Eric Saade is back with this amazingly emotional video which features Gustaf Norén, this Swedish superstar has already done well in his career so far, but now he needs to make it big internationally, having already had a few hits in his home country, he hasn't been getting the chart hits he clearly deserves over there. Eric Saade stuns in this emotional narrative of this song, highly personal, he can't stop thinking about this girl that is keeping him Wide Awake, so he wrecks the caravan, featuring Gustaf Norén.
Eric Saade has recently dropped his EP with this song and his other recently released songs, in promotion of the new album that is expected to be released this week. He originally was in a band called What's Up!, he later went solo and has had two number ones in Sweden, these are "Manboy" and "Popular", now he has gone down a more mature route releasing songs that are highly emotional and much more personal. He attempted to represent Sweden in Eurovision 2010 with "Manboy" but came third overall in Melodifestivalen 2010. The following year he won and "Popular" became Sweden's entry to Eurovison 2011, where he came third overall. He attempted to represent Sweden again in 2015 with "Sting", but he came fifth in the final of Melodifestivalen. The featured star is Gustaf Norén, who is just kick-starting his solo career after being a founding member of rock band Mando Diao, he left the group last year after being with the band since 1999, he was one of two frontmen. He adds flavour to this highly emotional song which was written by Eric Saade, Gustaf Norén, Vikor Norén and Joakim Andrén.
Directed by the artist himself, Eric Saade manages to make this entire video personal, both on screen and off screen. With that emotional link to the song, it's no wonder he managed to create such a great video.
Who doesn't want to wreck a caravan in pain? Eric Saade clearly brought up all the feelings about this song and unleashed it on the caravan perfectly. Wrecking the place with anything he could get his hands on before burning it to the ground.
There are various performance scenes, some of which are in black and white making this even more emotional. Eric Saade performs with his usual style, but Gustaf Norén really outshines, he stares at the camera sultrily, working the camera as he sings.
Overall a faultless music video, that engages and works perfectly, however there's no sign of a love interest and so the audience wonders who they are singing about, but great work, and I can't wait to see what Eric Saade brings in the future, especially with his new album about to drop soon.
The amazing dance duo is back, this is exactly the sort of songs that I love to hear from Rihanna as dance music suits her voice perfectly and it's clear she loves singing these sort of songs. With Drake still at number one with "One Dance" which marks it's twelfth consecutive week at number one, my Chart Mondays review is open for the top ten again, although a music video for "One Dance" is on it's way, it has yet to be released. This one is currently sitting at number four on the UK chart. Rihanna performs perfectly in rag-like clothes that she easily pulls off, loving her life in a visual cube box as well as out of it. Calvin Harris' This Is What You Came For shows the Rihanna we all know and love.
Calvin Harris, real name Adam Wiles, is an inspiration to us all. He's one of those rare acts that have built his name from scratch. This Scottish DJ has worked and worked and worked to become this international star, and it has definitely paid off. Calvin Harris will always be setting the charts alight. He collaborates, once again, with Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, who has also worked hard to get to where she is now, yeah she may have had a few hit singles when she started, but she made a name for herself by working hard, she wouldn't be here if she didn't. This song was written by Calvin Harris and Nils Sjöberg.
Directed by Emil Nava, the music video is exciting after seeing the cube box and hoping for an extremely visual music video much like Sergey Lazarev's "You Are The Only One"; yet it doesn't work as perfectly and what could have been amazing, falls flat.
Some perfect projected images and video used works really well, and at times it is visually amazing, but the cube fails to work the way we all had hoped, so they switch it up, focusing on Rihanna alone.
Rihanna shines throughout, she clearly loves EDM, house and dance music. She's having so much fun recording the music video, this is the sort of music she enjoys. It's enlightening to see her so happy performing.
Her style is somewhat disappointing, yet she seems relaxed in this rag-like costume, like it's something she wears around her house and pulls out of her wardrobe often. She pulls it off as if it was meant for her, it probably was to be honest.
Overall, the cube fails to work out the way we had hoped, and Sergey Lazarev's "You Are The Only One" really puts this music video to shame in comparison. However, Rihanna's performance is infectious and some visual scenes are on point. They made it work, but it is somewhat lacking.
The video and song everyone is talking about, this is the lead song from the Star Trek Beyond soundtrack. Rihanna has been working on it for at least two years as far as we know, and this is the outcome. She claims to have been a fan of the Star Trek franchise since she was a child and it's a part of her childhood, so it's no wonder that she would want to become involved in the new film in one way or another. Rihanna becomes an alien or extraterrestrial up in her own planet, creating small magic that has us wishing we had her powers. This hypnotic music video for Sledgehammer puts us all in a trance-like state.
The film hasn't even been released yet and this music video is out, but Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, as ever, surprises us all. The film is expected to be released at the end of this month, which is when I expect this song will rise quickly in the charts, much like P!nk's soundtrack single "Just Like Fire" did when Alice Through The Looking Glass got released. Rihanna's new single doesn't interest me all that much, she has stepped away from the style of music I loved from her, "Don't Stop The Music", "Umbrella" and "Shut Up And Drive" seem like light-years away, especially in comparison to this which definitely has a Beyoncé 2016 feel to it. It was written by Robyn Fenty, Sia Furler and Jesse Shatkin.
Directed by Floria Sigismondi, the video really captures the loneliness of a person on a planet all by themselves. It was shot through IMAX cameras, the first music video to entirely be shot using these cameras, it probably looked amazing at IMAX cinemas and theatres.
Rihanna transforms herself into some sort of alien, some out of this world being that has magical powers that I'm pretty sure we would all die for. However, she isn't looking all that appealing, but I guess we're used to that with anything from Star Trek, it's more geeky than sexy, and Rihanna pulls it off perfectly.
There isn't much else to add to my review of this music video, there are some magnificent visual concepts and scenes, but none defining or developed enough for us to fully embrace it. This is one of those videos that you will either love or hate, and it totally relates to Star Trek, something I've never managed to get my head around.
Okay, so as I've previously mentioned I will be seeing S Club, Booty Luv and Big Brovaz at The Nightingale Club in Birmingham at the end of this month, only it's Jo and Bradley from S Club, so not exactly the full group, but it'll be worth it. This song is their introduction song, even though it was their second single, this song is known at the one where you got to know the members of S Club 7. Much like Big Brovaz first single "Nu Flow", this song features the names of each of the band members. S Club inspire confidence in this music video that is totally nostalgic for anyone who watched this back in 1999. Mashing up 'Grease' and 'Back To The Future', S Club 7 gets involved in a car race, that they undoubtedly win.
S Club 7 were at the height of their career, having had multiple TV shows, they were doing so well on the UK chart, they were literally marketed amazingly. The group consisted of Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh, Jo O'Meara, Hannah Spearritt and Rachel Stevens. The band slowly dissipated after Paul Cattermole left and although they continued on as a six-piece, they failed to make chart hit after chart hit. They eventually disbanded to do their own things, with many of the members stating that being in the band was exhausting, and considering how much promotion went into the group, it's unsurprising that they were overworked. Many reformations have happened in the past, featuring some or all of the members, a full reunion tour happened, but nothing new came of it. Now only two of the band members, Jo O'Meara and Bradley McIntosh will be performing at The Nightingale Club, but it's going to be one hell of a show regardless. This song charted at number two on the UK Charts, and did well worldwide, hitting number one in New Zealand as well as number two in Australia. The song was written by Tor Erik Hermansen, Mikkel Eriksen and Hallgeir Rustan.
Directed by Andrew Margetson, the video was filmed on the set of the TV movie 'Back To The '50s', which is a parody sitcom produced for CITV back in 1999 and features S Club 7. It parodies 'Back To The Future' and 'Grease'. The video includes clips that weren't in the movie and vice versa. Filmed at the famous Vasquez Rocks.
The group go back in time to 1959, in the US, where they end up having a race, which they obviously win.
There is a few scenes from the movie, such as the start and the end, this shows off their lack of acting skills as they don't really mean what they are saying, it's all laughable, and yet as kids we totally didn't notice any problems with the script.
The dancing is totally over the top, and definitely explains my confidence as a child, it all totally makes sense now, this is exactly why I never was afraid to dance on the dancefloor, and considering the moves back then were current, you wouldn't be seen dead doing half of these dance moves, let alone have the confidence to pull them off. But it's kind of nice to realise that this group gave me confidence even at such a young age.
This embarrassing clip fails to relate to the song, and more or less relates to the movies it's inspired from as well as the soundtrack to the TV movie. Regardless, this will always be a part of my childhood and how can I not like the song, I probably sang it day in day out when it was released.
Fergie is back with her follow up to "L.A. Love" and this one is a lot more saucy, or should I say milky? Definitely a song for the mother's of the world, announcing that women can still be themselves even after childbirth. Fergie proves that she's one hot momma, with the help of a few famous faces, "M.I.L.F. $" empowers confidence in everyone.
Fergie, real name Stacy Ferguson, has come a long way, having already had a successful solo career with her debut album back in 2006, she is now back ten years later, Having already helped the Black Eyed Peas become a solid name since she joined them, the constant hiatus of the group allows her to explore her second album, and if it's going to be anything like the first, it's going to be amazing. "L.A. Love" has worked well as the first single, and hit it big here in the UK, and it looks like her second single off her new album is set to do just as well. This song was written by Stacy Ferguson, Jamal Jones and Jocelyn Donald.
Directed by Colin Tilley, world renowned director and explains why this music video is so good, it is set in a town called 'Milfville' and features a range of famous mothers. These include Kim Kardashian West, Chrissy Teigan, Alessandra Ambrosio, Ciara, Gemma Ward, Tara Lyn, Devon Aoki, Angela Lindvall, Isabeli Fontana, Amber Valletta and Natasha Poly. The male actor, milkman and love interest is played by Jon Kortajarena, and a bar tender is played by Jordan Barrett. Anja, Alessandra Ambrosio's daughter, and Luna, Chrissy Teigan's daughter, both appear in this music video too.
A star studded cast, in this wrapped up performance and narrative video, that is totally set in a dream-like world.
Fergie defies sexiness and sassiness, pulling off the dance routine effortlessly with her backing dancers, no matter what version of reality she is in. Giving Kelis a run of her "Milkshake" money, Fergie works the camera in every way possible.
Dream like visions appear, including a milk room where the famous faces bathe in milk, to the milkshake parlour, where Fergie has red hair and looks super cute at the diner. The obvious dream one appeared, where she is transformed into a black-haired teacher, with a vocal range that proves that Fergie is one heck of a good singer, she struts her stuff in front of a classroom full of guys.
The ending shows that we've all just been caught up in Jon Kortajarena's dreams as Fergie has love struck him as she fans his face whilst he's lying on the bench with her. Later the TV reintroduces the famous faces as they drink or spill milk.
Overall a highly conceptualised music video that is so detailed that it doesn't surprise me that Colin Tilley directed this. A brilliant performance piece, Fergie really owns this role, with a great narrative infused. This video works, it relates, it's high quality and it's humorous, what's not to like?
I had to review this song as my Thursday Revisit purely because it was the last music video the group ever recorded, and although new songs have materialised on iTunes, there hasn't been a music video. The group are going to be performing at The Nightingale next month, which I cannot wait for! They entered the national selection for Eurovision with this song back in 2007 and came third in the public vote, behind winners Scooch with "Flying The Flag (For You)" and second place Cyndi with "I'll Leave My Heart". Honestly, this song would've done much better in the contest because of it's originality. There is still a market in the music industry for these guys. Turning into superheroes, Big Brovaz final music video is confusing and difficult to follow, but the song is vocal perfection.
Big Brovaz, at this time were a four piece group consisting of Nadia Shepherd, Cherise Roberts, Randy Jackson and John Paul Horsley (J-Rock). Originally a six piece, the group dwindled both in numbers and in chart positions, unfortunately this track is their lowest charting position, because promotion for the song wasn't possible due to it being submitted for 'Making Your Mind Up', the UK's national selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2007. The four-piece still perform nowadays, but reports suggest that they will not be releasing any new music in the future, unfortunately. This song was written by Nadia Shepherd, Cherise Roberts, Randy Jackson, John Paul Horsley, Dion Howell, Lars H. Jensen, Martin M. Larsson and Christina Undhjem.
Much like many other groups before and after them, Big Brovaz are transformed into superheroes. They resemble X-Men in more ways than one. Other acts to have done a similar thing includes Liberty X on "X" and The Saturdays on "Ego".
The narrative is incredibly difficult to follow, with many repeated scenes as well as various unrelated clips. It's even difficult to get to grips with the story line let alone understand what is going on.
They don't even suit the superhero look, and there is more focus on the setting of the video and the way everything looks in the shot, rather than how the video is going on as a whole.
It comes across totally messy, and definitely difficult to follow or make heads or tails of.
Regardless there is a main performance side which has the energetic vibes that we are used to seeing from these guys. Ones I hope to see on stage next month, there is clearly still a chemistry between all four of them, and that this is meant to be, apart from this video which doesn't work at all.
One of the catchiest numbers of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest, but we all know what happens to songs that sound similar to another song. This was reported as too similar to Stromae's "Papaoutai", which I can hear the resemblance. This happened the year before when Germany sent Cascada with "Glorious" which was pretty similar to Loreen's winning song "Euphoria". This song made France come last in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with only two points; the first time in the history of the contest that France had placed last. Twin Twin are contestants of a TV game show with the lead singer desperate to win a moustache. Comical, wacky and energetic, this video is totally over the top yet you can't help but love it.
Twin Twin are a three piece group consisting of Lorent Idir, François Djemel and Patrick Biyik. Their sound is described as electro rock with a pop edge that definitely is catchy. Regardless of the fact that it placed last during the competition, the song charted in a few countries in Europe. Twin Twin haven't done much since 2014, however they recently uploaded a video to their YouTube channel, so maybe they are planning on releasing new music soon. The song was written by Lorent Idir and François Djemel.
Directed by Guillaume Coulpier, it is set on a TV game show that reminds me of The Price Is Right, although it's possibly inspired by the french version of the show which is one of the most popular international versions titled Le Juste Prix.
The contestants are played by the band members with Lorent Idir desperate to win a moustache although a car and a lawnmower are displayed by the models.
Totally hilarious with a wacky narrative that definitely links in with the song, and I only know that after I have translated the lyrics, although I much prefer them in French. We live in a world where TV game shows are common, so this is nothing new on our TV screens. It's also nothing new that a TV show has been made comical, just look at You Me At Six's "Save It For The Bedroom", this is one of many examples, feel free to add more examples below in the comment section.
Overall a upbeat catchy song with a quirky comical music video that we may have seen time and again, and yet it never gets old and definitely stands out on any music channel. It's a shame this did so badly at Eurovision, but you can't predict the voting in this competition, that is clear especially when the song manages to chart in certain countries.
This is big bro, taking over the show, with this nu flow! That is exactly what they did, I literally cannot wait to see them live next month, now just consisting of four of them, including the two girls who went off to create Booty Luv, this band need to return, a new and improved sound would totally make Big Brovaz chart hits again. This song was so popular when it was first released, and it's still has a fire beat with rhythmic lyrics. Big Brovaz are dressing up as clowns in this introductory song and video which is a pure performance piece that definitely allows the audience to connect to each member of the band.
Big Brovaz, when they first hit the scene were magic, they raked up the charts they had everyone talking about them and were definitely the new group on the block. This six piece group consisted of Cherise Roberts, Nadia Shepherd, Dion Howell, John Paul Horsley (J-Rock), Tayo Aisida (Flawless) and Randy Jackson. Their first album did well globally and spawned many amazing singles. The second album didn't do so well and neither did the singles, the group had been narrowed down to a four-piece by then and even attempted to represent the UK at Eurovision with "Big Bro Thang". This group are currently performing as a four-piece, reports state that they don't plan on releasing any new music, although I reckon there is still a market for them in the music business. This song was written by the group.
Directed by Vaughan Arnell and showcased as a circus performance, the group really took to the role. The song is a show anyway, introducing the band members by name (apart from Randy) a great way to get to know the band in their debut single, and Dion Howell got it right we didn't forget her name! But guess they lied when they said "we won't quit" since they are no longer releasing anything new, at least the four-piece is still together performing though.
Dressed as clowns, the girls are in make up getting ready to put on an act, whilst the guys act all cool and calm. They do the famous saw trick where they cut Nadia Shepherd in half.
A perfect performance piece starts this video off, the girls are flirtatious and the guys hit it off with their relax vibes. There is a clear chemistry throughout and it's wonderful to watch, no doubt that energy is recreated on stage when they're performing.
Dressed as clowns with the distortion filter makes the video quite haunting, but works perfectly with the song appealing to both young viewers and adults alike. Now Big Brovaz is embedded as part of my childhood and I literally cannot wait to see them live. I hope this song is just as good as the video makes it out to be.
Yet again, Drake is still at number one with "One Dance", this marks his 11th week at the top of the UK chart, making the single the longest running chart-topper of the digital age, since 2004 with the introduction of legal downloads. It seems it might go down soon, since it is dropping on the iTunes Chart... To stay at the top, Drake should drop a music video to "One Dance", but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. This opens up my Chart Mondays, once again, and this song has slid into number nine. John Newman vocals this stunning track with partial production work from Nile Rodgers. Amazing beats, perfect vocals, outstanding dance choreography. Give Me Your Love is all Sigala wants.
Sigala is giving the world hit after hit after hit with amazing collaborations left right and centre. Either he is giving us someone new, or further pushing superstars into global success. He is a British DJ, real name Bruce Fielder, and all four of his singles have charted in the top 10 of the UK chart. Hopefully an amazing album will follow soon. This features John Newman, who has a great energy on stage, I always forget I've seen him live, his authentic vocals and stunning falsetto are all totally real. Nile Rodgers is also given a feature credit, he's a longtime American musician and part of band Chic. This song was written by Bruce Fielder and Steve Manovski.
The video was released last month and hasn't gained as many hits as we all thought it would... Regardless the song has charted well in the UK, although not so great globally.
The dancing is impeccable. Using amazing footwork that is totally current at the moment. All the dancers are in sync and the flips are stunning. A great dance troupe that clearly bounce off each other perfectly.
John Newman performs perfectly as always, energetic vibes that are well-received. These same vibes are sent out when he is gigging, His dancing, if that's what you want to call it, it's more of a sense of free movement than dance; is exactly what he does on stage, energetic and full of adrenaline. Nile Rodgers adds very little to the performance part of the music video.
With no narrative, this performance-based music video is lost on the public. The song is a perfect hit and should've done much better on the UK chart, but this music video fails to accommodate the song. The dancing is more than perfect and John Newman's performance is great, there's just something totally missing, alongside there being no narrative.
Since I am planning on seeing Booty Luv at the end of next month, along with Big Brovaz and S Club at a 00's themed club night out, I felt it fitting to review my favourite song and video from this duo. This is not only my jam, it's a lot of other people's jam, the song that should've hit the charts hard but never did. Unfortunately, I was too young to hear this in the clubs, but I bet it was quite the banger, and I can't wait for next month to actually be on the dancefloor whilst this is on. Booty Luv are in a Lamborghini pretending to drive as they swap positions and scenery in this fun and simple music video for Some Kinda Rush.
Booty Luv consists of Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd. According to reports, they have gone on to do their own things now, but will occasionally reform for one-offs like for prides up and down the country, like they did for Birmingham Pride 2016. It's such a shame that this perfect club duo won't be making a comeback, especially since "Say It" and "Black Widow" wasn't included within an album. I truly believe they could come back if they wanted to, especially with how EDM music and dance music is raking the charts now. This song is quite the banger, given a modern twist this could so be re-released and it would do even better with the right promotion. The song is considered one of their most successful, even though it only peaked at number 19 here in the UK. The song was written by Nadia Shepherd, Cherise Roberts, Carl Ryden and Samantha Powell.
Being in a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder is not your average music video, and it's clear where the entire budget for this video went to, the car itself, shame their fans couldn't get in it too.
With slight dance moves the girls pull off being in this Lamborghini easily. Fitting and sexy the girls work it to the max. Apparently going faster whenever the chorus suggests to turn it up. It must be Some Kinda Rush!
Wind machines, green screen and some great technical work, no wonder I used to regard this as their best video when it was released, it's tongue-in-cheek fun with a perfect club banger, and compared to their previous videos this is definitely stunning.
Related to an extent, the girls look stylish, classy and sexy in this car that we all definitely want to at least test drive. They definitely had fun on the set, and I bet they enjoyed watching it back once the whole thing had been edited. Technically great for the time it was released. I just hope these girls make a comeback, especially since this sort of music is definitely in now.
Another club hit from these girls, Fifth Harmony's second single is more than we expected. Clearly the combination of fans worked on the last single "Work From Home" so they've done it again, featuring a rapper, this time Fetty Wap. This is the second single from their second album, having already hit the UK charts hard with "Work From Home" and the album did well all by itself, it's time for them to storm the UK chart with this amazing summer relaxer of a song, they just need the radio to pick it up! Fifth Harmony are sexily drawing in the guys on a beach, telling them to flex to try and impress, it's not all in our heads, this is happening!
Fifth Harmony are a five-piece girl band, who formed on The X Factor (US). They consist of Camila Cabello, Dinah Jane Hansen, Ally Brooke, Lauren Jauregui and Normani Kordei. They are being pushed as the next big girl group, and making it over here in the UK is their biggest difficulty especially with label mates Little Mix being the biggest British girl group around at the moment in the UK. However, their most recent single "Work From Home" peaked at number two in the UK, and it's still going strong, their previous singles haven't fared so bad either, could they push this single to the very top? Or will they turn into the american version of The Saturdays, not quite getting to the top until much later on in their career, and will they stick together long enough? Their most recent album proves that the girls like different genres within the group, separating their vocals and yet combining the genres to make the album. This song has Dinah Jane Hansen and Normani Kordei leading the chorus. It was written by Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Hermansen, Benjamin Levin, Willie Maxwell, Daystar Peterson, Nolan Lambroza, Julia Michaels, Simon Wilcox, Brian Garcia, Ewart Brown, Clifton Dillon, Richard Foulks, Herbert Harris, Leroy Romans, Lowell Dunbar, Brian Thompson and Handel Tucker. The song samples DJ Mad Cobra's "Flex", which incorporates elements of The Temptations' song "Just My Imagination", hence the massive list of song writers.
Directed by Director X, famous for his videos with all the stars, his recent performance based videos haven't been that intriguing, most notably is Rihanna's "Work". He did well on Fifth Harmony's previous single "Work From Home" so we were expecting high hopes for this follow up.
Definitely branding this group as sexy, this video follows on from "Work From Home". Filmed on a beach, it brings tropical vibes to this club summer anthem, that would get me on any dancefloor, I'm ready to flex to this song.
Full on choreography and perfect freestyle there seems to be more focus on each individual member who then collaborate in the end scenes, with one of the most relaxed styled choreography I've seen. They're all in-sync and yet they have slight differences in the way they perform some of the moves, making it look more freestyle than what it actually is, which definitely works in their favour.
The guys are sexy, but they should have been wearing less, they may just be the love interests and aren't developed in this video, but if the girls are on the beach in their bathing suits, why are the guys just simply shirtless? I want less clothes on them, fairs fair at the end of the day, more body parts to flex and impress. Although they do have great bodies, both the girls and the guys. Although, I'm not so keen on the chosen bathing suits for Fifth Harmony, as they could've worn something much more stylish. However they do a grand job of pairing them up with additional wear in the end scene.
Fetty Wap, real name Willie Maxwell II, adds nothing to this, although kudos on his clip in a cave, which could be off from the beach, but it would've worked better if he was actually with Fifth Harmony. His rap works with the song, and definitely adds to the beat, but visually he doesn't add much to the video.
Overall an all right music video. Definitely sexy, although not so stylish. Choreography is on point, as always from these girls, and visual scenes are beautiful. Performance vibes to the max, I already know they're amazing live, but this video emphasises it. However there's nothing going on, no development in the love interests, definitely not much impressing or flexing, and no narrative whatsoever. Just an average video with a tropical theme.
Stretching my rules a little bit, this song has been released today on iTunes as a two-track single, the second track being a remix. The song was previously released at the start of the month, so in theory this is a remix release, however they have included the original track in this release, and so it's kind of like a re-release, therefore allowing me to review this for my New Release section.
Ace Wilder, real name Alice Gernandt, is sexily selfish in this video, not caring about anyone but herself as she walks through this crowd, just staring at the camera provocatively. This song is a stunning ballad, proving that she can really hit home with her words when she wants to. Captivating as always, she's already had a number one in Sweden, her home country. Having applied for Melodifestivalen twice, the first time with "Busy Doin' Nothing" (the song that got to number one), that placed her just two points away from being sent to Eurovision 2014, and then coming third with "Don't Worry" in 2016. She is keen to hit the international market, she has the voice, the songs, just not the promotion. But her determination is contagious, and she will continue to try, because that is who she is. I reckon she would be perfect for Eurovision. This song is different to her previous singles, personal and emotional, she puts her all in this song, she isn't just any old pop singer, her catchy lyrics and emotional lines are full of the singer-songwriter capabilities she has.
This music video is not your average video, although can be considered an average ballad video. Definitely out of Ace Wilder's comfort zone, I was totally expecting the track to change and her to start off some massive dance choreography. But she doesn't need that at all.
Fully emotive throughout although it's in slow motion with blurred visuals, this music video doesn't have her singing the lyrics of the song, instead she is looking deeply at the camera. She's apparently selfish and she knows it and she wants you to know it. Hell, she doesn't even need to sing the lyrics.
The cold steel look in her eyes never fails as she a party soon turns into chaos behind her. Confident and determined is what Ace Wilder has always been, and this music video definitely amplifies that. Although the song wavers in doubt and fragility, the song is an empowerment. It perfectly follows on from previous singles, and the perfect follow up to "Don't Worry". I hope a full album is around the corner for this girl, or some international success, she definitely deserves it.
Debut music videos are always interesting to watch, especially if the artist becomes well known and their debut single wasn't a hit. This is exactly why I love doing my Thursday Revisits.... Today it's Rizzle Kicks turn, and I have never heard this song let alone seen this music video. The song is now five years old, and definitely one that will be staying in the past in the case of this music video and song, although it's catchy and seriously their vocals are on point! Rizzle Kicks prove they can sing in their debut single, the motion morph is a visual annoyance throughout the video though.
New on the scene back in 2011, Rizzle Kicks didn't get a hit single until their second single "Down With The Trumpets", which was the follow-up to this one. They consist of Jordan Stephens (Rizzle) and Harley Alexander-Sule (Sylvester). This song is known as a total flop and many suggest their breakthrough came with their second single and highly regard "Down With The Trumpets" as their debut single. This song isn't as catchy, but there was little promotion around it, this proves they can sing and the rapping is next to perfect. This should've been a commercial success, but it didn't pick up radio play and this music video is definitely not appealing for the music channels. The song was previously released as a free download before appearing on iTunes. It was written by Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule, James Dring and Jody Street.
Directed by Toby Lockerbie, filmed in Brighton apparently, this used 960 long exposure photos to combine this stop motion morphing video. The beachfront is definitely Brighton beach.
The entire video messes with my eyes and my mind, it's difficult to follow and to understand. At the same time it works and it's engaging. It has a visual concept of an angel and a devil.
The virtual translation visuals from the lyrics work really well and there is definitely some innovated ideas that proved that even back then Rizzle Kicks were doing something different.
This is the song that gained them a few fans, that kicked off their career, but it wasn't until that later singles that truly made them famous. Now they've just returned with "Always Late", hence why this is my Thursday Revisit. Making their fans feel like they're drunk or high, this video messes with the brain and yet works as an accompanying music video to this song.
This was the folk song that was loved by the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, and quickly hit it big all over twitter at the time, unfortunately it only managed 33 points in the first semi-final of the contest, placing them 13th, and therefore failed to advance to the Grand Final. Aarzemnieki has a good singsong around a camp fire as they explain how they've never baked a cake before.
The name of the band comes from the Latvian word 'ārzemnieki' which means 'foreigners'. The band consists of Jöran Steinhauer, Guntis Veilands, Katrīna Dimanta and Raitis Viļumovs. They are an on-going project but have yet to release any more songs on iTunes or globally. Folk music is hard to promote and make current, when this first dropped it looked like Aarzemnieki might be the band to bring it back, but failing to make the Grand Final definitely deterred them, and perhaps stopped the band from continuing. This song was written by Guntis Veilands.
This music video is a simple performance piece, however this comedic song is failed to be represented as a visual in this video. Where is this cake they've got to bake?
Clearly they're too busy singing around a camp fire to bake the cake that is so urgent. With no kitchen in sight, and none of the events, that they have apparently done in the verses, around; there's not a lot to expect from this video.
Proving they can perform and give out energetic vibes the little group turns into a big camping party, it slightly reminds me of Rascal Flatts' music video for "Banjo".
There's nothing more to comment on from this music video. I don't think they give a great performance, especially considering other artists. Jöran Steinhauer totally stands out alone in this music video. Confidence is definitely attractive, and he proves it in this. I'm guessing this is the last we'll see of Aarzemnieki, but if Jöran Steinhauer pushes he might just make it on his own, but it won't have the same feel as this band. This works as a group, it just needs to be a bit more current with a lot more support as well as promotion.
After reviewing the single for Outlet Magazine and then going on to review the music video, I knew I'd end up reviewing this video for my blog eventually. This song is the start of Slumberjack taking over the world, or at least my music, because I am loving this song and it's very shocking video which is a futuristic take on the gaming world. Slumberjack collaborate with Daniel Johns to Open Fire on the technological advances of the gaming world and how it could influence the minds of the youngsters who play nonstop which could influence their decisions later on in life.
Slumberjack are a duo from Perth, Australia. They consist of Morgan Then and Fletcher Ehlers. Having millions stream their songs on Soundcloud, surely this duo is destined for success. Praises around the world because of their unique sound and electronic beats. With their EP ready to drop, this is a duo to watch out for! This track features Australian frontman icon Daniel Johns, formerly known as the vocalist for Silverchair. "Open Fire" has so many energetic vibes, it's the perfect insight into Slumberjack's soon-to-be-released EP, that is bound to be fire.
Directed by Jonathon Lim, this video makes quite the statement, proving that people can get caught up in the gaming world, that then can blur the lines of reality and fiction. This video attempts to separate the different worlds after they have been infused.
I love how the middle scene is of the girls playing League of Legends, yet the world they are transported to is nothing like the game play. It's a whole different game where they have to find crystals, to make one big crystal that links in with the cover art for this single.
Dangerous and definitely shocking, especially when the blood is clearly visible on the knife used on the fictitious cyber wolf. It proves that even though it seems like it's just a game, it can be very real.
I love the idea of blending the two worlds, and if we are not careful, this will happen what with technology advancing this much. The shocking twist at the end is something that could most-definitely happen as games advance, we're already blurring the lines between the real and the unreal through virtual reality, something like this is surely not far off at all.
What the hell have I just watched? Using so many objects explicitly, this is just weirdly entertaining and hilarious. This song is currently in the top 10, and since Drake makes it to a 10th consecutive week at the top of the UK charts with "One Dance", matching Rihanna's "Umbrella" record of the 21st Century; my Chart Mondays is open to the top 10. Cheat Codes and Kris Kross Amsterdam revise an old classic, with a highly sexualised music video which takes place in a sex education class, which uses inanimate objects as teaching tools.
Cheat Codes are an American EDM trio of DJs consisting of Trevor Dahl, Kevin Ford and Matthew Russell. This song is their international breakthrough, globally storming the charts around the world. They have released many singles before and after this one, but this is the only current one that has made it big time. In a collaboration with Kris Kross Amsterdam, who are a Dutch DJ trio consisting of Jordy Huisman, Sander Huisman and Yuki Kempees, they formed during a party where they played their own favourite music. The name comes from an ode to the old famous rap duo Kris Kross who became known for the song "Jump". Together they are clearly unstoppable, this song has gained traction on radio in the UK which has got it climbing up the chart. The song was written by Hurby Azor, Galen Behr, Trevor Dahl, Matthew Elifritz, Jordy Huisman, Sander Huisman and Kevin Pederson. It samples Salt-n-Pepa's song "Let's Talk About Sex".
Directed by Chris Campbell, this video is definitely not for kids. The actress, who plays the teacher, is Hayley Ambriz. The students are played by Cheat Codes and Kris Kross Amsterdam and one other student is played by Braxton Goe, apparently (I don't know for sure about the latter though),
The sex education class takes place in the morning for three hours, according to the sign, followed by alcoholics anonymous for eight hours, and then 'kid's night math' between 9pm and 2am, whatever the last study group are up to in that class room, is anyone's guess... Poor kids learning maths at that time, they should be in bed.
Focusing on the first class, we watch this promiscuous teacher who is gorgeously sexy, teach a bunch of lads on sex using various inanimate objects. Unsurprisingly a banana appears, as well as a hot dog sausage.
This is overly sexualised yet I have to commemorate them on showing safe sex by including a condom. So kudos to Chris Campbell on this sex ed class music video! I suppose the video can be considered educational, teaching teenagers certain things that they need to be told, even if they already think they know it. Clever, educational, hilarious and totally sexualised, this music video for Sex is something I'll never forget.
Making the rounds recently is this new one from Selena Gomez. I am so glad she's releasing this song as a single, this is my favourite from her new album, so catchy and so simple it definitely stands out on her album, where most of her tracks are similar. I cannot wait to hear some remixes of this song. Selena Gomez tells you to put down the weapons and Kill Em With Kindness, sometimes kindness is so much worse than fighting; aggravating and annoying, kindness can really kill.
Selena Gomez has fully moved away from Disney and the band she fronted Selena Gomez & The Scene. She is now fully invested into her solo career, definitely one of the top rising stars at the moment, she is not quite pulling in the global chart hits that other ex-Disney stars have been doing, that might be because of her recent direction, "Good For You" may have been an amazing song that took it's time to climb up the chart, but her album features very similar songs all with the same style as "Good For You". It isn't until she released singles from the album and stood them out herself with videos, that there's been more hype around her. This song was written by Antonina Armato, Tim James, Benjamin Levin, Dave Audé and Selena Gomez. The song has yet to be released in the UK.
Directed by Emil Nava, the video is a pure performance piece in a black and white filter (which puts me off straight away), however it sharpens the picture allowing the photo shoot visual work so much better, however the colourisation could've come back in the other scenes.
Kill Em With Kindness is definitely what Selena Gomez attempts to do by smiling a lot in front of the plain background as scenes change around her. Looking stylishly sexy she is empowering the kindness angle by just looking pretty.
Other scenes include her running in a hotel corridor, and dancers dancing to the song freestyle, since a full-out choreography is never going to work with this relaxing anthem, that isn't really meant for the summer, but I bet the remixes that will be released soon will make this the perfect track at any party or barbecue.
Overall it's a simple video, much like her previous ones for this album, but it works so effortlessly. Selena Gomez can kill me with kindness any day she wanted. Simple, sexy and gorgeous, a beautiful performance piece and she doesn't even need to try.
I have been waiting for this to be released on iTunes, so as I waited, I reviewed it for Outlet Magazine. It's the amazing collaboration between Inna, Alexandra Stan, Antonia and Lori. They are G Girls in a new project from Global Records. These four girls are superstars, part of the leading Romanian female singers that are ready to take over the world. They're already internationally known as solo singers, which makes this collaboration even more special. G Girls want you to Call The Police in this sexy, stylish and inviting music video. Inna, Alexandra Stan, Antonia and Lori come together for this addicting summer anthem.
G Girls, as previously mentioned, is a project from Global Records. Whether this is just a one off, or the start of something new is the question on everyone's lips. For now, it's a one off. This is the second time Inna and Alexandra Stan has collaborated, the first time was for "We Wanna". Inna and Antonia has also collaborated in the past on "Fie ce-o fi". I expect more collaborations in the future. Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has had worldwide success, with "Hot", "Sun Is Up", "More Than Friends" and "Cola Song". Her new single "Heaven" is your relaxing summer anthem! Alexandra Stan hit it big with "Mr Saxobeat", her follow up singles haven't done as well but "Get Back (ASAP)" and "Lemonade" had some charting success. New single "Ecoute" is to be released soon. Antonia, full name Antonia Iacobescu, had a hit with "Morena", and has always been known but never hit it big time. She released her first studio album last year. Lori, full name Loredana Ciobotaru, became known after appearing on the second season of Vocea României (The Voice of Romania), now she's under Global Records and making a name for herself, watch out for Lori! G Girls might have future releases, this collaborative effort is astonishing, super sexy and their voices gel well, making the song a summer hit that should rack up the charts globally, but instead it'll be an undiscovered banger of a tune.
Directed by Roman Bulaca at the Palatul Noblesse, Inna and Antonia start the video off by inviting us inside.
A pure performance piece set within a narrative, the girls show us why we need to call the police on them. They've captured the hearts of the party goers, unsurprisingly. All the guys are around them, pining for their love.
Inna is the total star of the show, classy and sexy she doesn't have to show off, unlike Antonia who is clearly trying to impress. Alexandra Stan is a lot more mild compared to "We Wanna", and Lori follows Inna and is stylishly casual.
There isn't much of a narrative. The girls are practically stealing hearts, wallets and anything they can. Performance wise, they work well together, all four of them can perform and as a collective they give off astronomical vibes proving that they could totally share a stage.
Powerful, engaging and full of Romanian star quality, G Girls works better than we could ever have imagined. Hopefully they will come together for a few more songs, this isn't going to be the next girl band because they are already amazing solo artists, however it could be a project that has more than one single, and maybe a world tour (we can only hope), a G Girls tour would make all the fans hit the roof. G Girls need to do a world tour! I'd so be there!
Rizzle Kicks are finally back, and with a catchy number that I wasn't so keen on at first, but by the end of the song I was singing along without even realising. It's been just over a year since their last single, and each of the duo members have been attempting solo careers, having released music under stage names. Finally they have come back together to create this fresh new sound that has got me caught up in their little trap. Rizzle Kicks return a bit later than never, with many loved references in this visual video where they dress up as characters, proving they're always late in this music video for Always Late.
Rizzle Kicks consist of Jordan Stephens (Rizzle) and Harley Alexander-Sule (Sylvester). They hit international fame with "Mama Do The Hump" which is still my most viewed music video review. As previously mentioned they have gone off to have solo careers since their last single. Jordan Stephens has been releasing music under the stage name Wildhood, where he has released a debut EP and two singles. As for Harley Alexander-Sule, he has been using the stage name Jimi Charles Moody, with various singles released, some songs of which have been used for advertisements. Clearly these two will always be in the music industry, but they are definitely better together, especially since they get successful chart hits as a duo. This song was written by Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule and Sky Adams.
Directed by Toby Lockerbie, the duo dress up as loved characters in this music video. At the start they play the White Rabbit and Time from Alice Through The Looking Glass, which instantly made me think it was a soundtrack song for the film, but guess that's reserved for P!nk's awesome song "Just Like Fire". This isn't the first Rizzle Kicks music video to have a Alice In Wonderland theme, "Dreamers" also had a similar theme too.
The song has various references throughout, hence why one appears as Luigi in the video, they mention Men in Black, where they end up dressed in suits in the back of a car. There's many scenes where they lyrics are literally translated into a visual for the video.
Performance wise, Rizzle Kicks are on form as always, their relaxed raping works perfectly and settles in the viewers. The harmonies kick off perfectly during the chorus, creating this infectious sound. Rizzle Kicks are back, yet they're always late, they need to up their game and be on time to be current once again.
By far one of my favourite Inna tracks off her first album, I remember watching this over and over and over again on the music channels, back in 2011. After reviewing her most recent music video for her new single "Heaven" which I also reviewed for Outlet Magazine. I have jumped into Inna's back catalogue for my Thursday Revisit. The UK version of the video is cut by roughly a minute to focus on Inna's image and to get rid of the repeated scenes. Inna is sexed up in the middle of the club trying to win every place with her dancing and her heartthrob of a bartender, in this music video for 10 minutes.
Unfortunately, this song didn't chart in the UK, much to my disappointment, especially since it sounds like it would've been perfect for the UK market, after hits "Hot" and "Amazing". Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, hit it off well in the UK, at first, but it spiralled downhill after "Sun Is Up". However, she didn't stop, and made a market for herself in Eastern Europe, where she is apparently the richest recording artist over there. She has sung in many different languages, and is definitely becoming a massive international star. She has recently been announced as a coach on Vocea României Junior (The Voice of Romania Junior) season one. This was her third UK release, but her fifth single internationally. Featured are her producing trio Play & Win, they have helped many artists with their careers, especially Inna, but they have also made quite the name for themselves in the music industry, mainly as producers, but they have also become known as artists themselves. They consist of Marcel Botezan, Radu Bolfea and Sebastian Barac. This song was written by Play & Win.
The music video was directed by Paul Boyd and filmed in London. The opening shows her preparing backstage for a show, or in this case for going to a club. She wears different outfits and puts them up against herself.
The video continues, with her dancing in a club, with her backing dancers. The choreography is on point, and she works the dancefloor like she owns it.
She catches the eye of the bartender, and who can blame her, he's pretty cute. If anyone knows the actor's name, please tell. And asks him to dance with her. She continues to work the club with her perfect performance vibes.
In one scene we are invited into the bathroom, where Inna and her girls freshen up. Before going back on to the dancefloor. Eventually Inna entices the bartender onto the floor with her.
Cute, sexy, over-the-top, yet totally relatable and perfected. Inna looks and acts like a star. This song is perfectly aimed for the western world, but not much promotion went into it, and radio didn't really pick it up. Still one of my favourites, and the music video may not have much substance to it, but what it lacks it makes up for in relating to the song in every way.
Kickstarting my look-back on the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 & 2015, is this number by Mei Finegold. An early favourite that failed to make it through to the Grand Final. Unfortunately Israel scored 19 points, placing them 14th in the second semi-final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Mei Finegold shows so much sass in this music video for Same Heart; powerful, emotional and sassy, this should've done better in Eurovision.
Mei Finegold took part in Kokhav Nolad (A Star is Born) based off Pop Idol, she came in third place in the seventh season. Her vocals are outstanding, and definitely works better on ballads, however clearly she has love for upbeat tracks considering the songs she has released so far. It seems she hasn't released anything quite so new recently. She'll probably be lost, a Eurovision star that never made it. Yet with a voice like that, she can't give up. This song was written by Rami Talmid.
The music video is full of sass, she's extremely confident in her performance, especially when backed by dancers during the choreography.
She unleashes performance vibes that engages the audience, showing that she is a fighter, and yet no new music since her collaboration with Shlomi Levi & Shay Rokach on pride anthem "Sweet Harmony".
The narrative doesn't develop enough, as Mei Finegold trains with her samurai sword, preparing for the fight that is to come amongst the hills. The video stops before the fight plays out, failing to keep us gripped, and it doesn't have a follow-up video which totally should've been released as another single, as it would've been great promotion for the next single.
Overall, a lost star amongst many; Eurovision 2014 was the year for many stand-out acts, an extremely competitive year to say the least. A banging song that is so catchy yet doesn't quite match the vocalist. And an accompanying music video that leaves way too much to the imagination, yet Mei Finegold does her best with it. Sassy, on point and focused, what more could we have asked from her?
As summer comes rolling in, Inna comes back with this summer relaxer hit that is sure to start your summer right, even if it is dreary and wet outside (like it is now here in the UK). Having been a fan since she dropped "Hot", Inna doesn't stop giving summer tunes that you can't help but love. Having already reviewed Heaven for Outlet Magazine, I've been waiting for it to drop on iTunes before reviewing the video for my blog. Inna brings the summer from Mauritius with this relaxer song, combining different languages in this exotic taste of heaven, as she enjoys the Mauritian summer.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, is an international star. Having successfully hit charts in the western world with songs such as "Hot" and "Sun Is Up" she has gone after global success with her last two albums. "More Than Friends" and "Cola Song" have quickly became Inna classic songs in other countries. Having worked with the likes of Flo Rida, Pitbull, J Balvin and Daddy Yankee; as well as fellow Romanian female artist Alexandra Stan on the amazing "We Wanna" and on the upcoming project G Girls with Antonio and Lori in "Call The Police", there really is no stopping this girl. If you don't know who Inna is yet, you better start listening. This song was composed by Andreas Schuller, Leroy Clampitt, Barac Sebastian Alexandru, Botezan Marcel, Laila Samulesen, Trey Campbell & Miculescu Theea Eliza.
Directed by John Perez with assistant director Khaled Mokhtar, filmed in Mauritius at the Shangri-La Resort, Inna shows Mauritian life and love in the streets and at the beach.
Performing perfectly as always, Inna shines throughout this music video, not only is her fashion style on point, just like it is in most of her music videos, but she has this presence about her that makes you know she was meant to sing.
Her love interest is played by Olivier Phineas Boissard, he's beautiful green eyes definitely make him perfect as the male actor for this video. Gorgeous and sexy, Inna and Olivier Phineas Boissard make a great couple. It's rare to find the male actors' names in Inna's music videos, but this is the second name I've come across, after "Yalla".
Linking in different languages isn't anything new, she has previously sung in Arabic in song "Yalla". The french links on from her previous song "Rendez Vous".
Overall, it's a typical music video from Inna, showing the culture of a certain place, in this case it is Mauritius, as well as attempting to bring the summer. The music video relates perfectly with the song and the summer vibe is definitely sent out towards the world. A great video to add to Inna's collection.
