"One Dance" by Drake makes its 13th consecutive week at number one in the UK, and still no music video as of yet, so Chart Mondays is open to the Top 10 once again. Two videos have officially been released for this song, the first one was entitled "First Listen" which includes cast members of the animation movie that this song is the soundtrack to, entitled "Trolls". This is the second one and the official music video. I was kind of expecting the former video, as I thought that was the official video, guess I was wrong. Luckily I don't have to name all the stars in that video, and can save that for another day when I feel like reviewing it, if I ever do. This video is a pure performance piece, Justin Timberlake still looks young, less sexy more classy. This has definitely become the new Pharrell Williams' "Happy", only less annoying and less of a chart success.
Justin Timberlake, is practically one of the biggest male solo singers in the world. He performed this song during the Eurovision Song Contest 2016, and has managed to get this song spread globally on a massive scale. A household name indeed. This song has definitely turned into Pharrell Williams' "Happy" and the music video isn't so different either. The song was written by Justin Timberlake, Max Martin and Shellback.
The video was directed by Mark Romanek. The video has a feel-good element to it, and inspires everyday people to go out and have a good day.
Revitalising motivation and energy, Justin Timberlake turns his song into this year's "Happy", with a similar tune, a similar visual, a similar idea and just as bad dance moves.
The latter becomes a main problem since it is a choreography style that is totally dated. Even my choreographer, when I was young and in a dance troupe, came up with much better ideas. Justin Timberlake is supposed to be an amazing dancer, but his arms are flimsy and his moves have no rhythm, and yet he is in-sync with the backing dancers because their arms are flimsy and they have no rhythm.
This both works and doesn't, it's something we've seen a few times already, it's nothing new, not much of an advertisement for the film "Trolls" and no correlation to the animation, apart from them appearing in a TV store on TVs. This just isn't as engaging as we all expected it to be.
All day I've had Fifth Harmony's "All In My Head (Flex)" all in my head, literally the catchy tune had embedded itself inside my mind, definitely stuck in my head. It was because the girls performed the song on the Grand Finale of The Voice Australia which I wrote an article on for CelebMix. As I've already reviewed "All In My Head (Flex)", I thought I'd review this song, as it is one of my favourites. Fifth Harmony elegantly display their natural performance style in this Write On Me music video, for the promotional single.
Fifth Harmony are a five-piece american girl group, consisting of Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane Hansen, Normani Kordei and Camila Cabello. They formed on The X Factor US, and have gone from strength to strength as they release more and more songs. Worldwide domination is definitely on the cards for this group, but with stiff competition in other countries, it is slightly difficult. This ballad song strips back the club melodies and gives us their perfect voices. Technically great, this song is one of the best on their new album '7/27'. The song was written by Mikkel Eriksen, Tor Erik Hermansen, Kyrre Gørvell-Dahll (Kygo), Priscilla Renea and Simon Wilcox.
Directed by Sam Lecca, this music video is a simple performance-piece, stripped back and classy. Although I usually don't like black and white videos, this one pulls it off.
I love the writing elements that is worked throughout, and it must've been a nightmare trying to edit in the finger clicks or finger snaps.
The girls are relaxed, looking elegantly sexy as they sing this very classy song. The video is a perfect performance piece, and it's so nice to see the girls in their natural element.
This is what they do, when they're on stage, when they're being themselves, when they're dancing freestyle. Perfect performance video! However a narrative would've been perfect for this song, they totally missed out on a good opportunity.
This was playing on my iTunes today, which I have on shuffle, and it's been stuck in my head whilst at work, so thought I'd review the music video as we await her new album, which she is currently working on. It's been two years since this video dropped and it's still a lot to take in. This is how we do according to Katy Perry, this is how you do a studio-based music video, totally knocking it out of the park with this performance piece.
Katy Perry, real name Katheryn Hudson, hasn't released anything new since this song almost two years ago. She started in the music industry under her real name Katy Hudson back in 2001, but changed her stage name to Katy Perry to prevent confusion between her and the actress Kate Hudson. We are waiting patiently for her new music, which has been a long time coming for any KatyCat, or Katy Perry fan, Katy Perry has been a little bit busy, she recently became the most followed celebrity on Twitter, amassing 90.3 million followers. Her most recent single, this one, was written by Katy Perry, Klas Åhlund and Max Martin.
The video was directed by New Zealand filmmaker Joel Kefali. Relating to the song perfectly in this summer hit of 2014, adding in pop culture and exact translation into visual during lyrics, this is how you pull off a studio-based music video.
There's literally so much going on that even to document every minute detail, you're bound to miss something.
Twerking ice creams, pizza nails, Yves Saint Laurent's Mondrian dresses, Mariah Carey caricature, picture of Aretha Franklin, pop art to the max, karaoke, dancing, table tennis, this music video has it all.
The explosion of summery stuff in a studio-based music video makes this video tongue-in-cheek and so addicting. It matches the song's beat and style, and totally worked! Each lyric of the song has it's own 'vignette' according to the director.
However the song didn't perform well on the charts, despite the catchy tune and perfect music video. It isn't really a commercial song, too bubble-gum pop that would've really worked years and years ago, and although it attempted to make a comeback, it didn't impact the charts the way it should've done. However this will always become one of Katy Perry's classic tracks that we all know and love even if the charts say differently.
Just recently released, this low budgeted music video from these boys has taken me right back to the music video for "Mama Do The Hump" and although not as well thought out, this one has a great theme none the less. Less than a translation of the lyrics than their previous single, "Everyone's Dead" music video is simple and classy, as Rizzle Kicks nail rap verses as they have fun performing in front of the camera.
Rizzle Kicks returned a few months back with a brand new single "Always Late", this follow-up dropped today, exciting many Rizzle Kicks fans. Consisting of Jordan Stephens (Rizzle) and Harley Alexander-Sule (Sylvester), the Brighton-based duo are prepared for their forthcoming album to be released soon. This song is the third single off the new album, after "Tell Her" and "Always Late". It was written by Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule and Ben Callum.
Directed by one half of the duo, Jordan Stephens. This video is an insight into their wacky world, especially with the camera effects that makes me feel as if I'm high.
There isn't a lot going on, it feels more like a home video than anything else, something they just felt like dropping. With flashing lights and pretend microphones, they are having a small party with a few friends.
They are playing their new track and singing along, nailing the rapping, and proving what great performers they are.
Overall, I find this video disappointing compared to their previous efforts, and the simple distortion effect of the camera leads much to be desired. On the other hand, this is more of a promotional video to promote this song, as a teaser of what is to come, and what we should expect off their new album. If these tracks are anything to go by, the new album will be fire!
I swear this is a music video I have already reviewed, yet it's not on my blog at all, so I'm guessing it's just one of those where it was so popular that I thought I had reviewed it, but clearly I haven't... So here goes... Time to go Glamorous with Fergie and Ludacris, a perfect hook and a catchy song, the music video is the embodiment of a glamour, sexy, stylish, money, power, stardom. What more do we want?
Fergie, real name Stacy Ferguson, dropped this amazing song in 2007, hence why I'm reviewing it as my Thursday Revisit, after her new release "M.I.L.F. $". The song charted well globally, but missed out on the top five in the UK by peaking at number six. This is the song that got me into Fergie in the first place, I already was obsessed with her as I was obsessed with the Black Eyed Peas, in which they were on hiatus at the time, but it was this single, this song that made me buy her songs, and I haven't looked back since. Ludacris, real name Christopher Bridges, features on this track. He hasn't exactly done well in the UK, two top 20 singles and a few songs in the top 100, yet featured wise, he's had a range of hits and two number ones. On this song, his rap is a bit before it's time, and is on point for the song. It was written by Stacy Ferguson, Jamal Jones, Will Adams, Elvis Williams and Christopher Bridges. Highly personal, and really hits home, she's made it big but she's real.
This jam-packed music video was directed by Dave Meyers and launches into a life in the world of Fergie, fictional and yet oh so real.
The video starts off at a party with Fergie and Polow da Don back in 1994, who produced the track as well as new single "M.I.L.F. $". We are then launched into the present where we see her life now as a high profiled celebrity and singer.
Various scenes follow: She's in a jet with a flight attendant played by Freddy Rodriguez, where she is seen watching the Black Eyed Peas music video for "Pump It"; then in a limo with some friends going through a drive-thru of Taco Bell (we presume from the lyrics), which she also did back in the 1990's only with a mustang instead; then a movie scene, reminiscent of Bonnie and Clyde, only it's called Glamorous, Ludacris appears in this scene and does his rap; Fergie goes behind the scenes of the movie shoot and thanks her fans in her lyrics for making her famous as the stylists get to work; one more scene of her as a young girl and her daddy telling her what the showbiz industry is like; before ending at the 1994 party, which has scenes that include Alfonso Ribeiro, Polow da Don, apl.de.ap and Cypress Hill.
The entire music video is a flawless example of how to get five stars from me. Perfect in every way. A performance piece turned into a complete narrative, linking in certain lyrics with certain scenes and some great translations from song to video. What is there not to like?
Emblem3 and Fifth Harmony were always the two groups who battled it out, they both started out on The X Factor US, and then later they were competing for chart numbers. Emblem3, at one point, were doing better than Fifth Harmony, but that soon changed, leaving this group broken, especially when a member left, but he returned and they have come back stronger than ever with this catchy new tune! Emblem3 bring the summer with this skater anthem that is bound to get stuck in your head by the end of the summer.
Emblem3 consist of Keaton Stromberg, Wesley Stromberg and Drew Chadwick. They hit it big in 2013, just out of The X Factor US, they managed to get on the billboard hot 100 at 93 with "Chloe (You're The One That I Want)". However it wasn't meant to be and with Drew Chadwick leaving, the group went on an indefinite hiatus, but guess things worked out for the better in the end, because they are back stronger than ever. This song is from their third EP titled Waking Up.
This music video is a typical summer video that you expect from a boy band, only proving they can skateboard and drive cars while they are singing.
It's fun, hot and relaxing, it's so nice to see them all get along well, and it's interesting to see how far they will go this time around.
The guys are looking hot and sexy, although their style needs to be drawn in some more. The skating appeals to young teenagers who are into that thing, and yet they aren't looking like a group that guys look up to, and girls scream at, not just yet anyway.
Summery and catchy this is a song that you need to have playing over the summer, and yet there's nothing that interesting in the accompanying music video. Apparently former member Kyle Miner appears in the video, adding a bit of nostalgia before Emblem3's audition on The X Factor US. It's just the average summer music video though, with nothing interesting, although the love interests are way out of their league, just saying.
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.
