Let's be honest, since we're all caught up with RuPaul's Drag Race, we all have withdrawal symptoms, enough where we end up just playing music videos that he stars in. This is what happened to me today and I stumbled across this Oz video by Todrick Hall, and it is EPIC! I'm not going to lie, I strayed away from Todrick Hall music videos before RuPaul's Drag Race because I didn't think it was my thing - I couldn't have been more wrong. Watch this Oz inspired music video that shows Dorothy, The Tinman, The Scarecrow, and The Lion, as Todrick Hall and RuPaul perform their collaborative song "Low".
Todrick Hall made his name known on the ninth series of American Idol, where he got as far as the top 16 before being eliminated alongside four other contestants. He later found success on YouTube where he gained a lot of fans. It wasn't long until he guest-judged on RuPaul's Drag Race, where he later became a regular judge. It's clear that Todrick Hall and RuPaul get along brilliantly and there's bound to be more collaborations as this is pure gold. RuPaul, full name RuPaul Charles, is one of the biggest drag queens in the world, and first launched his music career with "Supermodel (You Better Work)" which had international success upon its release in the early 90's; now, thanks to Drag Race, he's really come into his own. This song is part of his most recent album titled "Straight Outta Oz" which collaboratively is a full musical - with this video being just a segment of the whole story - taking inspiration from the Wizard of Oz, as well as his rise to fame in Los Angeles (also known as Oz).
This music video was directed by Todrick Hall and Moorhead&Benson. As I previously stated, this entire clip is from the musical which forms the complete album. This also stars Brittanie Brant as Dorothy, Chester Lockhart as The Scarecrow, Jamie Bennett as The Tinman, and Jojo Guadagno as The Lion.
The narrative itself is very short. It practically introduces the characters to us - which is very much needed since they are quite different to that of who we remember from the original Wizard of Oz. This introduction relates to the song's lyrics so well and works perfectly regardless of how short it is.
The biggest scene in this is the performance piece where we see Todrick Hall and RuPaul perform together. RuPaul isn't in drag whereas Todrick Hall is. The former's biggest scene is where he's in a carriage being pulled by men; let's be honest, we all see RuPaul this way on Drag Race - he's a force to be reckoned with, so watch out!
As for Todrick Hall, he's both the good witch and the bad witch, both Glinda and Elphaba. Clearly reinterpreting this iconic film into there only being one witch; one woman who battles with her inner demons and is just as normal as we all are. We all have the ability to be evil just like we have the ability to be totally good. In stories, people tend to pick a side, but in a normal world we're both, and it's our choices are what makes us who we are and how others portray us.
Overall, this music video is beyond fierce. It makes me want to watch everything together and to see this whole musical. I may have once thought that Todrick Hall wasn't for me, and I do believe he is before his time; but, he's a trendsetter, and has totally won me over. I can't wait to see what he does in the future and I know I'll end up sitting back and watching the complete musical one day.
Was totally struggling to think of a music video to review today, and then this came up on my iTunes and the sample of Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" totally made me decide to review this music video. Today was the first time I saw this visual and it is in-depth and totally addicting, but there's just something missing - it doesn't have the wow-factor. Watch Fall Out Boy enter an amphitheatre like the Colosseum and go up against a gladiator and initially lose before fighting back in this music video for "Centuries".
Fall Out Boy are a four-piece band consisting of Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Pete Wentz, and Andy Hurley. They have been going for many years, and have had a number of international hits, back when rock music was on top in mainstream; however, it's rare for rock music to impact the charts nowadays; but, Fall Out Boy is one of those bands that many still listen to and so they still manage to get some high chart numbers. This one, for instance, hit number 22 in the UK and number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It was an international success and continues to prove that Fall Out Boy can still get those chart numbers. As previously mentioned the song samples Suzanne Vega's song "Tom's Diner" with the lyrics sung by singer-songwriter Lolo for this track; the band wanted to 're-inject' the song into popular culture; it was previously a hit through a remix and Britney Spears also covered it with a release by Giorgio Moroder. "Centuries" was written by Michael Fonseca, Raja Kumari, Jonathan Rotem, Justin Tranter, Andy Hurley, Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Suzanne Vega, and Pete Wentz.
Directed by Syndrome, this music video has a gladiator-style concept that is completely fitting to the song. The four guys from Fall Out Boy are captured and put into an amphitheatre (which I thought were all called colosseums, but it turns out there's only one Colosseum).
We watch as each of the band members go up against this gladiator, who they have no chance against. But, after they have fallen they collectively come together to create a weapon. The materials come from a hooded man who gave Fall Out Boy a piece of the weapon each, during the opening scene.
This would naturally be the end, but in a true cliff-hanger style, in comes Rick Ross as the next gladiator the guys have to defeat.
It's a great concept and it keeps things interesting throughout; however, there's something majorly missing. I feel that too much time is given to profile scenes of the hosts of the gladiator fight and the cloaked man; rather than keeping the audience interested in what is happening in the arena; and, even though we don't miss much from the battle itself, it just takes the experience away from us.
It is not long until we finally have Kesha's new album playing through our speakers. Yet again, she's given us another music video in promotion of the album; this is her third song from the "Rainbow" album and regardless of the clear low-budget compared to "Praying", it's well thought out and so so so good, just like the previous low-budget music video for "Woman". Whatever's happening with the whole #FreeKesha thing, we know that she is completely on form, for sure. Watch Kesha "Learn To Let Go" in her new music video which delves into the past and her childhood, and see how she takes inspiration from the home videos.
Kesha, full name Kesha Sebert, is preparing the release of her third studio album "Rainbow" and we are so excited. She's released two songs "Praying" and "Woman" which are complete killer tracks, just like this one and really proves that her new album is one that we are going to have on repeat for quite some time. She is still caught up with the court case with Dr. Luke but she's now releasing music and we are loving every new track. This song was written by Kesha Sebert, Pebe Sebert, and Stuart Crichton.
Directed by Isaac Ravishankara, this music video sees Kesha looking back on when she was a child and was all innocent. She transforms the home videos into reimagined scenes and it's beyond beautiful.
The start sees her putting a video tape into the player and her sitting down and watching with us. The walls collapse outwards and she walks through a forest where there are various items that link back to her childhood. We see a giant bed with a giant teddy bear, a truck in parts, a puppet stage, a reimagined swimming pool, and more. At one point, she takes the dance moves shown in a home video and transform them into a choreographed dance scene with her backup dancers; talk about coming up with good ideas!
The ending sees Kesha return to the room with her home videos of her childhood whilst the visual ends with the back of her denim jacket that says "The Sweet Little Devil Herself Ms. Kesha Rose" - we all want a jacket like that.
Another great music video from Kesha, we really should expect nothing less. Very thought out and relatable to the song. It works completely and we can't stop watching. We wish this had a much bigger budget as it could have been beyond awesome; but, regardless, it works well.
Now, this is what you call a collaborative debut single! This is from DJ Khaled. Today is Thursday Revisit, and I was eager to know what DJ Khaled's first single was like, and I actually can't believe that this wasn't an international hit, maybe it was just before its time. It's quite the collaboration and one that definitely becomes memorable after watching it. Watch DJ Khaled in his first music video alongside collaborators Lil Wayne, Paul Wall, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, and Pitbull for his debut single "Holla At Me".
DJ Khaled, real name Khaled Mohammed Khaled, is really on chart-form lately bringing it with his popular collaborations. He has had two UK number one singles to date, and it looks like he will continue to bring out dominating tracks. It shows how things have changed for him, now that he's in the international spotlight - and if this song is anything to go by, it's been coming for some time. On this track is a number of collaborators; Lil Wayne, real name Dwayne Carter Jr., is one of the biggest rap artists in the world and continues to stay on top; Paul Wall, real name Paul Slayton, is best known for his early collaborations with Chamillionaire but then later went solo and even had a number one US album. Then there's Fat Joe, real name Joseph Cartagena, who was in Terror Squad with DJ Khaled and Remy Ma (she also appears in this music video), he was also in Diggin' in the Crates Crew, as a solo artist he's had incredible hits in the early 00's with Ashanti "What's Luv?", as well as Jennifer Lopez on "Hold You Down", with Ricky Martin and Amerie on "I Don't Care", and with Ja Rule and Jadakiss on "New York". Also on this track is Rick Ross, real name William Roberts II, who needs no introduction, it's a name we all definitely know; and then there's Pitbull, real name Armando Pérez, who also needs no introduction as he truly is Mr World Wide as he's songs have charted everywhere - he continues to bring out chart-defying hits and has collaborated with the industry's best artists. This collaboration is full on for a debut single and it works brilliantly. It samples Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force's 1983 song "Looking For The Perfect Beat".
Directed by R. Malcolm Jones, this music video is a simple and typical rap and hip-hop visual. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, and yet it is shot amazingly with every artist brings it when it's their time to shine.
As per usual, these sort of music video do not have a lot to them, and this is the exact same. Only, there are a few subtle differences. Lil Wayne stands out completely - which isn't a surprise - where his opening scene totally sets up the video well as he's not surrounded by many people.
It builds as it becomes more of a party, and by the time Pitbull arrives it's packed. This definitely deserves to go down in history as a great collaboration. In the visual, there are cameo appearances by Jim Jones, Birdman, Slim Thug, Dre, Remy Ma, Trina, Trick Daddy, DJ Drama, Scott Scorch, DJ Clue, Cool & Dre (who also produced the track), DJ Felli Fel, and DMX.
Having reviewed this song for Outlet Magazine, I thought I'd give it extra promotion on my blog, as I am slightly obsessed with the clear emotion that Dani Robert has put into this song, and the music video is subtle yet interesting throughout. It has gained over 2,000 YouTube views and 179,000 Spotify streams in the month that this song has been released - which is pretty impressive. It's not much of a surprise considering how great this song really is. Watch Dani Robert perform her song in this black and white visual as we watch two friends grow from toddlers to adults whilst feelings develop in the music video to "Clouds".
Dani Robert is a Canadian singer/songwriter who has been focusing on music ever since she was young. Her path turned her towards becoming a musical therapist, helping people through music. Having worked with music so much, she has crafted her own unique sound, blending different genres to create her first single "Clouds". This is clearly just the start of this fantastic singer/songwriter, and we can't wait to see what the future brings for her.
Directed by Gord Poon and Long Truong, this music video is both narrative and performance based. There's not a lot going on with subtle scenes that totally work throughout.
The performance side shows Dani Robert bringing her song to our attention. She grabs the spotlight throughout this music video as she sings the song and that's not easy to do when this intricate narrative is being shown.
We watch two toddlers together in some cute scenes, which then leads into scenes of them being teenagers and then fully grown adults as they dine together - clearly having a catch-up. Yet, there's more behind it, there's subtle interest in each other as they grow, and it's clear that the feelings for each other build. However, even as adults they don't cross that line of friendship.
Overall, an in-depth and intense music video, that relates to the song well. It has this sad aspect to it, one we've all felt now and again. It's relatable to the viewers, and the subtleness is something that is so difficult to capture - yet they've managed to do just that.
Aminata is back with another brilliant song and music video that it's shocking to think that this Latvian singer didn't win Eurovision 2015 with her epic song "Love Injected"; however she continues to bring out amazing follow-ups that just demand all of our attention. How she isn't an internationally-known star, yet, I do not know; just explore her music and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. This song is pure magic, and is the start of new music from Aminata - we literally cannot wait to hear more. This is on fire from start to finish. Watch Aminata perform her new song whilst showcasing Latvian fashion, culture, dance, and sport in this music video for "Prime Time".
Aminata, full name Aminata Savadogo, first came to my attention when she represented Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with her awesome song "Love Injected". She came sixth with 188 points, but that year was definitely highly competitive. Since then she went on to release more incredible singles and two albums; we hope that the release of this song is the start of her dropping her third. This song is beyond catchy with a brilliant sing-a-long hook that we can't get out of our heads! The song was written by Jonas Brogger Filtenborg, Edvin Hjertquist, and Aminata Savadogo.
Directed by Steve Spencer, this music video is a pure performance piece with Aminata taking the central spotlight as she dips into various attention-grabbing scenes. She's stylish throughout, and I am obsessed with her socks and skirt look at the start - if it's now acceptable for men to wear shorts and socks, it's time for women to embrace skirts and socks because Aminata rocks this look perfectly.
There are various scenes throughout, the tattoo scene is sexy, the football scene is fierce, and the dancing throughout is on point. The visual shows Aminata performing her song, bringing it like we've seen her do plenty of times before.
It's another great performance visual from Aminata and really works with the song. Yet, this isn't all that memorable next to the song, it feels like there's too much going on whilst not enough is being shown in each scene. Some shots look like there's a narrative that isn't shown, especially with the tape going into a parcel. Not fully expanded, but works nonetheless.
We have a whole new number one guys! Once again, it's DJ Khaled, only this time he didn't need the help of Justin Bieber to rise to the top; instead, this is a collaboration with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller. However, it is set to be a one-week number one as "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber plans to climb to the top once again - summer is truly here. Rihanna totally shines on the track but in the video, she doesn't have her star quality and something is certainly missing. Watch DJ Khaled, Rihanna & Bryson Tiller perform "Wild Thoughts" in Little Haiti, Miami, Florida, amongst the streets and up in the sky in this music video for the song which is the current UK number one.
DJ Khaled, real name Khaled Mohamed Khaled, has really turned into an international star after "I'm The One" charted all over the world, and now he is continuing his success with hit single after hit single. DJ Khaled is seriously becoming someone everyone wants to collaborate with and I am excited to see what killer songs he is going to release next. On this track is Rihanna, real name Robyn Rihanna Fenty, who needs no introduction... You'd have had to be living under the biggest rock in the world to not know who she is; however, her latest songs haven't impacted the chart that well and aren't all that catchy, in my opinion. I do miss her club hits from years ago, nothing can top "Don't Stop The Music". Then there's also Bryson Tiller on this track too. This is the first time he has charted inside the UK Top 40 and at the top too, opening the UK public to his music, although his albums have charted well to date. The song incorporates a sample from "Maria Maria" by Santana, hence the long list of songwriters; who are DJ Khaled, PartyNextDoor, Bryson Tiller, Rihanna, Raul Rekow, David Mcrae, Marvin Moore-Hough, Carlos Santana, Karl Perazzo, Wyclef Jean, and Jerry "Wonder" Duplessis.
Directed by Colin Tilley - one of the top music video directors around at the moment - the music video was filmed in Little Haiti, Miami, Florida. It's mainly a performance piece as Rihanna is fierce throughout whilst DJ Khaled takes the spotlight at times and Bryson Tiller remains in the background in some interestingly visual profile shots.
The start sees DJ Khaled and Rihanna walking down the street; interspersed with shots of people at an event, enjoying the music. She acts confident and sassy during her walk and even does some dancing with DJ Khaled.
Next, we see her wearing a floaty blue dress which certainly doesn't flatter her at all, in a bedroom. Her clothing for this music video is very relaxed and chilling; it doesn't scream high fashion and probably explains why she doesn't shine throughout the video.
For his part, Bryson Tiller brings it in the song, but he also doesn't shine enough during his visual. Bryson Tiller and Rihanna do bring wild thoughts but it's just not enough there to entertain the audience. Apart from the gorgeous performance ending, that sees all three artists on a block as fireworks light up the sky behind them - which is a brilliant scene although that's to do with the concept and not the artists themselves - the music video just doesn't keep the audience interested and this just feels like another music video to mix in with all the other average ones out there.
After writing this up for CelebMix, and potentially gaining an interview with this amazing Romanian female singer, I just had to write this up for my blog too. Raluka has sure come a long way since she first hit the music industry, and we are all loving her red hair - which she debuted in the "Du-ma Spre Noi" music video - the Romanian version to this one. "Tattoo" is just the English version of the song and visual. Watch this backwards motion clip of Raluka running away from her vocally abusive guy in this music video for the English version of "Du-ma Spre Noi" titled "Tattoo".
Raluka, real name Alexandra Raluca Nistor, first came to my attention when I was flipping through Inna and Alexandra Stan's music videos on YouTube; Raluka came up amongst my suggestions with her collaboration with DJ Sava on the song "I Like (The Trumpet)"; since then I have been a fan and have followed her career. Before then, she was one-third of girl group Pepper Girls. In recent years, she has been bringing it with amazing songs that I definitely can't get enough of, and "Tattoo" has just been added to that list alongside her previous singles. The song's lyrics were written by Sophia Ayana.
Directed by Alex Ceausu, this music video starts with the end and shows Raluka spending time with her friend - who we find out is named Angie. We watch the backwards-motion narrative interspersed with a relaxed performance piece.
The whole visual is very sensual between Raluka & Angie and could explain the ending - which is really the start. Although we all much prefer the sexy Romanian version of the song since it has that tantalising feel to it.
The performance piece is relaxed, with Raluka really getting into the song and trying to make the English lyrics have the same effect as the Romanian lyrics; which is not easy to pull off. Raluka does a great job and it totally makes us want to see her live.
Overall, it's a great music video, and reminds me of Inna's "Crazy Sexy Wild / Tu Si Eu" only because that too has a Romanian / English music video versions that are the exact same with subtle differences; just like this one. It fits the song beautifully and it's a song we can never quite get out of our heads for the rest of the day, whether that being the English or Romanian version.
I watched this music video upon its release a couple of days ago and it made me cry, it is incredibly emotionally powerful; definitely the best Manel Navarro music video to date! This Eurovision 2017 star may have come last, but he's proving that he won't let that defeat him; besides this song is way better than "Do It For Your Lover", and this amazing music video just proves he has talent. Watch Manel Navarro cheer everyone up with his inspiring song "Keep On Falling" in this music video from the Spain Eurovision 2017 representative.
Manel Navarro is best known for coming last at the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 where he represented Spain with his song "Do It For Your Lover". He was known by many when he previously released "Candle" - which I reviewed for Outlet Magazine and its music video - and I even interviewed him for CelebMix in the run-up to Eurovision. He admitted that he had more songs to come, and this latest contribution shows how amazing he truly is. This song is heartwarming and completely special. Manel Navarro's vocals are on point throughout and he manages to convey all the emotion he feels for this song. According to Vevo, the song was written by Antonio Rayo "Rayito".
Also, according to Vevo, the music video was directed by Fran Gas. It contains a performance piece and a narrative piece which all adds up to this perfect music video that made me cry on my first watch - it still touches my heart every time I watch it.
In the narrative, we watch three people - a girl and two guys - who are dealing with nasty words that have been said to them and lingered with them. For those of you who know me, this is currently me at the moment; I have an awful person in my life who is saying nasty things to me hurting me with every single word, and although I ignore those words, they still hurt regardless. I am one of those people in this music video - and so are a lot of others in this world.
We continue to watch as a box appears with a hand crank music box inside; on the lid, it says "Listen and pass it on!" The girl starts and cranks the music box and the words on her face magically disappear. She passes it on to the young boy and the same happens to him; this boy then passes it on to the older teenage boy, who also listens to the music box and everything is all right again.
We later find out that Manel Navarro created the music box himself to spread love, hope, and happiness. His narrative piece sees him sitting on a chair in a bedroom expressing emotionally what this song means to him. It's simply wow! The music video is completely incredible in every way!
Today was a struggle to find a New Release with a music video, most of the ones that do have a music video are instant grat singles; however, I stumbled across this one and I'm glad I chose this one for my New Release blog review. Infusing kaleidoscopic images projected onto her face for this music video, Alice Kristiansen loses the viewers as nothing new happens with this visual for "Lost In Translation".
Alice Kristiansen is a New York-based singer who gained a high following after Ashton Kutcher posted one of her videos to Facebook in 2015. Since then she's been building up her career with more releases that show her sound and emotional spirit. This song is newly released today following on from her most recent single "Lost My Mind". The video has already gained 36,000 views and counting on YouTube and the song has received over 2,000 streams on Spotify. "Lost In Translation" is an empowering emotional song that is totally unforgettable.
This music video is beyond simple with not much going on. It's a pure performance visual with kaleidoscopic images being projected onto her face and the background. Other images include falling leaves and block imagery.
There are two main scenes, one which is zoomed out completely, and one which is a proper headshot. This exposes her performance vibes which are barely there. She doesn't interact with the song, and fail to express what it means to her; it's frustrating to see because I know she can bring it and do the song justice, it's just a shame she doesn't for this video.
Overall, it's a good concept, it just doesn't go anywhere. Alice Kristiansen fails to connect with the audience; it's lacking substance and emotion.
