it's there?
Again, Justin Bieber is still at number one with "Love Yourself". and still no official music video. Which means I review any song in the top 10 of the UK singles chart... Unfortunately this leaves me with two songs. I have practically been avoiding this one, as I am not that interested in Jess Glynne, as well as this being the official Children In Need song of 2015. The song is performed beautifully and effortlessly. Jess Glynne is stripped back in this music video, as well as stripped off, naked, vulnerable, exposed and innocent, she shines through with her vocal, asking a guy if they would take her home.
Jess Glynne's career has only just started, but it will continue. She is currently the British female artist with the most number ones, slowly followed by Cheryl, who also has the same amount of number ones, only Jess Glynne has achieved this in the less amount of time. I am interested in what Jess Glynne will come out with next, she has stiff competition to keep her title, especially with Rita Ora being third in this list. She is going to have to come out with a banging tune that will smash the charts. Unfortunately, with the backing of Children in Need, this song only hit number six. It was written by Jessica Glynne, Wayne Hector, Steve McCutcheon and Nick Tsang.
The music video, directed by Declan Whitebloom, it's extremely personal. A perfect performance piece, with a lot of emotion entailed. As previously mention it shows her at her most vulnerable. Totally exposed. And so so so brave.
However, it feels low budget. This is a star, right here before us, and even though it's emotionally impacted, she still fails to make me excited by her song or the video. I just want to shake her and make her connect to the song through the music video, it's just not working.
