I knew one day I'd have to review an Iggy Azalea music video, and to be honest I've been dreading it, because they are so perfect and amazing and well thought out, that I'm going to have to write a lot about it because she packs a lot into just a music video. Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX transform themselves into Clueless characters, with enough sass to remake the whole entire film, the girls pay the perfect homage to Clueless.
Iggy Azalea, real name Amethyst Kelly, got her stage name from her pet dog she used to own called Iggy, the last name came from the street that her family grew up on, only because her grandfather told her she can't have a one-word stage name. Now she's a household name, hits across the globe, number ones here there and everywhere, there is no stopping this girl. She is on fire, and she isn't going to stop. Charli XCX isn't far behind Iggy Azalea, also becoming very mainstream. Her real name is Charlotte Aitchison. However her music is more like dirbs and drabs as it jumps in and out of the UK chart as well as other worldwide charts. Will she ever establish herself on the UK charts officially? Or will she always not quite make the cut? Fancy was written by Amethyst Amelia Kelly, Charlotte Aitchison, George Astasio, Jason Pebworth, Jon Mills, Jonathan Christopher Shave and Kurtis McKenzie.
The song will always hold a significant reference to me. After my Grandfather passed away, me and my family spent time clearing out his bungalow in Devon. My brother and I had to return home early, and we played this in my brother's car. As we were singing along to it, we changed the lyrics from "LA to Tokyo" to "Devon to Birmingham", as that was where we were going. I will always think of that day whenever I hear this song.
Directed by Director X, the music video is inspired by the 1995 movie Clueless, which I still haven't watched... I think I need to get around to watching the film sometime soon.
The music video is set in the same place as the film is set in, which is Los Angeles' Grant High School. It has been used in many films and TV shows including "Ball of Fury", "CSI: Miami", "True Blood" and "Not Another Teen Movie". It has also been the set in many music videos.
Iggy Azalea plays Cher Horowitz and Charli XCX plays Tai Frasier. This would make sense to me if I had seen the movie Clueless, but I haven't, not yet anyway.
I love everything about this video, I like how the scenes replicate some iconic scenes in Clueless, apparently. The video shows that Iggy Azalea can dance, much to her not-so-keen interest in dancing, as we know from talk about her collaboration with Britney Spears for "Pretty Girls".
Overall, a great music video that has updated iconic scenes from the film Clueless, these include the digital wardrobe that is on her iPad, the debate scene, where Iggy Azalea is wearing her chosen outfit, which is totally more updated than what Cher is wearing, exuding sex appeal. Lunch time is an exact replica as well as the highway during a driving lesson. The party scene is totally upgraded with on point choreography, and sexy outfits. The sport scene ensemble is good inspiration, and Iggy Azalea once again proves she isn't as bad as a dancer as she makes out to be. The classroom scene is on point including the whatever sign. Is there nothing they missed out? If you're looking for a perfect music video I will always recommend Iggy Azalea's music videos, she thinks of everything and hits top marks every time!
I had difficulty coming up with a music video to review today. So instead I let YouTube decide, and thanks to it's suggestions on the homepage, it enlightened me to Anne-Marie. A cross between Katy Perry and Jessie J, Anne-Marie hits out with an extremely catchy song that is already stuck in my head, and a music video that not only puts the meaning of a performance to a new level, but the narrative works wonders.
Anne-Marie recently came to my attention when she collaborated with Wretch 32 on song "Alright With Me", which failed to officially chart on the UK singles chart, however it made the UK's R&B and Indie charts. I still believe Anne-Marie is one to watch for 2016. Her vocals are a lot stronger on various other tracks. Yet this song is still catchy nonetheless.
Yet again it's another solid performance from this girl. I love the setting where she's on top of the caravans. Her quirky style really shines in this music video, allowing us to understand her as both a person and an artist. We'd never have a dull moment with Anne-Marie in our lives.
The narrative is exciting, they want to do it right, because they really like each other, but is it really real? I like the whole idea behind it, yet it isn't played out long enough to establish a connection and I believe that is the way it was supposed to be.
I love the visuals, it really works and makes Anne-Marie more interesting.
Overall, a great video, with an amazing song which is now stuck in my head. I am definitely stating that this girl is one we all need to watch for 2016, and if she doesn't make it, then we've lost a truly amazing singer.
As soon as I saw the thumbnail for this video, I did my very best to find another new release music video, however I couldn't find one, and so had to resort to this. First time watching this video, and first time I have heard this song, and this is quite the tune, which I was not expecting. Sneakbo, MoStack and J Spades release a great song that even has me liking this rap, the video takes place on a car park.
Sneakbo, real name Agassi Odusina, has had a few charting hits in the past. He has had a few legal disputes in the past too, but he's attempting to redeem himself. This song was first uploaded online in September, it has had a make-over with some other artists providing a verse each, and Sneakbo starts the new year with a song that is deserving of a charting hit! The song features MoStack, who is up and coming, he nails this verse in this song, making me want to listen to more of his songs. As for J Spades, I am not so sure, I lost interest when he started rapping, eager to hear the chorus again. A great song, that I hope charts somewhere in the UK chart, however I don't see that happening, and this might just be one of those great rap songs that never becomes popular although it definitely deserves to be.
The music video was directed by Jay Vertex. Set in a car park, there isn't a lot to comment on.
The rapping is on point, and the performance piece of the video is very relaxed. Nothing too over the top, but nothing to wow us. It felt like we were taken back to the streets, where rapping was done in a group, and rap battles was common in music videos. This worked well, although I don't understand the women behind. It would've worked better without them as they don't add anything to the video.
The various other scenes to do with the car park are interesting. The bikers / cyclists riding around makes this feel more real and goes with the relaxing vibes we are given from the performance piece. What helps the most is the car scene. The Ferrari looks stylish and with the guy sitting on the bonnet while it's moving just looks natural. Come on, we have to admit that we want to do that one day.
The ending is surreal. It's out of context, doesn't make sense and yet brings our attention right back around. Sneakbo turns into a cat. Like seriously... When did that happen? And how? No links, but cats are relaxing creatures. And relaxing is all what this video is about.
Overall, an amazing rap song that should so chart on Friday, although I don't see it happening, especially with a Monday release date. The music video is not amazing, by any standards, but it doesn't disappoint, that's for sure. I'm not too keen on the ghostly tone used throughout the video, it distracts from the entire visual.
I haven't seen this music video in some time, and Justin Bieber has quite the baby face! I am reviewing this music video for my Thursday Revisit, as I previously reviewed Justin Bieber's "Purpose: The Movement" collection of promotional videos for his most recent album. Justin Bieber's first top ten hit here in the UK, he makes a fool of himself in the video, ever heard of coming on way too strong? Whatever happened to playing it cool? And stupid girl gave in in the end.
Justin Bieber started at just 16, but he looks like he's 13 with that baby face. This was his first big hit around the world, but as we all know, he improved as he got older, and he just got hit after hit after hit. This song was written by Justin Bieber, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Christopher Bridges (Ludacris) and Christina Milian. Who knew the latter was a co-writer to this song? Christina Milian was, at the time, The-Dream's wife. The song is catchy, and it's not a surprise it charted so well worldwide. Justin Bieber surprises us all as his vocals are pretty much perfect on this track, especially since this isn't an easy song to sing.
The music video was directed by Ray Kay. The video features Jasmine Villegas also known as Jasmine V, as Justin Bieber's love interest, as well as various stars who are Drake, Lil Twist and Tinashe. The Rangers are a part of the dance crew.
Justin Bieber just doesn't know when to give in. Jasmine V plays hard to get, and at the very start it's clear she isn't interested, and yet Justin Bieber doesn't leave her alone. He shows off way too much, enough to put me off from the first second.
His dancing isn't the best. The choreography isn't outstanding, yet when performed, it works. However Justin Bieber fails to convey the moves properly, even though he nails the sequences, he is focusing so hard on getting the moves right, that he isn't even looking at his love interest at all. Jasmine V, you should've stayed away, he wouldn't ever be dancing with you, he'll be too busy trying to look good on the dance floor. As for Jasmine V, she rarely danced in this video, and when she does it's short snapshots, she obviously didn't nail the choreography as well as her other dancers.
Performance wise, Justin Bieber doesn't make me want to see him live. There's no passion behind what he is singing, and yet again he attempts to show off by making up some freestyle moves that fails to keep me interested. Ludacris attempts to have fun, but there's no pulling back this video on the performance side.
Overall, I liked this idea of this all taking place at a bowling alley. But this is just too much for me. Justin Bieber comes across way too strong for my liking, and his dancing may be on point, but he is focusing too hard on the steps.
Whoever said persistence was a waste of time? Karen Harding proves that taking a risk and appearing on multiple talent shows doesn't only show you can take rejection, but it can also get you a record deal. Karen Harding delights us in her debut single's music video, her stage presence is obvious, although she fails to capture us entirely, great singer, visually beautiful, Karen Harding is one to watch for 2016!
Karen Harding first appeared on TV as an entrant for 'Your Country Needs You', the UK's selection for Eurovision 2010. She failed to make it past round one and was eliminated. The winner was Josh Dubovie, who was the third UK entrant to come last in the competition. Pretty sure Karen Harding would've done better. She next appeared on the tenth series of The X Factor, but was eliminated during the six chair challenge. And now she's made a name for herself, and hit the top ten of the UK chart with this banger. It just shows persistence does work. The song was written by Karen Harding and Uzo Emenike (MNEK).
Directed by Carly Cussen, the video is set in a club, and Karen Harding is just arriving, looking secy and ready to show who she is as an artist.
This debut song is perfect for clubs, and so I expected some sort of dance sequence, and although Karen Harding is seen dancing, it looks more like it was choreography she made up so that it doesn't look like she's just singing the song.
There is a group of dancers, which Karen Harding is with at certain times, however she isn't dancing with them, especially when the beat picks up and the dance group shows us what they've got, I just wish Karen Harding was dancing with them.
Overall a great performance-based music video for the song, however it gives us no narrative whatsoever, and the video doesn't give us much insight into Karen Harding, can she even dance? We need something more from her to really capture our attention, because this song is definitely something.
Finally, JoJo has released her third and final music video from her tringle, with dynamic effects. Personal, inspirational and full empathy, this video pulls at the heart strings, JoJo is a vision, open, free and she's not letting anything or anyone bring her down. I need to see her live!
JoJo gave us a snippet of future songs back in 2015. Real name Joanna Levesque, she is ready to hit the music industry by storm, once again, her tringle created a major social buzz and the songs she released: "When Love Hurts", "Say Love" and this one are all technically brilliant, a perfect glimpse into her future releases. She is going to nail this album, and it will definitely be her best one to date. The song was written by Nikki Flores, Anton Malmberg Hård af Segerstad, Joy Deb and Linnea Deb.
The music video captures the meaning of the song perfectly. Directed by Zelda Williams, the desert shows the openness, the freeness of the song. The video features Heather Matarazzo.
I love the couch, it is represented of a psychiatrist's couch, one you get in therapy. I love how the actors, as well as JoJo relax on the couch in every which way they feel, this really works, it's like they're opening their minds, abnormalling reality to what we are used to (yes I know abnormalling is not a word, but it's what's going on). Open and free yet isolating and alone.
JoJo shows how amazing a performer she is, just watch her, she believes in every word of this song. This really means something to her. Her vocals are stunning as always, but it's her presentation of the song as she performs it out in the open, all alone. She isn't isolated at all, she is telling us the story and she knows there's this audience clinging on to every word she is singing, so she gives it her all.
I can't wait for her album, the sooner it gets released, the better. It may become the most underrated album of 2016, but we all know it will be amazing nonetheless.
It was inevitable that this was going to happen, and I was worried when this day would come. Chart Mondays have allowed me to keep my blog current, but when I've reviewed every official music video in the top 10 of the UK singles chart, where does that leave me? I never thought this day would come, especially since in the last few years a new number one appeared every few weeks, but Justin Bieber has practically stormed the UK charts and is refusing to move. So I am going to review his promotional videos for his album, since he has not released an official music video for either Sorry or Love Yourself. Justin Bieber doesn't disappoint when it comes to his new album Purpose, but are his promotional videos up to the standards of regular official music videos? Do they do the album justice? Let's see.
The introduction on the main, full length, promotional video, which can be found above is inspirational, it is also used in Mark My Words. Justin Bieber's words announce his reasons behind the title of his album. He tells the world that he lost his way a bit. Can we really blame him? Look at how much media he gets; cameras follow him everywhere, so many stars have gone off the rails because of it, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse amongst others are just a couple of stars that come to mind. Justin Bieber lost his focus, he admits that, but he found his purpose. If Justin can find purpose, we all can.
A great start to his album, the song introduces the entire album, he is marking his words, and they are actually his words because he co-wrote all of his album. This one was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Michael "Blood" Tucker.
Justin Bieber is a visionary on top of a golden piano in the middle of flat pains around mountains. Lyrics, his words, strewn on lyric sheets around the piano, it is such an imaginary vision, one out of a dream, that has come together astonishingly artistically. Justin Bieber performs the song with such emotion, he really cares for this album as a whole. Great start to this Purpose: The Movement.
I'll Show You
Bye bye Justin Bieber in these videos, for now anyway. Justin Bieber tells us that his life isn't easy, and yeah we definitely agree, the media is all over him all the time. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Josh Gudwin, Sonny Moore, Michael "Blood" Tucker and Theron "Neff-U" Feemster.
These dancers show us! They are in sync after a little bit of a shaky first dance sequence, but they pull it back within seconds, the choreography looks slightly too fast for the music and therefore doesn't exactly work at times and yet we can't deny how professional and on point these guys are, a hell of a lot of practise went into this and they nail every move, each minute move is simultaneously perfect. The dancers are: Denzel Chisholm, Gusto Clarke, Ryan Davis, Noel Frias, Kendrick Martinez, Jose Ramos, CJ Salvador, Lance Savali, Tony Tzar and Hollywood.
There is an official music video for this song "I'll Show You" as it was released as a promotional single.
What Do You Mean?
Justin Bieber's first number one here in the UK, and it is what spawned the whole chart topping success. It is a banger, and one that will be in the chart for a long time, no doubt. It was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mason "MdL" Levy.
Introducing a totally different dance style, one that goes well with this song, but seems way too cliché for me. The dance troupe also practised, practised, practised. Everything on point in this almost chaotic choreography. Kudos go out for including the tap dancer and showcasing him, but does it really go with the song? There's no exact change to the song to relate it to the tap dancing. Everything feels rushed as if they've been given a certain time to fit it all in. The dancers look totally under pressure to get this right. And perfect they have made it.
This song also has an official music video, which I've reviewed. I much prefer "What Do You Mean?"'s official music video over this one. The dancers are Bianca Ikinofo, Kaelani Edwards, Madison Golightly, Shyvon Campbell, Leilani De Marco, Kyra Aoake, Althea Strydom, Kaea Pearce, Maddison Barnett, Jess Toatoa, Ruth Pearce, Samyah Powell, Kirsten Dodgen, Corbyn Taulealea-Huch, Ling Zhang, Weijun Sun, Keanu Feleti, Todd Williamson, Joseph Metuakore, Elvis Lopeti, Justyce Petelo-Neho, Michael Metuakore, Fetu Taku, Esra Pula and Andrew Cesan.
Sorry
Another number one single, such a catchy song and a great video to go with it. Apparently they were thinking of doing an official music video to this song, but they have decided to leave it and stick with this promotional video as it is liked by many and it is definitely quirky. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, Michael "Blood" Tucker and Sonny Moore.
The video showcases the type of sexy dancing we have all come to know recently, twerking is all performed perfectly from this dance troupe. What should be amazingly sexy is performed just the way it should be, it's purely clothing that removes this sexiness from the dance moves, and it's surprising how clothing really affects the visual. The dance groups are: The Ladies of ReQuest and The Royal Family Dance Crew, from The Palace Dance Studio, New Zealand.
Love Yourself
I have been waiting to review this promotional video, it's one of my favourites, and it is technically beautiful. Currently sitting at number one on the UK singles chart, and has done so for a total of six weeks, three of which are consecutive. It was written by Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran and Benjamin Levin. This explains why many have thought it was Ed Sheeran singing, although I wouldn't have personally,identified this song with Ed Sheeran. Such a brilliant song and undoubtedly deserves to be at number one.
Choreographed by the dancers themselves, husband and wife Keone Madrid and Mari Madrid. This is the perfect video! It could easily pass off as an official music video for the song, although I think a few shots of Justin Bieber would've made this video official. There's a lot to love about this video, from the bed scene to the hallway, from the kitchen to the living room, from the bathroom to Keone moving out. There is nothing I don't like about this video.
Justin Bieber introduces the song with words about love, and he is totally right with everything he says. I think the dancing on the phones sidetrack the entire video, although it is on point and it can't be faulted. I also love how there is tonnes of mirrors in the bathroom, she clearly loves herself more than him, if only I had a guy like him, I'd be a tease, for sure, but I wouldn't take him for granted as she clearly does.
Awesome video that has got everyone talking, I believe Keone and Mari are actually in love and are probably the perfect couple, and you can see the connection between them. Perfect video for a perfect song.
Company
What happens in room 1113 stays in room 1113 obviously. The song is catchy, it's a good song, one that could be a good single to release, if any more are to come from this album. The song looks back on his past life and how he slept around, he wants to show people he has grown up, that this is who he used to be and it's not who he is any more. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, James Abrahart, Andreas Schuller, Thomas Troelsen, James Wong and Leroy Clampitt.
Narrative in a way, the video is off to a great start as we watch four girls come out of room 1113 and enter the elevator to the diner below. This is where the cameraman annoys the hell out of me. Such a confined space the camera jerks as we are introduced to a group of lads, one of which takes a risk on a girl and asks her out. Dancing in the street then pursues, to something almost as great as Love Yourself promotional video. That specific scene is definitely the highlight of the video, and if it had ended with them two, it would've been a high rating. However the video rewinds back to the party or orgy happening in room 1113. A comparative video overall, what's happening in room 1113 is Justin Bieber's past, and outside on the streets is how he would treat a lady now, or so we presume.
The dancers in the video are amazing, again a lot of practise went into this and it definitely paid off. The dancers are Lyle Beniga, Parris Goebel, Kaili Bright, Melany Centeno, Lilly Leithner, Diana Matos, Cat Rendic, Taja Riley, Tia Rivera, Tee Tee, Marquita Washington, Laure Courteller, Natalie, Paris Jackson, Miesha Moore, Tiara Kelly, Selasi Dogbaeje, Conny Azua and Rebbi Rosie.
No Pressure (feat. Big Sean)
A simple video for an extremely catchy song. Big Sean's rap is totally on fire, very well written and one I had to commemorate, I love the Empire (TV series) reference as well as Street Fighter reference and Yoko Ono is in the rap too. Nice one Big Sean! A great addition to this album, definitely one that shines out thanks to Big Sean's rap. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Robin Weisse, Dominic Jordan, Jimmy Giannos and Sean Anderson (Big Sean).
The video features Big Sean himself, rapping perfectly, his performance is on point. The dancers are Ian Eastwood, Megan Batoon and Melany Centeno. Ian Eastwood outshines them all, a solo freestyle choreographed brilliantly, this tells the exact story we expect, authentic once again, these videos are not just promotional of each song, but tells the perfect story. I'm not sure about the black and white colourisation though.
No Sense (feat. Travis Scott)
More amazing dancing from Parris Goebel, that girl is totally on fire, I don't care what people say, she has really spotlighted dancing and her choreography is amazing. The song features Travis Scott, his rap is in time with the song, it's definitely different and captures you're attention, but it doesn't work that well and after hearing Big Sean in the previous track, Travis Scott fails to impress. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Kenneth Coby, Jacques Webster (Travis Scott) and Mike Dean.
This dance troupe is on point, again a lot of practise went into it and as per usual, it paid off... I want to be taught by Parris Goebel, she is amazing, her choreography is stunning, and this is pure brilliance. At first I thought it was computer editing and that the entire troupe was Parris Goebel, because the dancing was in sync perfectly and the outfits are all the same. Travis Scott kind of ruined the video, the camera movement totally fails, and loses interest. I wish it had ended with Parris Goebel and her dance group, instead Travis Scott got the last scene.
The dancers are: Parris Goebel, Bianca Ikinofo, Shyvon Campbell, Leilani De Marco, Kyra Aoake, Althea Strydom, Kaea Pearce, Jess Toatoa, Kirsten Dodgen, Corbyn Taulealea-Huch, Althea Strydom and Oriana Whaiapu.
The Feeling (feat. Halsey)
This is probably the worst video out of them all so far, this one just messes with my head, and I find it difficult to follow, and I seem not to be the only one. However, this song shines throughout the album, Halsey and Justin Bieber's vocals work effortlessly together creating a beautiful harmony that I hope to hear again in another song. This one is written by Justin Bieber, Julia Michaels, Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson, Sonny Moore and Ian Kirkpatrick.
The start of this video engages the audience, but the lighting, camera movement and angles all fail to come together, distracting the audience totally. I love how dance can interpret anything into a real meaning. This is vivid, although many people have interpreted this differently, which is exactly how dance should come across. Personally, I believe, the guy is battling demons and how they are taking the girl he loves away from him, it's a fight he loses at times, but one he takes control of in the end.
I love the performance piece from Halsey, the faze effect works well and visually works within the video. Although the video ends abruptly. The dancers are: Pierce Cady, Janelle Ginestra, Valentine Norton, James "BDash" Derrick, Keywane Pandy, Marquis Robinson and Brandon "Beno" Anastascio.
Life Is Worth Living
Justin Bieber tells us all that life is worth living and that you don't have to give in. The lyrics remind me of Orianthi's "Courage" although this falls slightly on the flat side, unable to inspire people with this song as it should've done. It was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mark "The Mogul" Jackson.
The dancing is full of emotion, she can move! Even though she is dead, that bullet hole clearly visible. I feel that this is suggesting that the future is bright for her, and although she wants to die and end it all, there is a very nice looking guy coming into her life in the future, and she has the world ahead of her. Emma Portner and Patrick Cook are the dancers who perform the choreography, which is technically great but isn't visually appealing.
Where Are Ü Now (feat. Diplo and Skrillex)
Well what is it with supermarkets? They're obviously the perfect place to dance in, first we have Galantis' "Peanut Butter Jelly", which was on point, I must say. And now we have a very similar video that is just as perfect, if not better, because I can't believe what I just saw! I want to go shopping with these guys, hell, I want to be the girl who's shopping and has all four guys dancing over her. This catchy song hit number one in the UK, it has an official music video as well. "Where Are Ü Now" was written by Sonny Moore, Thomas Wesley Pentz (Diplo), Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Karl Rubin Brutus and Jordan Ware.
The video opens with Diplo and Skrillex talking about people coming to see them at their gigs from around the world. They then make a phone call as they're hungry. We are then cut to the amazing four dancers, who start with their tricks before they even get into the supermarket, and I am already wishing I was there with them.
Camera recording is shaky, but it adds more depth to the video. Dancers are on point, the choreography is shockingly brilliant. I am cheering on the dancers all the way. I love the shocked faces of some of the so called general public, definitely great acting skills. The girls come out of nowhere and really shoot some fire, but the real stars are the four lads from the start, boys you can move!
Although the camera movement isn't the best, it brings depth and reality to the video. The Ruggeds are the dancers, who are: Tawfiq Amrani, Jessy Kemper, Roy Overdyle, Sjoerd Poldermans, Lady Cultura, Johnny Erasme, Johnathan Rabon, Yusuke Nakai, Mykell Wilson, Devan Smith, Mona Berntsen, Christina Chandler and Elysandra Quinones.
Children
Just wow! My only word for this video, if it were longer a tear would've escaped! Nice job Parris Goebel! This is just wow! The song is powerful, amazing and inspirational. Justin Bieber has, once again, nailed a perfectly good song, this should so be released as a single, along with so many other songs from this album, no wonder all of them made the top 100 of the UK singles chart, but this is the one song I would personally suggest as the fourth single. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Sonny Moore, Brandon Green and Nico Hartikainen.
This is so powerful, of course children was going to be used for a song titled Children, but what I wasn't expecting was images and visuals of the unfortunate children in less fortunate countries, the ones who fail to survive out in the world. I am not the only one upset by these images, and these children put their entire emotion into not only their dance sequences of this amazing choreography, but into running and showing that we all need to help, that poverty is a real thing in the world and many are unprivileged.
This video may be too short, but the message is clear and it's one I shall never forget. This video has come out on top for me, the best one I've watched out of all these promotional videos. It is one that hits home. The dancers are: Giverny Hing, Maddison Barnett, Ruth Pearce, Samyah Powell, Sarah Whyte, Houston Murray, Ellise Samuels, Ally Mayerhofler, Siyanna Yarr, Drew Sackfield, Cullen Neale, Isla Potini, Alexandra Page, Frannie Aquino, Azaria Ieriko, Biranna Dixon, Aria Henry, Teesha Siale, Courtney McKay, Isabella Thomas-Edwards, Taimania Pupuke, Sophie De Renzy, Anaya Wakelin, Faolan Okan, MJ Neethling, Jovi Ngo, Henk Tomkins, Irava Upu, Ben Rawnsley, Remy Sutton, Matthew Puleanga, William Tuarae, Donnell Collins, Brookyln Collins, Ayla Ngaluafe, Quincy Ngaluafe and Dasha Collins.
Purpose
We started this all with words from Justin Bieber, now we're ending it with words from Justin Bieber. We've just been on a total roller-coaster ride, zipping through his ups and downs displayed in the awesome lyrics he has written, every single one of his songs tells us a part of who he is, either from the past or from the present. This one is his future, he is giving back to his fans, they are the ones who have given him purpose in the world, and the only people he never wants to let down. Inspirational to say the least, we can all learn from Justin Bieber himself, words I'd never think I'd ever write. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd, Stephen Philibin, Eben Wares, Jeremy Snyder and Scott "Scooter" Braun.
As for the video, it's not quite engaging, although I am happy he finally removed that awful, baggy denim jacket. Yes, I'm all for denim jackets, definitely has been in fashion the last few years, but this one is too baggy for him, especially out on these flat plains, with these women who aren't wearing much. The dancers fail to capture the audience, and some sequences aren't only cringe-worthy, but have no passion behind them, maybe they're a little starstruck to be working with Justin Bieber, who wouldn't be? The dancers are Samaria Barnes, Logan Hassel, Marissa Heart, Taylor Knight, Pauline Mata and Simrin Player.
Well that's the entire Purpose: The Movement viewed, reviewed and rated. Parris Goebel has really put a spotlight, not only on herself but on all the dancers in the video as well as contemporary and modern dance itself. This is the movement, this is what is popular right now in dance, and she has really put New Zealand on the map in the dance world, because these videos are next to perfection.
The album is definitely a perfectly packaged album, one I could listen to from start to finish multiple times. This album has got it all, and Justin Bieber's vocals are stunning, his collaborations adds more authenticity to this album. A brilliant album and one I don't think Justin Bieber will ever be able to top.
As for the videos, Parris Goebel have done a perfectly good job of promoting Justin Bieber's album and I wish her the best of luck. Personally, if I were an artist, I would be snapping her up to promote my album. Unfortunately, I can't sing to save my life.
The overall rating below is an average of all the ratings I have given for all the videos above. Also if you've managed to read this entire blog post, and really don't want to scroll up to the links above to buy his album, I have provided the link below as well.
This is one of my all-time favourite songs, it's vocally authentic, and just beautiful to listen to. Boyce Avenue replied to my tweet yesterday, the tweet in question can be found below. Boyce Avenue perform at the remains of a wedding, Alejandro Manzano emotional vocal announces he is waiting for his girl, he's on her way to finding her, but she hasn't come into his life yet.
Boyce Avenue are a three piece band consisting of Alejandro Manzano, Fabian Manzano and Daniel Manzano. The drummer seen in the video is Jason Burrows. The band are well known on YouTube as a cover band, they release videos of them singing other people's songs in amazing acoustic versions. They totally flip the song on it's head and fill it with so much emotion that half the time I don't recognise the song. They then release their cover versions on iTunes, which I inevitably buy. I am in love with this band and their songs, and I hope they continue, as I definitely want to see them live. This song was written and composed by Alejandro Manzano. Full with emotion, I swear it made me cry the first time I heard it. Everyone can relate in one way or another, it's just stunning.
This was directed by Mark Staubach. A pure performance piece that makes me want to see Boyce Avenue at a gig, an intimate gig would be even better. They are one of those treasures that people come across, that will never be popular and get a number one record because they aren't promoted enough, however they would certainly start getting chart hits as they build up their fan base and release more songs.
I love the setting, it's like they've set up a wedding to which the bride didn't turn up for and the guests have all left. Alejandro Manzano sings about this girl, who he's on his way to see, he describes life as everyone eventually comes across the person they are meant to be with, even though they've missed so much of that person's life already they don't want to miss any more. This is love and this is what he is singing and performing about, and this is what we are all seeking if we haven't found it already.
The ending where he picks up the ring and announce he is on his way, is adorable. The fact he already has the ring suggests a family heirloom or something of the sort. Such a powerful ending, and a song we all want to sing to our future lovers, because we are all on our way to them.
Britney Spears tweeted about this song, as her sister co-wrote it, Jamie Lynn Spears. The tweet in question can be found below. Twitter seems to be suggesting my country music choices for this blog, as only a few days ago Cassadee Pope tweeted about Lauren Alaina's "Next Boyfriend". Jana Kramer looks beautiful and stunning in this video about a boy she used to date who recently got married, she sings the song whilst going through a memory box.
Jana Kramer first came to my attention by being on the Footloose (2011 Film) Soundrack. She sang a cover version of Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear It For The Boy". however, others will probably know her for her acting roles. I don't remember her being in 90210, but she was there for six episodes. Others will definitely know her as Alex Dupre / Alex Whitehead in One Tree Hill. She is currently focusing on her music career, which is definitely the right direction for her, if the charting positions she is getting in the US is anything to go by. But will she make it over here? Country songs rarely appear on the UK singles chart, however country albums do get a look in every now and again. With an incredible voice like Jana Kramer has, I'm sure she'll make it. The song was written by Connie Harrington, Tim Nichols and Jamie Lynn Spears. Although not written by Jana Kramer, herself, she connects deeply with the song as she has been trying to write a song about her high school sweetheart but never quite getting the lyrics right, then this song appears and it's exactly what she's been trying to write. Perfect and beautiful, this track is a brilliant country song that is vocally amazing in every way.
This music video was directed by Kristin Barlowe, and has an alternate ending, which can be found below. The alternate ending extends the narrative, however it adds nothing to the video, and I probably would've dropped a star for the alternate ending video, as it can seem confusing to many. Whereas this one people totally understand and connect with.
Jana Kramer shows off her acting skills, getting into the role missing a past relationship. The lyrics are sang with so much passion that you would expect the music video not to follow through, and yet the video resembles exactly how the singer is feeling in the song. It's just beautiful.
I love the memory box idea, although what would've made this video that extra special would've been flashbacks to the memories she is picking up. However, this performance based video is so full of emotion already. Some of the memories, in question, manages to link to the song at times.
Overall Jana Kramer is beautiful and manages to effortlessly put so much emotion into this song and it's music video. The styling is on point, and so is the outfits. If you don't want to see her live after this performance based video, then there is something wrong with you, as she is putting everything she has into this video, how a tear didn't escape, I do not know, but that would've definitely cheapen the video. I like how she locks the box at the end; the box will always there, in the back of her mind, but locked away. In the alternate ending she takes the box outside and leaves it by a grave, I believe. I prefer the original ending rather than the alternate ending. What do you guys think?
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.
