Okay, another music video picked from my iTunes random player. The song got stuck in my head and I wasn't sure what music video to pick to review, so I decided upon this one. It seems like it's a part of a much bigger story and it's not easy to understand fully; however it's clear that Nils Van Zandt has gone to look for Lynn Larouge after she texted him, but he seems to not be able to find her. The "to be continued..." at the end suggests that a much bigger storyline could be around the corner. Nils Van Zandt can be seen searching for Lynn Larouge, whilst Rashaun Will (Stress Dollaz) helps him out in the search, during the whole video sequence for "In Need Of Love".
Nils Van Zandt has clearly been going for some time. He has really established himself as a DJ and producer. He's one a few people have heard of but hasn't quite hit the popularity he clearly deserves. He's remixed for some of the biggest artists, and his own music is finally getting heard. He's one to keep watching, he's been trying for a long time, he just needs that international hit, that will push him into a much bigger success. Featured on this track is Lynn Larouge, who is mostly known for this song, although she has set out for a solo career, and Rashaun Will, who was previously known as Stress Dollaz upon the release of this song. He has had the biggest career to date, and he will keep pushing it and making it, that much is clear. As a collective, this works amazingly.
The music video doesn't have a lot going on, it follows a narrative that shows Nils Van Zandt looking for love.
Lynn Larouge teases him from the start by telling him that she "needs love" and he soon gets on a boat in search for her.
He ends up on a beach and takes a photo which he then sends to her. This photo makes her smile, so whether this was the love she was thinking of, who knows. The video ends with a: "To be continued..." sign.
Overall, it's more of a performance piece that totally shows off Lynn Larouge and Rashaun Will. The former is sexy in a hotel room, whereas the other is out and about rapping to the song on top of buildings. Nils Van Zandt is clearly involved in his character, searching for the love Lynn Larouge is after. It's a clever connection to the song, but it just doesn't work the way we want it to.
Of all the days to drop the music video to the number one single on the UK Chart, Ed Sheeran had to choose today just so he could claim my Chart Mondays blog post. Well, I don't think he actually knows about my blog, but can we pretend that it is all about me for a second and just decide this is the whole reason he released it today? No? Okay... Well Ed Sheeran is currently at number one on the UK Singles Chart with this song, and so therefore claims my Chart Mondays review. Watch Ed Sheeran fall in love as he trains to become a boxer, only for her to leave him to battle a sumo wrestler all by himself, in the "Shape Of You" music video.
Ed Sheeran is someone who fought to get to where he is now, and I can't deny how much of an inspiration he is to everyone around the world. That is why I listen to his music, why I buy his music, why I support him, because I am fighting for my dreams just like he was once upon a time. He has broken records around the world by debuting at number one and number two at the same time in many countries, including the UK. This is the one that hit number one in most countries. The song was written by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac, and Johnny McDaid.
Directed by Jason Koenig, the video also stars Jennie Pegouskie and Yama. The former, acts as Ed Sheeran's love interest, totally making me jealous because it's totally convincing and that is literally what I've been missing in my life. The latter is the sumo wrestler who beats up Ed Sheeran.
This has a full narrative, with Ed Sheeran training up to be a boxer. He catches the eye of Jennie Pegouskie who helps him train up. They spend time outside of the gym, clearly this is the start of a relationship.
The relationship is clearly very loving, the sort that we all want in life. They manage to portray a loving relationship perfectly, one that makes us all jealous. Then our hearts break for Ed Sheeran as she leaves him, and he turns his anger into training, which then leads up to him fighting Yama - the sumo wrestler.
It all builds up to an ending that sees Ed Sheeran defeated, catching the eye of Jennie Pegouskie again, who decides to fight Yama after Ed Sheeran is over and done with. It all then disappears, as if it were some sort of dream or mirage. Ed Sheeran is stuck in his blow-up sumo wrestlers costume.
It's totally relatable, completely lovable, and works with the song. Talk about hitting every emotion possible with this music video, to what will quickly become an iconic Ed Sheeran song. He totally smashes this out, and it completely works.
Thank you, iTunes, for this random pick. It came from a compilation album on my iTunes and according to my Last.fm profile, I already love this track, so why not see if there was a music video. That was my thinking, so after a quick YouTube search, here it is appearing on my blog. The video explains the music clearly, following DJs as they go about their lives having fun and playing to a mass group of people in this "Turn Off The Light" music video.
Reepublic were a five-piece DJ group, who have clearly gone their separate ways, since they haven't released anything new since 2013. They consisted of French DJs: Antoine Clamaran, Michael Canitrot, Tristan Garner, Gregori Klosman - known as Klosman, and Sebastien Benett. Now parted ways, they still leave quite the impact in their wake, especially since all three of them songs have had success, none more than this one though, with the others following just behind. This group could've been big, but apart, they have the chance of success and some have already made giant leaps onto those paths.
There isn't an awful lot to this music video, we literally watch the five-piece work and going about their lives.
We watch them travel, we watch them do their thing in creating a track. The dodgems look like great fun, and makes me think of pride all over again. We watch them have fun and relax before gearing up for their gig.
The club is set up and ready to go, it's the sort of place I'd love to go to, to be fair. As DJs they totally unleash the track and have fun up on the stage.
The video doesn't relate entirely to the song, and the featured star doesn't get supported in the visual, and is probably forgotten during the song, although she clearly provided the vocals. There's just not enough here. The song makes me wish summer would come sooner.
Okay, this song is now stuck in my head, thanks to Matt Crawford, since I've just watched his YouTube video on how he does his hair, and he just had to include this song... So I thought, why not review this video? Beyoncé is fire and she always will be. This song is one I don't like to like, but I actually can't help it. Watch Beyoncé become completely fierce as she dances her way through this music video titled "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)".
Beyoncé, full name Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, is someone I used to be a fan of, some of her songs are amazingly catchy, just like this one, but her music style has been very versatile, and although that is something to be incredibly proud about, she lost me as a fan in the process because some of her songs I didn't like. I think, maybe, I wasn't a big enough fan and so it didn't work out well. This song is one that gets stuck in my head after I've heard it, but I literally don't enjoy it when I hear it... I honestly believe this is the only song that makes me feel this way, in the whole entire world... Does that make it my guilty pleasure? Surely not... Anyhow, it was written by Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, Terius "The-Dream" Nash, Thaddis Harrell, and Beyoncé Knowles.
The music video was directed by Jake Nava. It was inspired by a 1969 Bob Fosse routine entitled "Mexican Breakfast". The video went viral the previous summer when Unk's "Walk It Out" was dubbed over the original mix. Beyoncé wanted to create something similar.
It is completely in black and white, which isn't something I enjoy watching, which probably explains why I always flipped through the music channels whenever this one came on. I just don't see the appeal with it, unless it's set in the past.
The choreography is on point throughout, I seriously cannot deny how amazing Beyoncé is when she's nailing these moves. It may seem simple, but just like the UK ITV show "Dance Dance Dance" proved, it's not as easy as it looks.
There is so much fire and attitude in this music video that it isn't a surprise that Beyoncé nails this music video entirely. The choreography relates perfectly with the song, and although this music video is in black and white, and not my sort of thing, I have to give it credit, because it is fire. However, I knocked it down because it's not something I would happily watch.
If there's one female rapper who has made her name, made her money, and still is solidly killing it in the rap market, it's Missy Elliott, who else? Here's a whole new single from her and a collaboration of a song that has embedded itself in my head once again; this woman knocks it out of the park every single time. This is another huge single from her! Watch Missy Elliott totally own it with intricate and bizarre dancers, in this music video for her new single "I'm Better" which features Lamb.
Missy Elliott, real name Melissa Elliott, is prolific. She's at the top of her genre of music, no one can reach it, she's up there and she's made it. Yet, just like every top star in the music industry, she continues to make music, for herself and for her fans, and she completely bosses it nonstop. Featured on this track is Lamb, real name Cainon Lamb, who is a Grammy-nominated, American, record producer, composer, and songwriter. He has worked with Missy Elliott for many years, and finally, he made his rapping debut on this very track.
The music video was directed by Dave Meyers & Missy Elliott. There is a full-on choreography throughout that was decided by Sean Bankhead & Missy Elliott, and it totally works even if I have my slight doubts about it.
The choreography is on point, it is fire, and yet there is just slight little bits where dancers are out of time or not in the right position. As a whole it comes off that little bit messy... It's totally not polished to the standard I was hoping for and that totally knocks the whole video off.
Lamb adds something fresh to the video, and Missy Elliott's various styles and get ups totally brings some theatrical fashion sense to the video. I love the water feature, although, again it's not polished to perfection.
This video is lacking. I know how technical and amazing this could and should have been but, to me it just isn't up there. It's slightly disappointing, but regardless, this is high production, it has been edited well, and every intricate thing has been thought about. It's just a shame it wasn't polished and full fire, like it could've and should've been.
It's Thursday Revisit time, so I chose Antonia because I'm quickly becoming a fan of hers, and I need to listen to more of her music. She has released a lot of songs that could have been used for my Thursday Revisit but this one just jumped out at me, so I thought why not. And on first listen I totally loved it! Totally catchy with a typical bubble-gum pop twist, Antonia is totally stunning in this music video for "Shake It Mamma" that features dancers dressed up in Japanese wear, with wagasa umbrellas.
Antonia, real name Antonia Iacobescu, has definitely made me a fan of her. Her new music has been promoted well and I've totally been into "Get Up And Dance", as well as her new one "Dor de Tine". I was told about her years ago but had my doubts whether she'd be someone I'd be interested in, and I already had a major range of favourite artists, I didn't want any more; yet, now I just have way more than I need that adding Antonia to my favourite singers isn't a problem at all. This song is super catchy that it deserves to be heard more.
This is another pure performance piece from Antonia. It could be compared to Alexandra Stan's "Lollipop (Param Pam Pam)", I think it's mainly the bubble-popping and the pinkness of the whole video.
Antonia is looking as stunning as ever in this video, and she clearly enjoys singing this song.
The dance scene is interesting. It's clear the music video was aimed at the Japanese market, much like Alexandra Stan's song "Cherry Pop" and Avril Lavigne's "Hello Kitty". It works well and the dancers pull it off perfectly.
This just feels like there isn't enough going on. It's a fired-up song and Antonia totally rocks it, but it's just missing something, maybe a narrative. It's clear the video was shot a few years ago and it just doesn't feel complete.
In case you haven't noticed, I've been a bit obsessed with Romanian female artists, specifically the ones releasing on Global Records, and here is another one, called Runa. She's got some sweet tantalising vocals, the sort that are gorgeous to just listen to. It really works with this song. In the "Blestem" music video, watch Runa perform her song as cute as she sings it.
Runa, real name Miruna Manescu, is another Romanian female singer on the Global Records label. This is her debut single, and the name of the song translates into English as "Curse". She is part of the group Timebelle, who competed in the Switzerland national selection to Eurovision 2015, where they came second, first in the public vote... They released a self-titled EP, before entering for this year's national selection for Switzerland, again. They are in the top six and could be representing Switzerland in Kyiv, Ukraine for the Eurovision Song Contest 2017. The song was written by Alexandru Ioan Pelin and Ovidiu Baciu.
Once again, Khaled Mokhtar has directed this music video. His music video styles are pretty similar and here's another performance piece, which is just as good as all the others he has directed.
Runa acts all cute in this music video as she moves about in her long coat. She does look sexy but doesn't pull it off as well as other artists we've seen; besides, her cuteness goes well with the song.
There is a male love-interest who can be seen every now and then in some clips. He's just as cute and they've done this music video very cleverly.
Overall, it's a great performance visual that totally works with the song. It feels quite similar to others we have seen directed by Khaled Mokhtar, but it's stunning nonetheless.
After writing about this for CelebMix, I just had to write it up for my blog, but I didn't want it to clash with the New Release of that week, so hence why I have waited a few extra days. It's actually taken me quite a while to get into Antonia, only because Inna was, and still is, my favourite Romanian female singer, and I've been worried about liking other female artists from Romania. Antonia dropped "Get Up And Dance" and I did exactly that and fell in love with her voice. This follow-up is just as catchy! Antonia is sultry, sexy and completely stunning in this "Dor de Tine" music video, whilst advertising Avon products.
Antonia, full name Antonia Iacobescu, has been going for a number of years, she reached international fame by featuring on Tom Boxer's single "Morena", she later had a hit of her own in Romania titled "Marabou". Now she's totally doing well for herself, releasing extremely catchy songs that just won't get out of my head! The song was written by Irina Rimes and Alex Cotoi.
The music video was directed by Khaled Mokhtar. it's extremely vivacious and totally goes with the song.
Within the whole performance visual, we see Antonia sing the song with so much passion and energy, all the while adding sassiness to the very sexy visual.
In a promotion with Avon products, their Advance Techniques Dry Shampoo can be seen in one clip, where she sprays it onto the hair of another person in the scene.
The song is sung in Romanian and kind of translates to being in love with someone and that someone not being there when she needs him. The music video is completely relatable with Antonia totally connecting with the song, expressing it perfectly. Although the visual gets tedious, with nothing new in it, and no narration whatsoever; it's still a complete packaged video that I could still watch again and again. The song is total fire!
Finally, a music video for this awesomely catchy track, that has been in the top 10 of the UK chart for quite some time now. The music video for the girls' second single from their "Glory Days" album was released just before midnight on Friday. It hasn't been followed up by a single release, as of yet; it currently has been charting from album track downloads alone. Watch the girls of Little Mix dance their way through a very colourful maze with various male dancers dancing flirtatiously around them in the "Touch" music video.
Little Mix are the biggest UK girl group around at the moment. They are still the only group to win The X Factor. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. They recently grabbed their first number one album with "Glory Days" and are currently set to go out on tour in promotion for the album. This definitely won't be their last single, although what they will choose next is anyone's guess. The song was written by Hanni Ibrahim, Patrick Patrikios, A.S. Govere, and Phil Plested.
The music video was directed by Director X and Parris Goebel. Think you recognise that latter name? Well, she's the one who choreographed most of Justin Bieber's "Purpose: The Movement" music videos. She has also choreographed for many other well-known stars; it's no wonder she is sought after in the music industry. I would go into who Director X is, but you all know his amazing back catalogue of music videos.
We are first shown a very colourful maze, an ideal place to get lost in. Someone, tell me where it is and I'll get lost in there, maybe make a really hot guy go in there as well... Oh wait, there's the hot dancers, guess I'll be sorted for men. Where is this maze?
The girls knock the choreography out perfectly. This isn't exactly something new for them, we've seen similar in "Move" and "Salute", but this is one of their most fired-up music videos. As much as I hate to compare them to Fifth Harmony, those girls have got this type of music video completely nailed, and they pull off what they're wearing easily... As for Little Mix it feels more experimental; like they're trying this route and direction but it's not what we're used to, and not what they're used to.
Dancing is pure fire throughout, we expect nothing less from the girls. Their outfits, however, is less sexy and more different; especially Perrie Edwards with her plastic corset-like costume, surely that wasn't comfortable to wear. Plus the knee-length boots must've made it tricky for the girls to dance in. The styling just looks like the director and girls got their wires crossed and it became a compromise. Whatever the reason for the styling, the girls bring it with a fierceness we haven't seen from them before.
This is not just a normal music video, it may go down in history as the day Little Mix transformed into sexy provocative women. It is completely fierce and could easily take them down a path that will bring more fired-up music videos. Totally relatable and the dancing is completely on point.
New to Global Records, Karmen surprised me and I'm happy to find another Global Records artist that I like... Soon enough I'll be a fan of all of them because they are coming out with some killer sounds. She previously released cover versions on Sprint Music Media Group as Carmen. Now she's ready to release her own songs under Global Records as Karmen. Watch Karmen dance around in this high-quality studio "You Got It" music video that is full on fire from start to finish.
Karmen, real name Carmen Simionescu, has been paving out her career in music for quite some time now. She has been brought up around music as her father is Adrian Minune, who is a famous Romanian manele singer. As previously stated, she started her career by releasing cover versions of songs, this led to signing with Sprint Music, who helped her to establish herself as Carmen. Now rocking a whole new name under a new record label, Global Records; Karmen is ready to set out for world domination. This is her debut single under name Karmen. It was written by Lucan Vlad Octavian, Achi, and Caliman Alexandru.
The music video is directed by Bogdan Daragiu, known as simply Daragiu. It's a pure performance piece that Karmen totally nails.
There is a full on dance choreography throughout. Karmen is a total centre point and smashed out the dancing as if it were nothing. She rolls well with the guys as well as the girls. She's the centre of the show and she is totally on point throughout.
The solo performance is sexy and stylish, Karmen knows exactly how to draw the eye of the camera and does well to draw attention, she does it with complete perfection.
Now she's on Global Records with Inna, Antonia, Lori, Alexandra Stan, Carla's Dreams, and many other international artists; Karmen is ready to be the next big name, we just hope you're ready too.
Finally, she has dropped a music video. This will act as Una Healy's official first single, even though it is her third promotional instant grat single from her debut studio album. What a way to kick off your musical career; a duet with no other than Nashville's Sam Palladio. This is quite the fit for the song, although I'm not so keen on the song itself... It deserves to be a little bit more catchy, and doesn't quite go anywhere. The music video sees Una Healy missing her man, who just happens to be Sam Palladio, as they wish they ask each other to "Stay My Love".
Una Healy made her name as one-fifth of girl group The Saturdays. They are, unfortunately, on a hiatus with no sights on getting back together anytime soon. All five girls are doing incredibly well for themselves, away from the group. For Una Healy, she will be the first of the five to release a debut album. Her style is very different from The Saturdays, and it's a completely new route. It's quite a soft country sound that takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you're used to her pop-dance songs in The Saturdays. Yet, I'm proud she's making the music she wants to. Sam Palladio featured on this track, he's mostly known for playing Gunnar Scott in the TV show, Nashville. Although he has been in many other things such as Humans. This song was written by Una Healy and Amy Wadge.
The music video was filmed in Nashville and shows Una Healy revisiting a place where she spent time with her on-screen love interest, who is played by Sam Palladio. It all has an Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroger feel to it, this video is definitely reminiscent of "Let Me Go".
The narrative is extremely intricate as Sam Palladio is almost a ghost. In his scenes, a cold filter is used suggesting that it is the past; whereas in Una Healy's visual it's all full of warmth, as she glances at pictures of Sam Palladio.
She ends up driving to a bench with a beautiful scenic landscape, she sits down on the bench and the video ends with them two together on the bench.
Halfway through the video, there is a performance piece and they completely shine throughout. Both artists are amazing singers and performers, really showcasing their love for this song. However, I'm not so keen on the song, it's not the sort of country I like, and it totally feels dated.
The video is an awesome concept, and I've only ever seen it similar in "Let Me Go" by Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger. However, both videos are completely different and although this one is lacking in comparison; stood all by itself and compared to the meaning behind this song, it deserves an equally high rating.
Struggled, once again, to find a new release with a music video, but came across this one and I just HAD to review it. This song hits me, there's a strong emotional connection and the gorgeous soulful voice is completely powerful over the amazing upbeat dance-like backing track that would totally be drawing me on to the dancefloor. Watch Rationale perform his song "Reciprocate" on many different stages, unleashing his killer sound out to his fans and the others in the audience.
Rationale has been going for a number of years, lending his vocals for Bastille and DJ Jakwob, before releasing his debut single in 2015, which he followed up with an EP. Now into 2017, he has released this song, and it is a killer track. It may not have gained momentum, but with his amount of fans and people recognising his potential in the music industry, Rationale will become one artist you can't wait to hear more from. In a world where new artists are emerging quickly and incredibly fast, Rationale will be on everyone's radars in no time at all. This song is one of those that will blow up, or become a lost treasure; either way, you need to listen to it.
The music video is extremely basic. It's a pure performance video that combines multiple visuals of Rationale performing on stage.
At times you get to see the crowd, usually with their phone torches in the air, waving in time to the beat. This shows that energy is being unleashed into the crowd, they are so lucky to have heard him live.
As for the staging shots. The camera is at a low angle, giving Rationale an empowering stance. It doesn't help him show what he's like on stage, because of the camera angle. It isn't great viewing, but regardless, Rationale puts his all in performing on stage and that really comes across.
Overall, this could be any other tour video, it doesn't add anything new; and, certainly, doesn't make the song any better. To be fair the song is amazing, and no matter what the video was, it would still be great to listen to. The rating is based on the video alone, but it's just like any other tour music video.
It's Thursday again, which means it's revisit time. I chose Stromae since this is his only song to have charted in the UK, and it is completely an international hit. I have to admit, I didn't recognise the song when I mentioned the title in yesterday's blog post of "Papaoutai"; but, as soon as I clicked play on this music video, I recognised it instantly. No wonder this was a worldwide hit. Watch Stromae go about his life in a split screen music video for "Alors on danse", starting in his office, to walking the streets, to being at a bar and concert.
Stromae, real name Paul Van Haver, made his name with this massive global smash of a single "Alors on danse". When translated to English, it means "So We Dance". The song is about going through life; that life is what you make of it and it's all the same regardless. It's a highly deep concept, and I don't see it working if it were in English. He went on to release some more awesome songs that did well in many different countries. I can totally see him releasing another incredible hit song. This one was written by Paul Haver.
The music video is difficult to follow, especially since it is split screen. Both visuals take place at the same time, but it's clear that a different camera shot is used in both.
There's a cycle narration going on, starting off with Stromae in his office, then he visits his child, but a woman slaps him across the face and suggests that he should leave. He comes into contact with a homeless guy, who steals his jacket from him. He then bumps into a friend who takes him to a bar and makes him drink some alcohol. He clearly isn't in the party mood but his friends don't notice and he is soon pulled onto a stage to perform his song. He passes out and is dragged back to his office by an unknown guy.
The story goes round in a full circle, although he doesn't exactly end up where he started since the homeless guy still has his jacket. It does represent the song in a brilliant way, and yet it is difficult to follow because of the split screen. Nonetheless, since the song and the music video work well together, I have to give it this rating.
This song keeps randomly playing on my iTunes and I automatically sing along to it. The main reason is because it sounds very similar to the Eurovision 2014 song "Moustache" which was released by Twin Twin, after this song was released. I can definitely see the resemblance. Both are catchy nonetheless; and since I haven't reviewed this one, today's as good a day as any. Watch a son try to interact with his father but he's not there at all, in Stromae's "Papaoutai". Where are you, daddy?
Stromae, real name Paul Van Haver, has really established himself as a Belgian singer-songwriter. He already stormed the charts globally in 2009 with "Alors on danse", it even charted in the UK at number 25. Unfortunately, this worldwide successful song "Papaoutai" didn't make the UK chart; however, it was another international success for Stromae. This is the case with many well-known songs that does well in Europe. However, recently, success has managed to cross over to the UK as well, and it's likely that Stromae could come back harder than ever. If he's already managed this, just think of what else he can do. This song was written by Stromae.
Directed by Raf Reyntjens, the music video revolves around a son trying to interact with his father, who is played by Stromae. The whole idea comes from the song which is about his father's absence in Stromae's life. His father was killed in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.
It's set in what looks like Call of Duty's Nuketown. The boy sees all the other children dancing in the street with their respective parent and he wants to do the exact same, only his father is a mannequin and totally not completely there.
It gets to the point where the boy gets so annoyed, he rants by singing along to the lyrics of the song and interpreting them into a brilliant contemporary dance sequence that totally explains what he is singing. Who cares if you don't know French, this music video is a brilliant interpretation of the lyrics.
At the end, we see his father give a bit of a smile before the boy sits down on the couch next to his father and copies the position he is in, his eyes go blank and he too becomes a mannequin much like his father. Talk about following in your father's footsteps. This is the mannequin challenge before it even became a thing.
Overall, this is clearly very personal, and at times it affects the viewer in exactly the way it is meant to. The choreography is nailed in every way, and the boy is definitely a brilliant character, who easily encompasses the role. This is a magical music video that deserves so much more recognition. It accompanies the song amazingly and is one of those music videos I'll never forget.
Okay, when did this get released? And, how the hell did I manage to miss it? Like, seriously? I was totally obsessed with the song when it got released - I reviewed it for CelebMix - but this video was rolled out afterwards and I completely didn't see it. But now I have, and it's ready to be reviewed by me. This song is now currently stuck in my head because it is that awesome. Watch model Arizona Muse walk around Ibiza and goes clubbing, as models have a fun time behind the scenes with Martin Solveig in "Places" music video that doesn't show Ina Wroldsen.
Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, is a French DJ who is one of the top DJs in the world. He comes in and out of the charts around the world and his catchy songs really show his ability to implant songs in people's heads. This one deserved to be a worldwide hit but comparison's to "How Deep Is Your Love" probably didn't help. The featured star, Ina Wroldsen, is super famous in the songwriting world and was even the uncredited vocalist on "How Deep Is Your Love", which probably explains the comparisons. Recently she's been building her own career in music; I have to admit, I am a fan, and she deserves worldwide credibility. With her amazing songwriting skills, I'm sure she'll become one of the biggest singer-songwriters globally pretty soon. The song was written by Ina Wroldsen and Martin Picandet.
The music video takes place in Ibiza and we watch model and actress Arizona Muse walk the streets as well as go to Martin Solveig's show at the end.
The opening shows models going live on their phones as they talk in their own language. Things get a little comedy out-of-control, but it's all just a bit of fun. Later we see them having a good time with Martin Solveig.
There are snippets of his "My House" party at Café Mambo and Pacha, showing his time in the White Isle totally reminding us that summer is never too far away.
Arizona Muse totally shines throughout this music video on her Balearic journey. She reminds me of Rachel Platten.
Overall, an alright music video showing off Ibiza. Martin Solveig has brought us another awesome song, and Ina Wroldsen is definitely one of the rising singer-songwriters to look out for... Someone this established in songwriting is bound to have some killer songs to be released in 2017. I literally cannot wait to see what the future holds for these two.
Wow! So after three weeks of having no music videos to review for Chart Mondays, the UK top ten gets quite the shake up and I actually have some choice, for now anyway. Dominating the UK Singles Chart is Ed Sheeran, he's currently at number one and number two with "Shape Of You" and "Castle On The Hill", none of which has a music video just yet, which opens the top ten to my Chart Mondays music review. I chose this one as it's my type of music, plus it's the remix that has pushed the success of this song, and I love my remixes, who doesn't love a remix? Watch Starley get out of bed to perform this song, in beautiful settings and with a smoke grenade, before heading back to bed in this "Call On Me" music video.
Starley, full name Starley Hope, is an Australian singer who has released this cute song as her debut single. She has previously featured on a track titled "Into You", released by Odd Mob. She moved to London to pursue music, but later returned to Australia where she ended up getting a record deal; guess that's just the way it works sometimes. It's quickly becoming a worldwide sensation, but the bigger question is whether she can follow it up with another hit record in the future? It's the Ryan Riback remix that has launched the success of this single in a number of countries, including the UK and Sweden. The song was written by Starley Hope and Peter Wadams.
There isn't an awful lot to this music video. It's an expressive performance piece to a very cute song that is definitely going to become a defining track of 2017.
There is a slight narrative throughout that sees her singing in bed, clearly wanting that little bit of extra sleep that we all want in the mornings. Next, we see her amongst a grassy field where she runs and generally relaxes in a playful way, all by herself.
She ends up by the water where she releases an orange smoke grade which only emphasises how stunningly beautiful she actually is, before wrapping it all up back in bed amongst her comfy pillows.
It's a gorgeous visual to the song and is extremely pleasant to watch. It's not inclusive of the audience, though; some viewers may become distracted and it fails to keep the watchers engaged. However, Starley captures the camera and really gets into this song and its music video. I am looking forward to finding out what is next for Starley, she has this glowing star power that will definitely prevent her from being a one hit wonder. I'm excited about her follow-up.
With less than two weeks to go until I see JoJo live in Birmingham for her Mad Love Tour; it's obvious I was going to review more of her music videos on my blog. This one is her newest release and is total fire. I previously wrote an article on the video for CelebMix. This is totally one of my favourite songs from her "Mad Love" album, even though each song on that album is completely amazing. I reviewed the album for Outlet Magazine. Watch JoJo stroll around the streets of New York in this black and white visual of a song about Fake Ass Bitches ("FAB"), with Remy Ma.
JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, has hit the music industry hard with her third album, but it totally isn't a surprise since she has been trying to release this third album for years now. Record label problems stopped her, but she's quite the inspiration for people going after what they want. JoJo wanted to release new music, and she has finally achieved it. If JoJo can overcome the brick walls standing in her way, we can overcome ours as well. Her Mad Love Tour kicks off today in Dublin, and in 13 days she'll be performing in Birmingham, which is where I have meet and greet tickets! It'll be my birthday too so she can totally wish me a happy birthday! Remy Ma collaborates on this track, real name Reminisce Smith. She's a grammy-nominated rapper and is definitely one of the biggest female rappers about at the moment, and totally someone you should be keeping your eyes on. This song was written by Joanna Levesque, Jussi Karvinen, Hayley Warner, Jason Dean, Joe Kirkland, and Reminisce Smith.
Directed by Wes Tedhome, this video is completely in black and white and sees JoJo perform her song "FAB", with a clip of Remy Ma during her rap verse.
This super songstress is walking the streets of New York, looking incredibly sexy in her outfit. She performs with passion throughout meaning every word she is singing. This song is clearly close to her heart and I literally cannot wait to hear this live.
Remy Ma adds some fire to this already lit track, spinning it up totally with a very awesome rap. She performs it amazingly in this video clip, and it works well completely.
Overall, there's so much passion and emotion in this video. JoJo totally loves this song, and so do we! I'm glad this got a music video, and it has the same passion as her tringle singles "When Love Hurts", "Say Love", and "Save My Soul". I so hope she sings those songs at the Mad Love Tour as well!
Craig Stickland is a Canadian singer-songwriter. This song is his most popular track to date, and it's no surprise since it is ever-so-catchy. He released his debut album on 15 January 2016, who would've thought that exactly a year later he would be kicking off the European leg of JoJo's Mad Love Tour in Dublin? He's country vibe easily settles in with his gritty rock-side, mixing the two up to create this awesome sound that will, no doubt, bring more popularity his way.
This music video was directed by Aaron A. There is both a performance side and a narrative side; however, the latter is not that developed and has quite a plodding storyline, which definitely coincides well with the song.
We watch Craig Stickland get up and from the couch, caress his piano with his face, get ready haphazardly to go to the bar, where he has a drink that he nurses before leaving.
The narration feels like it's the morning after a heavy session. It easily relates to the title of the song and gives insight into the lyrics. We've all been there, drinking a bit too much, forgetting things including our shoes. We've all had the "Liquor Store Blues" that is blurring our minds.
The performance is full of soulful emotional vibes, Craig Stickland knows how to perform and build up a song; rocking behind his guitar adding passion into the mic. He excites me for JoJo's Mad Love Tour. He's going to open the European shows in ways we can't expect; he will easily gear the audience up for JoJo.
I had very little choice today for my New Release music video review. I narrowed it down to a couple of music videos, but chose this one as it has been officially released as a single and not an instant grat single; although, it has been released as two different versions, an acoustic and a piano version, so not the original, but it's the best I could do. On first watch of this music video, I totally didn't get what was going on, and honestly, I still don't. Watch Shinedown perform their new single "How Did You Love" in this extremely weird and normality-flipped music video, that is completely difficult to even understand.
Shinedown are a four-piece American rock band consisting of Brent Smith, Barry Kerch, Zach Myers, and Eric Bass. They are one of those bands everyone has heard of here and there but haven't really established themselves a global hit. Their most popular song is "Second Chance", which charted amazingly in the US, but did mediocre in other countries. This song is a catchy rock song that you can't help but like after the first listen. It was written by Dave Bassett, Eric Bass, Pete Nappi, and Scott Stevens.
The music video incorporates scenes from the N.D. Wilson-directed film titled "The Hound Of Heaven", pretty much turning this music video into a soundtrack music video.
The film itself was shown at the Raindance festival and is available to download online. According to the website, the film is about: "A girl believes that she is fleeing death, when she is actually running away from her only chance at life. Set to a surreal, nightmarish poem written in the nineteenth century by a homeless addict in London."
The main performance piece of this music video easily transitions with the film scenes that are included. Intricate and full of energy, Shinedown watches the film as they perform in a conceptual split and warped way.
The film scenes used easily spins this music video into an interesting visual. As a whole, it's not something I would enjoy watching more than I have. It messed with my head although, I did find it engaging nonetheless. The song is a killer track and one I could totally imagine listening to again and again. This song deserves to be heard more.
Slightly cheating with this. The song was released in 2012 and so fits my Thursday Revisit review, however, the video was apparently released in 2016, so in theory, I am totally cheating as the visual isn't five years old. However, out of all the artists I've reviewed this week, Rykka is the only one who has released songs five years ago or more. Therefore, I won't tell if you don't. Now this music video contains flashing images, enough that it makes my own eyes go funny. Watch Rykka perform in a fitness music video for her catchy song "Map Inside", with surprising flashing images throughout.
Rykka, real name Christina Rieder, first came to my attention when she sang "The Last Of Our Kind" at the Eurovision Song Contest 2016. She was representing Switzerland and unfortunately didn't make the Grand Final, yet she still managed to make an impression on me. She has gone on to release some awesome tracks and her back catalogue is one you need to look into. This song is a testament of that, it's catchy melody perfectly fits with the infectious lyrics that is full of meaning. Unfortunately, this was never officially released in the UK, and so I'm not able to buy it on iTunes, so it looks like I'm stuck to listening to it on YouTube.
The music video is a fitness music video that sees Rykka performing exercise moves with backing dancers in lycra. Everything's so neon and blazing bright compared to the white background.
The opening scene sees a hand with neon yellow nails turn on a bright pink boombox which is on ladders to the left of the set. This is then followed up by Rykka and two backing dancers preparing themselves for their fitness video.
The shocking part of the video is when the flashing images come into play during the chorus. I dare you to try and not look away; it's near to impossible.
There's not much else to comment on, apart from the moves are basic and easy to follow along to, if you so wish. Also, two new backing dancers appear from nowhere and join this fitness video. Neon lycra is everywhere, which is nothing new, but totally makes this feel more dated than what it actually is. Slightly reminds me of Eric Prydz's "Call On Me". It's not something I want to watch again, the flashing images are way too much! However, the song is amazing and I'd totally buy it if I could.
Another Shenna music video review, purely because I heard her album this week and reviewed it for Outlet Magazine. Awaiting publishing from my editor. The album is completely new and totally something you need to listen to in 2017. Yesterday, I reviewed "So Low", and today I shall review her first single from her debut album. Both tracks just prove her versatility because they are so different from each other; the entire album is beyond amazing, so make sure you check out my review on Outlet Magazine when it is published. Shenna hosts a party whilst she is house-sitting in this music video for "Air Balloons"; as per usual, the party gets out of hand, but what did you expect?
Shenna, full name Shenna Somsmieh, first came to my attention through a PR email asking me to review her album. This email came around Christmas time, even though the album had been released in October. I was ill all over Christmas and New Year with a chest infection, but as soon as I recovered I focused on writing about her debut album: "Made of Gold". The review is in my editor's hands at the moment and is probably ready to go out on Outlet Magazine sometime in the next week or so. This is just the start of Shenna, her unique musical talent is one that doesn't deserve to disappear from this world. This song was the first single from the album and was later followed up by "So Low".
Directed by Lawrence Turner, the music video shows the party lifestyle of Shenna; who hosts a house party when she is supposed to be house-sitting.
The intro starts with messages between Shenna and a guy, who asks her to house-sit. She later tells her friends that she has a house to herself and that some friends can come over. We all know how chaotic it can get when friends of friends invite friends. This was all to be expected from the get-go. Let's just all agree to never ask Shenna to house-sit any of our houses.
We watch Shenna performing at the party, having a great time throughout, whilst her guests also live it up. Two main performance piece scenes include her floating on an inflatable in the middle of the pool, as well as sitting on the side with various friends. She is totally relaxed and clearly in her element. Considering how different this song is to "So Low", she proves that she isn't afraid to sing different songs, and is prepared to bring it in each of the music videos.
The ending sees the house owner return, totally unimpressed with Shenna hosting a party. All the guests run from the venue in a comical way. At the very end, there's a look between Shenna and the person who owns the house, before she hops into a car and is driven away, leaving a guy with a guitar running and screaming after the car. Fun, slightly relatable and quite amusing; this just shows Shenna off in a great light. Keep an eye on her this year!
I have recently submitted an album review of this artist to my editor at Outlet Magazine, and so I thought I might as well promote her on my blog since she has a killer voice with a unique sound. Shenna is a rising star and her unique songs show off her versatility and ability to make any song her own. Her album is definitely one you need to listen to in 2017, so look out for my review on Outlet Magazine, coming soon. Watch Shenna perform "So Low" in a projector-themed quirky performance music video that is totally mysterious and completely interesting.
Shenna, full name Shenna Somsmieh, is a new artist on the scene, she dropped her first record in 2014, and it has been an uphill battle ever since. But just last year she released her debut album, which is like nothing I've ever heard before, totally unique and out-of-this-world. Shenna is one of the ones to watch for 2017, I'm totally calling it now! Her beautiful style and gorgeous looks fit perfectly with her brilliant vocals and flexible sound. This song was her second single from the album after "Air Balloons" which I shall be reviewing tomorrow.
Directed by Moon Culture, this music video is a pure performance piece that totally shows Shenna's stage presence. She totally captures the camera in this music video and proves she is supposed to be in the spotlight.
The projector is quite distracting but shows two images together. We know someone is watching himself on the projector, which makes it an intricate scene.
As for the main performance piece, Shenna shines throughout. She has this stylish presence about her. She adds some great quirks including dance moves and emotional faces to help get who she is across to the audience.
As a complete package, the "So Low" music video is different and intricate, much like the song itself. It relates perfectly and easily shows Shenna in a brilliant light. I hope to hear more new music from Shenna this year.
For a seventh 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 for 2017, and I bet it won't be the last. However, with the Spotify plays changing to affect the longevity of songs staying high up on the chart, it could be that this is less likely to happen. I have considered stretching Chart Mondays to a top 20; it's not for certain yet, so I'm going to test it soon.
