Two music videos were released for this song, so I shall review both of them, although they feel pretty similar. This happened with Rihanna's single "Work", where two videos got a surprise release.
The reason why there's two for this single is that the first music video was apparently shot on just a 50 bucks budget. When this single became popular and hit the UK chart at number ten, they had the money to fund a more higher budgeted music video.
Sia, full name Sia Furler, started off her career in acid-jazz band, Crisp and provided vocals for their two albums. Crisp later disbanded, and Sia moved to London, she then worked with Zero 7. In 2000 she got a recording contract with Sony Music's sub-label Dance Pool and released this as her first ever single. It's nice to look back on old songs on my Thursday Revisits. This is a complete change to who we know Sia as. "Cheap Thrills" and "Chandelier" are totally different to this song, but this is definitely just as catchy. The song heavily samples Sergei Prokofiev's "Montagues and Capulets", which not only gets repetitive but doesn't make the song any more appealing. It was written by Sia Furler and produced by Nigel Corsbie. Sia is out in the open in both these videos, no hiding behind a wig. True to herself, her voice is soulful, but with no performance vibes, both videos fall flat. The song reminds me of P!nk's early work.
This is the first video, directed by Matthew Bate on a 50 bucks budget, apparently, it is slightly more appealing and interesting than the second one. Low budget music videos rarely interest me, as they haven't got enough money to capture the audience enough. The narrative isn't played out fully because of this.
However it is a nice idea, and some scenes are exact replicas of the lyrics of the song, relating exactly. There's an intricate scene in which ghostly Sia sings to the Sia crashed on the bed. I love this idea, although it isn't played out enough. This should've been the main narrative.
This video shows that some low-budget videos attempt to include too much, which leaves the audience, not only wanting more, but deprived of visual entertainment.
This is the second music video that was released. Directed by Fatima Robinson and edited by Angus Giorgi. This one is much more visually friendly, because of the much higher budget.
Sia is a vision of beauty, although not so keen on the style of the bedroom scene, she looks poor and lonely which is the whole intention, but compared with the other two characters it feels totally out of place.
Sia proves that even different people can feel the exact same emotions. They deal with them differently too, which she undoubtedly displays for the music video.
Unfortunately, Sia fails to manage to capture us in this performance based video. It plods along with very little excitement or even an understanding of what is unfolding. There's a little ode to the previous music video, a scene which doesn't make sense no matter which video you view.
Overall, visually more appealing, but much more tedious and bland.
Woke up with this song in my head, and obviously I never pass up an opportunity to promote one of my favourite singers. One of the leading Romanian stars, Alexandra Stan really hit it out on international success with the song "Mr Saxobeat", since then she had some difficulty with her management, but after the deeply personal song "Thanks For Leaving", Alexandra Stan is back on form. Alexandra Stan styles it up in this video for Balans, collaborating with Mohombi giving us a playful party that is full of fun, can you Balans?
Alexandra Stan is gearing up for her second single and music video from her most recent album Alesta, which is a bargain of a price on iTunes. She has recently released her own clothing range in Japan as well as promoting the album over there. Currently, Inna and Alexandra Stan are both successful over in Japan, and with enough promotion they will do well globally. Alexandra Stan will always be following in Inna's footsteps, but they came together for "We Wanna", and more hit singles in the future will definitely follow. The world better watch out, because Romania is coming! This song features Mohombi, full name Mohombi Moupondo, a successful Swedish-Congolese singer. He has had a few hits dotted here and there, with some surprising collaborations. His vocals are soulfully authentic, which definitely adds something special to this song. "Balans" would not be the same without Mohombi. This song was written by Barac Sebastian-Alexandru, Botezan Marcel, Mohombi Moupondo and Breyan Isaac.
Directed by Anton San, this video is a full on sexy party. The stylist has picked some unique outfits for Alexandra Stan that may not be stylistically awesome, but shows her off exquisitely.
Razvan Firea & Marius Ferascu act as stylists in this video, whilst Claudiu Sarghe is the hair stylist. The latter fails to interest me at all, nothing special about Alexandra Stan's hair in this video. The costumes are intricately unique, a wild combination that works.
The video relates to an extent, but there's too much focus on sexing Alexandra Stan up that the feel overall falls completely. Mohombi doesn't add to the video either, leaving everything a little flat.
Ten days ahead of its release, this song is already the talk of the town. Could this be the hit song Nathan Sykes has been after? His third solo single after "Kiss Me Quick" and "Over and Over Again", both of which are phenomenal songs, but none of which hit the mark the way we all expected them to. They are good songs, just not the hit he so clearly deserves. This could be the one. Nathan Sykes begs his girlfriend to stop with him for the night, but how can she say no in this raunchy display of affection that just makes all us single people full of jealousy.
Nathan Sykes, for those of you who don't know, was one fifth of boy band The Wanted. He is now going it alone, and is releasing amazing singles, that are getting critical acclaim. "Kiss Me Quick" should've done better on the UK charts, with it's disappointingly low chart peak it suggested Nathan Sykes needed a musical change. "Over and Over Again" did much better, although still stalled just inside the top 10. This needs to be the hit he is after, grabbing G-Eazy's fan base as well as his own should push this single into the top five at least, it's certainly getting enough radio play. The song was written by Nathan Sykes, G-Eazy, Talay Riley, Luke James, Matthew Burnett and Riley Bell.
The very steamy video is directed by Michael Baldwin. It has been deemed too provocative for TV screens, this can both help or deter the song's charting position, either it will cause controversy, therefore making the song more popular, or not seeing it on the music channels can stop it from climbing the chart. But this will be Nathan Sykes biggest hit, no doubt. There are worse videos in the world than this make out session. Take a look at the incriminating scenes here. An editied version can be found being played on the music channels.
No sign of the name of the model / actress who plays his love interest, if you have any idea who she is, comment below please.
These two clearly are enjoying themselves. This relates perfectly with the song, even if it is a little too much, even for me. Then again, it's extremely suggestive, and it does make me jealous because I've been in that exact type of relationship, and I seriously miss it, but it's a perfect portrayal of what I had, and what a lot of other people have had. Creating a link with the audience and making a lot of girls and gay guys filled with envy because he's kissing this model and not them (*cough* me *cough*).
G-Eazy, real name Gerald Gillum, has really hit international rapping fame recently, and he's using all that popularity to good use. He's hit the UK hard after his top 10 hit with Grace on "You Don't Own Me". He's one rapper that isn't going away any time soon. But once again, I feel he adds nothing to the song, The lyrics work, but the music change and the rapping doesn't. It's like another song has interrupted Nathan Sykes vocals, however this is what we've come to accept from G-Eazy, and it's surely making him more popular. In the video he fails to entertain. He distracts and does nothing in his scene, just a simple little rap, that adds nothing to the visual at all.
Overall, an amazing song that should hit the UK charts hard, and a banned from UK TV music video that's raunchy, sexy, lustful and a little bit filthy. A much tamed version is being shown on UK TV though. It can be considered a bit much, but it relates to the song and Nathan Sykes and this model clearly had an amazing time during these scenes. They clearly couldn't keep their hands and lips off one another. Sexy clips are more focused on the model, disappointingly so, and G-Eazy fails to make any sort of good impression.
Breaking my own rules once again, this song looks like it's going to be in the chart for sometime and it doesn't have an official music video, but this 'Performance Edit' is probably the closest we're ever going to get to one. Currently her highest charting solo single, Sia has been on quite a journey, now she's one of the top female singers in the world. Sia hides in the corner of this performance edit video, as Maddie Ziegler once again takes centre stage in an incredible dancing performance proving how professional she really is.
Sia, full name Sia Furler, has had hit after hit, she's the one to watch, the one everyone keeps their eyes on because we all know that whatever she releases will not only be current, but completely change pop music entirely. Yet she only has one number one overall in the UK, and that was the collaboration with David Guetta on the song "Titanium". Her songwriting credits are substantial with many well-known songs by popular artists. Sia will always be the one to watch and look out for. This song is currently sitting at number two on the UK charts, just behind Drake's "One Dance". It was written by Sia Furler and Greg Kurstin. The song was originally intended for Rihanna, who rejected it, it was then passed on to Icona Pop, who also didn't fancy the song. Guess these things happen for a reason, since this is Sia's biggest solo single, in the UK, so far.
this was directed by Sia & Daniel Askill with Ryan Heffington as creative director and choreographer.
There's not a lot to this video, since it is a performance edit video and not an official one. Maddie Ziegler is an outstanding performer and dancer, to which we already know.
She is backed up by two male dancers, who's names were released by Sia's manager David Russell. They are Nick Lanzisera and Wyatt Rocker. It is doubtful whether these two will appear in any of Sia's future videos, however, this is Sia we are talking about, and just look at her continued relation with Maddie Ziegler, who has appeared in a total of four of Sia's music videos: "Chandelier", "Elastic Heart", "Big Girls Cry" and this one (although this is not an official video).
The choreography is nailed to perfection, which is unsurprising since all three dancers are clearly professional. They perform totally in-sync, there's not a line out of place. This is beyond perfect, there's just not a better word out there. This is near to impossible not to get wrong yet all three dancers are flawless.
Overall, this would never work as an official video, but as a promotional performance edit video it is faultless. The choreography is crazily amazing, performed superbly. I love the addition of Sia in the background with her wig on, and yet she takes the spotlight's shadow during a short scene of the video. Amazing, beautiful, perfect, exquisite. Although not appealing, it completely works. I've dropped a star, purely because it's not an official music video, however it wouldn't work as an official video. Broke my rules again, just like I did for Justin Bieber and his "Purpose" album's promotional videos: "The Movement". But so worth it.
This was another music video me and my brother's girlfriend chatted about the other night... Such a simple idea, yet next to impossible to pull off, but Maroon 5 managed to do it. This is one of those music videos that will always be inspirational and different, it stands out on any music channel, and works completely, even if it does seem far-fetched. Maroon 5 crash as many weddings as possible in one day, performing for the happy couples in this video for Sugar.
Maroon 5 are a six-piece band consisting of Adam Levine, Jesse Carmichael, Mickey Madden, James Valentine, Matt Flynn and PJ Morton. They were originally called Kara's Flowers. Their career as Maroon 5 started off well, everyone was talking about them, but they soon dropped in popularity and it wasn't until Adam Levine appeared as a coach on The Voice and collaborated with fellow coach from the show, Christina Aguilera, on "Moves Like Jagger" that they were back in the spotlight, releasing hit after hit. This song is the third single to be taken from the aptly named fifth album 'V'. It hit the UK chart at number seven and was written by Mike Posner, Adam Levine, Joshua Coleman, Lukasz Gottwald, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Henry Walter. It was planned to be released by Mike Posner for his 'Pages' album which got cancelled. Maroon 5 wanted it so he gave it to them, he is a fan of the changes the band made to the song.
The video was directed by David Dobkin, who is probably mostly known for directing 'Wedding Crashers', the Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughan film. He has directed and been a part of many other films, some well-known films include 'Fred Claus', 'Mr. Woodcock' and 'Jack The Giant Slayer'. The video has a similar feel to the 'Wedding Crashers' film, and is still getting questioned on whether it was staged or not. Regardless, it's still incredible.
This video is a similar style as Katy Perry's "Birthday", it's definitely reminiscent of that music video. I like how it's in real time and the shocked faces are pretty much real, it's next to impossible to stage everything completely, and even if it is completely staged, it's some amazing acting.
The idea behind the video is to crash as many weddings as they can, apparently the groom is the only one in on it, but they were only told it was a famous band, not who they were. There's a whole lot of technicalities that could and did go wrong, but this is what makes an amazing music video.
My only problem overall is the sexualised content of the lyrics. Even though Katy Perry's "Birthday" is also sexualised, that song relates perfectly with the music video... This one just doesn't relate to the video. It's not like the lyrics has anything to do with weddings, but I guess they couldn't crash people making love, so a wedding was the next best thing right?
Overall, entertaining, shocking and filled with so much love. Congratulations on every couple that got married that day and had MAROON 5 crash their wedding. I'd have them crash my wedding any day of my life.
After a three hour wait for a game to download thanks to the insistence of my brother and his girlfriend, only for my laptop to the crash whilst we manage to play it; we discussed music videos and this one was the one we talked about, and how it's confusing and doesn't make sense. It surely doesn't relate to the song. Philip George becomes various people, as we follow the central character as he dances his way through the day, in the wish you were mine music video.
Philip George is a 22-year-old DJ from Nottingham in the UK. This is his debut single released on 3Beat Records, his follow-up single "Alone No More" was as much of a chart success as this song was. It seems Philip George is the DJ to watch as he releases hit after hit after hit, and with 3Best behind him all the way, promoting his every step, we'll definitely be seeing more from him. This song hit number two in the UK, just missing out from the top spot thanks to "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. The song samples "My Cherie Amour" by Stevie Wonder. Hence why the song was written by Stevie Wonder, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby.
The music video is intricately thought out, although it doesn't relate and it doesn't make sense.
The start is unsettling slow and focuses on the home setting and his home life. the video inspires dreams and to go after what you want. He turns on his music player and envisions a day filled with dancing, wishing a girl would be his.
Although there isn't a central love interest, the start suggests that the girl he passes on the street is who he is thinking of. The neighbour is an incredible dancer, but it's too obvious that it's a fake setting, it's supposed to make us realise we're in his daydream, yet it just confuses us more with the spotlights.
Philip George turns up in this video as one sexy policeman (I'd stand in front of that window all day if it meant he would appear and tell me to stop looking)! He appears as a good looking shop keeper (I'd be in that shop all the time, not going to lie), and a bus driver (less emphasis on him in this scene). Philip George sees the dancers dancing in reflections or on a camera, and yet they are just going about their normal days,. This is the kid's daydream, and yet Philip George can also see the daydream. It's a nice idea although it suggests the kid wishes Philip George was his, instead of actively including a love interest for the kid.
The ending tells us that this is all a daydream, but the kid smiles nonetheless. He's clearly obsessed with this song and this is what goes through his head whenever he hears it.
Unrelatable and yet some pretty good dancing that is slightly in time with the song. It's not suggestive enough leaving the audience confused. It doesn't make sense and it doesn't relate to the song. This could be linked with any song and it still wouldn't make a difference. A nice idea that isn't followed through enough.
If you want her blood, her love, you have better come see her. AlunaGeorge's amazing new song is quite the grower, much like their other songs. Aluna takes centre stage as always in this cold stare of a video, or should I say visualette? Aluna Francis doesn't do much in her bedroom, apart from stare at her reflection in a broken mirror, telling someone that they better come see her if they want her blood or her love.
AlunaGeorge are a duo consisting of Aluna Francis and George Reid. They have had various occasional hits, with many of their singles not charting at all, however they did get a critically acclaimed debut album. They're ready to follow up with their next album 'I Remember', but their single releases haven't exactly been popular. This song has got me slightly excited to see what is to come, as this is quite the grower, something I could totally see radio picking up as weeks go by, although it doesn't feel like a chart success. The song features ZHU, real name Steven Zhu, who is a music producer and has had a massive worldwide hit with "Faded". His follow-up singles didn't prove so well, but he'll be one that never strays too far from the limelight, definitely will see another chart hit from him soon, no doubt. The song was written by Aluna Francis, George Reid, Steven Zhu and Dante Jones.
Directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr. the video is a visualisation of strength. Aluna Francis acts well, you can feel her pain; her sadness. Her cold stare sends chill waves to me, I wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of her.
Aluna Francis hand-dries her hair, either she's just had a shower or she's come in from a massive storm; the state of the bedroom suggests the latter creatively.
There's a lot of close ups, the smoke rising from the cigarette in the ashtray sends the entire video hazy. Seven years bad luck from the broken mirror, reflects the small amount of change she has.
She performs effortlessly, you can really tell this song means so much to her, and I'm captured by her performance in the mirror, she knows exactly how to send emotion out, and she does an amazing job.
Overall, a pure relaxed performance piece, filled with pain and sadness. Effortlessly portrayed in this visualette, that is an outstanding piece of work, it relates, it's cold and creepy, yet simple and artistic. There's not much else to say.
Fresh from coming fifth on Canadian Idol, Carly Rae Jepsen started working on her debut album. It's considered underrated by many, but I feel it's more of a try-hard album, one where she was being too imaginative in her lyrics that it was lost as a whole. This is one of my favourite songs from the album. Carly Rae Jepsen has fun with friends on a beach, as she sings about not being able to build a sandcastle as there is a hole in her bucket.
Carly Rae Jepsen is my revisit this week, purely because I haven't had much choice this week, and I haven't seen this music video. Totally different to "Boy Problems" it really shows how she's progressed as a singer in the music industry. However, I wish I knew her secret to staying young, I'm already looking older than her, even though she's seven years older than me. I'm hoping new music is coming towards the end of this year, as she needs to get her name back out there, with a smashing chart hit. This song was written by Carly Rae Jepsen and peaked at number 32 on the Canadian Hot 100 chart.
Directed by Ben Knetchtel, the music video was shot in Vancouver. It is a simple performance piece that is totally relaxed. Carly Rae Jepsen has been quoted as saying that it felt more like a beach party than a music video.
All the extras were Carly Rae Jepsen's friends. This gives it a good feel-good vibe to the music video as the friendships shown are all very real.
There's no sign of a bucket in the video, although there is a setting sun, and it's hard to believe that it is freezing cold weather.
The performance piece is on point, nevertheless. Carly Rae Jepsen is a performer and that goes without saying, she's got a perfect voice and she can showcase it on a stage, on a beach or at an exclusive acoustic gig.
Overall, it relates to an extent and it's very relaxed. The scenes are intricate even if it was just a simple beach party to Carly Rae Jepsen. I just wish I was one of her friends, as she clearly needs someone to talk to about her "Boy Problems" and she seems to be easy to get along with, she'll be an amazing friend to have no doubt.
Carly Rae Jepsen dropped this new music video for her fourth single from her critically acclaimed album E●MO●TION, which I am obsessed with. Boy Problems takes us back to the 80's with this feel good song about breaking up with her boyfriend and her best friend not caring because she's got worse problems. Let's be honest, everyone has boy problems or girl problems, there's always some sort of dilemma. There's always a best friend to listen, but sometimes they can only hear so much before they stop caring, especially when you don't listen to them. Carly Rae Jepsen shows that best friends are taken for granted and perfect for spilling your boy problems to, even if they don't care.
Carly Rae Jepsen first appeared on Canadian Idol. She's had a number one with "Call Me Maybe" and although her most recent album was critically acclaimed, the album didn't chart so well. I saw her live during an album signing in September, read more about it here. Surprisingly, she's 30 years old, and hasn't really became the success we all expect her to, although she's had some good hits, such as "Call Me Maybe", "Good Time" and "I Really Like You", I'm hoping new music will push her back in the spotlight, and although this 80's vibe suits her, it's not as popular as it should be. This song was written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Sia Furler, Greg Kurstin and Tavish Crowe.
Directed by Petra Collins, there's a full cast of girls featuring Alexandra Marzella, Manon Macasaet, Torraine Futurum, Chloe Pultar, Carlotta Kohl, Diana Veras, Barbie Ferreira, Kaila Chambers, Tavi Gevinson, Dounia Tazi, Minahil Mahmood, Hannah Park, Paloma Elsesser, Taylor Coward and Samira Alfaris.
Carly Rae Jepsen still looks incredibly young. Her songs always seem bubble-gum popish, with a deep meaning behind each and every one of them, you would never think she was actually 30 years old. But who cares at what age you're discovered, as long as you have hit songs and the amazing voice to go with it, who cares?
The same can be said about boy problems. everyone's had them and everyone's got them. The music video really shows this with the amount of girls in the video, all singing the lyrics to the song, suggesting that they also broke up with their boyfriends today too.
Carly Rae Jepsen is curled up in bed throughout most of the video. She seems upset that she ended the relationship, but at the same time she's in a good mood because she hasn't lost her best friend, and this track is upbeat nonetheless.
There's not a lot to this music video, I've seen Carly Rae Jepsen perform much better than this, and her acoustic version of "Your Type" at that exclusive gig had me in tears. She can perform amazingly, and this just doesn't come across that well. Having saying that, the song and video feels exactly like comfort ice cream, you know... When you've just ended a relationship, and you turn to that fat tub of ice cream in the freezer, and you grab a spoon and eat it all... Well now we've got this music video to watch instead, it's uplifting, it's a comfort and you definitely won't be ten stone heavier the next day, unless you eat ice cream whilst watching this (that's not a suggestion by the way). Overall, it's a good performance piece, but nothing spectacular. Loving the new hair, by the way, Carly Rae Jepsen.
Sam Callahan has done it again, he has released one banger of a song I can't stop playing over and over again. 'What is it you do to me?' High energy, amazing vocals, and the perfect path for him to go down. A past Artist Of The Month, is setting clubs alive with this song, and I'd definitely be requesting it in any club I'm in, and will definitely be playing it at any predrinks and house parties I host. 'I don't know what you do to me'. Sam Callahan is back stronger than ever, sexy upbeat tempo track that compliments his vocals, and a club style music video that accompanies the song effortlessly.
Sam Callahan is another one of The X Factor alumni, but that wasn't where I first came across him. He was promoted before The X Factor and appeared in both Attitude Magazine and Gay Times Magazine, it's where I spotted him over three years ago. He released "Runaway Train" and "Crazy" before entering for the competition. He got to the live shows, with his callafan army behind him. It gave him more exposure and many more fans. After a wayward dip in the rock world, he has turned his sights on dance/house music and this definitely suits him much more. After the release of "Bigger Things", I wondered what was next, and here is my new favourite song from him. I Love It When You was written by Sam Callahan, Warren Meyers, Jenna Donnelly and Matthew Meyers.
Directed by Harvey Lewis, I instantly prefer it over "Bigger Things". A mainly performance piece with a hidden narrative, Sam Callahan finally has perfect stage presence and portrays this song amazingly, he's heart is definitely into this one, and he's loving every minute of it.
Set in Talk Nightclub in Southend, the video has the same feel of the song, with edited scenes that are repeated at times, allowing for an upbeat video. It features Tiffany Theatre College and Vapour Creations (the latter provided the smoke table which holds the drinks in Sam Callahan's booth).
The narrative never quite forms, it works to an extent, but this girl is jumping from one guy to the next, which isn't exactly a rarity in clubs. The first guy she's talking to at the bar is presumable later found in the men's toilets with another girl. Then she comes across Sam Callahan, and after a few exchanges they head back to his booth, where he says something stupid and she pushes him away. Whatever you said Sam Callahan, never say it again!
There's a few people with scary masks on, suggesting alcohol is going to the clubbers heads. Allowing a distorted version of events which totally relates to the song
More clubbing enfolds, including a crowd surf, a champagne soaking (who wouldn't like to get Sam Callahan wet?) and plenty of dancing; with a cheeky UV kiss on his cheek, right at the end.
Overall, an amazingly catchy song that has been stuck in my head since it was released on SoundCloud. The music video finally got released, along with the pre-order of the radio edit. The video relates, it's energetic, has perfect performance vibes from Sam Callahan, and attempts at a narrative that leaves us wanting more. Sam Callahan has found his sound, he just needs promotion and success. I Love It When You is a banger, and it's going to be one of those uncharted treasures that should've been popular.
Becky Hill is back with another smash hit that is no doubt going to be big sometime soon... She's also back with a video that has got us all confused once again; very weird. It does have meaning though, bare with me, there's a total back story to this that can make sense and is open to interpretation, but definitely works and relates to the song. MK and Becky Hill have created a perfect hit that instantly gets stuck in my head, the music video is just as memorable, in it's weird but wonderful ways, nothing new when it comes to Becky Hill music videos.
MK, real name Marc Kinchen, is an american DJ and music producer. He's remix of Storm Queen's "Look Right Through" hit number one in the UK. He has done extensive remixes, which is unsurprising since he has been in the music industry for decades. He had a few hits in the 90's, especially in the clubs. "Always" which features Alana was remixed by Route 94 and re-entered the UK chart at number 14. In doing so, it has kickstarted his career once again. Becky Hill is the new starter, the girl from The Voice UK season one, the girl who's already had a number one and who has been on everyone's lips for a few years. She's been the one to watch in the last half-decade, she's been hyped beyond degree, we've been patient for her album to drop, but she's only released two solo singles, with a third right around the corner. She deserves a lot more success than she's been getting, but I feel she's still trying to find her sound, she found it once with "Gecko (Overdrive)" and definitely this song. She is going down the right path, although I am in love with "Losing". Hope to hear more amazing tracks from this girl. This song was written by Marc Kinchen, Rebecca Hill, Tim Powell and Mary Leay.
Directed by Carlos López Estrada, this video is beyond weird, and yet all makes sense if you look deeper. A pure narrative that contrasts the past with the present and how much has changed.
There's two main cars, two main time zones. The first one is set in the past, the girl is wearing a respectable skirt. There's burgers on the side, the entire car and upholstery is old fashioned and there's car dice, who doesn't love car dice?
The second zone features a more modern scene. The couples clothes are more stylish and the car is much more advanced. There's also a CD walkman, which suggests it's still a past time but much more closer to the present day.
The cars bump into each other, and the white girl kisses the black man, proving that interracial relationships aren't a bad thing, and is definitely not uncommon. It's defining perception, although they could've gone one better and made the girls kiss each other, but I guess they can only tackle one thing at a time rather than taking on every perception.
My favourite part of the video has to be seeing the couples kissing in the cars while there's a full profile shot of the skaters, it's well thought out and technically great. Although a few glitches, such as when the black couple fly out of the car, the girl's red top is back on and then it disappears in the next shot. There's a few little inconsistencies, which drops the greatness of this video.
Overall, a well planned out music video that has a much deeper thought behind it all. It's fun, it's sexy, it's imaginative, if a more than a little weird. Weird is what we've come to expect off Becky Hill though.
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.
