Ending my Eurovision Special with last year's winner, as we expectantly await Jamala's "1944" music video, if she ever releases one. Måns Zelmerlöw returns with this stunning new track that is sure to melt hearts around the world. Not quite as amazing as "Heroes", this lovely song suits any soundtrack. A very visual video that allows us to stare at Måns Zelmerlöw's torso all day long (even if he's fully clothed, unfortunately), with a backstabbing love story like a Fire in the Rain.
Måns Zelmeröw is a household name in Sweden, He hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, alongside Petra Mede. He came fifth in Idol 2005 (Swedish Idol), and went on to win the first season of Let's Dance (Swedish version of Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With The Stars). Having won the Eurovision Song Contest 2015, with "Heroes", he was the fan-favourite with a very visual cute performance, this single fails to follow-through. The song is extremely lovely, but nothing special. It was written by Simon Strömstedt.
The visual music video incorporates a narrative during a performance, this works amazingly and really shows that Måns Zelmerlöw is current in the music industry. He may not be banging out global hit after global hit that destroys the charts around the world, not yet anyway. What we can count on is him defining stage productions and music videos, shaping the world into the new future, him and Russian entrant Sergey Lazarev, are the ones to watch. The latter's "You Are The Only One" music video is visually and technically amazing, just like this video.
Visually great, we watch a love story between a guy and a girl as they ride a moped to various dates that they go on. She changes his style by turning his jacket inside out, and then at the end she doesn't turn up, and she's probably out with a new guy.
Interesting that it focuses on the girl being the confident one, proving that in relationships it can happen either way. A slight role reversal to what we are used to seeing in the media. There's very little substance to the narrative, but works well. It relates to the song, and is similar to fire in the rain.
Måns Zelmerlöw capture us in his performance as always, his beautiful face distracts us from the narrative story being displayed visually on his body. Technically brilliant, I love how the effects give us a new viewing every time we watch the video. The fire in the rain visual towards the end of the video, using effects around Måns Zelmerlöw, may only be a slight effect, but it's visually amazing and works well with the song.
Galantis is back, and is my Chart Monday review this week, because Drake is still sitting at number one with "One Dance" with no official music video. Setting the world alight, this Swedish electro duo are banging hit after hit after hit. This one focuses on bullying, a worldwide problem that will never stop, however Galantis shows that you can overcome bullies. Galantis uses their power in the music world to get across the message to stand up to bullies.
Galantis consists of Christian Karlsson and Linus Eklöw. Christian Karlsson is known as Bloodshy as well as a part of Miike Snow; Linus Eklöw is mostly known as Style of Eye. They have had banging hits "Runaway (U & I)" and "Peanut Butter Jelly". The former peaked at number four on the UK chart, which this song has matched this week on the official UK charts. Both members are established in their own right, behind the scenes, but together they are after chart domination, and are surely a global success, the future is bright for Galantis. This song is the first single from their upcoming second studio album. The song was written by Christian Karlsson, Linus Eklöw, Henrik Jonback, Nicholas Gale, Andrew Bullimore and Jimmy Koitzsch. Reece Bullimore provides the vocals to the track.
The music video is directed by Andrew Donoho. It plays on the whole bullying theme, not caring at all what others think. This is the perfect video to be played on music channels to get kids not worrying about being bullied.
Bullying is one of the top problems children have to face in the world. Either you are the bully or you're the bullied, either way it's in insecurity, and they are both very similar, it's just how you deal with it. Personally, I was bullied constantly. Enough that I didn't want to go to school, didn't want to leave the house, didn't enjoy life one bit. But I grew a backbone, realised this was happening to me, and there was nothing I could do to stop it, so I stop caring about it, it didn't make it stop, but it happened a lot less.
This is an inspirational video, and I wish it were out when I was a child to inspire me to keep going, to not let bullies stop me from continuing life.
The children are confident as they walk to the meet-up with amazing face paints. I hate face painting, I never wanted one as a child, but if the artist did face paint like that, then I'd be first in line.
A cute dance music video featuring children. A strength song and visual video, an inspiration to us all. Confidence should always be rewarded as well as courage. Galantis has once again proved themselves.
Australia took part once again in the Eurovision Song Contest, and did even better this year. Dami Im is definitely a future international star, she's ready to conquer the world and no doubt about it she will get there, hence why she's a part of my Eurovision Special. Proving they deserve to be in the competition, Australia won the Jury vote, and came an extremely intense second overall with 511 points. Dami Im performed amazingly on the Semi-Finals and at the Grand Final, definitely a front runner with that amazing beautiful voice, so much better than the sound of silence, a visual experience, the video doesn't match up as well as the staging on the Grand Final.
Dami Im is one of the top stars in Australia, originally born in South Korea, she moved to Australia when she was nine. Australia is taking the Eurovision Song Contest so seriously, that that is why they are doing so well, they are sending amazing act after amazing act and are definitely destined to win soon if they keep it up, and are allowed to continue entering (obviously). Dami Im was chosen by internal selection, winner of fifth season of The X Factor (Australia), she was thrown into the music world, a number one self-titled album soon followed with hit single after hit single. Causing waves around the world, she slammed into the South Korean charts. She is the future international star, she's has a taste of global fame with this coming second in the competition, now she just needs to ride the waves, because this amazing vocalist deserves to be heard worldwide. This song was written by Anthony Egizii and David Musumeci.
This music video is nothing compared to the amazing staging in both the Semi-Final and the Grand Final, the latter can be viewed below.
A pure performance piece, Dami Im is truly beautiful, destined to become an international star, her vocals are one point, she looks stunning and truly knows how to capture everyone when singing.
Encased in her world, you start to believe every word she's singing, missing a loved one, wishing they were beside her.
A contemporary dancer is shown in this video, perfect choreography mastered freestyle. The dancer breaks this video up, giving it the sense of lost and longing in which Dami Im is singing about.
A beautiful performance music video, that is lacking a lot considering the staging of her Eurovision Song Contest entry. Stunning, Dami Im sings effortlessly. This is one female singer we can't afford to lose, she needs to become a global superstar.
The viewer's winner, if it weren't for the jury this song would've won the competition. Part of my Eurovision Special. Amazing graphics in both the staging of the Grand Final as well as this music video. Sergey Lazarev had an amazing production team behind him, everything was on point, perfect for Russia to win. Yet they came a close third with 491 points. The song is what let them down, it's weak on first listen, but ever so catchy nonetheless. Sergey Lazarev is getting excited as he claims that you are the only one, his only one, in this extremely visual video that's sexy, dangerous and amazing!
Sergey Lazarev is a Russian singer, dancer, actor and TV presenter. He started his music career with Vlad Topalov in duo Smash!!. At the height of their career, they disbanded and Sergey Lazarev pursued a solo career. A total success in Russia, Sergey Lazarev has had hit after hit, music award after music award. It's unsurprising why this did so well, apart from the amazing visuals, Russia sent one of their top artists, a risk that was pulled off to perfection. Russia wanted to win this year, and hell did they do their best. Russia chose Sergey Lazarev through internal selection. The song was written by Philipp Kirkorov, Dimitris Kontopoulos, John Ballard and Ralph Charlie.
Directed by Konstantin Cherepkov this video is amazing, out of this world, surreal and definitely stands out. This is a game changer when it comes to music videos. Ultimately brilliant and completely unforgettable.
Using 3D imagery, editing and mapping, thanks to Illuminarium3000, this awesome video must've taken hours upon hours to make and edit. This is perfection personified. Produced by Irina Morozova, with 3D mapping by Yuri Pelin and Evgenia Godunova, with DP by Anastasiy Mikhailov. As well as the beautiful Vladislava Evtushenko, who is a model and was runner-up for Miss Russia 2015, and represented Russia in the Miss Universe competition, plays the love interest, I hope she appears in more videos in the future, as she's stunningly beautiful and is a great actress on the set.
The narrative works perfectly adding thunder and lighting within visuals. This easily messed with my head, the 3D imagery is beautiful and well crafted. Sergey Lazarev and Vladislava Evtushenko perform to perfection, every detail is included.
Confusing the hell out of the viewers, it's hard to imagine that all of this is imagery. Such a complicated set, yet works effectively. I love the narrative, I love the design, and I hope many more music videos use this idea over green screen, as it more than works. Catchy song, perfect vocals and an amazing visual, what more can you want?
Bulgaria retuned after a two-year absence and did extremely well with Poli Genova. Getting fourth with 307 points, Bulgaria did much better than we all expected. Poli Genova was definitely the dark horse in the race.Now a part of my Eurovision Special. No stranger to reality TV, she was a judge on The X Factor Bulgaria series one, and appeared on the fourth series of Your Face Sounds Familiar (Bulgaria Version). Poli Genova is fighting to get her music heard, and I'm sure she'll be globally known soon enough. Poli Genova watches memories of a love she has in a torturous chamber claiming she'd be a criminal if love was a crime.
Poli Genova is no stranger to the Eurovision Song Contest, she represented Bulgaria back in 2011 with "Na inat" which failed to make it past the semi-finals. Returning stronger than ever, Poli Genova was selected by internal selection, this was the song that gave Bulgaria their shot at winning. The only problem they have is doing just as well next year. As for what the future brings for Poli Genova, she has a chance to ride the success of this song, whilst promoting a new single or album, but whether that is on the cards just yet is something no one knows. Her vocals are amazing and she has so much love and passion for this song, it's clear she means ever word she is singing. The song was written by Borislav Milanov, Sebastian Arman, Joacim Persson, Johnny K. Palmer and Poli Genova.
This music video relates perfectly to the song, the not-so black and white visual gives a haunting effect that really works to add depth and meaning into this video.
Poli Genova sits down and watches memories of loving someone, instinctual moments that put people into a state of euphoria. These moments can't be shared with a single person apart from your lover. It has a Clockwork Orange feel to it, as if this is some sort of punishment if love was a crime, therefore making her a criminal.
Other scenes in the same effects suggests how these two meet. Poli Genova is a photographer at an event where her future lover is possibly famous. She gets up and sings at the event and he whisks her off her feet at the end. Sweet, romantic and everything I want, but I can't sing so that happening to me can just stay in my dreams for now.
Performance wise, Poli Genova is on it! She works the camera to her ability, and we can't keep our eyes off her. Everything is a distraction that fails to capture our attention, because her beauty, her vocals and her performance vibes keep us glues to her. Perfection personified.
Overall a great faultless music video, haunting like the song, very deep and meaningful. A beautiful narrative with an extremely strong performance. Poli Genova has a new fan in me and in a lot of other people too. If she never becomes internationally famous, Bulgaria will be lucky to have her all to themselves.
Alan Walker is back with another banging tune. This new release is one of those songs that will do well on the UK chart, especially after the amazing previous hit "Faded". Alan Walker wastes no time, keeping up with his style, this follow-up single to "Faded" is just as good, if not better. Another search is on, set in Hong Kong, with freaky visual tones, everything is not as it seems, Alan Walker collaborates with Iselin Solheim once again for this perfect tune, that won't be singing me to sleep.
Alan Walker hit the charts hard with single "Faded", but the question on everyone's lips is whether he will be a one hit wonder. Guess this English/Norwegian star has proved everyone wrong. This tune is just as good and although may not chart as well as the previous single did, it will still make a global impact. The vocals come from Iselin Solheim, once again. This is quite the team and her vocals perfectly matches the song. She is a singer in her own right in Norway, but this collaborative effort might bring more popularity to her.
The music video was directed by Rikkard & Tobias Häggbom. It features four actors who are Shahab Salehi, Zenobia Hamrin, Henry Tang and Yam Wai Sang.
The video is weird, and difficult to follow as we navigate the streets of Hong Kong. Four characters are clearly on a mission, They are scouted to meet somewhere, to which they connect some unseen items that brings light to the city.
If that isn't confusing enough, scenes are distorted either through infrared or a visual waver. These characters are seeing something different to us, and at times it looks like someone is following them. Although this never is the case.
Overall it's a confusing narrative that fails to connect to the song. This could literally be paired with any song and it wouldn't make a difference. However, it is clear that Alan Walker has a theme going on when it comes to his music videos... Or maybe it's just the directors' ideas, guess we'll have to see what happens in future music videos.
A more than catchy song, this was the bookies early front runner, it managed 257 points, placing 6th overall in the Eurovision competition. Amir is now a part of my Eurovision 2016 Special. An inspiring story that is shown throughout a perfect melody and video. Amir performs happily in this video, whilst the narrative is beautifully acted out, an inspiration to us all.
Amir, known as Amir Haddad, real name Laurent Amir Khlifa Khedider Haddad, is an Israeli-French singer. He appeared on Kokhav Nolad but only advanced four stages in the competition. He finished third in The Voice: la plus belle voix, which definitely kick-started his career. France chose Amir to represent them at Eurovision 2016 through internal selection, and it proved to be a good choice. The song is written by Amir Haddad, Johan Errami and Nazim Khaled.
The video is both narrative and performance based. Amir is totally relaxed in this performance, he is so happy to be a part of Eurovision and representing his country and everything that goes with it, that he is clearly enjoying every minute of it. He performs the song perfectly, making the viewers feel relaxed too. He did a much more powerful performance in the Grand Final.
The narrative is extremely inspirational. This is exactly what people need to watch to continue to fight for their dreams and to go after what they want. This video proves that people can do what they want to do in life, if they try their very best at it.
This video inspires me, something I'd watch to encourage myself to keep writing. I've been hoping to make a career out of what I love to do, and at times I am at breaking point, where I just want to give up as I don't think I'm getting anywhere. But that is not true, opportunities are slowly coming my way, and I've got to continue going after my dreams. Only the fighters make their dreams come true, and I am prepared to fight.
Overall an inspiration to us all, a happy sweet music video with some darkening sides to it. The song is more suggestive of there being someone there to keep us fighting, yet the video gives us these people in a visual to inspire us. If they can do it, we can right?
This was my second favourite after Barei's "Say Yay!". This was slated online, clearly they weren't expecting it to do so well. But this is a TUNE! Coming in at 10th with 181 points, Laura Tesoro did amazingly well for the opening act. I am an official fan now, and obviously she's a part of my Eurovision 2016 Special. No doubt she'll reappear on my blog some time in the future. Laura Tesoro asks What's The Pressure in this choreographed danced music video that is performed to perfection.
Laura Tesoro, actress, singer, dancer & presenter, and all just at 19 years old, is there anything she can't do? She is known for playing Charlotte in Flemish soap opera Familie. She also came second on The Voice van Vlaanderen (The Voice of Flanders) season three. Getting tenth in the Eurovision Song Contest isn't that bad, and she can definitely make a big impact globally if she keeps promoting worldwide. I am definitely a fan of hers! This song is very catchy, pretty much a mash up of Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" and Fleur East's "Sax", it really works. The song was written by Sanne Putseys, Louis Favre and Birsen Uçar.
A total performance based music video, this is directed well. This is controlled and performed to perfection, Laura Tesoro is on form.
The choreography is performed on point by Laura Tesoro and her backing dancers, all in sync. However it's lacking in visualisation, engagement and technicality.
It fails to keep the audience interested. Regardless Laura Tesoro performs with amazing vibes, she clearly loves this song and recording the music video, and all the attention she is receiving.
Amazingly produced and performed. This is an all right music video that feels similar to Fleur East's "Sax" especially since the songs sound similar. Laura Tesoro is hot right now, and I'm sure she'll bring out another banger in the future that will have us all talking about her.
Malta has sent such a great entrant this year. Ira Losco was high on everyone's expectations, this song is a banger. She came 12th with only 153 points which is lower than what we expected, and now she's a part of my Eurovision 2016 Special. She returns to the contest after representing Malta in 2002, where she came second. This year clearly proved more difficult, but 12th is nothing to be snubbed at. And she just pushed more limelight her way, since she is already slightly an international star, this has definitely helped her career more so, especially being pregnant during the Grand Final. Ira Losco makes a perfect return to the contest as she Walks On Water in the beautiful island setting of Gozo.
Ira Losco, what to say about Ira Losco? She's gorgeously beautiful and is currently expecting a baby with her boyfriend Sean Gravina. She represented Malta in 2002 with song "7th Wonder", it pushed her into major fame and she has performed with a number of stars. She has earned a Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika (Medal of Service to the Republic) allowing her to use 'M.Q.R.' at the end of her name. She sent two songs to the Maltese national selection, and she won with "Chameleon", she wanted to improve Malta's chances at Eurovision, so suggested to sing a different song. "Walk On Water" was chosen at a later date. The song was written by Lisa Desmond, Tim Larsson, Tobias Lundgren, Molly Pettersson Hammar and Ira Losco.
The beautiful landscape is extremely visual, this is so gorgeous, I just want to be there and stand on the island of Gozo and see the beauty of it that I'm seeing in this music video. I'm going to have to visit one day!
Ira Losco performs perfectly, sultry, sexy she's a vision of beauty on beauty. Her different dresses are all weirdly gorgeous, they're unusually sexy and works perfectly with the song.
She's like an iconic star, and although she doesn't dance much, leaving it all to the dancer to explain the song through the art of contemporary dancing, it works well.
A vision of beauty on beauty, Gozo is a gorgeous place that I'd want to see one day. A perfect location for this emotional song. Ira Losco does a good job of it and performed it well at the Grand Final too.
An instant fan favourite, Hovi Star is next on my Eurovision 2016 Special. Already an established star in Israel, He finally achieved his dream, to grace the Eurovision stage and represent his country. He's vocally talented, stylishly fashionable, and is definitely the LGBT+ representative this year. The song is strong, but I always expect an amazing chorus and it's kind of lacking. This guy has conquered his dream, now it's time to be an international star, as he definitely has the voice for it. Hovi Star claims we're all Made of Stars in this LGBT+ anthem, whilst singing out to a number of drones in this music video.
Hovi Star, real name Hovav Sekulets, took part in Kokhav Nolad (meaning A Star Is Born), which is similar to 'Pop Idol' and it's spinoffs. He came seventh, then known as Hovi "Star" Sekulets, he launched a career and has rerecorded songs in Hebrew for well known films such as 'Frozen', 'Cinderella' and 'Inside Out'. He then competed in HaKokhav HaBa L'Eirovizion, based off the 'Raising Star' franchise, where the winner represents the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. This, Hovi Star won, which he is more than deserving. He came 14th in the Grand Final with 135 points. I'm sure this is not the last we've seen of Hovi Star. The song was written by Doron Medalie.
This music video shows off Tel Aviv in Israel, with the help of drones. It's a little weird that Hovi Star is singing to them, I presume they represent stars or people who are stars.
Hovi Star performs with so much emotion, he has clearly connected with this song and he performed just as well during the Grand Final as well as the Semi-Final.
There's not much to this video apart from Hovi Star serenading the drones that are both flying around him and following him. Nothing amazing but clear performance vibes. Hovi Star will be back, this is not the last we've seen of him!
With one rapper still on top of the UK Chart, Drake with "One Dance", which still doesn't have a music video yet; another rapper has entered the top 10. Desiigner is at number seven with this smash hit that has already conquered the US Billboard Chart. Panda is about Desiigner's affinity for the BMW X6, a confusing weird video with Kanye West appearing, what more can you want?
Desiigner, real name Sidney Selby III, is signed to Kanye West's label GOOD (Getting Out Our Dreams) Music after this song was released on Desiigner's YouTube and Soundcloud. Is this the start of Desiigner's amazing career as a rapper? Or will Panda just be a one-hit wonder, and he'll fade away like so many rappers before him? Panda was written by Sidney Selby III and Adnan Khan. The song has been sampled by Kanye West for two tracks on his album.
The video is directed by Paul Geusebroek. It contains many different scenes, some of which are difficult to follow. Not quite narrative-based and I surely hope this is not some sort of performance.
The selfie scene is an intricate scene as most people think Desiigner may be high. It captures his passion for this song in that scene more than anything, and kind of reminds me of Alexandra Stan's "Vanilla Chocolat" or Times Red's "Not Listening" because they both contain selfie scenes.
Kanye West appears as a friend throughout the music video, which is definitely expected since he was the one who signed him and sampled his track. However no sign of a real panda, and surely Desiigner is fully promoting the BMW X6 with both this song and it's music video.
A few shocking clips, like the panda painted on an ass that twerks, and Desiigner lying down on a bed whilst being touched up (he looks quite sexy here, not going to lie), him smoking, and the craziness of the rest of the video. It's hard to follow and difficult to understand. On the other hand, it's a typical music video for a rap song, identifiably relatable that way, for sure.
Coming 15th in the Eurovision Song Contest, Justs did pretty well for Latvia. This catchy song doesn't kick in until the chorus starts, but hearing it more than once definitely made me like it more, hence why it's a part of my Eurovision 2016 Special. Gaining 132 points, it's clear that Europe enjoyed his performance of the song. Justs sings his heart out to a girl who has him locked away, wish his heartbeat was beating for me and not her.
Justs, full name Justs Sirmais, hasn't had much of a musical career, winning Supernova (the Latvian national selection) was his first big step into the music industry. However he has had little glimpses, he has been in bands including TaxFree and Bunch of Gentleman, as well as providing vocals for hip-hop artist GACHO on about half the tracks on his album 'Smaids Līdz Ausīm'. This is his first solo single, and I'm sure it won't be his last. The song was written by Aminata Savadogo, who Latvia sent to Eurovision in 2015.
The performance-based music video is full emotion, that Justs packs in with his usual energetic vibes.
Much like his performance during both the Semi-Final and the Grand Final, Justs has the same jacket and the same vibes, this is clearly his freestyle moves and the way he interprets the song.
There's not much else to this, he's in love with the girl, who is cuddling him as well as locking him away in a room. His love interest watches him on TV monitors.
Overall the song is strong, with great vocals on a track that is definitely catchy, but what do we expect from Aminata? Justs performs well, but this is a typical performance from him, which gets old easily. His movement is chaotically stiff, but at least he is feeling the energy and emotion from the song.
My Eurovision 2016 Special continues with Azerbaijan, who has been sending amazing acts over and over again, especially after their win in 2011. This placed 17th in the Eurovision Song Contest with a respectable 117 points. Samra sings her heart out in this catchy song, full of emotion, she clearly means every word in this video for Miracle.
Samra, full name Samra Rahimli, first ventured into the music industry by appearing on O Ses Türkiye (The Voice of Turkey) where she got to the quarter finals in 2015. She next appeared on Səs Azərbaycan (The Voice of Azerbaijan).where she became a finalist. She was chosen by internal selection to represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. Her vocals are stunning on this track, and I so hope she continues to release music because I definitely want to buy her future releases. The song was written by Amir Aly, Jakob "Jakke" Erixson, Henrik Wikström and Dom Amir.
The music video is a pure performance-based video, without much special effects apart from strobe lighting, which doesn't help to intrigue the audience all that much.
What does capture our attention is Samra's amazing acting, she has totally connected to the track. Although she didn't write it, the song has meaning to her.
The strobe lighting emphasises the chorus, it doesn't relate unless miracles come in beaming lights.
There's nothing else to this music video. Samra reminds me of me, if I could actually sing, I mean. Literally, I'd be singing into that microphone and I'd be giving the song all I've got, every hand movement and emotional face used at the artful moment in the lyrics. Samra does the exact same thing. She's singing this song to someone and boy does she mean business! I hope she gets to released more singles and hopefully an album, because this is one voice I want to hear more of.
Here comes Barei! This was an early favourite, and it is the song I spent most of my money on voting. Here Barei comes on to my Eurovision 2016 Special. I voted so much for this song, and it's good to know that it appeared on the UK public vote, so I helped. Unfortunately she followed Russia's entrant Sergey Lazarev who was the favourite to win, with his song "You Are the Only One". This totally faltered Barei in the voting, because Russia had a very visual performance, whereas Barei gave a great dance performance that was overshadowed by the previous contestant. She sadly only managed to get 77 points in the Grand Final, placing her 22nd. Catchy, upbeat and empowering, Spain sent Barei to Eurovision with this banger. Style on point, Barei tells you to Say Yay!
Barei, real name Bárbara González-Aller, is a star in the making. Her style is on point her vocals are electric, she's gorgeous, and if she doesn't become an international star in the next decade or so we will totally be missing out in the music world! She has released two albums and a number of singles. After winning the Spanish national selection Objetivo Eurovisión, she signed to Universal Music Spain, who re-released her album. Barei has star quality, she just needs the promotion to become an international star. Eurovision was a great platform for her, even if she did perform after the Russian entrant. The song was written by Barei, Rubén Villanueva and Víctor Púa Vivó. The song is all about not giving up, keep going, climb over those hills and follow your dreams. Definitely uplifting, it's a very encouraging song.
Directed by Gus Carballo, this video is such an amazing performance piece, showcasing to the world who Barei is and her style and her music. She replicated this perfectly in the Grand Final of Eurovision.
Clearly coming from a dance background, Barei shines throughout, using footwork which has recently became the in-thing to do in a club (the one dance move I can't pull off). Even the guys are getting on the dance floor and pulling these moves off!
The video also shows off the city streets of Spain, joining together different dancers who all come together with this song. I really want to visit Spain if people randomly just dance in the streets, that is my kind of place.
The middle is pulled off perfectly, when she falls down, she fell in the performance of the Eurovision Grand Final too. She gets back up and carries on, conquering those mountains and releasing her battle cry. Just like Orianthi sung in her song "Courage".
The ending is perfection. To have all the dancers perform in-sync with that technical footwork, where it's easy to go wrong, just proves how strong of a dancer Barei is as well as her backing dancers. She is a star, she just needs her fame now! But she's got me as a fan already, and I'm sure I'm not the only one!
If anyone's killing it recently, it's Anne-Marie, and this new summer hit is definitely one of my favourites from her. Staying cool and true to who she is, Anne-Marie is getting popular, fast. Her sound is unique, and she will be at Birmingham Pride 2016, and after this release, I won't be missing her on the stage! Anne-Marie describes the cheating alarm that rings through her head when she doesn't trust her boyfriend, beautifully replicated in this video.
Anne-Marie is hitting the charts with this song. She has already charted with "Do It Right" which gained traction months after it's release. She has collaborated with Rudimental and Wretch 32, both of which should've made the chart. Now her name is being thrown about, this is one girl who is confident in her music. Alarm will be her biggest hit to date, but definitely not the last!
The music video is directed by Malia James. It features three main characters: Anne-Marie, Romeo and Sirena (Romeo's conquest). It confuses me at the start though, because Romeo has a phone number on a piece of paper by Amelia, is that his ex? Who knows? But it's definitely not Sirena.
The video continues. Anne-Marie looks gorgeous, so stylish, she reminds me of Rita Ora in "Poison" purely because of how beautiful she looks in the video. She is stunning, especially compared to Sirena. What is Romeo thinking?
Typical love scenes happen that do make me jealous. I want that relationship, I had that relationship (for a week and a half, but I had it), and I miss being in that state of euphoria. It's a perfect portrayal, great acting skills from Anne-Marie and Romeo.
Romeo doesn't try hard to get Sirena. She doesn't look much of a conquest, and he seems pretty relaxed about it. The main scene seems like a drunken mishap; regardless of which, it is still significant, and would put alarm bells in Anne-Marie's head but it's something that can be looked past. There isn't enough emphasis on Romeo and Sirena together.
Anne-Marie performs amazingly, the narrative shows off her great acting skills, but what makes Anne-Marie more of a star is her performance of this song. It's such an emotional song and she pulls it off effortlessly, whilst looking stunning. Overall, brilliant performance with a great narrative. Anne-Marie is a star in the making! Watch out for her guys!
My Eurovision Special welcomes Deen back to the Eurovision Song Contest! He returns after an 11 year gap, only this time he is joined by amazing vocalist Dalal, brilliant cellist Ana Rucner and hip-hop artist Jala. This was one of my favourites this year, and I'm sad to see it just missed out. It came 11th in the first Semi-Final with 104 points. Dalal & Deen show emotion throughout in Ljubav Je, with the help of the amazing cellist Ana Rucner. Jala adds a new flavour to the mix that feels out of place in the video and the song.
Dalal & Deen team up for this song. Dalal, real name Dalal Midhat-Talakić, has had an all right solo career, her achievement was performing "Amazing Grace" at a concert for Pope Francis. She is one half of duo Erato, who have released two albums. As for Deen, real name Fuad Backović, he represented Bosnia & Herzegovina back in 2004 with "In The Disco", where he placed ninth overall. Deen looks totally different 11 years on, but his vocals have improved even more so, although this song didn't make the Grand Final, it'll be one I will remember. Featuring on the song is Ana Rucner who is one of Croatia's most successful performers. Jala, real name Jasmin Fazlić, has had a successful hip-hop career, releasing three albums both under Jala and Jala Brat, as well as two EPs. He is the founding member of BluntBylon and music studio Red Eye Vision. A song that infuses four different styles of music, and it almost completely works, but Jala doesn't quite fit as much as we all hoped he would. He's rap is better in the studio version than live on stage. The song was written by Almir Ajanović and Jasmin Fazlić Jala. It is sung in Bosnian and the title means Love Is.
The music video is performance based, fully traditional. It represents Bosnia & Herzegovina beautifully.
Dalal & Deen shine throughout, their vocals are on point, from their vantage point, they are watching Ana Rucner below, and later Jala, when he steps in.
Ana Rucner is mesmerising, she's technically amazing, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's awe-stuck by her and her cello. Ana Rucner out does herself in this song, let alone this music video. It didn't quite transfer perfectly on stage, but that may have been Jala's fault.
He's lyrics are good, it just changes the tempo of the song. He doesn't look like he fits in the music video that well either, a total opposite to the cello, that probably always works well behind the scenes, but visually it's not something you would expect. He switches the song which makes it more interesting, without Jala it would have been just another ballad in this competition.
Overall an intricate traditional music video, that definitely is enlightening, opening the viewers into the world of Boznia & Herzegovina, who probably have a lot more to show us, which they no doubt will if they ever win the Eurovision Song Contest. A great performance piece to a strong song.
Agnete shocked us all in the second Semi-Final with this song. This is my next review for my Eurovision 2016 Special, and boy is this a catchy song, or two. The song changes beat and pace during the chorus, suggesting two different songs have been put together, awkwardly interesting, this should've have made the final, especially with Agnete's amazing voice. Being an icebreaker and destroying the mould of regular pop songs, Agnete is a powerhouse in this performance music video.
Agnete, full name Agnete Johnson, is famously known as the lead singer of The BlackSheeps, who won Melodi Grand Prix Junior 2008, where their song "Oro jaska, beana" shot to number one on the Norway chart. They then competed in Melodi Grand Prix 2011, where they came second. They went their separate ways later in the year. In 2014 she took part in Skal Vi Danse? (the Norwegian version of Strictly Come Dancing/Dancing With The Stars), in which she won. She then went on to compete in Melodi Grand Prix 2016, which she also won. Unfortunately she only got 63 points in the second Semi-Final, however following the soon-to-be winner, Ukraine's Jamala, was obviously not the easiest thing to do. However with a voice like Agnete's and a clear passion to make it in the music industry, I'm sure this won't be the last time we've heard from Agnete. This song was written by Agnete Johnson, Gabriel Alares and Ian Curnow.
Directed by Elle Marja Eira, the video is a simple performance piece. Agnete is dressed all in white, fading into the ground which is definitely a beautiful icy landscape.
There is a few intercutted scenes that include a dancer. not quite freestyling to the lyrics. Definitely contemporary dancing that intricately links well with the song.
The snowy theme captures the icy lyrics of Icebreaker. Agnete's strong vocals are followed by an equally strong performance that was definitely replicated during the second Semi-Final, but with Jamala singing "1944" just before Agnete, this one was bound to look unemotional.
Overall an average music video for this song, with not much going on. Regardless, it's effortless and beautiful, much like Agnete. This impacts the music industry as a whole. This song is definitely the first of many that will be slaying the charts in the future. Agnete may just be ahead of her time.
Sandhja was the entrant for Finland this year, and is next on my Eurovision 2016 Special. Finland's answer to Kiesza, I was expecting this to do well, but her vocals wasn't quite on point on the night and the song was was easily forgotten during the first Semi-Final. With a score of 51 points, placing her 15th, Sandhja didn't have much chance. However I liked the song, hence why it's on my blog. Sandhja gives a memorable performance in this music video for Sing It Away, featuring great backing dancers and a visual narrative.
Sandhja, full name Sandhja Kuivalainen, has already established a fan base in Finland, with two studio albums already released, she is making her own impact. Sandhja has Indian roots and she flew out to Guyana and Jamaica for inspiration on her second album, that was released last month. This competition has given her some international exposure, even if the song didn't make the Grand Final. Sandhja won the Finland national selection through Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2016.placing first in the jury vote and third in the public vote. The song was written by Sandhja, Milos Rosas, Heikki Korhonen, Petri Matara and Markus Savijoki.
Released under her vevo account, Sandhja's music video is mainly performance-based. Taking place in a children's playground park, where Sandhja shows her club dance moves whilst surrounded by a group of backing dancers, much like she was during the Semi-Final.
Sandhja has a classic performance vibe about her, definitely reminding me of Kiesza's "Hideaway". She looks great and the song is definitely catchy, the video and the song has girl power vibes throughout.
The short narrative scenes suggest that you should let your imagination go wild, and that dreams do come true. The child who is drawing a picture of a horse and a rider, is then seen in the future riding a horse.
The video is inspiring and teaches kids to go after what they want in life, and not let anyone get in their way. Just Sing It Away.
Overall a great performance piece, that should've been replicated well at Eurovision, but coming on first didn't help all that much and her nerves unfortunately got the better of her. The narrative side is short but inspiring. I can't wait to hear more from Sandhja.
Well I thought Joe and Jake hadn't released a video, but guess I was wrong. I always review the UK entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest for my Eurovision Special so that I am not just choosing my country over other countries. Honestly, this is a grower of a song, but on the night, the nerves clearly got the better of them, failing to capture the audience the way we all expected them to do. Performing in front of '200 million people' (according to Måns Zelmerlöw), clearly got the better of them. As for the music video... Joe and Jake perform You're Not Alone whilst a wall of lights change colour. Jake Shakeshaft is stiff and unrelaxed as Joe Woolford totally out performs the song. This duo look more alone than together.
These two formed a duo after competing in the fourth series of The Voice UK. Joe Woolford was on Team Rita Ora and got to week two of the live shows. As for Jake Shakeshaft, he was on Team will.i.am, where he was eliminated during the knockouts. They paired up and entered Eurovision: You Decide, where they won the UK national final, not that there was much of a choice. They were a clear favourite, but this song is a total grower, not for Eurovision unless you are going to promote it and give a brilliant visual performance, which didn't happen on the night. The song was written by Matt Schwartz, Justin J. Benson and S. Kanes.
The music video is a pure performance piece. They don't work that well as a duo, their on-stage presence is either too much from Joe Woolford or not enough in the case of Jake Shakeshaft. They don't mesh at all, and the ending looks completely awkward.
Joe Woolford is a natural performer, however he totally is trying too hard. He's loving every minute of the music video and everything that goes with being part of Eurovision.
Jake Shakeshaft just looks like he's embarrassed, he's not sure he wants to be here, let alone sing this song for Eurovision. He hides behind his guitar in the opening of the video, and even when he puts the guitar on his back, he's not as involved as he should be.
Overall this is a slight improvement on the Grand Final performance they did last Saturday, but this wouldn't have helped them get a better result. It's an all right effort, but considering what the rest of the world is sending for Eurovision, with great promotion, the UK needs to pull something out of the bag.
With Drake's "One Dance" still at number one in the UK and still without an official music video, the top 10 is available for my Chart Mondays' review. This is currently at number 10 on the UK chart, and with Justin Timberlake's "Can't Stop The Feeling" set to top the charts next Friday, I thought I'd review this music video. What a mistake that was, because this is absolutely brilliant, and might have me writing for days! DJ Snake and Bipolar Sunshine give a brilliant music video for Middle, with actor Josh Hutcherson and actress Kiersey Clemons giving a superhero portrayal of love and hurt, how can you not love this video?
DJ Snake, real name William Grigahcine, has had hit single after hit single. He produced Lady Gaga's album 'Born This Way', which earned him a Grammy nomination. He is definitely the one to watch in music lately and I'm pretty sure we will be seeing a lot more of this global sensation. He also has a sneaky role in this music video. Bipolar Sunshine, real name Adio Marchant, is an upcoming English singer who's name is certainly being used quite often. However maintaining popularity isn't always an easy thing to do. His singles have charted in the UK, nothing of impact, just yet. Surely this song would've helped. The song was written by William Grigahcine, Aaron Kleinstub and Adio Marchant.
A Colin Tilley directed music video, it's no wonder it's so good. As mentioned above, the actor Josh Hutcherson plays the superhero and the actress Kiersey Clemons plays the love interest.
Our main character feels lost and alone, he doesn't quite fit in the world we live in. He stretches his imagination out into his reality, making himself a superhero, who still doesn't fit in.
He comes across a girl who is dressed as a superheroine, suggesting she has the same feelings as he does; not quite fitting in society. They join up and stretch their imagination together; flying through the streets, climbing walls, as well as bedroom entertainment.
The next morning, she's gone. He searches for her, but can't find her. At this point he passes DJ Snake on the street in a surreal scene. He gets to a sidewalk that tells him not to cross, and in a suicide attempt, or maybe just an attempt at flying that goes wrong, he crashes into a taxi. And guess who's in the back, it's Kiersey Clemons with her boyfriend, not dressed up as a superheroine.
Hurt and betrayed, Josh Hutcherson is all alone and in a lot of pain from the crash. Kiersey Clemons returns at the end, helping him to heal.
It's a great story about being lost in the world, but having someone who is lost with you, that's true love, but there's also a perfect betrayal that you don't really expect. Yet, as usual, the guy is ready to take the girl back. Boy has she got some explaining to do.
A brilliant narrative of a music video, that relates perfectly and effortlessly with the song. Two very well-known actors too, with this on rotation on the music channels, it's not surprising this song got in the top 10 of the UK chart.
A typical Eurovision song that definitely should've made the final, but it all went wrong. With only 33 points in the first Semi-Final, Lidia Isac's music video for Falling Stars is my next video to review for my Eurovision 2016 Special. This was a good song with a good performance. However on stage, with Lidia Isac, was an astronaut, which is a definite no-no when it comes to Eurovision. Lidia Isac gives a great performance of Falling Stars in this music video, going with a plain theme and a simple visual.
Lidia Isac has been competing in Moldova's national finals for the past four years, finally succeeding in 2016. Previously she entered either as a solo singer or as a duo in group Glam Girls. This amazing vocalist should definitely have made the final of Eurovision, if it weren't for that astronaut. End of the day, she has stunning vocals, and definitely deserved to win O Melodie Pentru Europa 2016, just a shame she didn't make the Grand Final. With strong vocals, and her desire to work in music, I'm sure this won't be the last we hear of Lidia Isac. Maybe she'll take another shot at representing Moldova, she certainly has the voice to do well in the competition. The song was written by Gabriel Alares, Sebastian Lestapier, Ellen Berg and Leonid Gutkin.
The music video has no substance to it, her strong vocals are complemented by a strong performance that she definitely displayed during the first Semi-Final, however there's no sign of an astronaut in this video.
Slightly more understanding, this video is a pure performance piece that includes falling star confetti, which definitely links in with the song.
No more visuals, Lidia Isac does the best she is given with, much like on the day of the first Semi-Final. There was nothing more she could do in this video or on the Eurovision stage. Hopefully, she'll make a much deserved comeback, because with a voice like that, who needs theatrics?
Have I just watched some Sia promotional video? This certainly isn't anything professionally official, and yet is is classed as the official music video for the Switzerland Entry into the Eurovision Song Contest, which came 18th in the second semi-final with only 28 points. Actually a really nice song, but the performance totally let itself down. Rykka performs side-on during this emotional song that is not portrayed visually at all, but is definitely better performed than her Eurovision performance, although visually it isn't.
Kicking off my Eurovision 2016 Special is Rykka, real name Christina Rieder. She comes from Canada, and originally released acoustic folk music under her real name, She soon developed a taste for pop music and Rykka was born. She is on a new path now and although she failed at Eurovision, it may not be the last time we see her, clearly she's a trier, and triers always come on top, eventually. The song is about standing for love at the end of the world. It was written by Christina Maria Rieder, Mike James, Jeff Dawson and Warne Livesey.
This music video is completely bland. Rykka stands out purely because there is nothing else in the video, just black space.
Rykka is put on a spotlight, but there's nothing to watch because she isn't even looking at the camera, and as for performance vibes, they are aimed the wrong way.
There is just nothing to this, nothing for me to comment on, and I am pretty sure Rykka is a much better performer than she is in this music video. She showcased that during the Semi-Finals, apart from her awkward knee-bending that made no sense whatsoever. However, great song that would've done well if not for the performance of the song.
This is one massive collaborative effort, not only is CAZZETTE joining forces with AronChupa and The High, they also join forces with Hello There Games. This is not the first time an artist has worked with this gaming company, they follow in the footsteps of Avicii, who released 'Avicii | Gravity', however switching it up entirely making a whole dramatic music video which is more like a prologue to the game. CAZZETTE, with the help of AronChupa and The High gives this entertaining music video for She Wants Me Dead, featuring a survival rhythmic game of the same name.
CAZZETTE is a Swedish musical duo consisting of Alexander Björklund and Sebastian Furrer. Friends with Avicii, they have toured and performed with the DJ. Attempting to make an impact with their own music, already slightly known in their home country, their music is ready to hit the world. They just need much more promotion. AronChupa, real name Aron Ekberg, gained prominence in 2014 with his song "I'm An Albatraoz" which topped the Swedish chart as well as peaking at number 25 here in the UK. His follow-up singles didn't fare so well. He is one fifth of band Albatraoz, who are part of Byttorps IF, which is a fourth division professional football club. Music is a side project as they all focus on their football careers. As for the featured artist, The High, I can't find any information whatsoever, apart from The High being a UK vocalist. If anyone knows anything more than that about The High, please let me know below. The song overall is catchy, definitely something I would listen to over and over again. Quite reminiscent of a few songs, especially "Tom's Diner" by Suzanne Vega & DNA.
The video is a fully narrative animation piece that is in almost total black and white. The video has segments of the game shown in certain scenes, allowing the viewers to see actual game footage.
Lula is our main character, she is a cat who is not happy with the way her owner, Max, is treating her. Pushing her off the bed, spilling toothpaste on her face, not letting her eat the goldfish. So Lula hacks a plan to get her own back, she will kill Max. First she kills him when he wakes up, an axe to the head. Then she sends a missile to his apartment.
Lula is an eccentric. She has an extremely vivid imagination that we are clearly invited into. In theory the narrative has a weird ending, because Lula ends up killing Max twice from what we can see, even though she has many different plans.
I am not so keen on the black & white theme, however it goes with the game as the game wouldn't work in full colour. On the other hand it makes the music video and the game cheap and low budget, and although the low budget games are usually the best, this doesn't quite meet expectations.
As for the game itself, it's difficult to play, and gets more challenging in itself. A very unique idea, where the game changes to the beat of the music. Intricate and detailed, it totally works well. Very addicting and slightly aggravating, this will have you screaming with joy to get to a checkpoint, and throwing your phone when you have to start from the beginning again.
Overall a brilliant idea of a collaboration, the first music video prologue to a game I have come across that works amazingly as a promotion for the game, the song, the artists and the game developers. Great idea, great translation, dysfunctional narrative full of illusion with a double confusing ending.
