There's a new girl group around, and they will be hitting the Birmingham Pride 2017 main stage in just over a month's time, and they will definitely be singing this single. The line-up for the group has been changed over and over again, and they were initially called 5Angels. The constant line-up changes haven't helped them get off the ground, but with a new name, they might just get the chance they deserve, or not - since I'm not so keen on this song. Watch this four-piece girl group called Pink Angels attempt to perform sexily with simple choreography in this music video for new single "Mamma Don't Lie".
Pink Angels, formerly known as 5Angels, are a Czech Republic girl group consisting of Natálie Skotnická, Angelina Shestak, Tereza Haklová, and Nikola Metlová. They have supported the likes of Little Mix and Union J. They definitely have some girl power going on, but are their vocals really strong enough? They seem somewhat lacking in this song, and there doesn't seem to be much of a relationship between the girls. They really need to draw in their connections to one another. It seems like they're all out for themselves, which clearly doesn't work. They could be a great girl group if they embraced it more. The song is all right, but I feel like it could've been better in itself. It was written by Andrew Murray and Alice Chatter.
Much like the song, the music video could've been much better. Directed by Sitcom Soldiers, the visual makes it out that the girls have already made it and that they are some massive girl group. Yet that is not the case and the music video just falls to pieces because of it.
The choreography is extremely basic and the girls have no enthusiasm behind the moves. They start off strong at the start but the moves come off flimsy as time goes on. There's also too much hair flicking, some of the girls nail it whereas others fall short. It just looks a total in-sync mess.
The girls don't even look like they are enjoying this music video or the song, and that really transcends to the viewers. Personally, I was much more interested in the light segmented pillar thing they were leaning against that looked like the middle bit of a revolving door - I want one, I'm not sure why but it'll look good in my room, even though I wouldn't have anywhere to put it. I hope Pink Angels bring it on the Birmingham Pride 2017 stage because if it turns out like this, then it seriously isn't going well for them.
He's returning to Birmingham Pride, Paul Morrell is back and he's a part of my Birmingham Pride Special. I missed out on seeing him last year as he was on early, and the same will probably happen this year. Last year, I was dying to see him due to the fact that he had released a collaboration with Chris Leonard called "Move", the video of which is no longer available, but I'm still obsessed with that song. However, it's this one that is Paul Morrell's most popular video to date, probably because it's a collaboration with professional vocalist Katerine Ellis, who has worked with a variety of big names. Watch Katherine Ellis perform this song in this black and white visual for her collaboration with DJ Paul Morrell titled "That Ain't The Way (To Show Me Love)".
Paul Morrell is a DJ who has been going for many years. He's known for promoting some of the up-and-coming stars. His collaborations include Mutya Buena on "Give Me Love", Chris Leonard on "Move", Sonique on "Only You" and "What You're Doin'", Kimberly Wyatt on "Givin' It Up", and so much more. He had a DJ set at Birmingham Pride 2014, Birmingham Pride 2015, and Birmingham Pride 2016, it's clear he loves performing at this event since he keeps coming back year after year. Establishing a career as a DJ is not an easy thing to do, but Paul Morrell is definitely not one to give up, and slowly it is paying off as he gains recognition all around the UK. As for Katherine Ellis, she's sung so many amazing songs, and even featured on the Gravity soundtrack. She has worked with the Freemasons, Soul Avengerz, Roger Sanchez, amongst many others. This song sure is catchy, but reminds me a lot of Tom Jones & The Stereophonics' version of "Mama Told Me Not To Come".
There isn't a lot to this performance-based music video, where photography was done by Max Ellis. It uses a black and white filter, which doesn't help the visual all that much.
Unfortunately, Katherine Ellis doesn't give off great performance vibes. She fails to interest the audience and keep us entertained throughout.
There's not much else going on, but the editing is intricate, as we see Katherine Ellis appear a number of times in a scene as if they're finishing off the lyrics for one another. It's clever; yet, not engaging.
This music video is not good at all. Katherine Ellis has no stage presence in the visual and as a viewer, it's not something we would optionally watch again. The song isn't so bad though and after a few listens it could get stuck in one's head; yet, the accompanying music video doesn't help the song at all.
She was one of the first few to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2017 and having heard her sing live on The X Factor tour, I just know she's going to blow us away on the Birmingham Pride stage. I wanted her to win The X Factor, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings to her. This is the first time I have come across her songs and I adore this one, it's so catchy and does have a 007 James Bond theme to it as many have commented. Her voice is absolutely incredible, and will definitely take her places, it has to! Watch Saara Aalto sing about a guy who cheats on her with another woman, a guy who had her heart and chose someone else in this music video for her song "You Had My Heart".
Saara Aalto first came to my attention during the thirteenth series of The X Factor, where she placed second overall. Her voice and power were amazing on the show, and she came back week after week, fighting for her right to be in the competition. She proved herself time and time again, winning over the British public. This single was her second release overall, back in 2013. The song is definitely catchy and it's a shame it didn't become an international hit. She's now under the Syco record label, and so she might release a hit song soon, we all hope so. She's quite the fighter and most definitely an inspiration to many. This song was written by Saara Aalto and Teemu Roivainen.
Directed by Marko Mäkilaakso, the music video is both a performance piece and a narrative. In both scenes, Saara Aalto impresses to no end, as expected.
The performance piece shows her stage presence, her killer vocals and her amazing performance vibes. She could literally sing any song in the world and do it justice with her vocals. She exudes confidence and stage presence. She is loving having a backing band and it works so well, assisting her incredibly with the song.
The narrative is highly emotional, as we see Saara Aalto in what looks like a wedding dress, singing to her groom, who is played by actor Sergei Ionin. We later see her love interest meeting a blonde-haired woman, who is played by actress Evi Oivanen. They kiss passionately.
This storyline fits perfectly with the song, as we see Saara Aalto find out about the kiss. He's in love with someone else, whilst she's clearly in love with him. He had her heart and he's just used her. As the final scenes begin, we see Saara Aalto prepared to get her revenge, but we never find out what she does, leaving it up to us to wonder.
Overall, this video is a killer. It's fully relatable to the song, it has an incredible performance piece and an engaging narrative. This deserves to be seen internationally, with the song becoming a global success. Unfortunately, a four-year-old song would never get that chance. Regardless, this will forever remain our little treasure, as we watch Saara Aalto become the star she deserves to be.
We all saw this coming, especially since last week I didn't have a music video to review for Chart Mondays, yet the day after this video got dropped, which was slightly frustrating, why couldn't they have released it last Monday? Regardless, I might've struggled this week, so guess it goes in roundabouts and circles. Ed Sheeran has climbed back to the top of the UK Singles Chart with "Shape Of You" as he's UK Tour kicks off, which opens the Top 10 to my Chart Mondays review. I'm so glad this stayed in the top 10 so I could review it today. It's such a catchy song and it'll be in my head for the rest of the day, no doubt. Watch Zedd & Alessia Cara prove that just one small thing can change everything in this music video for their new song "Stay".
Zedd, real name Anton Zaslavski, has had a phenomenal career to date and has really proven himself as one of the top DJs in the world. This collaboration is just another hit of his. The only thing is that people may get this song confused with another single of his called "Stay The Night" which featured Hayley Williams from Paramore, due to the fact that the titles are very similar. Regardless, the song is another killer and is definitely a song I love hearing in the clubs. The song is a global success, which isn't such a surprise since it has combined Zedd's fans with Alessia Cara's. Real name Alessia Caracciolo, she has been slowly establishing her career, with this song being her highest charting single to date on the UK chart. The song was written by Zedd, Linus Wiklund, Alessia Caracciolo, Anders Frøen, Sarah Aarons, and Jonnali Mikaela Parmenius.
Directed by Tim Mattia, the music video relates to the song easily. It features a lot of back and forth scenes which are similar to that of Instagram's boomerang videos. This effect has been used a number of times in music videos, including Inna's "Gimme Gimme".
We see Zedd and Alessia Cara go about their day; they almost share an elevator but Zedd just misses out. Alessia Cara sits at a café pouring lots of sugar into her hot drink; whilst Zedd plays pool.
We watch a lot of, what I'm calling, boomerang scenes that are all in time with the music, yet as the music video progresses we see Zedd managing to get to the elevator in time. This totally changes the day, which sees Zedd and Alessia Cara spend their days together; and what a lovely couple they make.
It just shows that one small little thing can change your entire day, yet another small thing happens... Zedd doesn't look where he is going and walks into the road, backwards; subsequently getting hit by a car. A distraught Alessia Cara can be seen crying. It just shows that time can be short
It's a great emotional music video, that easily relates to the song. Zedd and Alessia Cara both look stunning in the visual, fully embracing their characters and portrayal of the song. It works well and definitely something I could watch again and again.
WOW! This surprised me, well done Birmingham Pride at getting this act for the main stage tent, she's going to nail it on the day, as this song is pure fire and I'm glad that it is a part of my Birmingham Pride Special. Nadia Rose is proving that the UK really does have great female rappers and she's one of a few rising stars that people are talking about. This video was shot in one exact take. Watch Nadia Rose walk down the street with a group of dancers in tow proving that she's one of the leading UK female rappers in this music video for her song "Skwod".
Nadia Rose has pretty much just launched onto the music scene, having dropped her debut EP in January 2017. She is the cousin of Stormzy; yet, with her brilliant voice, she's totally going to become a star in her own right. So far, she has released three official singles from her debut EP. I reckon more new music isn't far away and an album will follow. I truly believe she'll release a hit single in the future; so I suggest you keep your eye on this female rapper.
Directed by Reece Procter, the music video is shot in one complete take and sees Nadia Rose walking down the middle of a street with backing dancers. She sings along to the song and dances with her dancers.
It's a very cool music video, with Nadia Rose coming off brilliantly. She has this relaxed vibe about her, that I hope I'll be able to see her unleash across the crowd whilst on the Birmingham Pride stage. Yet, there is one major problem I have with this music video.
She's not in time with her backing dancers. There are many reasons why the choreography looks unpolished; sometimes it's meant to be, sometimes the artist hasn't practised with her dancers - which would explain why it looks like she hasn't got a great relationship with them; or maybe, she is just rolling with her relaxed vibe which means she doesn't really care about being in time with her dancers. Either way, it still comes off well.
The announcement of her being at Birmingham Pride 2017, may have been a slight disappointment to those of us who didn't know who she was, but just watch this music video; she oozes stage presence, so I suggest you are in the main tent when she is on stage because we're all going to be in for a real treat.
This trio has been announced for Birmingham Pride 2017, and I struggled to choose a video for my Birmingham Pride Special but settled on this one since it is the one that is the most recent. It's definitely quirky. The group is an electro group who have had mild success since they formed in 2008. Their style makes them one of the most perfect acts to be a part of the line-up for Birmingham Pride; and, yet, at the same time, they are another group I didn't know and so making the line-up even more disappointing. I definitely won't be in the main tent watching them perform. Watch Hercules & Love Affair blur the lines between the explicit and the abstract, layering them within the music video for "Controller" which features Faris Badwan.
Hercules & Love Affair is an electro project created by American DJ Andy Butler, alongside the DJ, the trio consists of Rouge Mary and Gustaph. The group have charted in the US and the UK, with their debut album and respective singles; although it was only mild success. They created the group in 2008, and have been establishing their career and continuing on with this project. They definitely inspire as they continue to release the music they want. The song is from their long-awaited fourth studio album which will be out in July 2017, apparently. This song is in collaboration with Faris Badwan, who is best known as the lead vocalist of The Horrors.
The music video was directed by Rei Nadal. It contains a lot of layers and various different visuals. The scenes are definitely quirky and relates to the song well.
It isn't your typical music video, and it fails to keep the audience engaged throughout. On the other hand, it's different and interesting. You want to know what's going on, yet the scenes get more and more bizarre as the music video continues.
It's quite scary, to be honest. It's not something I would want to watch again, and I'm not so keen on the song either. Regardless, as a whole it's intricate. Yet, it's something I'm not interested in watching again, and I will not be in the main tent when this trio is on stage.
Another Birmingham Pride 2017 act for my Birmingham Pride Special. This was one of the first artists that they announced who I didn't know. It was probably the start of my disappointments with this year's line-up. I am still waiting for some more announcements from Birmingham Pride, surely they have more to this line-up. Anyhow, BETSY impressed with this song, which is her most-viewed YouTube video to-date; her voice is reminiscent of Cher's voice, and with the right song, I truly believe BETSY could be pushed into international success. Watch BETSY perform her song "Lost & Found" in this music video, whilst driving around, acting sexy, and smashing up objects with a golf club; as you do.
BETSY hails from Wales and has released a number of songs. She's fashionable and professional. She landed a job designing at Balenciaga in Paris before deciding her heart lies with music and not with fashion. She is definitely a rising star. She has a distinctive Welsh-sounding voice that is very reminiscent of 90s popular music - her vocals would be perfect for a cover version of one of Cher's songs; or maybe, instead, she could do one better and collaborate with Cher, now that is something we'd pay good money to see! This song is her most popular, at the moment; although, I reckon she'll have much bigger hits in the future.
Directed by Can Evgin, the music video is a pure performance visual with little-to-no narrative included. Although, reasons as to why she is smashing up objects is beyond our ability to understand.
Throughout BETSY looks stunning; well, she's trying to look stunning. Her fashion choices are incredible and definitely makes her look sexy, but there's just something not right, just something that doesn't quite work. I believe it might be her facial features, the brown eyebrows with the blonde hair has always been a no-no in fashion, even though it's definitely kind of trendy at the moment; however, BETSY pulls off the luck like she's the trendsetter and it most definitely works for her. I'm not sure what it is.
There's not a lot to this music video, and I feel sorry for the cat ornament that BETSY smashes to pieces, as that looked really cute! The golf club really does smash the objects to pieces, but it doesn't add much more to the music video. The song is okay, and so is the music video, but I expect BETSY to release something much better and much more popular in the future.
So much new music has been released today for New Music Fridays, I seriously thought I'd be spoilt for choice when it came to writing up my New Release music video review, except many of my favourite singers who dropped new music today didn't release a music video, unfortunately. I'm also not happy that I don't really have the money to buy all this new music today, so I'm hoping I can find a good iTunes discount soon so I can get them all, including this one because I am so happy Vanessa Hudgens is officially back, thanks to this feature on Shawn Hook's track. Get ready because Shawn Hook and Vanessa Hudgens will keep "Reminding Me" of how it feels to feel this lonely, with this very sexy music video.
Shawn Hook, real name Shawn Hlookoff, has been going for many years but hasn't found international success, just yet. He has been focusing on his career and has managed to score some Canadian chart numbers, his biggest being number 23 in 2015 with the song "Sound Of Your Heart", which also found it's way onto the US Bubbling Under The Hot 100 Singles Chart at number five (which basically means it charted in the US at number 105, in theory). He has been establishing his career, and this collaboration has definitely launched him internationally. Vanessa Hudgens is the featured singer, who is one of the hottest actresses around at the moment. She became famous for playing Gabrielle in High School Musical and went on to do some extraordinary things, including Grease Live. As for her music career, it's been up and down... I still think "Sneakernight" should've been a global hit. But after four years, she's back once again and her voice accompanies Shawn Hook's perfectly. This was definitely a great collaboration. The song was written by Shawn Hook, Ethan Thompson, and Jonas Jeberg.
Directed by Aye Tanimura, this music video is mainly a performance piece, with a full-on narrative going on at the same time, as both artists reminisce on their previous relationship with one another whilst being apart and lonely.
The video includes clips of the past, of them two together while being surrounded, mainly, by profile visuals that show them longing for each other. Their memories are what is reminding them of how lonely they are apart.
It's a very sexy music video, with both Shawn Hook and Vanessa Hudgens looking completely hot from the get-go. They easily get into character for this music video, and it's so nice to see how much passion they both have for this killer song. I just love the chorus and how it's flipped depending on who is singing. A killer song and a killer music video, it's just slightly disappointing that it's completely in black and white throughout - with no reason behind the filter.
This was my TUNE back in the day, can you believe it's 16 years old! Since it's Sophie Ellis-Bextor's biggest hit to date, we can definitely expect her to perform the song on stage at Birmingham Pride 2017 - hence why I'm reviewing it for my Birmingham Pride Special, and it sounds so good right now. Why has a DJ not revamped this yet? Seriously, we've had some great revamps in the last year or so, there has to be one for this coming out soon, although this in its original format sounds perfect, and I actually think it could be a hit all over again. Watch Sophie Ellis-Bextor stomp all over the competition in this music video for "Murder on the Dancefloor".
Sophie Ellis-Bextor was one of the defining female British singers back in the 00's, with this song being her biggest hit to date. It became a top ten hit in nearly every country around the world. It's not surprising that it became a hit as it is really catchy. It was the follow-up to her debut single "Take Me Home", which also hit number two on the UK singles chart alongside this massive track, that is still in my head since watching the music video. The song was written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Gregg Alexander.
The music video was directed by Sophie Muller, and shows Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the dance floor with her partner, battling it out to win a dance competition. This is the sort of thing I always wanted to be a part of, and yet these sort of competitions were no longer around as I grew older. I love how they include a group dance sequence, called "The Altogether", which is a nice added bonus.
The scene reminds me of the iconic dance competition in Grease the film. Although, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is on a mission to win and will do everything she possibly can to do so.
We see her spike drinks, unravel a woman's dress, plant various objects to make contestants fall over or have arguments with their partners. It really is murder on the dancefloor. She then decides to put the charm on the main judge, who is played by actor Colin Stinton, by acting sexily towards him. The judges crown her and her partner as the winners of the competition; she wins a cash prize and some golden glittery heels.
This music video is a killer. It's fun to watch, and it's great to see Sophie Ellis-Bextor play this intricate character. Comparing this song to what she has been releasing lately, it's quite saddening to see that she has taken a completely different route and really shows why she isn't charting in the UK anymore; however, I'm glad she is releasing songs she wants to release. This song is still stuck in my head, and it was totally my tune back in the day, I hope it comes around again and hits the charts hard for a second time because it's just as catchy as it was back then.
More of my Birmingham Pride Special, and here is a true classic. Boney M. previously appeared at Birmingham Pride back in 2015 and proved to be extremely popular; so, it's no wonder there is a massive buzz about them returning for Birmingham Pride 2017. However, they are definitely not a current artist and one who hasn't had a hit single since the 90's. Whenever anyone mentions their name, instantly their Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child / Oh My Lord" is thought of; however, this song also rose to the top of the UK Singles Chart. Both this song and their Christmas song are UK number ones and they were extremely popular back then. Watch Boney M. perform on a platform whilst clouds roll behind them during this music video for their number one song "Rivers of Babylon".
Boney M. were a four-piece German group who had incredible success in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. They consisted of Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams, and Bobby Farrell. Ther have been various line-ups since, and it is unknown what line-up will appear at Birmingham Pride 2017, what we do know is that Bobby Farrell sadly passed away back in 2010, so we're not sure how Boney M. will perform without him. What we do know is that Maizie Williams will definitely be in attendance, since they are quotes as Boney M. Featuring Maizie Williams. This song hit number one back in 1978, and as the song slowly fell in the UK Chart, radio decided to play the b-side "Brown Girl In The Ring", which became a hit in its own right, making this single shoot back up to number two on the UK Chart. The song was originally recorded by Jamaican reggae group The Melodians in 1970; Boney M. made the song popular in Europe. It was written by Brent Dowe, Trevor McNaughton, Frank Farian, and Reyam.
There isn't much to this music video, but what do we really expect from a 70's music video? It's a pure performance visual with all four group members giving it their usual Boney M. energy.
There is clearly a green-screen behind them, as they float through the sky. Clouds drift past them in the background, yet it doesn't faze them and they perform like they're on any normal stage.
This is why they proved popular at Birmingham Pride back in 2015, because they ooze energy whenever they perform, and no one can deny that they have amazing voices - their harmonies are on point throughout this song. However, as with many music videos released way back then, the visual fails to keep us entertained, and it all just looks the same. There are also problems with lip-syncing throughout, which just makes this even worse to watch.
My Birmingham Pride Special continues, with this three-piece girl group. M.O were one of the first acts announced for Birmingham Pride 2017, and I'm sure they're going to bring girl power to the stage. They've made a slight impact on the UK singles chart, with this song being their highest chart number to date, but if they keep going I truly believe they'll release a hit song we're all going to fall in love with. Watch M.O perform in a launderette before partying it up with amazing performance vibes in this music video for their hit song "Who Do You Think Of?"
M.O are an English female trio consisting of Annie Ashcroft, Frankee Connolly, and Nadine Samuels. The former was one-half of female duo Mini Viva, who split before a debut album was released; whilst, the latter two were part of a girl band called Duchess until 2012. With all this experience, it's no surprise that they've been pushing this group as much as they can - hence why all their singles have charted in the UK, even if they've not made a strong impact, just yet. This one is their highest peaking single so far, although their follow-up was a collaboration with Kent Jones, yet that didn't chart inside the Top 40. This song is catchy, so it's no surprise it did well and peaked at number 18. It was written by Annie Ashcroft, Francesca Connolly, Fred Gibson, Stephen Gibson, Ferdy Unger-Hamilton, Nicholas Listrani, Nadine Samuels, and Ryan Sudlow.
Directed by Charlotte Rutherford, this music video is mainly a performance piece although you could consider there is a relatable narrative to the song as the girls wonder who their lovers think of when they're feeling lonely. I guess we all wonder that... Well, those of us who have someone there for them, not us single people; although I totally wish I had someone so that I can wonder who they think of when they're lonely.
We watch the girls walk to the launderette in their camo clothes which keeps coming in and out of fashion recently. They go inside, and meet up with their girls, exuding performance vibes. All three girls bring it for this music video.
There's a slight dance sequence, which looks like freestyle. The girls are clearly relaxed around each other; comfortable. They ooze a girl power energy that we're used to seeing from big girl groups like Little Mix and Fifth Harmony; M.O has that too.
They later go through the washing machines and into a private party where they all dance the night away and give us some more amazing performance vibes. It's so great to watch, and if I get the chance to see them perform at Birmingham Pride 2017, then I'll definitely be there at the main stage.
Hard choice today when I had to choose one of RAYE's songs for my Birmingham Pride Special; I almost, almost, went with the Jax Jones collaboration titled "You Don't Know Me", but I decided on this song and music video instead, purely because this is her own song, and the sort of music she wants to sing, whereas a feature isn't necessarily her song and can be used just to get her name out there. I can definitely see her bringing this song passion and emotion on the Birmingham Pride 2017 stage. This song has some serious R&B vibes going on and it's definitely one that easily gets stuck in my head. Watch RAYE perform on an ice rink with her guys around her, bringing it throughout in this music video for "I, U, Us".
RAYE, real name Rachel Keen, is a British singer who has been able to get her name out there thanks to two awesome collaborations, one with Jonas Blue on the song "By Your Side" and the other with Jax Jones on "You Don't Know Me". She has yet to manage to chart with her solo songs, even though she has released four so far, and two EPs. This song is her latest, and I expect that she has many more releases planned, and one has got to be a hit - surely. This song was written by Fred Gibson, Rachel Keen, Charlotte Aitchison, and Jonnali Parmenius.
Directed by Charli XCX - yeah, I'm just as surprised by you are, seeing this name as director - the music video is set at an ice rink. It's a pure performance visual, with RAYE totally standing out, what with being the only female amongst the group.
There are some great profile visuals where she certainly brings some passion to the table with this song, Yet I feel like she has more to give, like there's just something missing.
It's nice to see her relax and spend time ice skating. And towards the end, a guy falls over, which is kind of funny. Clearly, they had a great time on set, it's just a shame Charli XCX stayed behind the camera the whole time. These two must be close friends for Charli XCX to direct the music video. There's not much substance to this, and I would've liked to have seen something more.
It's been a while since this has happened, and although technically one of these top 10 has dropped a music video, they dropped it on Tuesday 18th April, and I'm writing this catch-up blog for 17th April since it's a Chart Monday, so as much as I want to review that new music video, I can't.
So instead, there is no Chart Monday today. Surprisingly it's not Ed Sheeran at the top, although he is still dominating with three entries inside the Top 10 UK Singles Chart. I really do need to sort this out and twist up my Chart Mondays since they aren't really working all that well.
Again, there isn't much of a change in the top 10, and this could be down to Spotify and other streaming sites. I admit that I did like the idea of including streams, but now I'm hating on them because of my Chart Mondays not working out the way I want them to. Here are the songs in the top 10...
I have to admit, I wasn't so keen on this song when I first heard it, now I think it's a banger of a song! This is the only artist who will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2017 who I am a fan of and I intend to see. Out of all the acts that have been announced, it's disappointing to know that I am only a fan of this artist and none of the other announcements, and I so hope they reveal more acts as it's not looking like a great Birmingham Pride at the moment. This is Louisa Johnson's latest single, and it's definitely a grower, although the music video should've been better. Watch Louisa Johnson perform in a plane graveyard, where she throws a party where she's supposed to be on her "Best Behaviour".
Louisa Johnson was the winner of the twelfth series of The X Factor and she has yet to release a debut album. As the winner of the show, you would expect Louisa Johnson to be releasing hit after hit after hit, and that hasn't really happened for her - although I fully love her songs, they're not raging chart successes, and they really need to strategize their next move with her, otherwise she could just disappear like many other winners before her. I've seen her live once at Kiss Haunted House Party, so I know she's going to perform amazingly at Birmingham Pride 2017. This song has not charted well at all, managing to peak at number 48 on the UK Singles Chart, but it could easily climb in the next few weeks. It was written by Ben Kohn, Danny Parker, Pete Kelleher, Tom Barnes, and Shungudzo Kuyimba.
Directed by Sarah Chatfield, the music video is a pure performance visual that sees Louisa Johnson pick up her friends in a bus before taking them all to a plane graveyard where they have a massive party.
It's quite an interesting place to set the music video and they really have made Louisa Johnson look amazing. The profile shots are perfect, seeing her perform her song on the wings of a plane; although there is a blue-filter which distracts the visual.
The choreography isn't anything special but Louisa Johnson is clearly loving every bit of this music video and is just having fun. It may not be completely polished. It may not be perfect. But it's something different. The song is definitely a grower, and deserves to climb up the chart!
Another pop star from the early 00's, Jamelia rocked our whole worlds way back then with this complete tune that still gets stuck in our heads to this day. She is a part of my Birmingham Pride Special, as she has been confirmed to be performing on the Birmingham Pride 2017 stage, which is only a few weeks away, now. She hasn't released any new music in over 10 years, now succumbing to being a TV personality, having been one of the presenters on Loose Women. Watch Jamelia strut her way with utter confidence in this fierce music video for one of her biggest singles "Superstar".
Jamelia, full name Jamelia Davis, had a successful recording career during the 00's and was definitely one of the defining British female singers, but like many, she never stood the test of time, and even though she keeps promising a brilliant comeback album, no new music has materialised, and as the years turned into a decade; we can safely say we don't think Jamelia will be returning to music ever; with only one-off appearances here and there. She could make an awesome comeback if she tried, but I don't think that's on the table. This song was an international success, and it's still extremely catchy today. It is a cover version of Christine Milton's song of the same name "Superstar". It was written by Remee, Mich Hansen, and Joe Belmaati.
Directed by Dominic Leung, this music video is a pure performance piece that sees Jamelia sing her song while two backing dancers accompany her every step.
There's choreography throughout, which was definitely popular back in the 00's and I specifically remember copying the Superstar dance moves during the chorus, didn't we all?
She's completely fierce in this music video and nails the entire dance sequence. Yet there's definitely something missing, and there's more focus on sexualizing the video than actually showing Jamelia off as a performer and an artist.
Here is another act who will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2017. I have to admit I used to be a fan of Sophie Ellis-Bextor when she was releasing those amazingly catchy chart-worthy disco hits, but now she's gone down a more relaxed music route and it's just not for me. She has clearly lost a lot of her fanbase going down this different route, hence why she no longer charts on the UK Singles Chart, however she does well on the albums chart every now and again. On the other hand, it's nice to see her release the music that she wants. Watch Sophie Ellis-Bextor go about life in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in this music video for upcoming single "Death Of Love".
Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a big name from back in the day. She had many amazing hits, including "Take Me Home", "Murder On The Dancefloor" and "Get Over You"/"Move This Mountain", back in the early 00's, but it went downhill from there, with her follow-up singles underperforming, before not charting at all. She's actually quite lucky that there is a buzz around her, and that she still manages to chart on the UK Albums Chart. Her latest album Familia, which this song is the fourth single from, charted at number 12. She recently made an appearance as one of the judges on the UK's national selection show for Eurovision 2017, titled Eurovision: You Decide - she received great comments from Twitter as she wasn't over the top or fighting for attention like the other two judges. This song was written by Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Ed Harcourt.
This music video is intricate, it was filmed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and shows Sophie Ellis-Bextor off as if this is a place where she lives. She goes about her day, singing her song and doing what she wants.
It's really serene to watch, but there's just no substance to keep the viewers gripped. I feel that she isn't enjoying performing this song as if it's just a song she chose on a whim. She's completely relaxed throughout but it's all too relaxed as if she has no passion for this song.
The town is clearly beautiful, and this visual really shows off Puerto Vallarta perfectly, I just wish there was more of a performance from Sophie Ellis-Bextor. The whole thing just feels unrelatable, and I'm not that interested in seeing her at Birmingham Pride 2017.
I had very little choice this week regarding my New Release music video review, so after a bit of searching, I came across this one, and I actually really like the song, and the video is certainly quirky and different. The song is rhythmically interesting and definitely one I wouldn't mind listening to again and again. Watch a double-jointed dancer contort and twist in this Chroma Bay music video for their interesting song "Gravitational".
Chroma Bay are an electronic duo from the East Midlands in the UK. They have been making waves with their music and certainly have been getting some great reaction from critics all over. They have previously released three other songs, which were "Impossible", "Overnight", and "A Matter Of Time". This new addition to their singles definitely proves that this duo has what it takes to hit the music industry hard; their focus, motivation and drive will get them exactly where they need to be. One of their songs was recently played on Made In Chelsea.
There isn't a lot to this music video. The introduction suggests a performance-based music video, but Chroma Bay do not appear in this visual; instead, we watch a dancer who is double-jointed.
Contorting throughout this music video, we watch him show how these moves can look serene and engaging. We never quite know what he is going to do next, and it's quite magnificent to watch.
Their idea behind this visual was to keep it true to the dancer, who is called Jamal. They wanted it to be almost a documentary piece, showcasing the dancer. They met him while he was busking on the street, and wanted to include that within the music video.
Usually, when we're faced with these sort of things, our first instinct is to be repelled and grossed out by it; this is not the case with this music video. We are enlightened, we see it differently, and when it's included as part of a dance sequence, it is intricate to watch.
Nailing the choreography throughout, this music video is engaging. However, there isn't much to go on with this visual. There's nothing to make the viewers click the repeat button.
It's a Thursday so it's revisit time, during my Birmingham Pride Special. I chose Gabrielle because I don't think she'll be on my blog again unless she makes another appearance at Pride in the future or she does make a killer comeback; especially since, she is working with MNEK, who definitely helped to launch Zara Larsson internationally. So I guess she has a chance. This song is her other number one hit, after "Dreams" but I'm not so keen on the music video. Watch Gabrielle perform "Rise" as a spectator at a boxing match during the whole of this music video.
Gabrielle, real name Louise Gabrielle Bobb, is mainly known for her debut song "Dreams", however, she has had various other hits, and was one of the leading British female artists in the 90s and early 00s. She is currently working on a new album, and so could possibly make a brilliant comeback to the music industry. Many 90s stars have done it in the past, so she could definitely do it too. This song notably samples Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", it's rare for someone to sample that song, but Bob Dylan liked the song so much, he apparently authorised it. The song was written by Gabrielle, Ollie Dagois, Fergy Unger-Hamilton, and Bob Dylan.
Directed by Kevin Godley, the music video doesn't have a lot going on. Gabrielle is a spectator at a boxing match, but she looks like she doesn't want to be there. The spotlight is on her but all she's doing is sitting there singing her song. There's no fire, no passion, it comes off all a little bland.
With no performance from her, the sole focus of the video is on the boxing match, and our central character is clearly losing and not doing well. The song is uplifting and about rising to challenges, and by the end, we can assume that he rose up and fought and won a round; this presumption comes from the fact that the crowd, around Gabrielle, all stand up cheering. However, she just sits there and finishes singing her song.
The music video as a whole is not very engaging, and as a viewer watching a spectator of a boxing match, it's clear we weren't going to get much from her. However, she could've still performed her song, showed that she meant what she was singing, but any sign of facial emotions are lost because she's wearing her sunglasses. It just doesn't work for me, however, our main character, the boxer, relates to the song perfectly, hence the rating isn't as low as it could've been.
Continuing on my Birmingham Pride Special is Jonas Blue, although RAYE has also been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2017. So I am kind of expecting to see them on stage together at some point, that's if I'm at the main tent when either of them are on. Jonas Blue would be an incredible DJ to see live, and I hope I get the chance to see him at Birmingham Pride 2017. This song hasn't faired so well on the charts compared to his previous singles, I just don't think it's as catchy as say "Perfect Strangers" or "Fast Car". Another music video that doesn't exactly relate to the song, which sees a woman dancing like no one's watching to this awesome club track by Jonas Blue featuring RAYE titled "By Your Side".
Jonas Blue, real name Guy Robin, has really made quite the name for himself with his awesome hits. He's definitely a DJ worth keeping an eye on, and I'm interested in what his Birmingham Pride 2017 set is going to be like, especially since he has released "Fast Car" in the past which was a reinvention of a classic song. I also love "Perfect Strangers", but this song just doesn't do it for me, and I hope he releases another awesome song soon. Featured on this track is RAYE, real name Rachel Keen; she's definitely a rising British star, with some amazing songwriting credits behind her. She followed this song up with another feature on Jax Jones' track "You Don't Know Me" which has charted much higher than this one. It's clear that RAYE is ready to make her mark in the music industry, so be prepared. This song was written by Guy James Robin, Grace Barker, Jason Pebworth, George Astasio, and Jon Shave.
Directed by Arni and Kinski, the music video doesn't relate to the song all that much, if at all. It just looks like we're watching the wrong visual.
I feel like they attempted a narrative at the start, but it didn't go according to plan. We watch a woman get up from beside, what looks like, a campfire. It looks like she's waited all night for a guy who hasn't turned up - there's the start of a potential narrative.
But then the rest of the music video loses any sign of the narrative as we watch her run on the road and dance freely while the editors impress with the background imagery. There's also a water scene that looks serene and freeing but doesn't relate to the song.
I just feel like this music video as a whole is out of place, with no thought gone into it regarding the song itself. Sometimes a good music video will ensure a song is a hit and vice versa. Maybe if the video was better this song would have charted much better globally.
Well Sigala has been announced as the main headliner DJ on the main stage of Birmingham Pride 2017, hence why he is a part of my Birmingham Pride Special, although I'm more interested in knowing whether Imani Williams will be joining him for "Say You Do" since she's an amazing singer. This is Sigala's latest single in collaboration with KATO and features Hailee Steinfeld; he will more than likely play this as part of his set at Birmingham Pride 2017. The music video doesn't really relate to the song as we watch three girls steal a car and then rob a petrol station in KATO & Sigala's "Show You Love" feat. Hailee Steinfeld.
KATO, real name Thomas Kato Vittrup, is a popular Danish DJ who has had a number of hits in Denmark as well as a few other countries namely Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Now with the help of Sigala and Hailee Steinfeld, he has given the UK and US a shot, but with the video not including Hailee Steinfeld, it's going to be difficult to promote this, unless radio really does pick it up. Sigala has been a formidable British DJ of recent years. His real name is Bruce Fielder and he has had a number of hits; he has helped to launch successful or soon-to-be-stars Imani Williams and Bryn Christopher, thanks to songs "Say You Do" and "Sweet Lovin'" respectively. We're waiting on a debut album, but we're sure that's not too far away now. I last saw him live at Kiss Haunted House Party 2016, so I know he'll do amazingly at Birmingham Pride 2017 as long as he has the respective singers to sing the songs, although a normal DJ set would work just as great. Featured on this track is Hailee Steinfeld, who has had quite the rocky road when it comes to the charts, and yet she's focused and driven. Her acting career is on point though - it's going to be difficult juggling the two, but others have done it in the past and I believe Hailee Steinfeld can do it too. This song has charted in the UK at 91, whether it will peak higher is all down to whether it becomes popular or not. The song was written by Thomas Kato Vittrup, Bruce Fielder, and Grace Tither.
Directed by Alex Nicholson, the music video completely has nothing to do with this song. I thought, perhaps, that there would be a love narrative involved, but they only subtly include it without even showing it.
The narrative shows three women relaxing at a posh house with a swimming pool. A guy, who clearly owns the house, exits his car and goes inside. The girls make a run for it, going separate ways, and they circle around to the front of the house and jump into the car, all at the same time. They drive off, leaving the guy outside.
On their road trip they end up running out of fuel, or should I say gas...? Is this American or British or Danish? Who knows? Anyway, they decide to rob a petrol station, to gain fuel/gas for the car.
And that is basically the whole story. There's just more driving, plenty of scenic shots and a suggestion that they rob another place until the music video ends. It's totally unrelatable to the song, very uninteresting, and not something I enjoyed watching twice, and I certainly am not going to watch it a third time. Well, unless it's on the music channels - since I do like the song!
Carrying on my Birmingham Pride Special is another headliner. She's the iconic 90s singer, Gabrielle. Whenever anyone mentions her name, this song instantly comes to mind, and it's definitely her biggest single to date - it was also her debut single, way back in 1993, the year I was born. She also gained a second number one in 2000 with "Rise", but unless I play that song, I have no idea what that song is. She has been announced for Birmingham Pride 2017, and she is a big star, but I feel that she's not as big as other acts, she's certainly not as big as say, the Pet Shop Boys, who is performing at Brighton Pride. Anyhow, this is what we've got this year, and I don't see myself being in the main tent when she comes on. Watch Gabrielle's performance music video for "Dreams" where she completely owns it in some scenes, while attempting to be sexy in others.
Gabrielle, real name Louise Gabrielle Bobb, is definitely a defining 90s British female singer. She has released a number of successful songs and albums during her career, and she has been working with very current producers and songwriters for her new album, these people include MNEK, Bless Beats, Shakka, and Biffco. Could we see this 90s sensation return with a bang? If Mary J Blige can do it, so can Gabrielle, that's for sure. People say soul is lost in music this era, but it's just masked around incredibly catchy songs. "Dreams" was a killer hit back in the day, and I am waiting for someone to reinvent it and make it new and successful all over again. This song was written by Gabrielle and Tim Laws.
The music video was directed by Kate Garner, and it is a pure performance piece. It looks like there may have, originally, been a narrative, especially since there is a scene where Gabrielle is seen walking on the street - yet nothing comes to light from that.
Her main performance scene is incredible. As the light flickers from a soft glow to an illuminating colour, Gabrielle completely delivers with this song. It's clear she means every word behind this and she is ready to perform it.
Yet, the bed chamber scene distracts the viewers away from the passionate performance piece. Gabrielle tries to be sexy, yet it falls completely flat; some could consider it a comedic scene, but it's not even funny. It just doesn't work at all, and it misses the relatability of the song.
Overall, this music video feels like it's missing a lot. A narrative-based music video would've worked much better, even though Gabrielle oozes incredible performance vibes in some of the scenes, she lacks completely in others.
