For a third time overall and a second time consecutively, there is not a song in the top 10 UK singles chart which I can write a music video review for.
The collaboration we have all been waiting for, and it's even better than we expected. Surprisingly their voices mash perfectly giving us amazing harmonies from two powerful singers, but does the music video match up to the epic sound of the song? Eli Lieb and Steve Grand can't look away from the camera giving us piercing stares as they tell us that this is the end.
Eli Lieb is currently working on his second album. He has released a number of singles and a debut album. He has been on my radar since I first came across Steve Grand, however his music never appealed to me, although I am encouraged to support him because he is an out gay singer, and there isn't enough of them in the world. On the other hand, I don't have a keen interest in his music apart from this song because of the collaboration. His music just isn't to my taste, although he might make me like his songs if he releases more like "Lightning In A Bottle". He hasn't achieved world wide popularity, but with a voice like his, he has the chance. The only thing is, he seems emotionless in his music videos, especially in this one, where Steve Grand puts his all into the visual. Steve Grand, Steve Grand, Steve Grand. He became popular because of his country song "All-American Boy", he then had a successful Kickstarter campaign, and now he is apparently working on a second album. I am obsessed with Steve Grand, and if he ever does a gig in the UK, I'll definitely be there! This song was written by Eli Lieb and Steve Grand. Perfect harmonies, amazing emotional words and two soulful voices.
The music video is a pure performance piece, it really puts the stars on the spotlight, every little thing is seen.
Steve Grand is a much better actor than Eli Lieb, as I have previously mentioned. The song is full of emotion, but Eli Lieb looks like a newly painted white brick wall, not a crack not a smudge, just two piercing eyes as he sings to the camera, it's like he has closed his emotions off totally, although his voice tells us different.
Steve Grand is the total opposite, he puts so much emotion into his visual that we can tell he means every single word he is singing, he really can't look away and he is trying to face the truth. Steve Grand seems much more real whereas Eli Lieb is closed off.
The video includes black and white snapshots, this is where a narrative could've been planned, but it never happened, instead we're seeing a series of shots that look like they have potential for a story line, but it just doesn't work. This could easily have been memories of what they had, and certain scenes does show that, but as a collective, it's more of behind-the-scene shots.
Overall, a great emotional song, with only half the emotion purely thanks to Steve Grand. Eli Lieb needs to learn how to get across what he is singing, or it's never going to work, this is probably the main reason why I'm not a fan of his songs. There should've been a narrative, it would've worked really well as snapshots, and even though in some scenes Steve Grand and Eli Lieb look longingly at each other, it just doesn't have the feel of a narrative. This could've been so much better than it is. The performance piece is the main piece, with perfect lighting, it anticipates the narrative, there should be more but there isn't.
Previously released as an instant grat single for their album, this song was an obvious choice for their next single. Little Mix are churning out hit after hit, although I'm still not so keen on "Secret Love Song". This one has already became a ratings hit on YouTube and these girls are just going from strength to strength. In a "Wings" style music video, Little Mix have a sleepover as they attempt to get Leigh-Anne's guy, Sean Paul, out of her mind and her hair.
Little Mix are still the only group to with The X Factor here in the UK. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall. They are one of the biggest girl bands out at the moment, especially in the UK. Fifth Harmony is pretty much their only rivals (until the return of The Saturdays, I hope it's not much of a wait), and they're both on the same record label. This song features guest vocals from Sean Paul, real name Sean Paul Henriques. He helped The Saturdays score their first number one with "What About Us", but this song isn't doing as well for Little Mix, although a top ten is within reach. He has only ever had number ones as a feature, the other being his hit with Blu Cantrell "Breathe". This song was written by Edvard Forre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, Iain James, Anita Blay and Camille Purcell.
The video was directed by Director X, and is inspired by the bonus original video that was released to fans who pre-ordered the album. Both videos are slumber party based.
The video starts off with Leigh-Anne Pinnock looking through Instagram, where she discovers that Sean Paul has a new girl. So she calls her girls and they come over to help her get him out of her head, well hair.
The girls clearly had the best time ever doing this music video, what with pizza and cocktails what more do they want? I feel that this is a normal day in the Little Mix house. (Also YouTube commenter Aimee Johnson joked that Fifth Harmony built this house for Little Mix, because of the music video "Work From Home").
I feel Sean Paul adds a little something special to the song and the music video, even though he isn't really needed and his verse is difficult to hear and understand, it allows Leigh-Anne to be the central character for a change and the girls now have a direct link as to why they're trying to get someone out of their hair.
Overall, one of the best slumber party music videos I have seen. Little Mix are happy and acting themselves. Sean Paul appears on Leigh-Anne's phone, making this all seem real, they are definitely relaxed. I don't understand how they get through five pizzas in total though. Relatable, energetic, meaningful, emotional. This is a perfect music video, even if it is a little embarrassing.
Three hours searching for a new release with a music video, last night alone. PLUS the two hours this morning. PLUS the three hours this evening. I have done a total of eight hours, researching this new release, on top of the almost 60 hours of work I've done this week has made me extremely exhausted. But this blog isn't strictly mainstream, and so any officially music video can be reviewed. I was actually worried I wasn't going to find a new release that had a music video. Stepping right out of my comfort zone with this review, hence the extended research, here's some bhangra music for you all. Jay Status and DJ Sanj, once again, collaborate bringing Bhangra to the stage, no sign of DJ Sanj, but Jay Status shows us he's moves in Dhul Gayi.
Jay Status, real name Stephen Singh, actually comes from Coventry in the UK. He is working with DJ Sanj hoping to revive Indian folk and Bhangra songs with a more western sound. Although he is not well known or popular chart wise, he has a lot of twitter followers and facebook fans, proving he is known in Punjabi music. He has released a number of singles, he's most popular being "Katal Kare", as well as a live album. I presume an official album is highly anticipated. DJ Sanj comes from Canada. He is an international success, having worked with a number of artists. He has already made quite a name for himself, and although he is popular, that isn't going to stop him from releasing music. This song was written by Sabhi Chahal.
The music video as a whole has a good budget, with a lot going on as well as extras. The bhangra dancing isn't at all complex, with Jay Status only being able to dance to the chorus of the song.
The woman who plays the love interest is smiling throughout the video, as if she's not taking this seriously at all, this suggests that it's a little fun and it has a comedic side.
There are three different scenes in this video, all of which look like it's set on a stage. The snow scene is picturesquely visual. The water scene purifies the music video, with some fun and games at the start of the scene. The last scene is totally different, it reminds me of summer.
The dancers are smiling through out this music video, it's obvious they not only enjoyed themselves but they had a bit of a laugh. Hardly any of them are taking the dancing seriously, which suggests that it's light hearted. The entire thing is comedic to a degree and that portrays well.
Overall, this is intriguing to say the least. I did expect a comedic side, from the little knowledge I have from the eight hours of extended research I did for this music video, but experiencing it visually makes it more understandable and entertaining.
Ms. Dynamite finishes off my entire Birmingham Pride 2016 Special as my Thursday Revisit. I reviewed "Dy-Na-Mi-Tee" earlier this week, and it's nice to return to her to end this Special. This song was released in anticipation of a new album in 2011, but that so-called album was never released. She followed up with 2013 single "Cloud 9", but no new solo music was released there after. She has been trying out different sounds for a few years now, and I think she's finally found her place, fingers crossed a new album is on the way. Ms. Dynamite went down a totally different path with this song, a relaxed performance, she is a professional artist.
Ms. Dynamite, real name Naomi McLean-Daley, has had a successful career thus far. She has had plenty of hits, both as a solo artist and on featured singles. It's rare to come across anyone who doesn't know her name, and yet she hasn't released a new album in over ten years. A comeback must surely be on the horizon. This song was released in 2011, yet didn't take that well compared to her other singles. It's obvious this was the wrong path to go down, and I'm glad she didn't rush to push out this album as it would not have helped her career. I am hoping she sticks to the dance/house genre to which she has had recent hits with various DJ's, as it totally suits her voice.
The music video is a simple performance piece, that not only shows off Ms. Dynamite as a performer, but it also shows what they tried to do with this song, although it does seem they've mixed a reggae song with an R&B song badly and it just doesn't work. It reminds me of when you're listening to the radio, but you haven't tuned it in to the right frequency so that you have two songs competing to be played.
There's not a lot to this music video. Ms. Dynamite is relaxed during the performance, she has so much soul in both her voice and her body. She knows exactly what she is doing, she's been doing it for years, and she is performing this to the best of her ability.
There's a few other scenes that distracts us from her set. The dancers are the main concept that doesn't make sense. The choreography doesn't go with the song, and the dancing scene isn't long enough, it suggests that they knew it didn't work, but included it anyway.
Overall, Ms. Dynamite does what she loves, gives a solid performance that will be perfect on stage. She does her best with what she has been given, but this video isn't anything special, there's not enough going on, with more focus on the song than the video in itself.
The final big announcement for Birmingham Pride 2016 was Blonde! This duo has been setting the chart alight in recent years and they are releasing banger after banger. They will be the perfect act on the main stage as they are definitely not short of hit singles. Blonde and Alex Newell collaborate on this awesome track which relinquishes a woman's past love, she's all cried out and is over it now.
Blonde are a house production duo consisting of Jacob Manson and Adam Englefield. They hit worldwide success with "I Loved You" which features Melissa Steel. Continuing on with that success, they have recently released a song with Craig David, "Nothing Like This", which is firing up the UK singles chart. This duo is the one to watch, they're current, they're releasing hit after hit, and I'm sure a number one is going to be their next step. Alex Newell features on this track, he is going much further than we all first thought he would when he appeared on The Glee Project, and later Glee. He has pushed for a music career and boy has he got one, he is making waves on both sides of the Atlantic, more so in the UK. Alex Newell is the name we're all watching out for, a vocal superstar, he is a talent that will reach new heights soon enough. This song hit number four on the UK charts and was written by Lucas Secon, Cass Lowe, Jacob Manson, Adam Englefield, D. McLean and Rachel Keen.
Directed by Can Evgin, and features Louise Monot as the actress in this fully narrative music video.
The story develops as the song continues. It fully relates to the lyrics, as we watch her pack a bag, that contains a photo and a gun. Louise gets alcohol from a store before going to a garage and holding a mechanic hostage whilst stealing a gas cylinder.
The whole experience doesn't make sense especially since the getaway could be easily spotted by any police car. They arrive at a dock to which they get on board a speed boat, and just as I think the storyline has nothing to do with the song, they send the bag on it's floating merry way and shoot at it from a far distance.
This is where the budget was not blown. They spent so much money on everything that leads up to this monumental point, that they clearly didn't have enough to afford a special effects team or an amazing animation team to make the explosion look real. Instead we are left with an obvious fake blast that fails in every aspect. Very unexciting ending, with an incredible anticipated lead-up.
Overall, a perfect narrative video that epically fails at the end, and yet it's still believable regardless. The ending may look unrealistic, yet it answers all our questions and relates it right back to the song.
Stooshe was the last but one artist to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2016 on 8th April, this will be their fourth year performing at Birmingham Pride. They released their most recent single in January called "Lock Down", which failed to chart. They have a new album in the works, which they will no doubt promote at Birmingham Pride. This song was the follow up to "Love Me". Stooshe focuses on the love relationship of one of their band members, Alexandra Buggs, in this video, who is being cheated on, all during a performance set.
Stooshe are a three piece pop group consisting of Alexandra Buggs, Karis Anderson and Courtney Rumbold. They recently had disagreements with their label over their debut album, which is not surprising since they haven't had an exact chart hit; no number ones and this one from 2012 is their biggest hit to date. Hopefully under their new label they'll be able to release the songs they want to release. Thing is with this group is, style wise, they look like three female solo singers collaborating on a track. They need to tighten their style, they need to look like a girl band to consistently get hit after hit. This song charted at number three, and was written by Jo Perry, Shaznay Lewis, Iyiola Babalola and Darren Lewis.
Directed by Matt Stawski, the video is inspired by old-skool girl band music videos, with the 60's style and a simple performance piece.
The narrative coincides with the 60's performance making Alexandra Buggs centre stage as we see her love life unfold right before our eyes and during the entire performance set.
It works well, it relates, and I love how the Alexandra Buggs' bandmates know that her love is a bad one, but she doesn't believe, she is lost in her love for him, until it is revealed right in front of her.
This reminds me of Destiny's Child "Girl", it's a similar music video in a totally different setting.
Overall, great video that relates to an extent, but the song can be interpreted as something much more stronger than the visual of the video shows. I like the idea behind the video, though, and it really proves that Stooshe's ballads are just as strong as their pop tracks.
This is one of those rare songs you find on a compilation album, and love at first listen. This happened in my case, and now it's on my phone and gets played now and again as I walk to work. Kelli Leigh has been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2016, hence why I chose this song, which I really hope she sings, although it's doubtful considering she is the vocalist for many more popular songs. Flashrider flashes up in scenes in this video, but is rarely noticeable as Kelli Leigh and Renald take centre stage in the performance side of the video. The narrative is slow going but interesting.
Flashrider released his first single in 2003, ten years later he followed up with this song, not much is known about him other than him doing some remixes for artists I've never heard of. Kelli Leigh, real name Kelli-Leigh Henry-Davila, has one of the most successful careers as a hidden vocalist. She has provided vocals for Secondcity's "I Wanna Feel", Duke Dumont's "I Got U" and Bingo Players' "Cry (Just A Little)". She has amazing vocals, she just needs the right promotion, and she might be getting there slowly, especially since she'll be on the main stage at Birmingham Pride. Renald is pretty unknown, he has featured on a couple of other tracks, but that is all the info I can find on the guy. He has strong vocals on this track, and I'm surprised he hasn't had a hit single so far. This song was written by Marc Lennard and Judge Flow.
There is a performance piece and a narrative piece to this music video. The narrative is slow going, as I have previously mentioned, it develops slowly and there isn't much going on.
The performance side of things is energetic. Kelli Leigh shines throughout, whether she is in casual clothes, or that beautiful purple dress, she is a vision of beauty. She can move, she can sing, and she looks good, what is she doing hiding amongst the credits of hit songs? Someone get her to centre stage please, because she deserves to be the next big thing. I am hoping she sings this song at Birmingham Pride, although I doubt she will.
Renald doesn't exactly fade into Kelli Leigh's shadow. He is the main vocalist on this track, with great rapping lyrics and a good lead-up to the chorus. His performance is fiery but falls short compared to Kelli Leigh. As for Flashrider, he appears very little and fails to make an impact in any of the short scenes he appears.
The narration links in with the song, it's a clear concept of love at first sight, but they could've had more desirable actors, Nevertheless, they make a cute couple, and it's interesting to watch how they meet. The ending falls flat, it's on the stupid side, and they don't pull it off that well.
Overall, a very catchy song that gets better with every listen, and an accompanying music video that relates, is energetic and is vibrant. The narrative could've expanded the story much more, it's way too basic. The performance is solid though.
This has to be one of the most underrated tracks of all time. It should've been a chart hit, to say the least. Great vocals, amazing track, and incredibly catchy. This girl would've been one to watch, if she could get the promotion she clearly deserves. She has a real shot, and performing on Birmingham Pride 2016's main stage might be the shot she needs. KStewart shows her life in this visual display video; quirky and fun, this girl would be an awesome friend.
KStewart, real name Kate Stewart, first shot to fame last year when she featured on Oliver Helden's "Last All Night (Koala)". Since then she has released a few singles, this one being her highest charting single to date at number 86. Totally the most underrated song I've ever heard, and I'm sure she has more to come. This should've been a hit, but without the right amount of promotion and without radio picking it up, stars like KStewart haven't got a chance. KStewart's career has just started, this is just a little thing she needs to overcome. A few more features, which become hits, and a perfect solo song will have KStewart's name on everyone's lips. She definitely has the voice for it.
Directed by Debbie Scanlan and edited by Liz Adams, this video is full of extremely visual clips and a performance piece at the end which is snapshot scenes at the Nightingale in Birmingham as well as a snapshot scene of the Hippodrome. The stage scene includes drag queen, Anna Lies, who is one of the best drag queens I've seen in Birmingham.
The videos concept is basic, probably low budget with an amazing filter and editing effects that bring KStewart into the limelight.
The video is too simple, on the other hand. It feels more like a promotional video, rather than an actual music video. There's no relation to the song whatsoever, and as a whole it feels completely messy.
Overall, stylish, cool and relaxed, this video is an insight into KStewart, she clearly likes her music, her fashion and performing on stage. She's obviously LGBT+ pro, performing at the Nightingale, as well as including, drag queen, Anna Lies in the music video. She just needs a better music video, a hit song, and radio and music channel play. As well as featuring on a few next big thing tracks.
Ms. Dynamite has been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2016. I saw her live last year at Birmingham Pride and she has amazing energy on stage and I will definitely not be missing her this year. She hasn't released any new songs recently, focusing only on being featured on songs, but again, none recently. This is her highest solo charting position, however "Dibby Dibby Sound" has charted higher since. Ms. Dynamite looks super cool in this video, relaxed with performance perfection, she sure knows how to engage the audience, she can dance and look fantastic, what more can we want? She's Ms. Dy-Na-Mi-Tee!
Ms. Dynamite, real name Niomi McLean-Daley, has had a good career so far, she's taking a break from music, in theory she's made her money. All she needs to do is come back strong in the future. She's released some killer tracks, as well as developed a whole new sound for herself, which is definitely current. This is her biggest solo hit, with featured tracks "Lights On" and "Dibby Dibby Sound" outdoing this song on the UK charts. This song got to number five back in 2002. It was written by Leonard Hibbert, Niomi Daley and Salaam Gibbs.
Directed by Jake Nava, the video is a pure performance piece, there are three different scenes, where Ms. Dynamite shines throughout. She has perfect presence and energy that reflects into the audience easily.
The stage performance is full of life, yet it's relaxed and comfortable, she owns the stage and she was born to perform on it.
The denim outfit suits her the most, it has come back into fashion nowadays too. She's comfortable looking sexy and she really doesn't have to try at all.
As for the dance scene, the choreography is also relaxed, simple and easy to pull off, making it relate to the song well and to the beat; however Ms. Dynamite isn't that great of a dancer, and it comes off a little on the clunky side, yet it works and she's got away with it.
Overall, a well packaged music video, that works well with the song and relates. It doesn't have a lot going on, but that's all right. It's simple, nothing spectacular, but Ms. Dynamite performs effortlessly and does the video justice. Engaging on-stage presence and full of energetic vibes, which were well received at Birmingham Pride last year.
This song wasn't performed at Birmingham Pride last year, but I'm hoping she does this year. I remember watching her perform this on Top Of The Pops, I miss that show.
After watching the awesome video for "Resonance", I was expecting a hell of a lot more than this. They've practically mashed a few Basshunter music videos together, namely "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted", paired it with Inna's video for "Amazing" as well as Amelia Lily's "California", and then ended it on a cliff-hanger of an ending similar to all of Basshunter's story music videos. Not only does this make it very copycat, but it doesn't relate to the song and the club dancing doesn't go with the song either. LuvBug fails to entertain in this video, although there is a cameo from Marvin Humes. Copying many other videos, two pairs of friends go holidaying in Tenerife and have a little fun.
LuvBug are making waves at the moment. They are a three-piece production group consisting of Marvin Humes (from JLS), the White N3rd and JKAY. They have released two singles before this one, them being "Resonance" and "Revive (Say Something)", both of which have charted in the top 20. I am expecting to see this song chart higher than their previous singles, especially since the song is receiving a lot of radio play, and it is easily stuck in my head right now, it's oh so catchy! The song's vocals come from Scouting For Girls' front man Roy Stride. A quick look on the iTunes chart shows that it's not doing so well... My guess is that it's going to be a climber, because this song is too catchy to not be a chart hit! The song was written by Steve Mac, Camille Purcell and Roy Stride.
Directed by Luke Biggins, the video was set in Tenerife, Canary Islands. It features four actors, who's names I have been searching for for the last hour or so... Shelby Billingham (instagram) is the lead actress, with Luke (or Jake according to his instagram) as the lead actor. Shelby's friend is played by Tilisha Silchenstedt (instagram) and Luke's friend is Joey Aylward (real name Angel-Jose Aylward according to his instagram).
The video isn't anything new, we've seen it a hundred times before, it's a total mash up of videos. They are woven together beautifully, on the other hand. This is a well thought out video, and the filming of which was done to perfection.
However that is all the good comments I can give this video. Let's start off with the whole fact that it doesn't relate to the song and it doesn't go with the song either, it's clear that the clubbers are dancing to a completely different song since they aren't moving to the beat at all.
The actors and actresses are hot, I'm not going to lie, and Shelby Billingham is stunning! Watch out for her guys! Tilisha Silchenstedt is never a main focus, just a background character and never up shows Shelby Billingham. As for the guys, Luke/Jake is cute, although his body suggests differently, and Joey is the one who knows he's all that. But Shelby Billingham screws Luke/Jake over at the very end, is she stupid? I saw it coming, but I didn't expect her to take the lead, was there a reason behind it all? Guess we might find out in part two, if it ever gets released.
I like the whole idea initially, but it should've been paired with a more upbeat song. They should've changed the scenes, made it less like other music videos and gave it something that would've made it stand out. This will just get washed away, as people will much prefer to watch the original videos that this is similar too. LuvBug will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2016, and I cannot wait for this song!
This, along with "X" has to be my favourite song from Liberty X, I think it's mainly because I remember seeing this one on the music channels as a child. Today, Liberty X are my Thursday Revisit, after I reviewed their collaboration with Richard X: "Being Nobody". They will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2016, and I believe Kevin Simm will have his own slot on stage, since he recently won The Voice UK. Liberty X is jumping and dancing in this music video, attempting to look sexy, the girls all pull it off, but the stylist failed to give attention to the boys, who aren't looking that great to say the least.
Liberty X are a five piece pop group consisting of Kevin Simm, Tony Lundon, Michelle Heaton, Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young. They had a number of hits in the 00's, after they were the runners-up in Popstars. They are currently back together, but I believe they are only doing a few shows here and there. Kevin Simm, on the other hand, has gone solo and is the most recent winner of The Voice UK. All he needs to do is prove everyone wrong, and release hit after chart hit and become the most well-known The Voice UK winner and maybe contestant; although competition for the latter definitely comes from Becky Hill, who has that title at the moment. This song charted at number six in the UK, and was written by Lucie Silvas, Charlie Russell and Mike Peden.
The music video is relatable to the song, a lot of dance choreography in this, that is performed perfectly, which is what we have come to expect from this band.
Kelli Young is once again taking lead vocals, which is not exactly how groups work nowadays, although she clearly has the stronger voice. Each group member has their own scene in the video, although what they are exactly doing isn't that clear.
The video continues as imagination roles in and the abandoned building is filled with people, Liberty X's costumes are changed in a split second and they release their amazing performance vibes. I am so hoping they have that sort of energy on stage in a month's time at Birmingham Pride.
Energetic, fun, in-sync, there's nothing this group can't do. The video is relatable to the song and it's quite sexy and well thought out. Problems are that it focuses on the girls much more, they could've at least made Kevin and Tony look more desirable. However, a solid performance-based music video.
I actually cannot believe that Birmingham Pride 2016 managed to book Lawson! They are one of the big headliners this year, and although they have yet to have a number one, they've had hit after hit after hit. Although I'm not a big fan of them, and I have never bought their music, I have considered it when they released their first single "When She Was Mine" and I thought about it again after the amazingly catchy "Juliet". Lawson has always released great music, they just need a song people would identify them with, as I don't think they've had that sort of hit just yet. Lawson seeks out a motel to perform in front of as well as spend the night with their respective girlfriends or hookups.
Lawson are a four piece band consisting of Andy Brown, Ryan Fletcher, Joel Peat and Adam Pitts. They recently released a new single called "Money", although I didn't review it today, I may return at a later date, probably after Birmingham Pride 2016 where they will undoubtedly perform it, and review the music video. This single is their biggest hit to date, alongside "Juliet", both of which charted at number three. This song was written by Andy Brown and John Shanks.
Directed by Oliver Collins, the video is mainly a performance based video, with snippets of a narrative that fails to keep us entertained.
The narrative is typical, something we've seen plenty of times before. Andy Brown plays the lead as he goes to meet up with the guys at a motel, and perform their song. They are accompanied with four love interests, who they retire with at the end of the night.
The four actresses are Chelsea Turnbo, Melissa Jones, Kat McCleary and Lexi Johnston. Chelsea Turnbo is the only prominent one in the video, as she is in most of the scenes with Andy Brown playing his on-screen girlfriend.
Performance side of things are average, I don't feel any great vibes from this group in this video, it feels too relaxed, as if they've sung this song a million times before and it's nothing new from them. I am really hoping they bring much more energy at Birmingham Pride!
Overall, this video as a whole is very average. There's nothing outstanding, the narrative is typical and we've seen it plenty of times before, I also feel it doesn't relate to the song all that much. The performance side isn't anything exciting, it's quite bland and fails to engage me.
LuvBug was the first act announced for Birmingham Pride 2016 on 7th April, along with a few others to complete their lineup, and I literally screamed as I am in love with their new song "Best Is Yet To Come", which is released Friday, and will most likely chart highly the following week, hence why I haven't reviewed it today, since it will either be reviewed as my New Release or as my Chart Mondays not next week but the week after. So instead I chose their first song, which my brother actually discovered it months before I did. LuvBug hit the dancefloors hard with this tune, and the narrative is fully emotional, and shows that bad people come into good people's lives.
LuvBug are a three piece producing group consisting of Marvin Humes, The White N3rd and JKAY. All three are well-known singularly, the former is known from JLS, the second has worked with a lot of different artists and is definitely currently hitting the music scene hard, the latter has been making a few waves on SoundCloud. Collectively, LuvBug is an unstoppable force, with two singles peaking in the UK top 20, this song and "Revive (Say Something)", however their most recent single is definitely their best yet and will undoubtedly chart in the top ten, if not higher. Watch out for "Best Is Yet To Come". Featuring on this track is Talay Riley, mostly known for collaborating with Chipmunk on "Look For Me", he is just attempting to start his career and it's off to a good start. This song was written by Talay Riley, Marvin Humes and Aaron Cowan.
Directed by Rob Chiu, the video is a pure narrative piece. Featuring two girls and a guy, their names are unknown, so if you know who the actors and actresses are, please comment below.
The start shows an argument, a falling out between a couple, it wasn't until I saw the end that I realised they were searching for something.
A couple are vacating amongst beautiful scenery, camping in their camper van, just the two of them, when a hitch hiker is spotted and joins them on their travels. A straight guy's wet dream, surely. These two girls couldn't be any more different, tattoos and hair colour is a clear distinction, and jealousy from the girlfriend is totally expected.
What I don't expect is the ending where the hitch hiker screws over the couple completely.
Such a summer song with a summery video, that definitely enforces stranger danger on children, and proves to us all that people use others no matter what gender. Bad people come into the lives of good people, and it all depends how it is dealt with. Can't wait to see LuvBug on stage at Birmingham Pride 2016.
Mike Posner is still at number one with "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" and after worrying I will have a repeat of last week and not have a single music video to review, I find Alan Walker's Faded, hiding in at number seven on the UK chart. This song has had great chart progression, although I reckon it may have hit it's peak this week. Derelict, deserted, abandoned and lost, this guy in this Alan Walker video is walking around in this disaster area searching for something that has faded.
Alan Walker is from Norway, but is English as well as Norwegian. He is a EDM producer and has had a worldwide hit with this song. This song is a remastered version of the original "Fade". He was spotted on YouTube, where "Fade", "Spectre" and "Force" were released under NoCopyrightSounds, before Sony Music Sweden signed him up and released this new version, which features uncredited vocals by Iselin Solheim, who is just starting her career. This song was written by Alan Walker, Jesper Borgen, Anders Froen, Gunnar Greve Pettersen.
The music video was directed by Rikkard Häggbom and Tobias Häggbom and was filmed in Estonia amongst some well known derelict buildings.
It is a scene of beauty, something that has been damaged and lost to the world, so empty that you can literally feel and see that life once lived here, but no more.
A guy stands alone, searching for something lost, something faded. The actor in this video is Shahab Salehi.
At the end, he finds the building in the photo he has in his hand, which he then drops to the floor, and slowly removes his mask. Is he upset that the building isn't still the same? Or is he giving up his life as his purpose has been served. We can presume he kept the mask up to keep himself from consuming the possible poisonous air whilst roaming, but now he's found that building, and it's faded.
Overall, deep and meaningful, with stunning shots of derelict buildings lost because of the world we live in. Definitely eerie and quite lonely, the video stands perfectly alone, faded in it's own concept and yet fails to keep us engaged entirely.
This song has been stuck in my head all day, and I'm really hoping that Liberty X perform this song at Birmingham Pride 2016. They were the next act confirmed, the week after. Not only that, but yesterday, Kevin Simm was announced as the winner of The Voice UK. He is currently doing well on the iTunes store, and he very much deserved to win. He has also been given a slot during Birmingham Pride 2016, so I'm excited to see him on stage twice. Liberty X teams up with Richard X on this awesome cover of this song. Sexy, stylish and controversial, Liberty X shines in this video, with Kelly taking the lead. A powerful performance piece that's advanced and slightly before it's time.
Richard X, real name Richard Philips, is a British songwriter and producer. He has his own album released, to which this was the debut single from. He followed it up with a couple more singles, but never continued releasing. He is fairly known in the industry and has worked with some top stars. He could always return with a follow-up album, but whether he will or not is the question. Liberty X was a five-piece group, consisting of Michelle Heaton, Kevin Simm, Kelli Young, Tony Lundon and Jessica Taylor, formed on Popstars, where they were the runner-up. They currently have management, hence why Birmingham Pride, was able to book them, but it looks very doubtful that they'll ever officially reform, they'll just do the one off gigs now and again. This song got to number three in the UK. It samples lyrics from Rufus & Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" and instrumental beats from The Human League's "Being Boiled". It was written by Hawk Wolinski, Philip Oakey, Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh.
As I mentioned before, this video feels ahead of its time, purely because Fredde Le Grand released a similar video called "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit", which got to number one. I like the idea of the video, even though three years later it is remade and modernised.
It doesn't really work when they are all together in a room. It's an amazing concept for its time, and they surely put a lot of money into it to make it just right, but it fails to work as a whole, and it's slightly on the messy side, but that could be due to the idea being put into motion in 2003, they should've done it years later. Fedde Le Grand pulls it off perfectly three years later with "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit", going to show how technology has advanced in that short amount of time.
It also fails to relate to the song, but I'm going to give it an average rating because it's a great concept that hasn't been done before, only copied afterwards. It makes Liberty X stand out more, although I'm not too keen on Kelli taking the lead in the song as well as most of the lyrics and vocals.
Andy Bell has been announced for Birmingham Gay Pride 2016, as a headliner. He was the last act to be announced on 17th March... The original facebook post has been removed, and so I have posted a later post below. Andy Bell is one half of Erasure. This is their biggest hit in the UK, and I mildly prefer it more than "Give A Little Respect", which seems to be their most known song, regardless of the fact that it only charted at number four, compared to this number two hit song. Erasure gives us a full performance, lots of energetic vibes emanate from this group and it works, sometimes.
WE'RE EXCITED! We've got some more exciting artists to announce NEXT WEEK!And with record ticket sales so far - we'...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 31 March 2016
Erasure are a duo consisting of Andy Bell, who will be performing at Birmingham Gay Pride 2016, and Vince Clarke. They are well known in the UK, with Andy Bell officially identified as a gay icon. They had a string of number one albums in the UK in the 80's and their singles from the 80's, 90's and 00's managed to chart respectfully within the top 40; although no number one singles, this duo is undeniably known in the UK. It just goes to show that you don't need a number one to have longevity. This song was written by Vince Clarke & Andy Bell.
The video isn't all that interesting, the duo can definitely perform, that is very clear, and yet no matter how much energy Andy Bell gives to this song, it still fails to entertain me.
The whole thing reminds me of a Daz washing detergent commercial. How to keep your whites clean, even during torrential rain.
There seems to be a hidden eye amongst the clouds in the sky, and it's clear Andy Bell is loving singing while it's raining.
Yet that is all I can really comment on, There's hints at a narrative, but it either didn't work out, or the scenes were just meant to be exactly what they are. Overall it doesn't feel complete, and definitely doesn't keep me interested at all. But if Andy Bell has still got this amount of energy when he performs on the main stage at Birmingham Pride 2016, he will definitely get the crowd going.
Will.I.Am is officially back, with an amazing song he will no doubt perform on The Voice UK tomorrow, hopefully with a special guest... Pia Mia. The song is catchy after a few plays, I don't know what it is about will.i.am, he just ends up releasing hits after hits after hits. Will.I.Am dances in this performance-based music video for Boys & Girls, he manages to really show Pia Mia up completely. Stylish, sexy, incredible dancing and perfect performance vibes, will.i.am wins me over with this song and video.
Will.I.Am, real name William Adams, is the lead band member in The Black Eyed Peas. He is currently a coach on The Voice UK, and has been for a total of five seasons, could he make it six as the show moves channels, from the BBC to ITV? Rumours suggest he might. The feature is Pia Mia, real name Pia Mia Perez, who had an amazing debut single release called "Do It Again", but her follow-up single "Touch" failed to get as popular. Personally, I thought this was the end of Pia Mia, but it seems will.i.am has come to her rescue, and here she is on his new single... However she comes across like she can't sing all that much, totally the wrong song for her, how could her and will.i.am get this so wrong? The song was written by William Adams, Charlotte Aitchison and Jef Martensis.
Directed by Spencer Creigh, the video is a pure performance piece, just like "Scream & Shout". Will.I.Am isn't just looking fresh, he actually looks quite hot! In comparison to "Scream & Shout", will.i.am has the spotlight on himself this time, and it is totally working for him.
I would literally go and watch him in concert right now, a solid performance piece from him. He is dancing in-sync with his dancers, with the highly complex choreography, that may look simple at first glance, but I assure you it's more complicated than you think, and it totally works.
Pia Mia... When she appeared I was expecting a Britney Spears starlight on her, just like Britney in the "Scream & Shout" video, but it didn't happen. Her vocals aren't on point, and her style doesn't scream star potential. She's pretty and looks good, but next to will.i.am, she fades into the background. Could this be the end of her short-lived career in the music industry? Her vocals are much better than this.
Overall, there isn't much to this performance-based music video, but there never is when it's performance-based. Apart from Pia Mia problems, everything is perfect, the performance, the dancing, the visuals, the music, the style. Will.I.Am has got everything right in this video, that I can't fault it whatsoever. I just wish Pia Mia's vocals were much better.
Katy B is my Thursday Revisit today. This was her debut single, that charted at number five here in the UK. Debut music videos are rarely anything special, and this one follows suit, or so we all thought. Katy B shows her performance vibes as Katy is On A Mission, although what mission it is I am not so sure, apart from giving the club-goers an amazing night out.
EXCITED! Katy B stormed the main stage at Birmingham Pride in 2014 - and now she's back for our 20th year as one of...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Katy B, real name Kathleen Brien, is on the verge of releasing a whole new album, that she will more than likely sing some songs from at Birmingham Pride 2016, which she is headlining. Honey is released at the end of April, and is currently being talked about a lot. Whether it will hit number one like her previous album is something we can't possibly foresee... But her singles from the album hasn't really helped to promote it. This was her debut single and was written by Katie Brien, Beni Adejumo and Geeneus.
Directed by Johny Mourgue, the video shows Katy B and her producer for the song, Benga, performing in a London nightclub, called Matter.
A pure performance based music video, with little snippets of a potential narrative, although it could easily be clips of a behind-the-scenes of the concert.
Katy B performs effortlessly, the song clearly means a lot to her and she really wants to show off on her first music video, and it really does pay off. Benga fades into the background, but since this isn't an official collaboration, it makes sense that he does. Although, Katy B swaps clothes at one point, so are we seeing two different performances put together?
The club-goers are clearly having an amazing time. there's scenes in the crowd, which gives the viewers the atmosphere the clubbers received. Other scenes include backstage at the concert; Katy B and Benga being in a car, as well as out of it; and studio time.
Overall, not too bad of a debut music video, we have definitely seen a lot worse than this before. This relates, it shows a close-to-perfect performance piece, as well as giving us a backstage pass... What more could we have asked for, apart from a narrative, yet that would've been much more difficult and would've, no doubt, cost more. A solid, performance-based music video.
As soon as DJ Fresh was announced for Birmingham Pride 2016, this song and "Hot Right Now" both popped into my head, this is an act I cannot miss at pride, even if he's just doing a DJ set, I don't care, he's on the main stage as a headliner, so this song and "Hot Right Now" has to be played, as well as many other hits he has released. DJ Fresh's music video for Louder doesn't feature Sian Evans and in fact just shows a bunch of skateboarders and rollerskaters doing their thing.
WHO'S HOT RIGHT NOW? WE ARE!We're delighted to announce that DJ Fresh will on the Main Stage at Birmingham Pride on...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
DJ Fresh, real name Daniel Stein, has been a bit of a hit and miss lately, some songs have hit the charts hard, whereas others have dwindled in the very low positions of the charts. No new number ones as of yet, although "Say You Do" came extremely close. Featuring on this track is Sian Evans, mostly known as the front woman for the band Kosheen. She hasn't done much solo work, however she has written a few songs, which also includes the Rita Ora feature on DJ Fresh's track "Hot Right Now". This song hit number one in the UK, and was DJ Fresh's first number one, which he followed up with another number one hit "Hot Right Now". This song was written by Sian Evans and Daniel Stein,
This video was directed by Ben Newman as part of the Lucozade Sport Lite campaign. It is pretty unrelated to the song, although as the song progresses the tricks become more harder as the professionals show off.
The video is purely performance based, it shows how amazing these skateboarders and rollerskaters are. These are pure professionals and they know exactly what they're doing.
There isn't a lot to this video, there is a continuity error, where a skateboarder has a different coloured/flavoured drink that he is holding, as pointed out by a YouTube commenter. There's probably a few others that aren't that noticeable. Overall it's fast-paced much like the song, but that's as far as it goes. We've seen this done plenty of times before, we need someone to bring something new to the table if they're going to record these types of music videos.
