I was on holiday last week. Spent my time up in Stoke-on-Trent at Staffordshire University for Freshers Week. I had a brilliant time, was great catching up with all my friends, clubbing almost every night, meeting new friends and just having the perfect drunken holiday.
I do wish I was still a student. However I can't keep looking back. I have to live in the now and look towards the future.
Friday 18th September, I met Carly Rae Jepsen. She was so adorable, I just wanted to stay talking to her forever. She performed at HMV on Oxford Street, an intimate acoustic gig, where there were about 150 people in the audience. She sung "Run Away With Me", "Your Type" and "I Really Like You" before signing CDs in a meet and greet as well as posing for photos.
I also met Verne Troyer at LRV, Staffordshire University's Club on campus, on the 13th September.
My last night out was spent at Gossip, one of my favourite gay clubs in the country, if you are ever in Stoke-on-Trent, you have to give it a go at least. And you just have to try their alcoholic ice slushies, perfect for drinking on the dance floor so you don't get too hot!
I always end up reviewing Inna when I haven't come up with a video to review. Officially the biggest eastern European act, Inna has had hits all over the world. The video keeps her class, in a high-end fashion show, and she manages to not only stay sexy, put pull all the outfits off. There's also choreography, which I've been hoping for in an Inna music video.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has had four chart hits in the UK, her first single "Hot" is what made me become a fan of her, and I will always be one of her club rockers. This single, written by Eric Turner, Carl Bjorsell, Thomas Troelsen, Marcel Botezan, Sebastian Barac and Julimar J-Son Santos, is energetic and is definitely one of my get-ready songs as I get ready for a party or a predrinks. It's one I sneakily add to a playlist, and as with any Inna song, people enjoy it. The song features Eric Turner, who collaborated with Avicii, in the past, with "Dancing In My Head" (amazing video if you haven't seen it), he is rarely known in music and is the lead singer in the band Street Fighting Men. He seems relaxed when it comes to music as if he is content with who he is and where he is.
The video is definitely fashion involved. Directed by Dimitri Caceaune, John Perez and David Gal, it contains fashion objects such as old televisions and lipstick props as well as microscopic lenses, which makes this stand out entirely.
I love the use of the mirror, I love how they include Inna being sexy as always, with a confidence air about her. She credited desire, Marni, Givenchy, HBA HOOD by Air, Balmain, KTZ, Ashish, Pierre Hardy and Pas du Tout for designing the outfits she wore.
Eric Turner also makes an appearance through the TV screens, which does remind me of Pitbull's appearance in her "Good Time" video as well as Flo Rida's appearance in The Saturday's "Higher".
Authentic and fashionable to an end where you would not be seen on the streets wearing half the stuff shown, it works well and surprisingly relates to the song. The choreography isn't in depth enough, yet works well with the fashion side of the video, and surely you want to learn it too and get involved.
As soon as I heard this track was released this week, I HAD to review this music video. I came across it on YouTube after searching for Birdy's "Wings" song, and I saw the colourful thumbnail and knew this was going to be on my blog at one point. Colourful and on point the video shows the passion that isn't displayed in a narrative.
RHODES, real name David Rhodes, has appeared out of no where, amongst others who seem popular from London Grammar to Rufus Wainwright, from Laura Marling to Daughter, this style of music is really making an impact on the charts, and this collaboration is definitely going to further his career. Birdy, real name Jasmine van der Bogaerde has had a string of hits in the UK, mostly known for "Skinny Love" and most recently "Wings", she has yet to get a top five hit, although with a voice like hers, and the right collaboration or song, she will, most definitely, hit the top spot. At the moment she has yet to make the impact that we're all expecting from her.
Directed by Sing J. Lee, the video engages with the colourful forest and the use of the northern/southern lights used in the sky. I like the camera work on it, if only there were a forest like that, which were sunny, clearly it's cold with what they are wearing.
Birdy fails to perform, she looks like she's just singing and uncomfortably makes you wonder if you want to see her live, he vocal range is phenomenal, but I want more from her, especially in a music video.
Surprisingly RHODES stands out compared, and definitely becomes the star of the video. His voice travels across well, but it's his performance piece that makes you realise he means what he is singing.
Overall, great use of colour, I want to visit this forest, if only it was real. RHODES outshines Birdy, and yet there's just something completely lacking in the video on the whole.
Honestly, how have I not reviewed this music video before now? Pixie Lott's debut single and video is the Pixie we all loved. The video is sneaky, cheeky, sexy and on point, how can it not be with this amazing choreography, which was all the range back in 2009, who doesn't remember doing that clap dance on your legs whilst in school?
Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, has got three UK number ones under her belt, this one, "Boys and Girls" and "All About Tonight". It's been a while since she's been anywhere near the top spot, she needs something new, fresh and exciting. Something people will like and something that revisits her first two singles. Written by Mads Hauge and Phil Thornalley, this is the song that made me a fan of Pixie Lott. The song is still catchy today, and she sings about sneaking out of the house and meeting up with a guy and what her parents would do if they ever found out.
The video contains everything, it's chaotic and hectic yet absolutely perfect, Trudy Bellinger did a good job directing this.
First is the bed scene, works well as it's a way of sneaking out, almost as if Pixie Lott escapes to some dream world, the feathers, the mattresses, the bedding, so fantastical. I liked the little inclusion of the metaphorical black butterflies from the lyrics appearing in the video
Next the bed leads to a locker room, always known as a prep room, it always precedes something important, such as a workout in a gym, a swim in a pool, any sport activity from football to tennis. The girls prep for what is about to come. The styling is great, the red outfit for Pixie Lott suggests she's being naughty, compared to the good girl innocence in her bed.
They enter the dance arena where the guys pull up on Ducati motorcycles. Pixie Lott squares up to the leader of the guys (anyone know who he is, please tell below), and start the dance battle. It reminds me of the start of a basketball game. The dance off is sexual and concise, clearly a lot of practise went into this choreography, and it paid off, come on Pixie Lott, show off your dance ability in a new music video.
The dance off is won by the girls with a backhand to the lead male from Pixie Lott who then rides a motorcycle back to her bed, before her parents find out. The sneaking around reminds me a lot of Christina Milian's "Am to Pm". This is what Pixie Lott is missing, and she needs to make a new impact when she next returns to music.
Just when I think I'll get a relatable narrative, I'm disheartened. Like what is this? Surely it's an advertisement for Herbal Essences shampoo, yet I'm dumbstruck that this is a music video, like seriously?
Calvin Harris, real name Adam Wiles, is one guy that will always be in the UK charts, he has made a name for himself and with a few number ones behind him, he isn't going anywhere. This is his most recent single and collaboration. Disciples are a trio consisting of Nathan Duvall, Gavin Koolmon and Luke McDermott. They have had a previous hit the uk chart called "They Don't Know", but this is the song that has pushed them into international fame. Where they will go next is what we're all wondering. How Deep Is Your Love was written by Calvin Harris, Gavin Koolmon, Duville Lane, Luke Mac, Johannes J. and Ina Wroldsen. The latter is the vocalist on the track, a much improvement from her song "Aliens", not going to lie. Yet uncredited, unfortunately, however she has made a name for herself in the songwriting world, could she be a best selling artist? If she goes for it, with songs like this, she definitely can. Catchy and personal, this song is deeply emotional, yet it is perfect for parties and clubbing.
I am so disappointed in this video, the song is amazing, yet it only reached number 2 on the UK chart, would a better music video have pushed it that little bit more? I agree with the YouTube comments about it being a hair commercial rather than a music video.
Directed by Emil Nava, the video stars model Gigi Hadid. Gigi wakes up on an operation table, she reminds me of the robots from the TV series Humans. Yet instead of continuing this possible idea, the video pushes aside any narration.
Gigi Hadid ends up flicking, tossing and touching her hair, whilst her surroundings change. Not only is this not a representation of life, if only we could all be whisked away on a yacht in the middle of the sea just by touching our hair, but it fails to connect at all with the song. This is not what I was expecting when I came to watch this, and although this will interest some people, they could've done a lot more, and it's not something people would go out of their way to watch repeatedly.
This is definitely one of my favourite Pixie Lott songs along side "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" and "Boys and Girls", yet this is her worst chart performance on the UK singles chart, apart from "Caravan of Love", but I think we should all forget about that cover version. A sultry, sexy music video that relates well with the song, but could the video have been better?
Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, needs to pull something out the bag soon. It's been a year since her self-titled third album, and her greatest hits "Platinum Pixie" didn't do well either. I will always be a fan of hers, I just feel the songs that actually mean things to her aren't chart hits. But this one should've been. Written by Ashton Parsons, Matt Parad and Adam Pallin, the song is catchy and exciting, emotional and enticing. Definitely sultry and sexy, hence the video.
Directed by Ben Falk, the video shows Pixie Lott looking hot, slim and sexy. Not a lot is happening, and it isn't much of a performance piece either, what with her just singing and looking attractive and seductive.
The video looks a bit dated, which seemed to be the intent, and most of the budget was probably spent on that yacht in the middle of the ocean.
I think a lead male would've made this video a little more narrative and therefore interesting, but there is a lack of everything. It's like someone with a lot of money has made their own music video, and it doesn't work.
Thanks for this Justin Bieber, I am definitely expecting nightmares tonight. And if a guy ever did that to me, he would be dumped on the spot, not going to lie. So Justin Bieber is back, and his beliebers have finally got him to the top of the charts, That is right, Justin Bieber has his first UK number one!
Just like Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber knows exactly what he is doing, gain press, become a big known star in the media for doing stupid things and then BANG! Here's your number one single. This worked for them both. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mason Levy. It's infinitely catchy, and is currently stuck in my head, no wonder it got to number one, but I much prefer "Boyfriend" if I'm honest.
Directed by Brad Furman, the video is something that will be remembered. I was a little worried what Justin Bieber was going to do, especially since you can't really blame the girl when she doesn't even know what she wants herself.
The video stars John Leguizamo and Xenia Deli, the former is a well known actor, and Justin Bieber pays him to kidnap him and Xenia Deli, it's a way to make her trust him and I guess it works as she jumps off the building with him and then lands at a party full of skaters.
Still if someone did that to me, they'd be dumped on the spot, just saying, and then I'd enjoy myself at the party. Justin Bieber even has a go on the skateboard. Overall, it's everything I want in a video, and a great song to go with it, how can I not give it this rating?
I thought I'd continue on from Troye Sivan's "Wild" with Steve Grand's most recent single, which actually displays a gay kissing scene. Full of emotion with a full narration that keeps us engaged. What more can we ask for from a Steve Grand music video?
Steve Grand has recently been in the media as he has accepted Marine Tanner White's invitation as his date to the 2015 Marine Corps Ball on YouTube. Steve Grand first came to my attention in one of my magazines after "All-American Boy" became popular. Since then I have followed his career and he is such a genuinely nice guy, I can't wait to see where his career takes him.
This music video is exactly what I'm looking for, Perfect narrative, and an emotional performance. Although the video seems low budget, it contains everything I want.
The narrative follows Steve Grand as he tries to work out when the next train is. When he asks, he finds out he's got two hours until the next one. The guy, played by Daniel Williams, offers to grab food with him, which leads to their first date. If only we all could find a guy at the train station.
They get into a relationship and it goes as far as them moving in together. But then his on screen boyfriend is seen talking to another lad, where it ends in a break-up. We then learn it was all in his mind, and it's his negativity that put the scene in his head, just like we all have. But my mind always has a happy ending, and my reality doesn't, especially lately.
The performance side is emotional and full of feeling. Seeing Steve Grand live is a dream of mine, I could imagine it would be quite a performance.
The real question is whether he actually caught the train? Well, along with: Is the guy he's catching food with gay or straight or bi? And, do they have a happy ending? We all want a happy ending don't we? Love this video, and cannot wait for Steve Grand's next music video, and I want new music soon! Don't let me down Steve Grand!
Before today, I had no idea who Troye Sivan was, but I must've been living under a rock. Thanks to Gay Times and Attitude's facebook statuses, this video popped up on my news feed twice. Now you all know how I love Basshunter's music videos that continued the storyline of him and Aylar Lie, well Troye Sivan is doing the exact same, in three parts. Blue Neighbourhood here we all come.
Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, is an out gay YouTuber, singer and actor. He's 20 years old, and from Australia. He's very cute, not going to lie. He's got an incredible voice, move out the way Steve Grand, I think I've just found my new favourite gay singer. "Wild" is taken from his most recent EP of the same name.
This is the sort of music video I love to watch. Something that tells a story line. I love the flashbacks, children are so innocent, and I really miss those days, not having to worry about anything, unless you did something bad. Instead the two children don't do anything bad, it's the drunken dad.
I love the emotional piece, at first I thought Troye Sivan was singing whilst resting his head on a pillow, it soon turns out that he's cuddling a guy, who we presume is the other child in the video, is this a reality or some dream? Clearly something personal happened in Blue Neighbourhood, and I can't wait to see where it will go.
There's a few snapshots of the future, a little scene on the beach, at the start, someone dressed in a suit, someone running... Is this something to come in parts 2 and 3? I'm excited for the story to continue. Although Troye Sivan has made me a little jealous, I miss having someone there to care for me, I miss my cuddles and kisses, but most of all I miss having someone else in my life. Although I'm not ready for anything again, not just yet.
Full of emotion, heart-breaking for some, and powerful, this music video isn't shy of anything. Troye Sivan is really paving the way. The emotion reminds me of Steve Grand's "All American Boy". I cannot wait for part two of Blue Neighbourhood.
Been ill for a week, hence why I haven't blogged, but I'm back now, with this surprising collaboration. Is this Nick Jonas' attempt at getting into rap and hip hop? Because it is a complete fail. Who is Sage the Gemini anyway? A typical music video featuring a lot of girls in a forest similar to Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda", with two singers who are ecstatic to be surrounded by all these women, only Nick Jonas looks more focused on singing and performing, whereas Sage the Gemini looks obsessed with the girls in the video. Reminds me a lot of Justin Timberlake's collaborations.
The Jonas Brothers broke up in 2013, and Nick Jonas has gone solo. His recent singles have done well in the UK. But this one isn't making an impact on the iTunes chart all that much. Could it be due to the shoddy release date? Amazon, HMV and 7digital released it three weeks ago, yet on iTunes it was pushed back until now. I surely haven't heard it on the radio, although it is kind of catchy.
Sage the Gemini, real name Dominic Woods, has had an all right career in the US. He has previously charted all over the world in a collaboration with Flo Rida and Lookas on the track "G.D.F.R.", but it'll be interesting if he has another hit.
Here is another typical music video, where girls are parading around wearing very little, we've seen this hundreds of times in rap and hip hop music videos, and yet a music video has failed to stand out above the rest.
Even the forest isn't a new thing as Nicki Minaj has done it before. Is there anything original about this video? Not really, and that is what really disappoints me as the song is on the catchy side.
How have I not seen this video before today? To be fair I only just about remember P!nk's debut single. This video is amazing! What a great ending, I'm so glad I chose this as my revisit.
This is P!nk's, Alecia Moore's, debut single. She was previously in a girl band called Choice, however they disbanded and P!nk got a solo career. This song is a surprise, who would've thought P!nk was firstly an R&B singer? Written by Alecia Moore, Kandi Burruss and Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, it hit number six here in the UK. Considering the songs out at the time, Destiny's Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills", TLC's "No Scrubs" and Mýa "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)", this sound was very popular in the early 00's and I do miss this sound, maybe it will return, like all good music does, in the future.
This video is awesome. I like her skater side, makes me think of Avril Lavigne's debut single "Complicated", and they also brought back the skaters in "Raise Your Glass", which was a nice tribute to her past.
The narrative was something interesting to say the least. I loved the ending as I wasn't expeciting it at all. The whole scene with the bike is pretty reminiscent of Britney Spears' "Toxic", but then again motorbikes are featured in this way a lot, whether it's in a music video or not.
I can't help but laugh at the phone, back then the flip phone was popular, and it soon came back around again, but the size of the screen is laughable considering the size of our screens now and what they can do.
P!nk, even back then, proved how great of a performer she is, she sang and danced her way through the song, and she commands us to watch her and give her our full attention. She just looks powerful.
Overall great song, with a brilliant music video. I just don't understand the topless scene, although Rihanna also did it in "Umbrella", and Miley Cyrus, most recently, did it in "Wrecking Ball", so I guess it's nothing to be surprised at.
This has to be my favourite One Direction song thus far. I did like "What Makes You Beautiful", but their voices in this song are so powerful and emotional, this is exactly what I've been waiting for from these guys. A memorable video to boot too, although it only links in with the drag me down part of the song, since they're in a spaceship and creating a force against gravity. Maybe they're off to see Britney in "Oops!... I Did It Again" or maybe they're after Ariana Grande in "Break Free".
One Direction hit headlines recently as they announce they're splitting up, however it's only for a year, before they return as a band again. So can we get this straight, just like many other bands do, they're going on hiatus, they are not splitting up completely... So can we all stop using the words One Direction Are Splitting Up, because they really aren't. They deserve this break, and they will get back together after a year.
They are now a four-piece band consisting of Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson. Recently, Zayn Malik left the band to pursue a solo career, however if this is the outcome with him not being in the band, then they're better off without him. Sorry Zayn fans, but every time I saw Zayn, I always thought of the day he cried at bootcamp on The X Factor, not a good look at all. They came third on the seventh series of The X Factor, behind Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson. Other notable stars from that year includes, Cher Lloyd, Mary Byrne, Katie Waissel, Paije Richardson, Aiden Grimshaw, Belle Amie and Storm Lee. The song was written by Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott and John Ryan.
Directed by Ben & Gabe Turner, the video is set at NASA, and features One Direction as astronauts, I have to admit, this has not been done before, and the idea that a spaceship defies gravity and there for even gravity can't drag them down is a great link.
Their performance piece looks good, purely because of the setting and the camera angles as well as the way the cameras are used. However, it works exactly the way you expect, as it makes you want to go and see them live. I saw them live at The X Factor Tour, but they have a lot more energy now than back then, and you can see it in their music videos.
Overall a video that doesn't disappoints, but doesn't give us the wow factor. However the song makes up for that entirely as the song is so heartfelt and emotional, even though they didn't write the song personally, you know they've connected with the song and they mean what they're singing.
Now this is the P!nk I adored. I loved all her albums, however her most recent "The Truth About Love" put me completely off P!nk, I still love her old songs, but "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)", "Try", "Just Give Me A Reason" and "True Love" had me removing her songs from my iTunes, and the only times I hear P!nk now is on the radio or through YouTube. It's mind blowing how one album can change your whole listening habits.
A funfair video with a narrative and performance piece, what is not to like about this video though?
P!nk, real name Alecia Moore, has had none stop success and I used to be a fan of her right up to her most recent album. I hope that she returns to her old sound, or at least something better than her previous album. "Who Knew" was written by P!nk, Max Martin and Dr. Luke. A perfect song writing team, and no wonder this was a hit. The song is about a friend P!nk lost to drugs when she was just 14. This song is so powerful and her emotion in the song comes across. The song came to my attention this week as it was played on the radio, and it just explained my life as I'm back to single life, another week and a half relationship gone by. If it's meant to be, he'll come back to me. If not, someone else will surely come into my life.
The video does the song's meaning justice. A lot is compacted in this short three and a half minutes, it's surprising it all fitted in.
The narrative is emotional. A couple is clearly in a new relationship, yet the funfair shots suggests they've been together much longer. The girl is clearly more into the guy, than what he is into her. Although he is secretly injecting drugs into himself without her knowing. She finds him in a drugged state at the end, and she walks away from the relationship. (If anyone know the actors names, please comment below).
Let's be honest, if we all had the chance to, we'd go and see P!nk live. We all know that she is an amazing performer. And her passion in the words she sings are clear during the video footage. She has a presence that we'll all love to see on a stage in front of us.
The video is perfect in every way, with a developed storyline and a good performance piece. It contains a funfair and has good subliminal messages. This is the P!nk we all miss, the one we'd like to see return.
Jess Glynne shows us that we shouldn't be hard on ourselves and that we should fight for what we want because we can achieve anything if we set our minds to it. Uplifting and inspirational, this should've amazed us, yet it falls flat like so many others.
I have decided to start the week off with Chart Mondays. Every Monday I shall review a video in the UK top 10, usually it will be the current number one, however this isn't always possible due to it already been reviewed or it doesn't have a video.
Jess Glynne scored her fifth number one with this song, no longer helping Clean Bandit get awesome hits, Jess Glynne has took the UK by storm. She is tied with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini with the most UK number ones for a solo British female, however Jess Glynne has done it within 18 months compared to Cheryl's five years. Jess Glynne will be around for a long time, and I expect more number ones will follow.
Written by Jess Glynne, Wayne Hector and TMS. The song inspires us all, with it's disco theme, Jess Glynne tells us to never give up. The catchy song is so good it's no surprise it got to number one, her vocal range is amazing to listen to, and this song fits perfectly with her previous released singles. I Cry When I Laugh album is one to listen to, for sure.
Declan Whitebloom was the director, and considering his previous videos: Taylor Swift's "Mean", "We Are Never Getting Back Together" and Pixie Lott's "What Do You Take Me For?". Its surprising that this one isn't as memorable as the others he has directed.
I like the narrative side, what with the drummer practising over and over and his father encouraging him and eventually he is good enough to be included.
Yet the performance side totally lets this video down. I would never be interested in seeing Jess Glynne live. Don't get me wrong, her voice is phenomenal, and since she's had five number ones already, she clearly is one of the UK's best female acts, however it looks like she is just singing the song in this video. Where is her performance? Where is her passion? Her feeling? Does she even mean anything she is actually singing?
What's next for Jess Glynne? Another number one, surely. Or will Cheryl Fernandez-Versini fight back? Has Jess Glynne relaxed? In this video she seems complacent. Will she be able to keep her chart reign? I guess we'll have to wait and see. As for the video it fails to excite me like I was expecting it to.
Back with one of the catchiest songs of the summer, Little Mix continues their success here in the UK. Like many girl groups before them, they inspire girls to prove that no matter who you are, you can get the guy, you can look good, and that you should never let anyone put you down because you're beautiful inside and out. The perfect video, to a perfect uplifting song, that definitely sticks in my brain nearly everyday.
Little Mix are still the only group to win The X Factor, thanks to the help of Tulisa. They consist of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall. Black Magic was written by Edvard Forre Erfjord, Henrik Michelsen, Ed Drewett and Camille Purcell. This is their first single from their new album, Get Weird, which is out in November. They have been the most successful from the eighth series of The X Factor, however other well known stars include: Marcus Collins, Amelia Lily, Misha B, Janet Devlin, Kitty Brucknell, Frankie Cocozza, Johnny Robinson and 2 Shoes.
Directed by Director X, this music video is one we will never forget. Something new and different for this foursome. Narrative based, with the band as central characters. It is exactly what I wanted and more from these girls.
It instantly reminds me of Sabrina, The Teenage Witch, mixed with films The Craft, Clueless and Mean Girls along with tv series like Charmed and Switch. Director X has really combined all these into one.
The video stars Mikey Grand as the guy that Little Mix find cute, and Stefanie Michova as the mean girl. What this video should give is strength to teenage girls, and girl power is definitely something Little Mix supports, and yet they do make us all envy since there isn't a day that goes by when we all just wish we had magical powers to sort out our lives.
Uplifting and magical, there is not much wrong with this video. Although I do understand that, style wise, they aren't good role models, what with what they are wearing, but come on it is 2015 now, and we all have to admit they look good in what they're wearing, there's worse problems to worry about, this just shows that a geeky girl can be turned sexy.
First we had the hump thanks to Rizzle Kicks' song "Mama Do The Hump", next we had the gangnam style dance thanks to PSY's song "Gangnam Style". Now we have the whip, the nae nae, the stanky leg, the break your legs, the bop, the yule, the superman and the duff, however we already had all these dance moves, Silentó has just put them all together into a full dance, I am so disappointed.
Silentó, real name Ricky Hawk, is an American rapper. This is his debut single. At only 17, he has already made a name for himself with this single, managing to chart in various countries around the world, including charting at number three in the US Billboard. It is currently climbing the UK chart, and I wouldn't be surprised if it hit the top 10.
This video looks good to start off with, however the budget was clearly blown on the extras in the background, from cheerleaders to old ladies, from dancers and dance crews to celebrity singers who include Lil Scrappy and Rich White Ladies. This could've been so much better.
These dance moves aren't Silentó's own, which makes me sad. We Are Toonz created the whip and the nae nae, the latter was made popular in their music video for "Drop That NaeNae". The stanky leg is from GS Boyz's song "Stanky Legg", break your legs is just known along with the bop. The yule and the superman is from Soulja Boy's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" which everyone is aware of and the duff is also just known apparently.
Overall a music video that is all about dancing and watching Silentó dancing, which relates to the song since he asks us to watch him do all the dance moves. I do feel a little cheated that the moves aren't his own, nor are they original either. However he's only 17, and he does dance well, and this song is catchy and there wasn't much they could've done with this video. It reminds me a bit of Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)".
Rachel Platten is one hell of a fighter, she is an inspiration to us all, she tells us that we should always go after our dreams and we will get to where we want to be. The video proves this perfectly and it is her fight song, and this is one girl who won't be disappearing without a good brawl.
I struggled choosing a video today, purely because JoJo has released a tringle of singles, three singles in one, yet there's no music videos for them, and although they are amazing, and you should so go and buy them, I'm unable to review them until there's a video. So instead I chose Rachel Platten's Fight Song which is being played often on the radio, and will probably chart extremely well this week.
Rachel Platten has released two albums, one in 2003 and one in 2011, none of which made much of an impact, yet her songs have featured in some tv series. Now after a lot of hard work, she's proven she can make it. This song was written by Dave Bassett and Rachel Platten, the song encouraged her to believe in herself and it incites us all to do the same, it's uplifting and inspirational, I just believe every word as it is not only what I need to hear myself, but because she means every word she sings.
The music video was directed by James Lees. It directly links in with what Rachel Platten is singing, and that is exactly what I expected.
A lot of artists gig before coming well known, and it is a common story that only a few people will turn up to their first few gigs, and that is definitely shown at the start, along with the pain Rachel Platten is feeling at not quite making it in the music industry.
Then she just goes for it, hops in the car and sees where it leads. Slightly similar to Tim Berg's "Seek Bromance" This is a little unexpected as she's out having fun and doing what she wants, however letting it all go and starting afresh doesn't always work out for people, as we know from other videos. Could they have possibly shown that hard work gets you where you want in life?
Overall a great song, a well linked music video, and definitely something inspirational and memorable. I wish Rachel Platten the best on this week's chart, I bet it's going to do well.
I've woken up with this song in my head everyday for about two weeks now, maybe longer. It's so weird how a catchy song can do that to you. The music video is sultry and sexy and fits perfectly. The reason this song is in my head is because I have been dating a guy, and we recently decided to be in a relationship and we put it on FaceBook too.. I don't stop thinking about him, and Beyoncé's lyric "I think about you all the time, I see you in my dreams" repeats itself in my head often.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter was in a girl group called Destiny's Child best known for their song "Survivor". However Beyoncé's is known for herself, with four UK number ones under her belt, this is one pop star who will never disappear from the chart. She is powerful and strong and influential to a lot of people. Sean Paul, real name Sean Paul Henriques, has had a shifty placement on the UK chart. He has never had a solo number one, and only managed to get to number one on featured songs. Maybe he'll score his first solo number one soon.
As I mentioned above this music video is sultry and sexy. Which links in with the song perfectly.
Beyoncé shines out throughout, and shows her incredible dancing as well. Scenic and beautiful. Definitely a perfect performance piece.
Sean Paul has a good active role in this too. Desirable and comfortable, he looks like he's in his element for this music video, and it's definitely good to see that.
Overall a great song with a great music video, it's a shame it didn't reach number one in the UK. But since the Black Eyed Peas' song "Where Is The Love?" was at number one at the time, it is understandable that this song never topped the UK charts. The music video works well, and I just have to give it this rating.
Critic Jonni is back! Kicking it off with this awesome New Release... Which is now on Fridays, thanks to New Music Fridays. Which has not only changed the day of the UK music chart, but has also changed my entire blog. This also means that Revisit Sundays are no longer a thing, and instead revisits are done on Thursdays. So are we ready for the weekend?
Well Only The Young are with their release. This music video is not at all a surprise, it's cheerful and generic. A typical ex-X Factor first music video, and doesn't make me interested in watching it again, although I give it kudos for relating to the song.
Only The Young are a four piece band consisting of Mikey Bromley, Parisa Tarjomani, Betsy-Blue English and Charlie George. They were on the 11th series of The X Factor, which was won by Ben Haenow with Fleur East and Andrea Faustini coming second and third respectively. Stereo Kicks came in fifth place and released one single before breaking up. Jake Quickenden has an independent release coming up soon after finishing ninth. Only The Young came seventh overall, and I hope their career continues past this debut single.
The song is so catchy, it gets stuck in my head after first listen. Yet I feel it hasn't got the spark that first interested me in this band. The big question is whether it will chart or not. I hope it does as I can see this band going a lot further than this one single, but a quick glance at the iTunes chart reveals that this single hasn't hit the top 40 yet. However there's still time. I haven't heard it on the radio either, and radio play is very important when it comes to the chart. Fingers crossed for these guys.
The music video relates to the song well. And I love the black and white photo shoot scenes, it gives the music video something new and interests the viewer. I have to admit, I don't like Charlie's hair curled, though, it doesn't suit him.
Other good parts is that two people get married in a fake wedding, and Betsy-Blue and Parisa do heart hands in the photo scenes.
Overall a good music video with a very catchy song, which I hope charts next Friday. Yet a typical first music video from an ex-X Factor group, and I hope their follow-up music video is more personal and exciting.
Dance powerhouse group Cascada have already made a name for themselves in this genre. Not needing to do a single thing, they still continue, two singles released last year, both failing to chart, will 2015 see the return of Cascada or the end? I'm hoping for the former. They've had a number one in the UK, and they certainly can do it again.
Cascada consists of three members, Natalie Horler, Manian and Yanou. The latter two are DJ's whereas Natalie Horler is the vocalist and fronts Cascada. "Blink" was originally released by U.V.U.K. but it wasn't a success, and eventually given to Cascada. It was written by Eric Sanicola, Damon Sharpe and Shanna Crooks. Cascada's version wasn't a success either, failing to chart anywhere, yet it gained a lot of talk. Cascada also released "Madness" last year, featuring rapper Tris. This song also failed to chart. Fans are speculating that Cascada's downfall is due to their Eurovision Song Contest entry with "Glorious", where they didn't position well. Hopefully they will impact the chart once again.
This video is a performance piece, nothing new from Cascada, and the sort of videos we have come to expect from this group.
Natalie Horler is stunning as ever and her vocals on the song is pure perfection. If this is the direction Cascada plans to go down, then I am all for it. This is definitely one of my favourite songs of last year. Making me think of uni. I certainly don't want to blink, these three years are already going so quickly. This is my university anthem.
Not an awful lot I can say about this video, and the song could have given us a much better video, yet it is performed well, and does definitely stand out.
Dance like no ones watching, in one single street, and around the corner. Kiesza shows she is a dancer and pulls it off just as well as the professionals. With the attraction of three guys, yet she leaves them in their neighhbourhood and grabs the same taxi back to where she came from. What could've been straight out of a musical film, falls flat and totally unreal.
Kiesza, real name Kiesa Ellestad, had a big year in 2014, hitting the UK by storm with this song alone and her follow up singles "Giant in my Heart" and "No Enemiesz" impacted the top 40 with the former getting to number 4. Her album didn't chart so well, but she has proved she'll be around for a long time, and I can definitely see 2015 being the perfect year for this Canadian singer and former navy reserves.
"Hideaway" was written by Kiesza and Rami Samir Afuni. It's extremely catchy and definitely one of those songs you not only identify with but you can't help singing along to. As soon as I heard it, I knew it was going to be a hit, and the constant playing on radio and music channels helped it achieve this.
The video is disappointing. As I mentioned above it could belong in a musical film, but it is not real enough to included in such a film.
I like watching the background people, like the three men standing on the left at the start watching, clearly surprised this was happening.
The dancers are in sync and pull the dancing off seamlessly... But Kiesza sticks out like a sore thumb, some of her dancing is not in time and she is sometimes a few seconds out. It looks like she didn't even rehearse enough with these dancers. Clearly more time for choreography was needed. Apparently she had difficulty with the choreography due to breaking a rib before filming... That does explain the timing issues.
Video isn't as unique as some people mention. It may have been shot in one, but this isn't the first time this has happened. Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Getting Back Together" was also done in one shot. I bet there are plenty of others too. As much as I am a fan of Kiesza's music, and this video does stand out, there is plenty of things that could be improved about this video.
Bringing the warmness to the cold, this song is a summer anthem made for winter. Defining and compulsive, a song I can't stop playing. Adorable and enchanting, the music video shows Morandi's Randi and Inna as angels, looking over Morandi's Marius Moga. Reminds me a lot of Cupid with his bow and arrow.
Morandi consists of Marius Moga and Andrei Ştefan Ropcea (known as Randi). They have been successful all over eastern Europe. It begs to question... Is their next plan to hit the western world? I'm sure they can do just that considering how popular they are within various countries in the eastern world. The song features my favourite singer in the world: Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu. She's had some chart hits here in the UK, as well as other countries too. I can't stop hoping she releases a chart topping hit soon. "Summer in December" didn't chart in any country, but that doesn't mean anything, as I will continue to love this song and I definitely won't stop playing it.
The music video is both a performance piece and narrative. I shall start with the performance. As many people have commented on the video, Inna looks cute and it makes a nice change seeing her in something wintry. The scenes depict her as emotional and understanding, a perfect angel watching over Marius Moga. As for Randi, his performance outshines Inna's and keeps me engaged.
Marius Moga's narrative story is interesting and enveloping. I'm caught within the story and I want to know the outcome. I love the flashbacks, a typical resulting symptom after falling off a motorcycle. I also loved the ending, although the hallucination in the middle made me question the ending... Is she really there?
Overall great song with a perfect music video. Angelic and wintry. I can't wait to see where the future will take these two artists.
This girl group is officially the most successful X Factor (US) artist to come from the show. America's answer to the UK's The Saturdays, and they have made an impact across the world. Their vocals are astonishing. They should be around for some time, hopefully.
Fifth Harmony consists of Ally Brooke, Camila Cabello, Normani Kordei, Dinah Hansen and Lauren Jauregui. They came third in the second series of The X Factor (US). The other contestants who have released music, or plan on doing so soon are: Tate Stevens (winner), Carly Rose Sonenclar (2nd), Emblem 3 (4th), Diamond White (5th), CeCe Frey (6th), Paige Thomas (8th), Bea Miller (9th), Jennel Garcia (11th), Lyric 145 (12th), Sister C (joint 14th) and David Correy (joint 14th).
Sledgehammer was written by Jonas Jeberg, Meghan Trainor and Sean Douglas. An obvious hit considering one of the writers was Meghan Trainor (who already has a number one single in the UK with her own song "All About That Bass"). Yet this was released as a B-Side on the single release of "Bo$$" here. Their first single: "Miss Movin' On" was never released in the UK. However my guess is that they will re-release it since "Bo$$" wasn't so radio-friendly and was rarely played, yet it charted so high due to their X Factor UK performance. This song charted at number 112 by it's own right. I can definitely see this being re-released here to promote the album.
The music video isn't much. A massive performance piece, showing their vocals off beautifully.
That is not all though. It shows how close they are, how they have harmonized. Their dance sequences are in sync when they need to be. And I cannot help but do the sledgehammer move when they do, it feels so satisfying.
I don't get the white horse by Camila. But I guess it fits in it's own little way. As well an appearance of a sledgehammer is extremely unsurprising, yet needed. I can't wait to see where this girl group with go. I'm begging Simon Cowell to release more Fifth Harmony here in the UK!
We all know what Ariana Grande wanted to be when she was older, an intergalactic warrior princess. Video set in space on a fictional planet, inspired by Barbarella and Star Wars. Takes me back to the TV series such as Doctor Who, Firefly and Atomic Betty. Childish, yet sexual and provocative. Ariana Grande is no longer the cute, innocent nickelodeon teen idol... Pretty sure we've said similar things about Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera... The list is endless.
Ariana Grande shot to fame in Nickelodeon show Victorious, playing Cat Valentine. She continued her role into spin off series Sam & Cat. She next went into singing, and although her album hit number 7 in the UK charts, her singles from her first album rarely made the top 100. Her Christmas album didn't help either. She shot to fame in the UK thanks to featured artist Iggy Azalea on song "Problem" which scored her first top 40 single, as well as her first number one. Since then she hasn't stopped impacting the UK chart in a major way. 2014 was definitely her year, and I'm sure she will have continued success.
This song, written by Anton Zaslavski, Max Martin and Savan Kotecha, is definitely my TUNE! When this comes on in the clubs, I just have to dance, I just can't help it. Not really a surprise since it's written by some great song writers. The song features Zedd, DJ and music producer, who has yet had a number one single, but came close when he collaborated with Hayley Williams on "Stay the Night", which charted at number 2 here in the UK. Could 2015 be his year to dominate the UK charts?
The music video surprised me when I first saw it. This was just not what I expected from Ariana Grande. However she is 21 years old (same age as me), and as we all know, children TV stars have so many restrictions that when they become of age they do branch out and show they aren't so innocent. It worked for Miley Cyrus, she scored number ones here in the UK, after trying so hard innocently. And it worked for Britney and Christina, they definitely wouldn't be around if they had kept up their innocent acts. I've said it before and I'll say it again, these things need to happen, regardless of parents views. As much as we all want to, we can't be sweet and innocent for our entire lives.
The video disappointed me as the monsters wasn't quite so thought out. They weren't quite so scary. However she did get captured, and she broke free. Zedd rescues everyone through a spaceship, and there is a cute baby elephant hybrid thing in the spaceship too, I want one of those!
