Let's be honest, I'm obsessed with Eurovision, I just can't help it. This song was played on my iTunes last night, and it's been stuck in my head ever since. I was interested in what the music video would be like for this, so I thought I might as well review it in the process. It's such a catchy neat little song that showcases Rykka perfectly. Let's make love like in the "Movies"; Rykka is sexy and sultry in a knowing attitude amongst the coldness of this music video.
Rykka, real name Christina Rieder, first came to my attention when she represented Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with "The Last Of Our Kind". Unfortunately, she didn't make the Grand Finals, but her voice resonated with me and I ended up buying the rest of her songs from iTunes. This song is highly catchy and was her previous release before entering the contest. It was written by Christina Maria Rieder, Jeff Dawson, Mike James, Dane Devile, and Warne Livesey.
Directed by Brianne Nord-Stewart, this music video is mainly a performance visual with a slight narrative behind. Rykka and her love interest are shown amongst the coldness, in the lead up to making love like in the movies.
Her performance is on point throughout. Rykka knows how to capture the camera and really shines throughout this music video.
The visual representation is sexy. She has a knowing cheeky smile; it's clear where her thoughts are headed and it easily relates to the song.
Her love interest isn't developed enough and he doesn't take an active role. It's clear she's the decision maker in this relationship.
As a whole, this video is one big tease; much like the song. It's totally relatable and the ending was quite the taunt. Totally inclusive of the audience and utterly theatrical. This would have been a much better choice than "The Last Of Our Kind" at Eurovision 2016. I can't wait to see what the future will bring for Rykka!
Last night I was just heading for bed when I heard The Saturdays' song "My Heart Takes Over". Since I have already written about that music video I thought I'd dip into one of the girls' solo careers. Una Healy has a new album out in February, but no music videos, only live sessions; Mollie King only has "Back To You" so far; Rochelle Humes and Frankie Bridge are focusing on other careers; so that left Vanessa White. I have previously reviewed "Don't Want To Be Your Lover", and so how can I not write about another one of her music videos? Vanessa White is sexy, sultry, and provocative in this black and white video for her extremely soulful track "Relationship Goals".
Vanessa White is one-fifth of girl group The Saturdays, who are currently on hiatus. Each of the members of the group are currently succeeding in their solo careers and so the chances of them getting back together anytime soon is definitely not likely. This song was part of Vanessa White's debut EP; she plans on releasing an album sometime in the future, hopefully. This song originally features Chloe Martini. It was written by Vanessa White, Chloe Martini, and Dantae Johnson.
This music video was created by Vanessa White and Aaron Renfree. The latter name has been a friend of The Saturdays for ages and used to be in S Club Juniors / S Club 8 with Rochelle Humes and Frankie Bridge. It's so nice to see how long friendships from back then, have continued.
The visual is extremely simple with not much going on. Vanessa White is sultry and sexy as she poses and dances in front of the camera.
It came about because so many of her fans wanted a music video for this song, but it doesn't add anything to the song, and fails to keep me entertained, although I bet many straight guys and some girls would love this visual. The black and white filter doesn't add anything more to the video either. I feel this was made just for the sake of having a video visual for this song. Nevertheless, Vanessa White is a brilliant performer.
She's BACK! Kiesza stormed the UK charts three years ago with "Hideaway", and now she has this incredibly funky new tune that easily gets stuck in my head. Since her debut song, she hasn't charted quite so well, regardless of the amazing songs she has been releasing. This is set to be just another song that should've been an international success. Kiesza honours her friend who passed away, by rocking out on her friend's guitar that was passed on to her in this fun and loving music video titled "Dearly Beloved".
Kiesza, real name Kiesa Ellestad, launched onto the music scene in 2014 with her amazing debut single "Hideaway". The song made me a fan of her music, and I have been following her career ever since. She has released some bangers, but not many have heard of them. However, this Canadian star is a fighter and she won't go down without giving it her all, "Dearly Beloved" is just another to add to her collection of awesome hits and I can't wait to see where this new direction takes her! The song was written by Kiesa Ellestad.
Directed by Supple Nam, this music video is a pure performance visual, where Kiesza rocks out to the song whilst wearing a holographic changing colour costume and white Dr Martens in a never ending white space.
The song itself is in honour of her friend Alice, who sadly passed away. Kiesza received the white guitar in the video from Alice and vowed to play the hell out of it. And, boy, does she do just that.
The song definitely links in well with the visual clip, it feels futuristic with an inspiration for disco-themed songs. It's something new and fresh that captivates me easily. As per usual, Kiesza goes all in for the music video.
What can be considered a totally simple, low-budgeted music video, is transformed with completely energetic vibes from Kiesza. She knows how to perform and let loose and it really shows. Unfortunately, there isn't a narrative and there isn't an awful lot to captivate the audience. Nonetheless, Kiesza does the best she can and is totally entertaining throughout.
After reviewing "Impossible" earlier this week, I just had to review "T-Shirt" today for my Thursday Revisit. This was her debut single and totally launched Shontelle as an artist. The song reminds me a lot of Jessica Simpson's "With You", mainly because of the whole t-shirt theme. I'm glad I chose this as my Thursday Revisit, as I'm more than likely never going to feature Shontelle on my blog again. Watch Shontelle parade around her on-screen boyfriend's flat in nothing but his "T-Shirt" on. She ignores her best friends, who are waiting for her and instead relaxes in the apartment.
Shontelle, full name Shontelle Layne, has had two hit singles, this debut song and "Impossible", which was later covered by James Arthur; he's "Impossible" charted much better globally. She's been away from the music industry for a while, apparently working on a third album. She has released a few singles recently but with next to no promotion. She may never make a full comeback; but, then again, all it takes is another hit song. This one was written by Andrew Frampton, Wayne Wilkins, and Savan Kotecha.
Mike Ruiz directed this music video, which is mainly a performance piece throughout. As if she'd prefer a night in around her boyfriend's apartment than a night out with her friends. She could've at least cancelled or let her friends know that she wasn't going. Seemed very rude to me.
All throughout the flat, she doesn't seem all that into this song. She clearly hasn't fully connected with it, and that is very obvious amongst the visuals. She doesn't have any passion behind they lyrics, and even at times, she is beyond happy to have the spotlight on her. Her face beams when she's in the elevator, losing any emotional pretence towards the song.
The video ends with her on-screen boyfriend returning home. She's taken care of the fish by feeding them, as well as changing into one of his white t-shirts. She's looking over his plans on his desk, or she's redesigning them as he walks in. She unleashes a cheeky smile, yet who knows what she's been up to.
This could've been so much better, but as a debut music video, Shontelle was clearly not prepared to be where she was and at times her excitement flooded over any acting possibility she had. It fails to engage the audience or tell a full story. The performance piece is totally lacking throughout.
Okay, so I may have finished my Eurovision Wednesdays, but I feel like I should've covered Måns Zelmerlöw, especially since he won the Eurovision Song Contest 2015; however he's winning song "Heroes" doesn't have an official music video. So, instead, I chose his latest release, which is ever so catchy. Watch Måns Zelmerlöw climb up and down desert hills and mountains, whilst stumbling through a haunting forest, in this "Glorious" music video.
Måns Zelmerlöw came to my attention when he took part in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015; he was a worthy winner with his amazing song "Heroes", which totally made me buy the rest of his music from iTunes. He has really settled himself as a top Swedish male artist, so it's no wonder he won Eurovision 2015. However, it's a shame he hasn't pushed into international success, his follow-up singles to "Heroes" just didn't chart as well globally, which is the same old story we hear time and again of past Eurovision winners. These people deserve global recognition. This song was a promotional international single for his new album but served as an official single in Sweden. It was written by Måns Zelmerlöw, Jez Ashurst, Emma Rohan, Paddy Dalton, and Phil Cook.
It was directed by Mikeadelica, and shows visuals of Måns Zelmerlöw being in different scenes, from a forest to a desert to a mountain. It's beautiful throughout and very relatable.
The forest is my favourite part, although I would like him to remove some of his clothes, wouldn't we all? The lighting is purely spectacular as the light technicians make it eerie and beautiful at the same time.
In other potential narrative scenes, we see Måns Zelmerlöw running up a mountain and desert hills as well as through a forest, before climbing back down.
Although this song isn't a cover version of Cascada's Eurovision 2013 song "Glorious", Måns Zelmerlöw has totally put all the emotion possibly needed and proved he is meant to be an international star. He deserves global success.
After stumbling across them for my New Release this week, as they released "Compass", I had to explore their other music videos; especially since they are going to become a Disney boy band this year! This one is so catchy, much like "Compass", I seriously think they've won me over, and I shall be buying their songs as soon as I can afford to do so. In this comedic music video for "Enough About Me", Forever In Your Mind goes up against three girls in a series of dares at high school. Will there be a sequel? We sure hope so.
Forever In Your Mind are a three-piece boy band, that first made their name known when The X Factor (US) put them together. After a line-up change, the group currently consists of Emery Kelly, Ricky Garcia, and Liam Attridge. Recently they have announced that they will have their own TV show on the Disney Channel, called "Forever Boys". This is bound to bring them more success, they could literally be the next Jonas Brothers, and that is saying something because look where they are now! The song was written by Liam Attridge, Ricky Garcia, Bill Grainer, Emery Kelly, and Doug Rockwell.
The music video is a fun battle between the Forever In Your Mind guys and three girls, as they each pick a random dare from a jar. These dares are then later played out, some of which emphasises the boys' performance side of the music video.
There are a total of 10 dares. These are, in order: eating a hot chilli pepper; dancing on the tables in the library; disco dancing in 80's suits; jumping into a swimming pool, fully clothed; feet tickling; take silly selfies; moonwalk along a crossing; Ricky Garcia gets his hair platted; do the ice-bucket challenge, or it's just pouring water over their heads; walk around in pyjamas.
The boys end up doing the most dares, so I would say they won this battle. However, focus was on them the whole time, for the purpose of this music video, and so they had to be seen the most; especially considering the girls aren't a part of Forever In Your Mind.
As for the performance side of things, Forever In My Mind pulls off a school corridor amazingly. They have so much energy and are ready to try all sort of new things in front of the camera. They aren't afraid at all, and it's amazing to see. Imagine what they'd be like live. If they put all this much effort for a music video; on a stage, they'd be lightning! And considering they totally held back in the "Compass" music video means these guys are already made stars!
For a sixth time overall, there is not a song in the top 10 UK singles chart which I can write a music video review for.
This is the first time this has happened in 2017, however, the chart was announced on Friday, so it still counts as a 2016 chart. Could we possibly do Chart Mondays properly each week from now on? With the Spotify plays changing to affect the longevity of songs staying high up on the chart, it could be that we have a new Chart Monday!
Whilst I was in A&E today, totally suffering and slightly worried an asthma attack would come on, this song was constantly flooding my head. I have no clue why maybe I heard it on the radio before being dropped off at the hospital; who knows? Anyhow, this song first came to my attention when Fifth Harmony sang it on The X Factor (US) at Judges Houses, then James Arthur released it as his winner's single from The X Factor (UK). But I chose the original version because you can't really beat it, even if the covers are fantastic. The "Impossible" music video shows Shontelle's relationship unfold as the guy, Steph Jones, doesn't love her as much as she thought he did.
Shontelle, full name Shontelle Layne, has had a couple of hits in her career, namely this one and her debut single "T-Shirt". She was expected to release her third studio album in 2013, but time is definitely getting on now, and no word about a new album has come forth. Is this a star that slowly disappeared from the limelight? It isn't much of a surprise, especially when James Arthur covered this song and charted much better globally than she did. Will she make a return, it's more than likely, eventually; but, whether it'll be a successful comeback, is something we can't be certain of. This song was written by Arnthor Birgisson and Ina Wroldsen. No wonder it was a hit song, especially with the latter songwriter.
Directed by Taj Stansberry, this music video incorporates a performance and a narrative, with the main focus on the narrative throughout. Her love interest is played by singer/songwriter and actor and model Steph Jones.
The storyline shows Shontelle walking away from her relationship with her on-screen love interest Steph Jones. She looks back over all the good and bad times during their music making days. These past clips aren't easily known as her past and can be considered confusing to start off with.
There are many performance scenes, but she doesn't really connect with the song throughout. She obviously cares for the song but doesn't put enough passion behind her performance of it. Which is probably why people claim that James Arthur's version of "Impossible" is better, or even the Fifth Harmony cover during The X Factor (US).
The rest of the music video isn't all that interesting, many scenes are shown that we have seen plenty of times in other music videos. It's intricate but not as engaging as we all hoped it would be.
This is later than anticipated, and I'm sorry about that. Yesterday, I was in A&E at the hospital, getting checked over. I believed I was close to having an asthma attack; instead, I was told that I have a chest infection. I am now on tablets for the next week or so. I have changed the date of this blog post to New Year's Day, even though, technically, it's the 2 January today. But, shush, I won't tell anyone if you don't.
Guess what? Last year, I decided that my New Year's Resolution would be to blog every single day of 2016. I DID JUST THAT! And when I was ill or away from home, I did some catch-up blogs so that I was back on track. I actually can't believe I managed to review a music video once a day for the whole year. This is the first time I've ever accomplished that!
Now, it's time to reveal some of my plans for this year.
Obviously, the main thing is to write a music video review a day, much like I did during 2016. However, there are plenty of other plans I have in store.
1) Start up Artist Of The Month once again. This is an important part of my blog, I just wish it was as easy as it sounds.
2) Easier navigation to your favourite artists. This will allow you to see all the blog posts about your favourite artists' music videos. At the moment, I haven't got much navigation apart from New Releases and Chart Mondays, but I am planning to change that.
3) Exciting new pages will entice you to explore my website a bit more; as well as, links to the other websites that I post articles on, as I don't advertise them enough on here.
I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year. If there's a music video you want me to review, feel free to suggest it to me on my Suggestions Page (I had no suggestions this year); or, alternatively, get in touch on Twitter or Facebook; I love to chat with you guys.
If there's one song on the radio that keeps capturing my attention, it's this one. It's full of so much positive energy, enough to make me love the song, that I'm glad to hear something so loving and positive being played often. Robbie Williams has always been someone I haven't been keen on, and then being a student in Stoke-on-Trent - his hometown - had me disliking him more as they blasted out his songs in clubs. I just can't dance to any of his songs, no thank you! Anyhow, this one is a grower of a song, and I'm not the only one turning to liking the song. As for the video, it's another one that throws shade to paparazzi. Robbie Williams walks on the beach and on the road surrounded by girls with cameras shooting his every look, mood, and move, in this video for "Love My Life".
Robbie Williams is one of the biggest UK male artists in the country. He has several number ones under his belt and is constantly popping up on TV. He was originally a part of boy band Take That, before pursuing a solo career. He has made his name with so many songs, that it's a surprise he never made it big in the US. He is totally a household name, and his success is unbelievable, but considering how catchy most of his hits are, it isn't all that surprising. This is his new song, it was previously sung on The X Factor a few weeks ago, but it didn't chart so well. However, with extended radio play and the catchiness of the song, it has been climbing. The song was written by Robert Williams, Fiona Davies, and Johnny McDaid.
There isn't a lot going on in the music video, and there certainly isn't much to it. People have suggested that the budget was blown on his previous music video, "Party Like A Russian", and so it's not a surprise that this one has a low budget.
It was filmed at Leysdown Beach on the Isle of Sheppey. It's quite dreary and wet which exactly explains the British weather.
There's various girls surrounding him as he walks along the beach and the road. The camera switches from one girl to another. At times the footage is blocked by another girl, filming. At other times, Robbie Williams isn't singing whatsoever, which suggests they haven't got good footage of that particular lyric.
As a whole, it feels like a total low-budget music video, one that college students would make. I have actually seen better college student music videos. This is slow and boring, and Robbie Williams doesn't look like he is loving his own life, especially at that moment. He's slightly rigid performing this song, maybe he's freezing on Leysdown Beach; it does look cold. Either way, he should still look like he's having a great time.
As for the girls, they imply what his life is like. Everyone has a camera nowadays. He can't go anywhere without being snapped. It's been his life since he was young, yet he is loving it nonetheless. It may have tainted him in the past, but, now as a much older man, he has learned from his mistakes and he loves where he is now. Such a positive song that I'm glad it's getting the recognition it deserves. I just wish there was a much better music video.
Why is it that every time this Friday comes around, usually the last Friday of the year, there is no new releases? How am I supposed to write a music video review on a new release, when no songs are released. It has taken me all day to find this one, and the song has been out as part of an EP for months, but the music video is new, so it counts in my world. This group first came to my attention due to Disney's Descendents Christmas Holiday EP, where they contributed a Christmas song. Since then I've been aware of their music. I think I kind or remember them on The X Factor (US) but I'm not so sure. They have released an EP and various singles. In this music video for "Compass", Forever In You Mind perform in a forest. Looking cute and sexy with their amazing vocals, they prove that they deserve to be in the music industry.
Forever In Your Mind are a three-piece boy band consisting of Emery Kelly, Ricky Garcia, and Liam Attridge. They were formed on The X Factor (US), back then Jon Klassen was a part of the group, but he left the band and was replaced by Liam Attridge. They made a name for themselves by mixing up songs in a medley; most famously they mixed up Disney Channel songs, which was later included on a Disney Channel album. They recently released their debut EP, and it looks like they are gaining quite a popular fan base. I cannot wait for what the future will bring for them. This song, "Compass", may seem quite simplistic, but the guys manage to fill it with passion and add perfect power and gorgeous harmonies. Forever In Your Mind will be part of a new Disney Channel TV series for 2017, titled "Forever Boys". Could they be the next Jonas Brothers?
The music video isn't anything massively entertaining. As much as we all wanted the guys to be in sailor outfits heading out to sea, much like the song suggests; the visual has chosen to be more performance-based, allowing Forever In Your Mind to show off their stage presence.
They obviously gel well as a group, and they certainly get on, but that could be due to Liam Attridge and Emery Kelly being cousins.
The group have fought to get to where they want to be, and it's probably been quite a fall not getting through to the live shows of The X Factor (US), but with the help of their fan base and Disney Channel, they will manage to prove their worth and the terrible mistake Simon Cowell made by letting this group go.
There's not a lot else to say about this. I would have preferred a more choreographed scene, just to pull them closer together in their shots, and definitely a narrative. Yet, they show their energy and their ability to show their emotion for this song, it clearly means something to them. The future is definitely bright for Forever In Your Mind, and I cannot wait to see what they release next. I also hope their Disney Channel show becomes a success.
This is my revisit this week, although I found it extremely difficult to choose one of George Michael's old songs, mainly because there has been so many. I chose this one because I actually think this song is amazing, even if it is a cover version. This was definitely an iconic duet at the time, and it works so well. It's such a shame that George Michael has passed away, but his many hits will live on. Watch George Michael and Mary J. Blige perform in a club surrounded by doppelgängers, which version of themselves is actually them? This "As" music video is brilliant.
George Michael, real name Georgios Panayiotou, unfortunately, passed away on 25 December 2016. I reviewed "December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)" as a tribute to him, but thought I might as well review another of his as I have the chance. He's recent releases have done all right, but haven't been as much as a success as his early career was. He didn't release quite as much or as often as he used to, which is why I never really got into his music, you could say he was before my time. The same goes for the person who he collaborates with on this track; Mary J. Blige has had a lengthy solid career and is another star who has proved herself within the music industry. Much like George Michael, her recent releases haven't faired so well, although she has released a lot of music recently, which is a contrast to George Michael. This song was originally a Stevie Wonder song and first appeared on his album "Songs In The Key Of Life". It only charted in the US. It was this collaboration that brought the song success worldwide. It was written by Stevie Wonder.
Directed by Big TV!, which consists of film directors Andy Delaney and Monty Whitebloom. The video is amazingly thought out and must've taken quite some time to edit and create.
It's a performance based music video with a running narrative throughout. The start sees George Michael walking into a club. When he finally gets there, we see many doppelgängers of himself. This is my kind of club, I'd so be chatting up myself throughout the night.
When Mary J. Blige comes in, there is also a lot of doubles of herself too. It's impossible to keep track of the original them as they all each take a part, even in the background.
It's a total clever music video, especially as the dancing kicks off and with them sitting down. It's one of those videos you're more than likely going to miss something, and so on second watch, you see something new. There's not enough going on, they could've made it a little more interesting and relatable to the song, yet, visually wise, this is amazing!
Well, anyone who has followed my Eurovision Special would have realised that this is from the wrong year. The thing is Måns Zelmerlöw hasn't released an official music video to "Heroes"; unfortunately, there is only a lyric video available. So that left me a little unsure of what to do. Then I remembered Jamala had released this video for her winning entry from Eurovision 2016, and I've been trying to find the time to review it. So today is as good of a day as any, but the today is the best day because it totally completes all my Eurovision blog posts. Watch Jamala perform "1944" amongst an intricate contemporary dance that raises goosebumps and gives chills. Absolutely amazing.
Jamala, full name Susana Jamaladinova, has released a lot of songs and albums. She has really embedded herself as a confident professional singer with amazing vocal ability. It's not much of a surprise that she did well in the contest, and she managed to win it even when the top was very competitive. She won the Ukrainian national final, after initially tying with second place. She represented Ukraine and won with 534 points. Due to a change of the points system, this marks the highest score of the Eurovision Song Contest, ever. There was controversy over the fact that she won because Australia won the jury vote, and Russia won the public vote; Ukraine came second in both and with a combined total, Jamala won overall. The song also gained a lot of controversy due to the potential political content of the song, however the Eurovision Broadcasting Union looked into this and claimed that the song didn't contain any political speech and therefore ruled that the song doesn't break any of the Eurovision rules. Jamala's song tells a story and it really packs a punch, definitely a worthy winner in my books. The song was written by Art Antonyan and Susana Jamaladinova. The song is in English and Crimean Tatar.
Directed by Anatoliy Sachivko, who was also the choreographer for this video; the music video interprets all the emotion Jamala expresses into the song, into an emotional contemporary dance that completely flows and presents the song in the most beautiful way.
Jamala proves that she can dance too, throwing in her ability to perform this song with full emotion. The video was set an abandoned military base: Pamir. Which is on top of Tomnatik mountain.
The weather plays an important part of this music video, I love the rain effect on the camera, as well as the tornadoes that affect the people dancing.
It's all shot under an undue expectation of emotion. There's dark depths to this video and the visual shows it off perfectly. The choreography is amazing and all the dancers manage to stand out and prove their worth.
There's not much else left for me to say. It's quite a battle, one they obviously can't beat and yet they show a strength in unity. It's completely intricate and easily displays the emotions found in the song.
This one was just being played randomly on my iTunes today, and I loved it so much I HAD to see if there was a music video I could review today... And sure enough, here it is. This country duo has been making waves with their music and are quickly becoming an identifiable act within the country music genre. Watch Maddie & Tae perform on two floating chairs as scenes of sweet strength and independence flow throughout this video for "Fly".
Maddie & Tae are an American country duo consisting of Madison Marlow and Taylor Dye. They have so far released one album, one EP, and four singles. Their debut song "Girl in a Country Song" totally launched them in the country music world. This song was their follow-up single, but since then their chart positions have deteriorated. However, things could all change when they come back with a second album. These voices deserve their place within country music and it's no surprise that there is a buzz in the air around these two. This song was written by Taylor Dye, Madison Marlow, and Tiffany Vartanyan.
Directed by Brian Lazzaro, this music video really allows the viewers to identify with Maddie & Tae. They announce who they are and prove that they have beautiful voices to match their gorgeous good looks.
The video is a full sign of female empowerment. The girls encourage their viewers to keep climbing in the song, and that is exactly what is happening to the girl on the ladder, she keeps climbing. The woman who becomes a teacher keeps fighting for the career she wants and the girl on the swing saves herself from falling.
It's all wrapped up in scenes of Maddie & Tae writing the song. This shows complete strength and a love of what they are doing. They are having fun and a good time. There is also a butterfly that is super cute in this video too. Overall, this is neatly packaged, it's strong and it is fearless. It inspires people to keep going.
It's so sad to have heard that George Michael has passed away, on Christmas Day too! Unfortunately, I have already reviewed Wham!'s "Last Christmas", where George Michael was one-half of the duo, in my Christmas Special 2012. So I googled to see if he had released another Christmas song to finish off my Christmas Special 2016, and this one came up. It's a great vocal from George Michael, and it's sad to hear that this legend of a voice has gone from this world. He was also a brilliant gay idol and LGBT activist. This is the second George Michael animation music video; "December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)" easily represents the festive date as well as love and lights from a child's perspective.
George Michael, real name Georgios Panayiotou, is one of the biggest male artists in the world. Not only has he had his singles and albums in his duo Wham! but he also did amazingly solo and quickly became a legend. So many people know his songs that it's difficult just to think of one favourite from him. This song was another Christmas song he released recently, then he later performed it on The X Factor. The song was planned for the Spice Girls, but personally, I believe, it sounds so much better from George Michael himself. It charted at number 14 in the UK, but shops sold out of the physical CD so it could've charted higher if they had stocked up more. "December Song (I Dreamed Of Christmas)" was written by George Michael and David Austin.
As previously mentioned, the music video is George Michael's second animated music video, after "Shoot The Dog". It depicts George Michael as a child, who walks through a TV.
It describes a child's representation of Christmas, all wrapped up in quite a sad and lonely way. Since there is only a mother in the whole video, maybe he is thinking of his dad? Who knows?
Inside the TV, we watch him have a snowball fight with a panda, and ride some light bulbs that have wheels on. All the while, his mouse or hamster follows him with every step; mainly in a comedic way.
Towards the end, the child falls from a great height, but luckily he wakes up in his bed; there are presents under the tree, and his mother gives him a cuddle. It's quite dreary, and sad, although the reason why isn't clear. However, it's still quite adorable.
Another new Christmas song and this one is another joyous festive track, that spreads the Christmas spirit throughout everyone, so this had to be included on my Christmas Special 2016. Kelly Clarkson has always been one of those singers who would release a song I like, but then radio overplays it and I don't like it anymore, or even if they don't overplay it, I end up overplaying it and then not liking the song anymore. This only happens to her songs, and I don't get why this happens to me with her songs, all the time. This one is the exact same, but I can't help liking it because it's a jolly Christmas song. In this music video for "Underneath The Tree", watch Kelly Clarkson perform on her Christmas TV Special, while behind the scenes are cut throughout.
Kelly Clarkson hit fame when she won the first series of American Idol. Since then she has really set herself as one of the biggest female recording artists in the world. Recently, she hasn't been charting that well globally, although she manages to come back time and again with a hit first single from each album that she releases. This song is from her Christmas album and managed to hit number 30 in the UK. Since 2013, the song has received great radio play every Christmas, and the song is a favourite around Christmas time. The song was written by Kelly Clarkson and Greg Kurstin.
The music video was directed by Hamish Hamilton and Weiss Eubanks. It consists of Kelly Clarkson performing on her Christmas TV special titled "Kelly Clarkson's Cautionary Christmas Music Tale", which was shown on NBC.
She gives a stunning performance in a beautiful white and red dress, that is totally festive. She proves why she won American Idol all those years ago, she proves that her place in the world is on a stage, singing to people. Her voice is magnificent and this song manages to portray her vocal abilities.
As for the segments between her amazing performance, they're fun and cheeky, showing Kelly Clarkson's lightheartedness behind the scenes. She's clearly an easy person to get along with, and she has a brilliant attitude. Imagine being real life friends with Kelly Clarkson... That'd be the life, and you'll always have a good time when she's around.
Overall, it's great to see Kelly Clarkson on a stage performing. It's where she belongs. It's festive, it's fun, it's just a shame there isn't a narrative to incorporate the beautiful and meaningful song lyrics.
Back to the Christmas music videos for my Christmas Special 2016. This is a classic Christmas song that brings the festive cheer to everyone. I actually heard this song in the car today and thought it would be a great song to include in my Christmas Special 2016, and although the music video is dated compared to the others in my Christmas Special, it's always good to look at some classic Christmas music videos and songs. Watch Paul McCartney and his friends simply have a "Wonderful Christmastime" in this cheerful festive music video.
Paul McCartney is legendary. He made a name for himself as being one quarter of The Beatles, who are known as one of the most influential bands in pop history. The band gained international success, and their name is legendary in itself. Away from the band, Paul McCartney has gone on to be successful all by himself. Personally, I thought he was dated, until he collaborated with Rihanna and Kanye West, proving that he can still be commercially successful. "FourFiveSeconds" really showed that Paul McCartney can come out with a massive collaboration and chart well, once again. This Christmas song is jolly and totally festive. It was written by Paul McCartney; and has been covered by many famous artists.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, this music video easily translates this happy song into a simple but wonderful visual, that relates pretty well.
Literally, all the people in the music video are having a good time, a wonderful Christmas time. They all attend a party, in which Paul McCartney is performing with his band.
There are various intricate light and editing techniques used throughout which is shocking to see from a 1979 music video. The tricks are totally interesting to watch and shows the imagination behind the people who made the music video.
There's not a lot going on in this music video; however, it's joyous, it's festive, it's Christmassy... What more should we have expected? I like how they tried different things and made the music video current for its time.
I have searched high and low for a new release this week as I refuse to promote or even write about Honey G and her single "The Honey G Show". So, instead, I've found this, and I am so grateful as I actually loved hearing this, and the music video is pretty good too. Guess some luck came my way today. So this is another Sam Feldt single, with vocals uncredited by Jasmine Thompson. Watch a guy lose his best friend, Sam Feldt, to fame in this music video for "What About The Love".
Sam Feldt, real name Sammy Renders, is one of the biggest Dutch DJs around at the moment. He hit it off big with his single "Show Me Love" which had vocals from Kimberly Anne; it was a new version of Robin S' classic song "Show Me Love". It did well internationally, pushing him into the limelight; however, his follow-up singles, much like his previous singles, haven't charted quite so well. This song was originally a remix of Hugel's "Where We Belong" which features Jasmine Thompson. This is a new version of that remix, with some lyrics removed due to Jasmine Thompson's management, according to Sam Feldt himself.
This music video starts off with a guy talking, with Japanese and English words on the screen... It says "Everyone lives in this world. But I have my own. My name is Tom Ballon. And I lost my best friend to stardom."
We watch a series of images follow, which then turn into segmented visuals. We watch Sam Feldt and his friend, who we can presume is Tom Ballon, go about Sam Feldt's superstardom.
Tom Ballon, if that's who he is, is completely lonely following in Sam Feldt's shadow. At his concert, at his home, in loads of different countries and cultures. Tom Ballon, I'm going to call him Tom Ballon, even if it isn't him; isn't having the best time. He's on the outside looking in, not enjoying what is right in front of him.
This could be because of how Sam Feldt doesn't quite include him. The song is called "What About The Love" and Sam Feldt is too interested in seeing the world, playing music to his fans, and doing other things; neglecting Tom Ballon.
The ending has Tom Ballon standing in front of Sam Feldt and still being ignored. He kind of needs to liven up once in a while, I'd do anything to travel around the world with someone; he could be a lot worse off, not going to lie. The final scene has Japanese and English words saying: "Now and then eat an apple, or else you will go bald". That pretty much sounds like a threat, and I don't see how that correlates with the music video, but, okay, although I don't like apples.
Overall, this music video relates to the song completely. It's passionate, and I love how it also shows the energy of Sam Feldt concerts, all the while focusing on this Tom Ballon guy. It's entertaining and intricate. Very clever and comedic. It works completely. The song is one I'd totally listen to again!
Another great song from the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. This time it cuts right through my Christmas Special 2016, purely because I want to finish my Eurovision Song Contest Special before the end of the year. Russia has recently been doing well at Eurovision, and this is definitely a song that deserved to win, and one that gets better with every listen. Russia came second with 303 points, just 62 points away from the winner. In this music video for "A Million Voices", we see very beautiful different people as well as Polina Gagarina giving the song her all, which is to be expected.
Polina Gagarina is a prolific Russian singer, she has really made a name for herself and almost won Eurovision for them. A singer like this deserves international fame, and so she continues to try. She released a new album called "9", which was interesting, to say the least. Click here to see my review on the album for CelebMix. She is currently a coach on Golos (the Russian version of The Voice), and on her team was fellow Eurovision 2015 contestant Aminata, who sang "Love Injected", before she got knocked out during the Battles. C1R was the broadcaster who chose Polina Gagarina through internal selection. The song she sang was written by Gabriel Alares, Joakim Björnberg, Katrina Noorbergen, Leonid Gutkin, and Vladimir Matetsky.
This music video is extremely basic, it coincides with a few other Eurovision music videos that haven't got a lot going on.
The shooting of the video involved 25 people of different ages and ethnicities. This really shows during the video, and explains that we are all the same regardless, we're all human.
That is the story of the song itself and it's such a beautiful song that I was hoping that the music video would do the same, but there's just isn't enough substance to it.
Polina Gagarina's performance piece is amazing as per usual. She's gorgeous and definitely camera friendly. She shines singing this song in the music video, so it's no wonder she did amazingly on the Eurovision stage. It's just a shame there isn't a much more expansive music video to relate to the song.
This is just one of those moments that makes you think: "Did this really happen?" And now this is part of my Christmas Special 2016. It's one of those things that you wouldn't expect to happen. Mariah Carey's original version of "All I Want For Christmas Is You" is not only iconic, but it's still very current. It's the one that always charts highly every Christmas, and it's one a lot of people love. It's highly catchy and is one of those ones that people look forward to hearing on the radio. So why she thought it was a good idea to do a new version with Justin Bieber, we'll never know. Watch Justin Bieber shop in Macy's, buying everything and anything, whilst eyeing up Mariah Carey; then later giving out presents in this music video for "All I Want For Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)".
Justin Bieber is one of the biggest male artists in the world right now; many people have become fans of his music after his recent album. His Purpose album is full of amazing songs that everybody is still talking about today; who knows what the next album will bring, but no doubt it will be amazing. However, when this song was released as part of a Christmas album, he was still coming into his own. His own Christmas song "Mistletoe" is still pretty good, but maybe he needs to release another Christmas album, with a single that will top the charts; it would certainly make a change to see a Christmas song at the top of the UK Singles Chart for Christmas. Teaming up with Mariah Carey, this version of this classic song was released as a promotional single in some countries. She is one of the biggest female artists in the world. She has definitely made a name for herself, made her money and is still current when she wants to be. This should've done well globally, but it's nothing compared to the original.
Directed by Sanaa Hamri, the music video shows the two superstar artists in Macy's. Justin Bieber is a customer, piling everything and anything into his shopping trolley, whilst Mariah Carey poses on a stand as if she is some sort of mannequin.
She winks at him and then the music video progresses as she comes alive. Shoppers wait outside Macy's to get gifts from these two stars.
They throw presents out to the crowd; at times, it looks like Justin Bieber is trying to throw them as far away as possible. There is definitely some power behind those throws.
He does look quite childish next to the highly professional and sexy Mariah Carey. His performance piece is pretty cute, which is a contrast to Mariah Carey's performance piece, who is being overly sexy. It doesn't really gel well, but nor does the song.
The narrative doesn't relate to the song, although I guess you could suppose they are singing to one another. As a whole, I'm not quite so keen on it. However, it is completely festive, and I suppose it's good that they tried to switch up the original. But, even Mariah Carey can't beat the original, and it's her own song. Nice try though.
Another Ariana Grande music video a part of my blog, but the first to be a part of a special; she now debuts on my Christmas Special 2016, I knew she had a Christmas music video, even though it does seem pretty unprofessional, as everyone keeps mentioning in the comments, but fun music videos can be unprofessional. Sometimes artists need a fun time, not a popstar big music video, and this is what this is. Fun. Fun. Fun. Watch Ariana Grande spend time in a house with her friends, celebrating Christmas while she sings her song "Santa Tell Me".
We all know who Ariana Grande is, she grew up on our TV screens on TV show "Victorious", and then later as a main star in the spinoff "Sam & Cat", all on Nickelodeon. Afterwards, she launched her music career and the rest is history. Now she's one of the biggest female singers in the world. With her brilliant voice and her amazing career, the future will forever be bright for this girl. This song was released in 2014 and did mediocre on the charts. It was written by Ariana Grande, Savan Kotecha, and Ilya.
Directed by Alfredo Flores and Jones Crow, the music video is pretty simple. Ariana Grande throws an exclusive Christmas party for her and her friends, at a house.
The opening scene sees her and her friends in a bed with animal hats on, goofing around. They mess around in pretty much every scene.
There's a slight dance sequence on the scenes, but the choreography is too simple as if they came up with it on the spot.
It's cute, it's simple, it's nice, there's not much else I can say. The best part is totally the ending, not because it's finished but because they show some outtakes, which are pretty funny.
Overall, it's cute, it's Christmassy, and it's fun. That's all we need. Ariana Grande deserves some fun in her life at least and this was it. I'm glad she had a good time on set because that really shows.
Another 2016 Christmas song, and another one where proceeds go to a charity. This one was released a couple of weeks ago and so is now part of my Christmas Special 2016. Cruz Beckham, according to his parents, famous footballer David Beckham and posh spice & fashionista Victoria Beckham, have always stated how Cruz Beckham is musically inclined, so it's no surprise he has launched his music career, even if it is a child-like voice with a cute music video. Watch Cruz Beckham spend time in London skateboarding and performing amongst glitter, snow and smoke in this "If Everyday Was Christmas" music video.
Cruz Beckham is the new boy on the scene. He comes from a famous background. His mother is Victoria Beckham, who was one-fifth of the Spice Girls - one of the biggest girl bands in the world - and then later became a fashion designer. As for his father, David Beckham is known mostly for his football career, he has gone on to be the face of many advertising campaigns and has gone down the fashion route with H&M. Their oldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, has recently gone on to model for brands; but now it's Cruz's turn to hit the fame lights. All proceeds go to Make A Wish Foundation.
Directed by Jesse Jenkins, the music video is definitely super cute. It shows Cruz Beckham rolling around London on his skateboard; as well as studio filming, where he performs his song whilst snow and glitter rain down on him; and don't forget the smoke.
There isn't an awful lot going on, but it is cute and does include family and snow, which is kind of Christmassy. Oh and London, which isn't Christmassy, but it is the place I want to move to and the place I want to live.
I like the failed attempt at a glitter angel; nice idea. There's nothing else I can comment on. It's a super cute music video, that includes family and snow, what more can I say? There's a few segments towards the charity, but not a whole lot.
