Zara Larsson is the person who sung with MNEK on that song called "Never Forget You". She is a big hit in Sweden, and to no surprise, I have become a fan of her music, thanks to this song, which is so catchy. She released this in June 2015, in Sweden, but the song got released this week on iTunes here in the UK, as well as other music download sites such as Amazon, HMV and 7digital, regardless to what iTunes release date suggests. Zara Larsson does her thing in front of a green screen, allowing the viewers to see her personality and relaxing performance.
Zara Larsson is only 18, and has already had number one singles around the world, we officially have a new star! Perfect voice with a perfect style and image, this girl is going to go far. Sweden is really pulling out the stops, winning Eurovision with worthy songs, hitting charts globally with their singers, they are seriously a country we have got to keep our eyes on, because they are making stars. Lush Life was written by Emanuel Fredrik Abrahamsson, Christoph Bauss, Iman Hullén, Markus Reza Sepehrmanesh, Linnea Anna Soedal and Fridolin Walcher. It has charted globally, hitting number one in Sweden, as well as the top 10 in Belgium, Denmark, Israel, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Finland, Slovakia, Australia and the Czech Republic. This is a massive hit, and I hope will climb the UK charts, because it deserves to, but the music channels won't promote it that much as this video isn't as great as the song. Fingers crossed this climbs, but I doubt it will. I will be buying the song myself after I've posted this review.
Directed by Måns Nyman, the video fails to keep us engaged, there's no choreography and there is a lot of visual, yet not as creative as it could have been.
The reason why this video doesn't fall flat, totally, is because of Zara Larsson. She really does love this song, and it really shows. She performs to us, to the best of her ability, because she knows that this is all they've got for the video. She dances as if there were choreography made for her, enough to look like she made it up, but she pulls it off effortlessly, and it totally works, you go girl!
I hate the visuals behind her at times, as well as the black and white colourisation. We do not need it, it just ruins the music video, although, at times, it is paired with the song lyrics.
The most engaging part is the start, when she pulls her necklace off and flings it behind her. It signifies the end of a relationship, she's finally over it, and she now has a new crush. A potential start to a narrative that never comes.
Overall, it's a perfect song, definitely a worldwide hit, it just needs more radio play here in the UK, it worked for Shawn Mendes with "Stitches". As for the video, this is where Shawn Mendes' "Stitches" does well as the music channels are loving the video, this one isn't one people would go out of their way to watch over and over again. This doesn't quite fall flat, but the low-budget has totally made this awful, and the money spent wasn't well-spent at all, in my opinion, although Zara Larsson does her best to shine throughout.
Liberty X is my revisit this week, as I reviewed their worst single "X", which wasn't as bad as the charting position makes it out to be. This one is the polar opposite, as this song hit number one in the UK. It also was used in a commercial for MoneySuperMarket.com. Liberty X look sexy in their number one song's music video, as they beat every obstacle in their way to steal a diamond.
Liberty X came runners up on TV show Popstars. They consist of Michelle Heaton, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm, Jessica Taylor and Kelli Youing. They have recently signed to 365 Artists Management, but whether this means new music on the horizon for Liberty X is something we beg to differ, where it might mean they might return to the music industry, it might not, and it could be just used as a point of contact. I hope this means new music, the British public love a good comeback, but it looks doubtful. This song was written by Michelle Escoffery, and apparently features no vocals from Michelle Heaton.
The music video is iconic to the band, you think of them, you think of this music video, it was everywhere, which is no surprise since this song got to number one.
The performance side is on point, yet again, this group can dance. Given the right choreography, the dancing would look amazing. Yet again, the camera angle annoys me, degrading the dance sequences, this seems to be a common theme in Liberty X music videos so far.
The narrative side is interesting, although it leaves nothing to the imagination. The skills they use doesn't give us any trepidation, no worries whatsoever. This is something that should've been included. They get past every obstacle effortlessly and we are totally calm about it, as if we know that this is no big deal for them.
I love the ending, I love how they find the diamond, decide to keep it safe, and just as they run away one of them trips and that person just happens to have the diamond, which falls out of that person's hand and down a hole, perhaps a drain? Like, what is the chances of that happening? It shocked me to be fair, I did not expect that to happen.
Overall, an all right video, although it could've been done much better, everything looks too effortless. The dancing is on point, as per usual for this group. Will they ever returned? Well they featured on The Big Reunion, but announced that it would be the last time they performed together as a group, but never say never right?
More country music on my blog. This one came from a tweet from Cassadee Pope, the tweet in question can be found below. I wouldn't have come across this video, if it wasn't for Cassadee Pope. As for Lauren Alaina, I've had a love / hate relationship with her songs, some are brilliant, some are not that great, and most of them are meh! However, a few plays of this and it's already a track I like. Lauren Alaina eyes up a guy, claiming that he looks a lot like her next boyfriend, she teases and tempts him into her arms.
Lauren Alaina, real name Lauren Suddeth, first came to my attention when I bought American Heartland compilation album, where her single "Like My Mother Does" appears next to other great American country songs. She rose to fame by coming second in the tenth season of American Idol, losing out to Scotty McCreery. She has had mild success in the US, and little to none here in the UK, which is to be expected since country music isn't that big over here. This song is the first single off her second album and was written by Lauren Alaina, Emily Weisband and Matt McVaney. It is catchy after hearing it a few times, and if this is the direction Lauren Alaina's new album will be going, I'll definitely be listening to her more. She has transformed her style, image and music, bringing something new to country. She is starting a new path that may just work well. I can't wait to hear more new songs from her, if this is anything to go by, she has a good chance of having a hit somewhere in the near future.
Directed by TK McKamy, Lauren Alaina attempts to pull off miss flirtatious and sexy, and as well as miss available, which made me laugh when I first heard it in the lyrics. And she does a good job of it.
The guy in the video is Lauren Alaina's guy Alexander Hopkins, this explains the chemistry between the two. She is clearly a right tease. It reminds me of the scene in Footloose (2011 film) where the dance battle happens in the car park.
My problem with this video is the camera angles. They could've so made Lauren Alaina look more sexy, and it's not even what she is wearing, as she does look hot in the clothes, but there's just something completely missing, maybe she's uncomfortable acting sexy, or it is just the camera angles, because, at times, she looks perfect and sultry, but most of the time it completely falls flat.
A great relatable music video, with skaters on skateboards with fire extinguishers that release different colours as well as an extremely large piece of material that acts like a wave for the skaters, this is a great unique idea, although I'm not happy they've shown a clip where a guy falls off the skateboard in the background, that was a bad error. The video is meh, like many of her songs, but this song is probably my favourite by her so far. Keep fighting Lauren Alaina and you'll get the chart hits you deserve!
I don't know why, but this song has been etched in my brain since it came out, the song gets stuck in my head multiple times within a week, and the music video is something I can easily recall from the minute I first saw it as a child. I think I connect this music video to the inevitable end of Liberty X. Becoming superheroes, Liberty X go on a mission to save the world from an evil guy and his evil lectures.
Liberty X consists of Michelle Heaton, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm, Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young. This was their very last single before the group split up. They were formed on Popstars, a TV show, where they came runners-up. The winning contestants formed band Hear'Say. They had a great career, gaining eight UK top 10's. After their second album, they swapped record labels, which became their downfall, as their third album underperformed and this single did as well, gaining their lowest peak charting position of 47. They reformed for The Big Reunion, but decided not to continue with the band. The song was written by Johnny Douglas, Tony Lundon, Kelli Young, Jessica Taylor and Kevin Simm.
The music video was filmed using a green screen throughout its entirety. The storyline is a dig at their former boss, Richard Branson, reportedly. As he dropped them after their single "Everybody Cries" only charted at number 13.
Liberty X are some sort of superheroes, prepared to defeat this evil guy. Although, they don't really look like superheroes and they don't have any magical powers. The video is kind of similar to The Saturdays "Ego", only The Saturdays' video is so much better.
The video's budget was £4,750, which is extremely low budget, hence the bad CGI graphics and the green screen. Although I have to admit Liberty X do look like characters off an old game or something, so they've faded in well with the concept of the video.
The dancing is on point, it's the only good thing about this music video, and although the choreography isn't that complicated, they've done well with what they've been given, and you can totally tell they've put their all in it. The only problem is the camera angles, it doesn't show their dance sequences that well.
Overall, a good concept if it was shot in the real world instead of the CGI world they created. I think the dig at the former boss could've been so much better. However their performance scenes are done all right, and they have kept their style, looking sexy. The video just looks low budget and is not something people want to watch again and again. The video is suggested as one of the main reasons for the low charting position for the single. Which makes sense. However, a very catchy song and a video I'll always remember, even if it isn't that good.
A cute video for this very cute song! As you probably all already know Justin Bieber is still at number one on the UK singles charts with "Love Myself", as well as at number two and three with "Sorry" and "What Do You Mean?" respectively. So that leaves the top ten, once again, open for my review for Chart Mondays. I have practically reviewed every music video to every song in the top 10, apart from this one, which has just scraped in at number 10 this week. 99 Souls have remixed two classics to make this club banger and have paired it with a right to be different music video.
99 Souls are a duo, as of now, their names are unknown. As far as I can tell, they were originally called Le Projet Secret. They released this on Soundcloud as a promotional song to get their name out there. But the track blew up and therefore this was served as their debut single. The song is a mashup of Destiny's Child's song "Girl" and Brandy and Monica's "The Boy Is Mine". It was first taken down from Soundcloud due to copyright violations. It then reappeared nearly a year later, after Beyoncé approved the use of the Destiny's Child song, as well as Brandy recording re-recorded vocals for the track as Monica felt that the track belonged in the past and therefore turned down the offer. For those of you who don't know. Destiny's Child consisted of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams at the time "Girl" was released, back in 2004. It hit number six on the UK chart. As for Brandy, real name Brandy Norwood, she hit number two in the UK in a collaboration with Monica, real name Monica Brown, with "The Boy Is Mine" back in 1998, just missing out on the top spot, which was claimed by B*Witched with "C'est La Vie". The song has a tonne of writers, due to it being a mashup, these are Rodney Jerkins, Fred Jerkins III, Japhe Tejeda, Beyoncé Knowles, Angela Beyince, Patrick Douthit, LaShawn Daniels, Edward Robinson, Kelendria Rowland, Tenitra Williams, Brandy Norwood and Donald Davis.
This was directed by Såndl. It's totally inspirational, and slightly relates to the lyrics in a totally new concept.
Everyone is walking backwards, which is apparently the right way to walk in this world. And so this guy generally strolls through his life without a care in the world, but he is different, and hell does he know it, because he actually walks forwards, which is the wrong way.
People pick on him, stare at him, get annoyed at him. He feels like there's something wrong so he goes and seeks help. I love the whole way in which he is walking, it's as if there's something wrong with it, it's like he is stumbling more than anything, yet everyone is walking backwards perfectly fine, they all have a flow in their walk, and he has a jolt.
After seeing an advertisement, where Dr. Michael announces he can help him, he checks into this medical centre, aptly named The Private Clinic. He meets a girl who walks out of a wheelchair and walks forwards. They are paired together to try and learn how to walk backwards, but they never manage to do it, and give up, eventually deciding that they were meant to walk forwards, they were meant to be that way, and nothing can stop them.
Such an amazing storyline, so inspirational since people can easily relate. Everything that happens in this video people can relate to... Being picked on, being looked down upon, being rejected, it is all in there. This is one powerful music video, and it's suggestive of race, gender, sexuality, people with physical and mental disorders, as well as many other differences people have. This video shows that that does not make you less human, just different. It isn't wrong to be who you are.
The boy is played by Stéphane Bak and the girl is played by Leslie Medina. They make a pretty good couple. I love some of the cute scenes, who does not enjoy the blowing bubble scene? I could watch that scene on repeat all day. I love the idea of swimming backwards too, although I am not too keen on the idea of using hair clippers to gain hair. Some things in the video just doesn't work out in my head.
Overall a brilliant video for an extremely catchy song. I can so see this climbing higher in the chart as it will definitely receive more radio play. The song is currently stuck in my head, no surprises there. The video relates well, and is such an inspiration, even if the subliminal message may not be clear to kids, I still feel that this being shown often, would help others to understand that there is nothing wrong with being different.
Is this a serious music video? I'm like stunned right now after watching this. This video definitely has the 90's feel, but does anyone else get the feeling they are watching the visualisations on Windows Media Player? It definitely has that feel, and if you still use Windows Media Player to listen to music, you seriously need to upgrade to a better music platform! Diplo & Sleepy Tom bring back a 90's classic, remix it and make it sound amazing, the video relies heavily on the 90's background and yet switches up the choreography to prove it's new.
Diplo, real name Thomas Pentz, is from America. He is a DJ, producer, rapper, songwriter, the list will probably go on and on. He has been a part of many side projects, which too will probably feature on this blog at some point, because Diplo is releasing hits across the world right now. DJs have definitely come into prominence in recent years, and with club bangers like this one, they're going to be setting the charts alight if they haven't done so already. All Diplo now needs is a number one, and at the rate he is going, he'll get one soon, all by himself. He has already got a number one with Skrillex in the duo Jack Ü called "Where Are Ü Now" which features Justin Bieber. Sleepy Tom, real name Cameron Tatham, is a DJ and producer from Canada. He is just setting off, but if this is anything to go by, this won't be the last we've heard of him. The song is written by Vassal Benford, Ron Spearman, Thomas Pentz and Cameron Tatham. It infuses Jade's "Don't Walk Away", with Kool & The Gang's "Jungle Jazz" and Stevie Wonder's "That Girl". I wish Jade had reformed just to lay new vocals on this track, or they could've used Javine, since she released a cover version of "Don't Walk Away", she seems to be free lately. Instead they used the vocals from Jade's single release.
This video was directed by Dan Streit and Sean Lopez. There's not a lot going on, they have gone for the 90's theme, due to the Jade song, which was definitely a big hit for the band.
The choreography isn't exciting or entertaining. There is a lot of '90 influence in the dance sequences, which definitely goes a long with the whole vibe. Three dancers were used in the filming of the video, these dancers are Fulani Bahati, Asako Hara and Helen Gedlu.
When the music changes so does the choreography, and this really works with this piece. However there isn't a lot to say. At times it makes my eyes go weird.
Overall a banging club tune, that will definitely go down as a classic, one I want to hear in the clubs for the next few years. However a very uninteresting, unexciting and quite bland music video, that fails to keep us entertained and engaged. It relates to the song extremely slightly due to decade the original was released, however it fails to relate to the lyrics or the actual beat behind. This is just dated, and not something I would want to watch.
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.
