I wasn't even aware that this was going to become an actual single, especially since this is only an online video, and so in theory I'm breaking my own rules, however it was released, and I'm a big fan of Alexandra Stan, so why not write another review about one of her songs this week? This song has been taken from her album Alesta and none of her fans was really expecting a single release on top of this video. Alexandra Stan invites us to her home town of Constanţa, Romania as she sings, dances and hangs with her crew and her boyfriend Staruiala Bogdan in online video for "Boom Pow".
Alexandra Stan has really came into her own with her last two recent albums, Unlocked and Alesta really showcases her as an incredible artist. Unfortunately she had worldwide career success early on with "Mr. Saxobeat", yet less promotion on her follow-up singles had a massive impact on her. Now she's hitting out the tunes and only her fans are hearing her. It may feel more exclusive to us, especially since this video was only released because of us, and yet this is a singer that deserves to be heard globally. The song was written by David Ciente and Trey Campbell.
Directed by iRonic Distors, this video was only released after Alexandra Stan encouraged fans to watch "Ecoute" on YouTube and get the view count up to 10 million. This single has not been released in the UK as of yet, hence why I haven't reviewed the music video, but now I'm thinking it never will be.
The two scenes are quite different from one another, As explained in my CelebMix article I wrote on Friday, the home town online video is relaxed and calm. It's totally nice to see Alexandra Stan happy to just be performing. This video only intensifies my desire to see her live.
There's not much to say about this. She's quite comical, and at times she gives an insight of her personality away from the camera, which we constantly see on her Snapchat stories. This video may not have a high-end budget, it may not have the best camera work, those low-angle shots does nothing for me; but it's probably one of most real videos, and I can't help but appreciate the rawness of it.
This was the collaboration that would've got Alexandra Stan back on form, or so we all thought, yet it was promoted slightly in the UK before she parted with 3beat records, this could've been a hit, but instead featured as a bonus track on "Lemonade". Alexandra Stan turns to the street in this performance-based video with Carlprit for "1.000.000" which features a bird cage and lots of glitter, but have we seen it all before?
Alexandra Stan had to be my revisit this week, since none of the other artists from this week have been going long enough. This was one of her early songs from her first album. Unfortunately, it was the start of her decline in the international music world. However, she continues to release music, as I'm sure you are well aware, since I continue to support her on my blog. She just needs worldwide promotion, because she definitely has the voice for it. Featuring on this track is Carlprit, real name Rudi Schwamborn, mostly known for the UK number one feature on Cascada's "Evacuate The Dancefloor", since then he has gone on to feature on many singles as well as released his own music that has been received well. This song was written by André Nemirschi, Marcel Prodan and Marcian Alin Soare.
The mirrored box is back, and is usually seen in various music videos and commercials as well as advertisements, and maybe some other art pieces. Not only that, but there is also a bird cage... What is with bird cages recently?
The glitter scene was a surprise, although considering her management at the time and what she went on to do still under the said management, it's still shouldn't surprise me. Luckily she's away from them now, and on to much brighter and better things.
Carlprit is actually a great addition to this video, and it's great to see him take an active role in the performance side of this music video. With only Alexandra Stan to keep him occupied, it's no wonder he shines better than in other videos I've seen him in.
Overall this is a great performance piece from both of these artists. Although more could have been done to relate the content of the song, it's both interesting and engaging nonetheless. I just wish Alexandra Stan was more worldly known, but I guess it's all down to her fans.
Probably one of the catchiest simple songs in the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest. Both favourable and disliked by fans, this song was the Marmite of the group and yet it did so well! This was the entry for Belarus and managed to place 16th with 43 points. Teo, unfortunately, hasn't released anything new since the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. Teo is tired of being you sweet cheesecake as he tells a girl where to go in this cheeky low-budget music video.
Teo, real name Yuriy Vashchuk, competed in the Belarus national selection to become the entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest 2014. He won and easily outdid the other contestants. Definitely a worthy winner, but the 2014 contest was such a tough year, that it's no surprise that it didn't do better. He is also known as one of the songwriters for Alyona Lanskaya's "Solayoh" which represented Belarus in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. "Cheesecake" is about a man who ends a relationship because she wants him to be something he's not. The song was written by Yuriy Vashchuk and Dmitry Novik.
The music video is basic at best, definitely a low-budget music video, but Teo is looking more than sharp and slick, whereas his love interest is less stylish.
She does look a bit like Nicki Minaj, no doubts about that, and yet she's dressed quite cheap and easy. This is the whole concept, a bubblegum pop girl who's quite needy, and he needs someone more mature.
There's some cheeky scenes, that are quite comical, but it's difficult to fit things in, when there's nothing else going on.
This is way too basic for my liking, but the tongue-in-cheek humour, alongside the simple lyrics with Teo's pronunciation of the words, adds more to this than you can possibly think. What would be a throwaway music video, is actually quite engaging.
Didn't particularly choose this, just another YouTube suggestion, and a good one at that. I've always been out of sorts with Tove Lo, some songs I like and "Talking Body" is still one of my all-time favourites, and then sometimes I just don't like her songs. This is one that fits in both categories, it's all right for now, but if radio overplays it then I'll totally go off it. Tove Lo knows sex sells, and so does shaving your head, combining the two and with a crazy dance, she proves she is a "Cool Girl".
Tove Lo is one of a few hottest female singers coming out of Sweden at the moment, and the way they are going, especially dominating in the Eurovision Song Contest, it will not surprise me if more follow. Real name Ebba Nilsson, Tove Lo has really made a name for herself, and have worked with the biggest stars, from Coldplay to Nick Jonas. There's no stopping Tove Lo, she is already a global hit. This song is the first cut from her second studio album entitled "Lady Wood" which will be out late October. It was written by Tove Lo, Jakob Jerlström and Ludvig Söderberg.
Directed by Tim Erem and Steve Annis, this weird video clip includes Tove Lo shaving off her hair, in a shocking unexpected visual that's left us all wondering if she really has no hair now. If Jessie J and Sinéad O'Connor can pull it off, so can Tove Lo.
Choreography on point throughout, it seems inspiration has come from Sia with this dance style. Chaotic and erotic and yet flawlessly pulled off without one single misstep, this is a high-end production with a weird contemporary feel.
A little shocking, this video is saucy and definitely up there, a stand out performance-based video that just makes me want to see what she's like live. Over the top, but in a relatable good way. Watch out for Tove Lo.
At the top of the UK singles chart this week is still Major Lazer with "Cold Water", that features Justin Bieber and MØ, which still doesn't have a music video... When was the last time a UK singles number one had a music video? It's been way too long. Anyhow, this opens up the Top 10 to my Chart Mondays, and so I chose this one since it's been in the Top 10 for two weeks now, and there are no signs of it dropping out. This group is a part of Fueled By Ramen, who has various big names on their record label, and for the past few years have been hitting charts globally. twenty one pilots sing in a prison, even putting on a show whilst clips of the film Suicide Squad is incorporated between this "Heathens" music video.
twenty one pilots are a musical duo from America, consisting of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. Originally a three piece band, which included Tyler Joseph, Nick Thomas and Chris Salih, the latter two had to leave the band due to busy schedules. Tyler Joseph was then joined by Josh Dun and have since gone on to have global success. This song is their highest peaking single in the UK, and it being a part of the Suicide Squad soundtrack has definitely helped. The song was written by Tyler Joseph.
Directed by Andrew Donoho, the video is set in the fictional prison of Belle Reve in the DC Universe. Clips of Suicide Squad can be seen throughout, which adds relatable content to this music video.
Clearly Tyler Joseph is imagining things, as he sees Josh Dun playing drums in the prison, but it's not really happening. He's in a cell in a bright orange jumpsuit, what he's doing there is anybody's guess.
The cell opens and he walks to a stage, where the jumpsuit disappears and he performs alongside his band mate. Soon enough the other prisoners come to watch and enjoy the live performance. But it's all in his head, as at the end, he's sitting on the ground surrounded by prison guards.
This music video can be quite confusing and yet it's totally relatable to the song, with perfect scenes of the film shown throughout. This is probably one of the best soundtrack music videos I've seen so far, although I am not so keen on the song. It's quirky and different and definitely works well with the said film, and yet it's not to my taste.
After being teased for a while, this finally dropped, much to many disappointments, this music video doesn't exactly make sense, but then again, that's nothing new from PC Music. The song is catchy, and just shows off how underrated Carly Rae Jepsen really is. Danny L Harle shows Carly Rae Jepsen around a house; inside is Carly Rae Jepsen's ideal relationship almost "Super Natural", so it's no surprise she buys it in the end.
Danny L Harle is a British music producer and composer. He is a professional having worked his way up in the world. Signed to PC Music, he is able to work with who he wants. For this song he came to Carly Rae Jepsen, as he is a big fan of her music, and even uses her music in some of his DJ sets. She's probably one of the biggest stars he has worked with so far, but probably won't be the last. Carly Rae Jepsen should be massive by now, but she's so underrated it's unbelievable. Her voice is amazing and she's given us hits such as "Good Time", "Call Me Maybe" and "I Really Like You". But there's many more stand out singles that just never got quite as popular. She has a new B-Side album out this Friday, so don't forget to buy that. This collaboration works well, and I hope they come together again in the future. It was written by Danny L Harle and Nate Campany.
Directed by Bradley Bell and Pablo Soler, it not only features the two artists, but includes male actor Uche Uba and an unknown female actress.
Danny L Harle is slick and stylish, dressed up as a realtor/estate agent showing his client, Carly Rae Jepsen, a house showing like no other. This clever house shows Carly Rae Jepsen her ideal home life.
The actors seem digital, showing the house off the way people would be if they were living in it. Carly Rae Jepsen watches as the couple interacts within the house, and how home life with a loved one is definitely more than natural, super natural even.
A play on words, with lyrics relating with the scenes perfectly in some places, it's clear this video is extremely thought throughout. However it comes across as quite messy and difficult to understand, but this is the sort of videos we expect from PC Music.
Carly Rae Jepsen dons a few wigs, making her seem much more younger and they all say blondes have more fun, We miss her iconic look, and this totally sidetracks our views on her. This song is slightly out of her comfort zone, and so seeing her not looking like herself, she detaches herself from this music, it's a side project and not a new style of music for her.
Overall, an all right music video if you can make sense of it, although slightly basic and a whole new look from Carly Rae Jepsen that we don't really like. The song is FIRE, and if it were promoted right, would've done well on the charts, but yet again Carly Rae Jepsen fails to be as popular as she deserves to be. A great effort and a fun side project that we hope to see more of in the future.
The song that was never released officially in the UK, and definitely one of my favourites. This could definitely have been a big hit for her in the UK, if it had been officially released and fully promoted. This was possibly her first bubble gum pop song before the catchy "Cherry Pop" came along. All bright colours with a great emotional narrative and perfect choreography, nailed to a tee "Cliché (Hush Hush)" will always be unnoticed as one of Alexandra Stan's best contributions to pop music.
Alexandra Stan is one of the leading female vocalists coming out of Romania, and she is conquering the world one song at a time. Having started off with a very successful career, promotion for follow-up singles after "Mr. Saxobeat" slowed. Then she had a problem with her then manager and now ex-boyfriend. And now she's ready to make a fierce comeback. Her fans have stuck with her throughout, now she just needs to build up a world-wide following and storm the charts globally. This song should've been a worldwide hit, unfortunately this only was released in selected countries. It was written by Andrei Nemirschi and Marcel Prodan.
This music video, directed by Iulian Moga, pushes the boundaries of what we know of Alexandra Stan, proving that she is meant to be a star.
Acting, dancing, singing and being sexy can be found throughout this video. At the start Alexandra Stan flirts with a photographer in a black and white scene. It later turns to full colour where she is in a bright pink dress and is dancing to the chorus.
The choreography in this scene is well-thought out and Alexandra Stan performs like never before, in-sync with her dancers, doing the moves exactly how they should be done.
Three more scenes follow, one in a church which is a vampire-loved up freaky show that fails to relate and totally looks out of place in this video. Then there's her singing the song on a coach, a total normal performance scene we're used to seeing in every video, yet highly sexualised which Alexandra Stan pulls off perfectly. And, finally, the S&M scene where Alexandra Stan plays around with a whip in front of the photographer. The ending is cute as they dance together, with his shirt unbuttoned.
This video has got it all, and really shows Alexandra Stan in a great light. This is one of her best music videos, without a doubt, and yet there's a few scenes that don't correlate with the song. Not only that, but this amazing single never made it to the UK officially, luckily for us, the hardcore Saxobeats (Alexandra Stan's fans), the single can be downloaded from Juno Download.
WOW! The Saturdays are killing it, first Vanessa White, and now Mollie King. If this is what they bring to the music scene as solo artists, imagine what they will bring when The Saturdays come off hiatus... And they need to at some point because we are all missing The Saturdays. Surpassing all expectations, Mollie King has blasted out with an amazing song which is effortlessly catchy and has a stunning video to accompany it. Mollie King rewinds into the arms of her lover, constantly going back to him in this video for "Back To You".
Mollie King, one fifth of The Saturdays, who are currently on hiatus. released her debut single this week. We were all expecting some old Britney Spears sort of song, but instead we have a similar Ellie Goulding track which is very reminiscent of "On My Mind", and yet less repetitive and a hell of a lot more emotional. This stunning new single has totally got me excited for her debut album. Before The Saturdays, Mollie King entered The X Factor twice as a solo act, and then a third time in a girl group called Fallen Angelz. Now look at what Simon Cowell has missed out on! The song was written by Mollie King, Ryan Ogren, Nick Bailey and Rob Persaud.
Directed by Lisa Gunning, this music video is amazing. Well crafted, well thought-out and extremely well edited. It's completely relatable and definitely works well.
The video starts off with a car on the ledge of a cliff, with Mollie King singing the opening lines beside a campfire. Then the unthinkable happens and she starts to walk backwards to the house, like going back to the memories she's has with her lover.
The male actor's name is unknown, so feel free to comment below telling me who it is. We watch their relationship unfold. The good times and the bad, where she ends up going back to him.
This video is technically great, she even sings the song backwards as she walks backwards so that they can sync the lyrics to her lips, this makes it slightly dodgy in places, yet I didn't really notice as much as others have stated. If there's one thing you have to admit, it's that they worked well on making this video.
The ending is sweet although completely dangerous and is he really worth it? Stop going back to him Mollie King, you deserve someone much better. The song is thought to have been about David Gandy, who she recently split with, plus the love interest looks quite like him to be fair.
A powerful debut single from this girl, and a stunning video that I can't stop watching. The only thing we feel sad about is that it doesn't look like The Saturdays will be returning any time soon... But if they all go solo with amazing music like this, then we'll end up supporting them all. Amazing debut solo single, bring on her debut album!
I haven't seen this music video in AGES, I'm so happy to see it again, thanks to my Thursday Revisits. Here's Pixie Lott's second music video, and such a great performance based video for her follow-up single from "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)". This was when the girl was on form, blasting out hit single after hit single. This is what we need from her when she makes her comeback! Pixie Lott shows she can sing, dance and perform in this video for "Boys And Girls" bringing style and star quality to a perfect party.
Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, came on to the music scene with "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)", this follow up second single gave her another number one in the UK. At the height of her career, she was banging out hit song after hit song, and although her most recent songs have been just as good, she hasn't had chart success with the songs, like she clearly deserves. "Lay Me Down" is still one of my favourites from her. This song was written by Mads Hauge, Phil Thornally and Pixie Lott.
The music video was directed by Diane Martel, displaying a crazy house-party where Pixie Lott totally has the spotlight on her.
Pixie Lott is completely on fire in this music video, with dance choreography performed perfectly and in-sync with her backing dancers.
Who wouldn't want to see her in concert if this is how she brings a performance. Parties are all about having fun and that is exactly what is happening here, such a great vibe. Pixie Lott invite me to your next party please, because I want to be dancing in-sync with you one day!
Overall a great music video that I will definitely watch again one day. The song is fire and Pixie Lott is on form throughout. It's hard to think that this is the same person who just dropped "A Real Good Thing" video. We need you to come back with a fire hit Pixie Lott, we know you can do it.
Time for my home country for the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, and an act I have supported for some time now, and I shall continue to support Molly because she a vocal powerhouse of a talent that deserves to be out there living her dream. This didn't do as well as we all thought it would, but we've done worse and 17th with 40 points is actually not too bad! The song is catchy, but it turns slightly bland the more you hear it. "Children of the Universe" has a great visual concept, but Molly doesn't look like she's all that into it, and it doesn't relate, but it's an okay performance visual.
Molly, full name Molly Smitten-Downes, hasn't done much since releasing this song; as far as I can tell, she's trying to make a name for herself, by featuring on new songs as she gains more fans and some great reputation. She released a free download (that I totally missed out on, unfortunately). She was chosen for the Eurovision Song Contest 2014, after she was discovered by BBC Introducing, via internal selection. She has had hits previously under the name Stunt, where she collaborated with Sash for "Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)" as well as releasing "I'll Be There" and "Fade Like The Sun". The song was written by Molly Smitten-Downes and Anders Hansson.
The music video hasn't got a lot going for it, just Molly performing in the visual as they play around with the camera and actually bring out a good concept regardless of the how unrelated it is to the song.
The song is extremely powerful and meaningful, a narrative may not have worked but it would've been so much better than the conceptual visual performance based video we have got instead.
Molly's heart is clearly not into this as she sings the song whilst drums are being played and she starts to blend in with the couch. In her previous videos she stuns in her performance pieces, just watch her videos as Stunt and you can tell she's not into this whatsoever.
Beautiful regardless, she gives all she can and although the song may mean a lot to her, this video doesn't and it's such a shame to see her like this. She's composed and interested, but she doesn't look like a singer, she doesn't look like the star we all know she is destined to be. So Molly, make the comeback we all know you can do, and we'll be supporting you all the way!
