New Release: Rita Ora - Shine Ya Light

Rita Ora has been mentioned quite a few times on this blog, and here is another fantastic song. She has so far had 3 consecutive number ones in the UK, plus a number one album. Will this song make it a fourth? Well it seems doubtful, with extreme competition with many other well-known artists. But guess we'll find out on Sunday, and sure enough she is promoting a lot, she performed the song yesterday on The X Factor, and apparently there are various other performances lined up.

"Shine Ya Light" was written by Chris Loco, Fraser T Smith and Laura Pergolizzi (L.P.). Personally I don't think this song is as great as her previous singles "R.I.P." and "How We Do (Party)", however more radio and music channel play will definitely get this song running over and over in my head as it's such a catchy little song. Is it number one worthy? Probably not, but Rita Ora is always number one worthy, so with the help of the radio, I can see this song getting there, but it's going to be quite the battle.

This music video takes Rita Ora back to her roots of Kosovo. It reminds me a lot of Nicki Minaj's "Pound The Alarm" because she did the exact same thing, and even though the videos are different, the idea behind it isn't too different.

I like the natural narrative, it just shows Rita being in Kosovo, and also shows the UK what it is like over there. However I feel that it doesn't link in with the song, which is usually a must with this sort of song.

I do like the performance bit, it shows how confident she is and ready for what comes her way, especially when she is on the "Newborn" sign.

There are various scenes that are interesting too, the motorbikes stand out the most to me reminding me of Shakira featuring Dizzee Rascal's "Loca". However I also think there is a small scene that reminds me of another video, and that is when she has her hair wet and combed back. It reminds me a lot of Pixie Lott's "All About Tonight".

Overall a great song that becomes pretty catchy after a few listens. As for the music video, it's very different to when we first saw her feature in DJ Fresh's "Hot Right Now", but it also shows how versatile she is, and how much she believes in her roots, which always gets a thumbs up from me. The only thing missing is the link with the song, and this song is so story-like, that you don't expect this sort of video. However it does link as she is shining her light and showing that no matter who you are, you can get somewhere. But I don't see that link strongly enough.

Infernal - I Won't Be Crying

Infernal is my Sunday revisit, purely because I don't think I'll ever get another chance to review this music video, and I specifically remember liking this music video lots, but I have no clue why.

As I have previously covered in my blog post for "From Paris To Berlin", Infernal are a duo consisting of Lina Rafn and Paw Langermann. They have only had three of their singles hit the UK chart, this one being the third and last and lowest position. "I Won't Be Crying", was more or less the decider as to whether they will stay in the UK limelight or not. But since it charted at 123, Infernal disappeared from the UK, or so we thought. They are still releasing but with no promotion, only their devoted fans to spread the word, Infernal just may never reach the UK chart, let along succeed to the height of their popularity back in 2006.

This music video is one of those videos that you see a lot of. It reminds me of From Above's "Not The Same Girl" and Rudenko's "Everybody". There's bound to be a lot more that have this similar style. And the only way to switch it up is to make it your own, and I feel that Infernal has done that with a little humorous spin to things.

I like the storyline, it's really good and links with the song perfectly. I especially like how the guy thinks he is perfection, rather than it being the girl, which shows a complete role reversal. I like how they've drawn inspirations too, such as the mirrors.

I like how they have added the performance sided to things, clearly showing what the UK missed out on. This song didn't chart high enough and Infernal disappeared from the UK chart altogether. However it was definitely worthy of getting much higher in the chart, as the vocals on this track is amazing, and I'm struck in awe every time I hear this track. I hope Infernal comes into the UK limelight once again, however it's not looking promising.

Steve Appleton - City Won't Sleep

Steve Appleton is a singer/songwriter. He has released 3 singles and an album. Only one of the singles managed to chart, and it was a low charting position of 67, which was for "Dirty Funk". The following singles failed to chart. I have to admit, I have no idea why, maybe people didn't like the songs? But he did do a lot of promoting, so is it really worth it? So where is he now? Well he is releasing in Japan. His first single got to number two, he is a pretty big hit over there. This song has to be my favourite, I think it's really catchy. It was his second single to be released and didn't even chart.

This music video is your general boy band-esque  video, except it's a young adult, with no other guys with him, which makes you question who was behind this guy, record label and producer wise.

There's a narrative behind it, he sees this girl he likes and goes out and watches a magic trick, she then picks him up in a car and they have fun, but then he is dropped off and it's morning, and it's just a kiss to say goodbye, clearly a "one night stand" did happen as she requested on the card.

It is just too quick, too fast and not enough is given, however I do like the guitar solos in the video and shows his musical ability.

Overall, another song that should've charted but didn't and a music video that is more suited to a boy band rather than a male singer. It's too quick and easy, but great to watch at times. I'm in two minds about this video, don't know whether to like it or not, so I'll play it safe and strike through the middle.

Inna - Love

Inna's real name is Elena Apostoleanu. You all knew this one was coming, because she is finally releasing her most recent album "I Am The Club Rocker" next week in the UK. Will it actually chart well, I hope so. However the only promotion for it is hearsay over twitter, and that is it. And not many people know about its release. So I doubt it will chart high, although I hoping I'm proven wrong.

"Love" was written by Sebastian Barac, Radu Bolfea and Marcel Botezan. It is Inna's second single not to reach the UK top 200 after "10 Minutes". Now her count is four, 3beat Productions really need to do something quick with both Inna and Alexandra Stan as these brilliant artists just aren't making the charts, and that is because there is no promotion at all, so people are unaware that they have released new singles.

This music video is different to what you expect from the song, however I think it works and fits well, however it is quite on the unclear side, so much so that you don't quite know what is going on unless you've watched it a few times.

It seems quite on the low budget side, which is understandable since Inna can't possibly have great video after great video.

It has 4 main characters, a ballerina, a boxer, a martial arts person, and a staff person. They represent the good, whereas the characters dressed in black represent evil. Inna's in the middle, she's wearing white with a black belt. And although good is meant to be good, they are fighting the evil, fighting comes under evil right? And I think that is why Inna becomes confused, clearly not everything is black and white.

Overall a great song that should've at least charted. The music video shows Inna dancing, but I wouldn't call that dancing, maybe a few turns and hair whips. There's not a lot going on in the video and doesn't exactly link. However I do like the concept and the idea behind it.

Infernal - From Paris To Berlin

Infernal is a duo band consisting of Lina Rafn and Paw Lagermann. They have been releasing since 1997, but have only had 3 singles enter the UK chart. Believe it or not, they aren't giving up in the UK, or worldwide for that matter. One quick look on iTunes shows that they are still releasing their music in the UK and everywhere else. So how come it's not charting? Well a number of things: a) music channels aren't playing their music videos which leads on to, b) the band isn't promoting it so there's also no promotion from the music videos, c) even hearsay isn't getting around. Their music is apparently good but the band needs to promote it with appearances on TV shows, or a better record label.

"From Paris To Berlin" was written by Adam Powers, Paw Langermann and Lina Rafn. It caught on really quickly and managed to get to number two, just missing out on the top spot. It got covered for the World Cup 2006 with the title changed to "From London To Berlin" however it was pulled from radio after England got knocked out.

The music video reminds me a lot of Avicii Featuring Sebastien Drums song "My Feelings For You". It has that old game style to it, however if it were re-made the music video would look a lot better, but not too different.

I like the story line and fits perfectly with the song. I like how they added the game style to it, however the ending is pretty sad, as she has been searching for this guy she clearly likes and he's not even real.

Overall a great song, another one of those that should've been number one and just missed out. As for the music video, you can tell it didn't take much to create, and it's a little on the patchy side. Therefore I am knocking one star off.