I think I've just let The Rhythm get to me and I've just lost my mind. As if I've never seen this video before now, it's amazing, and with a song that so should've charted higher than number 38, but I guess MNEK is definitely in the limelight now, what with his collaboration with Zara Larsson on the song "Never Forget You". He has been announced as one of the headline acts at Birmingham Pride 2016, I just wish Zara Larsson was appearing too. MNEK tells you that The Rhythm will lose your mind, and he is totally right with this freaky music video, it seems MNEK is the only person not to lose his mind in this supermarket.
AND HERE'S ANOTHER BIG HEADLINER...Birmingham Pride are proud to announce that Grammy-nominated British singer,...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
MNEK, real name Uzo Emenike, has had an established career as a song writer, he has had three number ones and plenty of top ten hits. Now he's creating a career as a solo singer and he is doing a fine job of it, although he isn't exactly a strong singer, he has a perfect soul in his vocals, enough to give him his own number ones in the future. I'm excited to see what he releases next after the amazing hit single "Never Forget You". This song was written by Uzo Emenike and Kersha Bailey.
Directed by Clemens Habicht, the video is once again set in a supermarket, this seems to be a common setting in dancing music videos. I think it's because we've all been in one of them, it's part of everyday life and I think that's what makes it a good setting to put something unnatural. Other videos that have recently been set in a supermarket is Galantis' "Peanut Butter Jelly" and Skrillex & Diplo & Justin Bieber's "Where Are Ü Now".
MNEK is working at the supermarket and he changes the music to his own song The Rhythm. Once the customers hear the song they start to lose their minds just like the song suggests.
They start to dance to the track and then the dancing gets really crazy as special techniques are used that even makes the viewers lose their minds, throughout I was like: is this really happening?
Trampolines were definitely used in the video and other visual transformations. It works really well, although the supermarket would definitely be wrecked by the end of the video, however it's only slightly untidy.
Overall, a great video that relates perfectly with the song. MNEK is a star that much is obvious. I love the video, it's freaky, it's weird, it makes me lose my mind just like the customers. I was a little unexcited when MNEK was announced as one of the acts at Birmingham Pride 2016, now I'm excited to hear him live.
Never heard or seen this before today and now it's stuck in my head. It annoys me that credible artists don't get a look in when it comes to the radio, since that is the biggest promotion. A complete step up since she appeared on The X Factor, I truly believe Lucy Spraggan is one of the most underrated British singers we have. She has been announced for Birmingham Pride 2016. Lucy Spraggan proves she's a fighter in this music video, she's unsinkable within the music industry and she will continue to get soaked, yet no matter how damp and down she gets, she'll never be beaten, because British music isn't the same without her.
AND OUR NEXT REVEAL IS...The brilliant Lucy Spraggan returns to Birmingham Pride after storming the main stage in...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Lucy Spraggan hit our TV screens on the ninth series of The X Factor, where James Arthur was crowned as the winner. Personally, the ninth series is one of the worst series because the acts I loved didn't go as far as I wanted them too, two of which were out in the first two live shows and Lucy Spraggan had to withdrew, therefore not allowing me to become a fan of her music. It was a shamble of a series and although some acts are well known, such as Rylan Clark and Union J, the star was Ella Henderson who undoubtedly should've won, but didn't. She's definitely the one who's had the biggest career out of all of them from this series. Back to Lucy Spraggan, before The X Factor she released an album independently, then released a second album under Sony. Her most recent album, We Are, was released last year under a new label. All she needs is more promotion, because this girl has got it! This song was written by Lucy Spraggan, Martin Brammer and Adam Argyle.
The music video, directed by Damien Reeves, is mainly a performance based music video that really captures the lyrics of the song.
I love the performance side, Lucy Spraggan proves that she's all grown up, and she really means business with this song, unfortunately it charted at number 78 here in the UK, but it should've done better.
I like the visuals. When she sings 'I should be broken drift wood on the beach', we're transported to a very cold beach. Pathetic fallacy is played to the fullest as it rains inside, where she is performing.
Yet she fights through and the rain finishes as the song finishes.
Beautiful, inviting and full of emotion. Lucy Spraggan has grown up, and I am hoping 2016 pushes her out to be more of a star, because that is definitely what she is.
Mike Posner has done it, he has knocked Lukas Graham off the top spot with this amazingly catchy song. Whoever said you can't make a good comeback was wrong. Mike Posner's biggest hit used to be "Cooler Than Me", but guess he becomes the cool one since he has hit number one in the UK with this song and he has made it a global hit. Mike Posner doesn't appear in his music video, although the actor plays out his story, which is definitely stretching the truth, although it seems real enough, you can imagine this happening, but that massive head would knock a few people out in a club.
Mike Posner is only really known in the UK for his previous hit "Cooler Than Me", although his writing credits are substantial, and some may remember him featuring on the UK version of Cher Lloyd's "With Ur Love". Now he's back with another big hit, but will his follow-up singles follow in this one's footsteps or will they under perform again until he brings out another standalone hit? Time will tell as it always does. This song was written by Mike Posner, Martin Terefe and SeeB. The song came about after Mike Posner took a pill in Ibiza while at an Avicii concert.
The music video, directed by Jon Jon Augustavo. It's very scary, especially if you switched over halfway through on a music channel.
It kind of reminds me of the early 00's music videos when these sort of weird videos were all the range. I like the idea of the pill blowing his head up, although I wish they had used animation to literally blow his head up.
It sort of suggests that taking pills/drugs are a good thing. He becomes more confident, more drunk, more girls are interested hell he manages to pull and has sex in a toilet cubicle; there isn't enough emphasis of the ending and how drugs and pills are bad for you.
Pills and drugs are not good! NPS legal highs are to be banned in the UK in April. There's argues for and against them, and most don't know enough about them to make valid concrete opinions on them, whatever your feelings on them, they are there and you always have to be careful, as with anything you accept from a stranger.
Overall the video fails to show the risks of taking pills, and instead reflects on how much of a good time you could have by taking them. Behind the scenes you can tell that he isn't living the life, especially when he takes the pill, it doesn't change his life, it blows his head up and it's not as great as he thinks it is. It sticks to the story of the song and relates to it, although I do think it gives a slightly wrong message out to young people.
This has to be the act I'm most excited about. I was a massive fan of Booty Luv when they were on the scene getting chart hit after chart hit. This was their first ever song, and currently their biggest hit, they formed after the split of Big Brovaz which they were previously in. They were second to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2016 and I have to admit, I did scream, they are the act I shall not be missing! And I won't be surprised if Birmingham Pride announces Big Brovaz soon, as they have reformed for appearances in the past, and they plan to perform at CC Summer Ball in June, so I am expecting them to appear at Pride a month before. Booty Luv does their best in this low-budget performance-based music video that not only doesn't relate but just fails to engage.
AND OUR NEXT REVEAL IS...The fantastic Booty Luv who return to Birmingham Pride after storming the main stage...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
This is Booty Luv's debut single, although their following singles all charted in the UK top 20, apart from their most recent single "Black Widow" which is most definitely underrated. Booty Luv consists of Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd. They were big back in 2007, and would be one of the bigger star at Pride, hell they are in my eyes, but they haven't released anything since "Black Widow" in 2012, and there's no sign of any new music... They could easily make a good comeback if they gave it a really good go, maybe Birmingham Pride 2016 will help them to get back together. Boogie 2Nite is a cover version of Tweet's "Boogie 2Nite" which was originally a promotional song and was never released as a single, despite it becoming a club hit. Then Booty Luv comes along and proves it was meant to be released. It was written by Charlene Keys, Nisan Stewart and John Smith.
This music video is extremely low budget, they clearly wasn't expecting this to be much of a hit. However, it's obvious that the success of this song brought more singles and much better music videos, which I'll no doubt review as it gets closer to Birmingham Pride 2016.
There isn't a lot going on, there's some dancers dancing to the song, there's a lot of visuals and text which doesn't link with the song in time so doesn't work as lyrics.
Booty Luv performs perfectly, as they no doubt will on the stage. They are sexy, sultry and teasing, which works well with the song and they do their best with what they have been given.
I am definitely excited to see them perform this song as well as their many other hits, however this music video doesn't work well enough. This single got to number 2, failing to knock Take That off the top spot with "Patience". This song is a banger, but the video fails to interest and I really don't want to watch it again.
Lisa Stansfield was the first big name to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2016. At first I was excited because everyone has heard of her name at least, but after researching her songs I've come to realised that I only really know and like this one song, which begs to question whether she is a big enough star to headline Pride. As much as I want to hear this song live, I would rather be getting ready to go out clubbing, or chilling in one of the bars, or be at the funfair, or be in the dance arena, than be at the main stage listening to her sing songs I don't really know. Lisa Stansfield sings this powerful and highly emotional song, which guaranteed her a place at the top of the UK charts back in 1989. A total performance piece she sends her emotion out to the viewers.
WE'RE SO EXCITED TO REVEAL!The awesome Grammy nominated Lisa Stansfield is confirmed as one of our BIG HEADLINERS at...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Lisa Stansfield has had her day, the 90's was her decade, and although I totally believe an artist should be able to constantly chart, only the best manage to do that across decades, there's the Madonnas, the Britneys, the Christinas, the Rihannas, the Justins. Lisa Stansfield might be a big name, but she isn't current any more. A collaboration with a DJ might get her to chart, it worked for Mary J. Blige, but I don't think it will give Lisa Stansfield more fans, which she inevitably needs to become current. She'll be forever known for this one song, and I don't see why Birmingham Pride chose her as a headliner, when the younger population at Pride, which is usually the majority of attendees, won't be watching. This song is her biggest hit, it got to the top of the charts in 1989, and her other songs failed to climb as high. It was written by Lisa Stansfield, Ian Devaney and Andy Morris.
The video is extremely basic, but we totally expected that since it was filmed in the very late 80's.
Some of the clothes she is wearing is shocking, but they were fashionable back then. What is surprising is that her blue jacket is definitely back in fashion now, she should so find it in her wardrobe and wear it for Pride as it is stylish and would still look great no matter what she paired it with.
A total performance piece, this video displays her voice to the audience. She puts her all in some of the lyrics, fully meaning every single one of them. However, at times, she is too relaxed, enough to suggest that she is holding back.
The black and white filter fails to keep me interested, although it signifies that she's thinking of the past, there is no intercutted scenes and a narrative is only hinted at.
The video, overall, looks like a display video to show people some camera tricks. It fails to engage and although Lisa Stansfield does her best to portray the feelings needed for the video, the camera tricks falter the entire performance.
Sigala is bringing hit after hit, he is the one to watch, he is the one on everyone's lips, he is the one getting the chart numbers and he is the one who is bringing summer anthems to Britain while it's dreary and cold! He is also bringing fresh talent to the table, which is definitely helping him chart well, as well as collaborating with big names which brings crossover fans, I just want him to collaborate with one of my favourite artists. Summery and fun, this music video pushes Imani into the spotlight, whilst Sigala and DJ Fresh creates the amazing sounds behind the scenes. Hot, sexy, calm and full of life, this video is the fun summer anthem during spring!
Sigala, real name Bruce Fielder, has released two singles that has had global success "Easy Love" which hit number one here in the UK, and "Sweet Lovin'". This third single is going to follow in the previous hits' success, no doubt. He is bringing the summer throughout the year, and this song does exactly that. Imani, full name Imani Williams, is new and fresh, this is her first single and she has an incredible voice, if this song doesn't prove it enough, I suggest you listen to her acoustic videos on Instagram here, just wow! DJ Fresh also features on this song, real name Daniel Stein, he used to easily chart well, but his singles haven't matched up to his number one hits, and it seems this song might just push him back into the limelight. This song samples Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby", and was written by Sigala, DJ Fresh, Imani Williams, The Invisible Men, Mariah Carey, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal. The song reminds me of Cover Drive's "Twilight", it has the same feel and summer vibe, and I guess Imani reminds me slightly of Amanda Reifer.
Directed by Craig Moore; the video was set in Port Antonio, Jamaica. Imani is central figure in this music video, the spotlight is on her and no one else.
She's full of life and fun, releasing the summer vibes for this summer hit, her performance is meaningful and joyous.
She nails the choreography given to her, she captures the audience in her dancing, her relaxation and in her singing. She not only means every word, but she is having one of the best times in Jamaica, and we all want to be there to enjoy it with her.
Imani is just so excited to be in this video, you can tell that she was meant to do this, as she is enjoying every moment of this, and in doing so she releases those feelings out to us allowing us to feel what she's feeling, giving us a joyous viewing.
Sexy and hot, Imani is a soon-to-be superstar, the video extras fail to grab the spotlight from her, apart from the kid breakdancing on the shoreline, however no one else manages to shine as Imani proves she was meant to do this. I can't wait to see where she'll go next, hopefully a solo hit is around the corner, she has the voice for it.
Now this is how you do it! Today is my revisit day, and this song has been stuck in my head all day yesterday. My phone plays my music on shuffle and this one came on as I was on my way to work. It's such a banger of a ballad that it's definitely a classic, one I absolutely adore. Christina Milian pulls off the perfect performance, sexy, sultry and simple; this is a video that would make me want to see her live.
It's almost as if I've just watched someone else, comparing this to "Rebel", I'm kind of unsure I like the direction Christina Milian is heading, although she pulled it back with the release of "Like Me". Her real name is Christine Flores, and currently owns a clothing line, a range of wines and has her own TV show. She is attempting a come back to music to which I am hoping will be the come back that everyone is talking about. Although, I think JoJo has that title at the moment. This song was Christina Milian's second single, charting at number three in the UK. It was written by Christina Milian, Christin Karlsson, Nina Woodford, Fredrik Odesio and Henrik Jonback.
The video has four rooms, in which Christina Milian has different styles and colours to work with. In every room she pulls off the outfit perfectly, and performs on point. The video was directed by Billie Woodruff.
The choreography is performed in sync, which is exactly what we come to expect when it comes to Christina Milian. She looks relaxed and she's prepared to give this song everything she's got because this is a song she really cares about and loves.
It's totally relatable to the song, and although there is no narrative, we don't need one. She's a different person in every room, style wise. It works brilliantly, and although there doesn't seem a lot to comment on, it's because it's a pure performance piece directed amazingly. This is why Christina Milian used to be on top form before, and if she revisits this type of energy, she will get back to having chart hits.
Christina Milian is looking for a comeback to music with this EP she has released called 4U. I'm kind of hoping that this is a snippet of what her next album will be like, without using any of these songs, because "Like Me" is the only one I've liked so far, and that song alone should've been a worldwide hit. Christina Milian needs to come back harder than ever, she needs to prove she deserves chart hits once again, because this R&B ballad isn't doing a single thing for her. She over performs and exposes herself a slight too much in this provocative video, which doesn't suit her at all.
Christina Milian, real name Christine Flores, has literally made her money. She now has her own clothing range, TV series and wines, believe it or not. Yet no number ones. If anyone can do it, she can. She's an actress and a singer, she had it all, now she just needs to be back on top form once more. Getting chart hits left, right and centre used to be easy, she was born to be a celebrity with everyone talking about her, and she has the voice, has the acting skills, she just needs a killer track, an amazing music video and the right amount of promotion. This ballad doesn't cut it. Rebel was written by Christine Flores, Matt Cash, Ocean Marciano and Supa Nova.
Directed by Alton Glass, this was the first song off her EP to get a music video. All of her songs from the EP 4U has an official music video released, so it makes me question how long we're going to have to wait for this new album.
The video is not engaging enough, Christina Milian uses all her acting skills to show us the emotion of the song, sultry and sexy, she does her best, but because of the video it doesn't work overall.
The entire set is trying too hard, she almost exposes herself completely in the first few minutes as she nearly falls out of the white shirt she is wearing, which is much too loose for her.
The clothing in the video is nothing exciting or dramatic, nothing quite suits her, other than the ripped jeans. The imagery isn't imaginative, there's nothing that relates to the song, and I definitely don't understand the parachute and Christina Milian's burgundy hair. This is not the Christina Milan we all know and love. I was hoping this video would've been much better. But the only thing I can draw from this is that Christina Milian does her best with what she's been given. Sultry and sexy, she attempts to pull it off as best as she can.
I've had this song stuck in my head all day, so I thought I might as well review it's music video, especially since I haven't seen it before today. Quite dark for Nick Jonas, but I truly believe he is trying to find his sound, which I feel like he has done with the release of "Levels". Nick Jonas brings out this dark handsome side of him. The colour tone of the video is influenced by the colour of chains. His love for this person is real and isn't replicated.
Nick Jonas, Nick Jonas, Nick Jonas. He was once one third of boy band The Jonas Brothers as well as lead singer of Nick Jonas And The Administration; now he has a successful solo career with hit singles like this one. He is currently co-headling a tour with Demi Lovato called Future Now: The Tour which, unfortunately, only has dates in North America, and no sign of it hitting Europe or any other continent. If there's a date for the UK, I will definitely be getting tickets, this is one tour I wouldn't want to miss. This song was written by Jason Evigan, Ammar Malik and Danny Parker. The song is about being chained in love for a person, and how it can break you if the person doesn't feel the same.
The video continues the dark theme of the song, I love how the colours represent the colours of chains, little hues as if the chains have infused with Nick Jonas.... Ahhh to infuse with Nick Jonas.... The video was directed by Ryan Pallotta and features Dylan Penn as Nick Jonas' love interest.
Deep and dark, there is a lot going on, a lot of fighting, which Nick Jonas is doing in the song, he's fighting for the love, because he truly believes he loves this person.
Don't really get the police barricade, however it's another obstacle in the way for Nick Jonas, another thing he has to overcome just like everything else.
Overall it's a simple video and yet it's in depth and very dark, quite haunting too especially with the ending. It works well, although can be considered confusing and quite choppy. It connects with the audience rarely, failing to deliver something we want to watch again and again, yet it manages to relate to the song perfectly.
I have been waiting for this music video, and I'm so glad this song has jumped back into the top 10 to allow me to review it for Chart Mondays. Lukas Graham is still at number one with "7 Years", hence why I'm reviewing this music video. Major Lazer take us to Ghana and documents their traditional funeral, educating us through the music video medium. Inspirational and enlightening, bringing something new to the music channels, along with artists Nyla and Fuse ODG.
Major Lazer are a three piece group consisting of Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire. They have had a number of hits, more so lately than early on in the career of this group, as it was first founded by Diplo and Switch, the latter left the band because of creative differences. The group's biggest single to date is a collaboration with MØ with "Lean On", which got to number two in the UK. It seems this single is attempting a shot for number one, although with so many amazing songs higher up the chart, it doesn't seem like this will climb much higher. Nyla, real name Nailah Thorbourne, is from Jamaica, this is her biggest single to date, although she has released a few other singles, both as a solo act and as a featured act. Will she be pushed into mainstream success with this song? Or will this be her only hit? As for Fuse ODG, real name Nana Abiona, he's already made his name for himself here in the UK, no number one as of yet, but I bet he's not far from hitting the top of the charts, This song was written by Thomas Pentz, Philip Meckseper, Nailah Thorbourne, David Malcolm, Sidney Swift, T-Baby and Nana Abiona.
Directed by Sam Pilling, the music video is a documentary showing us the traditional funeral in Ghana. There is also a Twi poem quoted at the start and the end by Kwado Nkita-Mayala called Kae (Remember).
Showing Ghanaian culture makes this documentary music video educational, showing us something we've probably never seen before, managing to convey the meaning of the song over beautifully.
The traditional Ghanaian funeral ceremony includes the entire community, they firstly mourn together, and then they celebrate the life that was lived.
The black and white visual effect doesn't help the music video, although it does bring sadness. I hate black and white music videos unless the effect is used for a specific reason, since the music video and song isn't about dwelling on the sadness of the funeral, it should've switched to colour as the community celebrated the life that was lived.
Overall a nice educational music video, giving us something new to watch in a new media. However it's not entertaining enough, compared to the song, and it doesn't inspire me to watch it again. The poem brings something beautiful to this okay music video, allowing us to understand the words of the poem, the lyrics of the song and the meaning behind the whole music video. As a whole it is beautiful, and yet not amazing.
I'm claiming this right now, she is the new Inna or Alexandra Stan, she'll have one big global hit, and then will disappear from the limelight, much like many stars before her, only her true hardcore fans will buy her new music after her big hit. This music video has blown up on social media sites where they've compared her voice to Sia and Rihanna. Her vocals are amazing, and this video originally got over 30 million hits before the video got set to private as she has signed to Ultra music (a record label that was associated with Inna and Alexandra Stan, once upon a time). Era Istrefi shows off her voice and her body in this wintry music video. Encompassed by a fluffy pink and green coat, Era Istrefi struts her stuff, dances her way through the song and acts sultry towards the camera.
Era Istrefi, who is sometimes known as just Era, is Kosovo Albanian and has been releasing music since 2013. Her mother, Suzana Tahirsylaj, was a well known Albanian singer in the 80's and 90's, she stopped singing when Era Istrefi's father died. She clearly passed on her vocals to two of her daughters as Era Istrefi has an older sister, Nora Istrefi, who had a short but popular stint in the music industry, but it seems Era Istrefi will be the one who has international fame. Era Isterfi sings in Gheg Albanian, but she often uses English phrases as well. This song was written by Era Istrefi, Ergen Berisha, Cricket, BigBang and Toton. BonBon means It's Okay, It's Okay in English.
The music video was filmed in one shot, it's an extremely basic performance piece that demands the attention of the audience.
Set in a beautifully snowy road, Era Istrefi has a colourful bright pink fluffy coat on that definitely highlights her against the grey setting.
Her choreography is sexy to say the least, and she pulls it off with so much sass that it looks like she's totally freestyling; yet, as we all know, it's not that simple in the music video world.
Her style, her image, her make-up, her hair; it's all on point in this video, it makes us ignore the entire setting, we are exclusively interested in her singing this song. The song of which is in a different language, and yet nowadays we no longer complain; many songs in different languages have been worldwide hits, it's mainly the vocals that are most important, and it's refreshing to see music sung in foreign languages become popular. However this video is too simple for my liking, and yet it shows her as an independent woman, she doesn't need anyone beside her, she can do it all by herself, and she sure has with this song and video, Era Istrefi's time is coming, and it's coming now, just like she predicted at the start with these lyrics.
A total random for me, this was first played on my iTunes a few minutes ago, it is part of a compilation album I have called Музыка В Дорогу, which I bought purely because it had quite a few Inna and Alexandra Stan songs on it, and it was a cheap price. Surprisingly, it is no longer available on the British iTunes store. I instantly liked this song, and had to see if there was a corresponding music video, which leads me to this post. I love it when my iTunes chooses a song and music video for me. Enter a club where this song would be played and everyone will be raving it up, singing along to Pompo Nelle Casse, easy lyrics although we would have no idea what we are saying, but it's all fun, clubby and sexy! Power Francers are a three-piece Italian hip-house band consisting of Davide Di Martino, Antonio Pelusio and Caterina Di Sciascio. They each have names within the band which are Pacchiani, Goldentrash and Katerfrancers respectively. This is their biggest hit, although they have had plenty of other singles as well as released two albums. This group is bringing something new to the table and it is refreshing to see something new, with more hard work and plenty of promotion, they could make it big, if they pushed. D-Bag, real name Riccardo Marchi, has released a number of EPs, singles and remixes under this pseudonym, nowadays he can be found producing under the name Reech. He claims to be the producer behind many of Power Francers' hits. This song, as I previously mentioned, is their biggest hit to date. It's catchy and would definitely get people on the dancefloor and could easily be played in the UK clubs.
The music video takes us into a club where this song is really hitting it off. Perfect mouth movement line up, so much so that any one of them could be singing the song, although it's obviously Katerfrancers who has that amazing voice.
The camera makes me remember all those times I'm drunk on the dancefloor singing my heart out whilst dancing like the spotlight is on me, I'm pretty sure this hazy music video is exactly what I see when I'm in that state.
The video is sexy, sultry, full of alcohol, clubbing, raving and people clearly having a good time! Pompo Nelle Casse indeed, which doesn't translate well in English. The rest of the lyrics is about being in a club, so I'm guessing it's something that relates to that. Overall, it's relatable and goes well with the song. I'm actually interested in where these guys will go, Katerfrancers has started a solo career whilst still being a part of the group, but what the future brings for all of them is anyone's guess.
Martin Garrix makes his debut on my blog today with this song that should be a hit around the world. but according to iTunes charts, it doesn't seem likely. This is the sort of song I would expect to climb the chart much like Shawn Mendes' "Stitches" and Zara Larsson's "Lush Life". Martin Garrix is back with a hit I love, although many prefer the original song without the vocals. The video is independently strong and yet confusing all over.
Martin Garrix, real name Martijn Garritsen, had a global hit with "Animals", since then he hasn't come close to getting another number one in the UK, but he has recently split from his label Spinnin' Records and so he isn't being promoted as much, although this song definitely deserves to be a worldwide hit. This song features John Martin, real name John Martin Lindström, who has had a number of hits both solo and as featured, he is definitely one to look out for when he sets off on his music domination, because he will be a global sensation, he pretty much is already. As for Michel Zitron, he has had lots of uncredited vocals on tracks we all know and love, will he always be behind the scenes? Or will he take the risk and enter the spotlight? Only time will tell. The song is definitely catchy, one I love. It was originally known as "Don't Crack Under Pressure" before the vocals were added.
The video was directed by Peter Huang, and is a full narrative video. It features main character Jules, who is a backpacker travelling from one place to another. I don't know who the actress is, if anyone knows feel free to let me know by commenting below.
Whilst on her travels alone she bumps into a guy, who she falls in love with, I also don't know his actor's name, so comment below if you do. They clearly enjoy their time together, and have plenty of fun experiences.
However the ending is more sad than anything, he clearly did something wrong because in the voice mail he mentions that he 'made a big mistake', the only thing that comes to mind is that he cheated, although there is no suggestion of such a thing in the video, nothing to suggest he made a big mistake.
Jules goes back to her old life, backpacking and exploring, and she clearly enjoys it.
It relates to the song because she is practically taking on the world, going solo and visiting different places. There are clips of them doing things together which is what the song is about. I totally relate to this as I want to be with someone, I want to go and do things with someone, but I know that isn't going to happen any time soon, and I also feel like I'm going it alone just like she is, my plan is to get to London this year, and I'm sure I'll feel just like she does in this video, as I start my life in London, that's if I get there sooner rather than later.
Thought I'd put my Thursday Revisit review to use and review the second single from the Fast Food Rockers, because the chance of this group making it on my blog again is next to none, and I can't believe what I've just watched... I could understand the "Fast Food Song", but this follow up single is just bad, and not in a happy smiley good way. The Fast Food Rockers attempt to spread cheerfulness and happiness in this cheesy song that even has cheese in the title. Too happy, too cheesy and way too over the top for my liking, just not good overall.
I very much doubt this group will ever reform, they're pretty much look and sound like they've walked right off a holiday camp site such as Butlins, they do act like they're redcoats and they've even got their mascot with them at all times, who is called Hot Dog. The Fast Food Rockers consisted of Martin Rycroft, Lucy Meggitt and Ria Scott. This is their second single, the follow up to the "Fast Food Song". This song, surprisingly, peaked on the UK chart at number 10. It was written by Mike Stock, Steve Crosby and Bob Patmore.
To say this music video is cheesy is an understatement, this has extra cheese on top, if that's even possible.
Filled with dance routine that is a little bit more complicated than the previous one for the "Fast Food Song", as well as showing off slightly, this music video just fails, it feels totally fake, and extremely annoying.
The song isn't that catchy so I have no idea why it charted so high. Some scenes are just dire and fails to keep me entertained, let alone anyone else, and although it totally relates to the song, it still fails as a video, because I definitely won't be watching this again.
Back to a bit of Britney Spears, purely because this song is constantly stuck in my head recently as someone won't stop looking at me and checking me out. Although I no longer fancy him or even have a crush on him, since I've totally gone off him, I still feel that he needs to do something about it. I'd rather he go off me, or tell me he likes me so I can let him down gently. Today he didn't stop staring at me and it was getting right on my nerves. Why don't you do something? Britney commands the attention whilst introducing to us her alter ego Mona Lisa. Britney and her entourage dances, performs and ride in the clouds to this pop/rock hit.
Britney Spears is gearing up for a new album release this year, she wants it to be perfect, and it's already highly anticipated, 2016 might be her year, she definitely needs some amazing chart hits. The biggest question is whether she'll actually get a UK number one album, it's surprising that she has not managed to top the UK album charts yet. However, promotion is key in the UK, but it's unlikely a world tour is coming up soon, what with her staying in Vegas until 2017. How can you promote an album whilst performing dates in Vegas? My suggestion is to film a Las Vegas show, and get it shown on TV, I remember watching a live concert on TV when I was young, although I'm not sure which one it was, she's done a few, but this will really promote her new album in the UK. This song was released as the second single from her Greatest Hits: My Prerogative. It was written by Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, Henrik Jonback and Angela Hunte. Britney had to fight with her record label to make a music video for this song and release it as a single, luckily it paid off.
This music video had Britney Spears' record label caught up in a law suit as a Louis Vuitton dashboard was used in this video without authorisation. The co-directors of this video are Britney Spears and Billie Woodruff. The edited video, shown above, was released at a later time, without the Louis Vuitton dashboard.
Simple with not much going on, the video is empowerment, Britney Spears is centre of attention, and I feel that she always has an entourage around her at all times, it makes her a central figure, she also had an entourage when she appeared in Jane The Virgin.
There's some good literal translations from the song such as driving the truck in the clouds, as well as passing her a guitar so she looks like a star. I can identify with the lyrics as I always feel like someone's watching me when I'm on the dancefloor in a club.
There's not a lot going on in this music video, a pure performance piece where Britney Spears is centre stage, just the way she likes it. She brings out her rock side at the end, which isn't anything new after "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". I hope her new album isn't like this song, and gives us something fresh, something that will finally give her a UK number one album, she definitely deserve to be at the top.
When I first saw this music video, I knew I had to review it on my blog, and yet six months later and here I am, finally getting around to reviewing The Weeknd's song Can't Feel My Face. I have never really liked The Weeknd, and his songs never interested me before this one. This one is much more catchy and shows off his vocal range. The Weeknd proves himself as a performer as well as a singer in this music video, he gets set alight and he still performs to the best of his ability. The Weeknd has set himself on the charts internationally, now he just needs to keep getting the chart hits he clearly deserves.
The Weeknd, real name Abęl Tesfaye, is from Canada and has been releasing music since 2011. He has had a successful career to date, both of his albums have charted highly internationally and most of his singles have charted in various countries, but it wasn't until he released "Earned It" for the Fifth Shades Of Grey soundtrack, that he got thrown into the limelight. This song was written by Ali Payami, Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Abęl Tesfaye and Peter Svensson. Some big names in the song writing list, so it's no surprise this was a hit for The Weeknd.
Directed by Grant Singer. We have a main performance piece to this music video where The Weeknd is performing to a not so nice crowd.
There's a love interest in the audience, who is the only one enjoying his performance. She is played by Chanel Iman.
A person in the audience throws a lighter at him, which sets him on fire, at which point the audience loves his performance and gets on their feet. For some unknown reason, the fact that he's on fire and still performing makes everyone like the song, doesn't make sense to me.
At the end of the day, it's a great performance based music video, with a very catchy song. However there's a subtle narrative behind although it's not displayed well and doesn't relate to the song that much, if at all, especially since at the end he runs out of the club, still on fire. This video is not only confusing to many, but it fails to connect with the song.
Lukas Graham is still at number one with "7 Years" and so Chart Mondays is open, once again, to the top 10. I have chosen to review this music video, as the song is being sung by nearly everyone, and it's actually not the original this time. This song has been covered many times, but tropical house covers of this song is charting all over the world, but this video doesn't feature a fast car, instead a fast motorbike in the desert which is pitted against a horse, they fall in love and don't quite live happily ever after.
Jonas Blue, real name Guy Robin, is an up and coming British producer who has hit the world by storm with this song, although I much prefer the original. I'm not so keen on this tropical house remix it just feels like it's lost all meaning to the song. It features Dakota.... Who? All I can find out is that Dakota is an 'incredible young vocal talent', hopefully more information will be known later. The song is a cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car", written by Tracy Chapman, herself. I'd actually would be interested in her thoughts on this version, see if she likes it as much as everyone else. This version peaked at number two, which beats the original's charting position.
Directed by Anton Newton-Berra, the video is set in the desert, definitely no sign of any fast cars, although it is kind of used as a metaphor for falling in love quickly, as the music video suggests.
I feel the song doesn't go with the video at all, however the video is there to shock you, and it sure did that, I almost cried twice.
I love the idea of the race, clearly the motorcyclist won, and yet she fell off her bike, which was inevitably going to happen, luckily she's still alive and well, but might have bumped her head a bit because she fell in love with her opponent.
They run away together, and I can feel the compassion, some exciting teasing moments which I definitely miss having, and some good cuddling, but this is no life and he is then kidnapped.
She wakes up to find him gone and she searches for him. She finds his horse and finds out he's working behind the checkout at a supermarket. The guy has to make a living, and yet she's upset? She soon gets what she wants though because he's soon riding his horse beside her again.
Overall a full narrative video that doesn't link in with the song all that much. This video could be linked to quite a lot of songs and it would have made no difference, although relatable to an extent it fails to make me want to watch it again.
Last night this song came on whilst I was out clubbing, and we all still knew all the dance moves to the chorus. This was released when cheesy music was flooding the charts, looking back at all the past cheesy chart hits, it's surprising that they did as well as they did, if anything like this came out now it would have no chance. Bringing the cheese to my blog, the Fast Food Rockers actually made a name for themselves with this song, full of all you're favourite fast food restaurants and dance moves to go along with it.
The Fast Food Rockers were a three piece band consisting of Martin Rycroft, Lucy Meggitt and Ria Scott. They released three singles, and was dropped after their album failed to chart and a disappointing low charting position for their final single, which was a Christmas song. However their charting positions would be considered good nowadays. This song got to number two, held off the top spot by Evanescence with "Bring Me To Life", as if number one was a rock song, and number two was cheesy pop, you will never see this happen in the chart ever again. The other singles "Say Cheese (Smile Please)" and "I Love Christmas" charted at numbers 10 and 25 respectively. This song was written by Mike Stock, Steve Crosby, Sandy Rass, Eric Dikeb, Martin Neumeyer and Bob Patmore. It samples the folk song A Ram Sam Sam, I learned this in nursery, but had totally forgotten about A Ram Sam Sam. This song has been going before it got released and has been adapted for many different countries, and became a hit in those countries.
The music video is complete cheese, even including pvc clothes which doesn't look comfortable at all, but definitely identifies them with the song as they are the normal fast food colours.
The choreography is on point, it gives children something easy to copy, and we were definitely dancing to the chorus like this when we were in the club last night.
The blue dog makes an appearance, he is the Fast Food Rockers' mascot and he's called Hot Dog. He appears in all their music videos.
Overall,. even though it's full of cheese, the song is also full of cheese, it's what we expect from a music video for a cheesy song. It's fun, bouncy and joyful, with simplistic dance moves for kids and adults to easily copy.
Craig David has made his return, and I'm currently keeping my eye on his new music as he has been spotted recording with Platnum, rumours state there's a collaboration to be released soon. I'm excited to see garage and bassline returning, and I'm sure Platnum and Craig David has made an amazing song. As stated before, Craig David has finally made a great chart comeback with this hit song, which peaked at number ten. The video is nothing special, Craig David proves why he should always be in the charts, he has made some great hits over the years and in this video he exudes confidence. Big Narstie proves himself and enlightens us to some of his music.
Craig David first hit the scene in 2000, with number one singles "Fill Me In" and "7 Days". His debut album also peaked at number one in the UK. Since then he has had many chart hits. He's last entrant into the top 40 was "Hot Stuff (Let's Dance)" as well as "6 of 1 Thing", after which the other singles wasn't quite hitting the charts well enough. After a much needed break, he returned to music with this collaboration, and it has placed him back in the charts and on everyone's radar. Big Narstie, real name Tyrone Lindo, has dipped in and out of the limelight, he's one of these names you know and yet you can't quite pinpoint why. The song was written by Craig David, Scott Wild and Tyrone Lindo.
The video isn't something I'd go out of my way to watch again, nothing surprising, nothing engaging, it's just a general music video that adds nothing to the song except showing off the artists' confidence. It was directed by Caroline Clayton.
Craig David is walking the streets in this music video, giving us the old garage vibes that we know and love. In the background we see youths, some are dancing freestyle, others are just having fun.
Next we enter a club where this song is going down with the ravers, much like it does when it comes on in the clubs I go to. Big Narstie appears and starts rapping about a sandwich, which he performs with ease.
Overall, a very catchy song that is bringing back bassline and garage anthems that deserve to be in the chart, and Craig David is definitely the trendsetter to do just that. The music video fails to engage and interest the audience, nothing new, nothing exciting and it's just an average normal music video.
This is the music video everyone is talking about at the moment. A great collaboration, and Years & Years are currently one of the top acts in the UK, Olly Alexander is really paving the way for British gay singers everywhere, it makes a change seeing someone like Olly Alexander getting chart hits and being out, free and open, and although this music video isn't exactly sexually restricted he is a good role model, as in proving that dreams which you fight for can come true. Years & Years puts desire on a platter for us all to enjoy, or not to in some ways, not afraid to make an impact and get the message across, this video is an eye opener at least and Tove Lo gives the video some much needed spice.
Years & Years grabbed a number one single in 2015 with "King" as well as a number two single with "Shine", instead of releasing new music they have revisited this single, which was released before "King", suggesting that they want a higher charting position. "Desire" originally charted at number 22, but maybe with the additional vocals from Tove Lo and a controversial music video that has got everyone talking, might beat the original release, it worked for Disclosure, so it could work for Years & Years. The band consists of Olly Alexander, Mikey Goldsworthy and Emre Türkmen. Olly Alexander is an established actor, having appeared in quite a few films and TV series. The band formed online, although Olly Alexander wasn't in the picture then, it wasn't until Mikey Goldsworthy heard him singing in the shower at a friend's apartment that the band fully formed. They are definitely making an impact on the UK charts, and they're one band to keep an eye on. Tove Lo, real name Ebba Nilsson, is one of those singers who will have a few amazing hits, and a few not so great. I'm in love with "Talking Body", however I'm not so keen on the chart hit "Habits (Stay High)". She's not going to get the success Zara Larsson is going to get, but if she fights like she has with her song writing, she can get there. This song was written by Olly Alexander, Michael Goldsworthy, Emre Türkmen and Kid Harpoon.
Directed by Fred Rowson. The video is reminiscent of "King", clearly Olly Alexander isn't getting enough action, it definitely makes him that little bit more sexier, it must be a jealousy thing, but it definitely works. He clearly loves other people rubbing their hands all over him. Who doesn't?
The video continues and desire is all sexual and this video shows this, I have to commemorate it for it's LGBT+ statements as well as the racial statements that the video is trying to make. Love is love, no matter what shape or form.
Tove Lo adds a magical spice to this song and music video, something extra that is needed, her vocals are amazing, and contrary to other reviews, I much prefer this version because of her vocals, it switches up the song and gives it the side we were missing.
Overall, an orgy full of desire, that really makes a statement. Something that should be toned down slightly if it were to be put on the daytime music channels, but a message that deserves to be given across regardless.
Thursday Revisit starts right now, and why not choose The Saturdays' first ever single, which is just coming up to eight years old, can you believe these girls have been together for that long? The video defines pop music videos, it's colourful and exciting, this is an up and coming girl group, who look and sound amazing, we all knew that they were going to be a hit, regardless of this being The Saturdays' debut single.
The Saturdays consist of Vanessa White, Una Foden, Mollie King, Frankie Bridge and Rochelle Humes. The girls are currently on hiatus, although I'm anticipating their return this year with hopefully a new number one on their hands, as they definitely deserve more than just the one. However they are currently doing their own side projects, so whether they will be coming back soon is something we'll be waiting on. This song was their debut single, the song that first introduced me to the girl group, and the one that made me start buying their music. It charted at number eight. It was written by Joe Belmaati, Michaela Breen, Vince Clarke, Mich Hansen, Alison Moyet, John Reid, Remee and Ina Wroldsen. It samples Yazoo's song "Situation" written by Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet. The group have stated that it's one of their least favourite songs they've released.
The music video was directed by Harvey B Brown. The girls act like their celebrities and their fan base is waiting outside the shop window waiting for them to perform.
It's full of bright colours, and each girl is wearing a different coloured dress with heels that don't match. It's this style that is consistent with the following music videos, although it's not possible to identify a colour with each girl since it changes in each music video and single cover. However each group member is identifiably different nonetheless so it's not like we have to use the colours to tell them apart.
This theme continues into only a few music videos and single covers, until the group becomes much more famous. It's colourful, eye catching and full of performance vibes, these girls love to sing, they connect with ease and you can see the friendship bonds between them, this group was meant to happen and their longevity proved that. Now these girls are definitely famous, they've tried to hit America and gave it their best shot, even though they never conquered that country, they are a real successful British girl group, and I'd go as far as saying that even though they are currently on hiatus, they are the top girl group in the UK at the moment, but I think Little Mix is trying to nab that crown from The Saturdays, which they are welcome to at the moment, whilst The Saturdays have their time off, but I can see The Saturdays coming back more fierce than ever.
An average music video, introducing us to The Saturdays. Stylish, fun and colourful, very in your face, and it works perfectly. The Saturdays just need to come back!
As we all await the return of The Saturdays, I have plunged myself into their autobiography The Saturdays Our Story, and it's sure is giving me an insight into their lives, they have worked so incredibly hard to get to where they are now, and it just goes to show that if you fight for what you want out of life, you will get it, or at least manage to look back on your past and be proud of all that you have achieved. This is my main thought in life, as long as I'm getting my name out there, I can say that I've done this, this, this, this, this, this, this, this and this; and it's available here, here, here, here and here; even if I don't get to where I want to be, I'll still be known to one person or a few, enough to put my stamp on the world and hopefully inspire and prove that you have to work to where you want to be. Nobody achieves anything by doing nothing. This is my favourite song from The Saturdays, it was an instant love I had for this song. The Saturdays take us back to 1979, as well as 1989 and 1999, with a slight narrative storyline in each year, although adding peculiar irregularities throughout.
The Saturdays are one of the most successful girl groups from the UK that is still going, although they are currently on hiatus. They have racked up an incredible 18 UK top 40 singles, but only one number one with "What About Us" which featured Sean Paul. They are reportedly planning to return in 2016, however all sources come from 2015, so no new news on them coming back any time soon. Plus Vanessa White has embarked on a slight solo career as she has released her first EP, and it seems other girls might just follow suit soon. The Saturdays consist of Vanessa White, Rochelle Humes, Frankie Bridge, Una Foden and Mollie King. This song was written by Pálmi Ragnar Ásgeirsson, Ásgeir Orri Ásgeirsson, Saethór Kristjánsson and Adam Klein. Bringing a disco vibe to the song, it hit the chart at number five, and quickly became my favourite song from The Saturdays.
I love how the music video starts off with their cover of Donna Summer's "On The Radio" before they change it over to their new song. It was directed by Carly Cussen.
We are taken back through time to 1979, 1989 and 1999. We get to look closely at how the different years were unique, and I love how the group changes in each scene.
Although there is bad errors, such as in 1979, if the camper van had broken down the radio wouldn't work as well as the hair pod that Mollie uses, which also doesn't belong in this scene as they weren't around then. Yet, that is the only peculiarities I can find. The Bee Gees are given a mention in this clip with their song "Stayin' Alive".
We get transported to 1989 where they are at a roller skating rink, I would so love to go to one of these, but I guess I was born in the wrong year, it looks like they had a right good time. There's a scene that reflects back to their music video for "Higher" which featured Flo Rida, which was once again pulled off perfectly. Also, Mollie must've fought hard for that Britney lyric which gives notice to "...Baby One More Time". I so wish I was there to take part in it. Maybe roller skating is returning, it recently appeared in Gwen Stefani's music video for "Make Me Like You", as well as being in Sigala's "Sweet Loving".
Fast forward another ten years and it's 1999, two years before Rochelle Humes and Frankie Bridge came on to the scene in their group S Club Juniors (later known as S Club 8). They are at a skate park, and the dancers are performing some tricks and moves. It doesn't really go with the song, and yet it still works.
Throughout the video, Frankie Bridge doesn't get much intercutted scenes, which she asked for since she was pregnant at the time. This isn't unusual in one of The Saturdays music videos, since band members have been pregnant in previous music videos before such as in "30 Days" and "Gentleman".
Overall a great performance music video, I love it when Mollie King sings into the screwdriver, we've all done this with some sort of inanimate object wishing it was a microphone. Realistic, fun and respectfully time shifted as we return, or in many cases experience, years from the past, and although there are a couple of errors, one of which was obviously a product proposal, I'm willing to look past that, because this video is one of the best, along with the song.
What we really need is for The Saturdays to return, especially now Little Mix and Fifth Harmony are dominating the charts. Come on girls, return in 2016, and prove that The Saturdays aren't going to settle with just one number one.
