They recently released their self-titled album; Fifth Harmony continues to stay strong as a four-piece girl group. Their new album hasn't impressed me, though, and I truly believe it's their weakest album to date. The previous two albums they have released have been killer LPs with every single song on point; this one, however, just doesn't live up to the standard they have previously set. Regardless, "Angel" was released as a promotional instant grat single, and just like "Write On Me", it received a music video. YAS! Thank you! Watch a man fall asleep and dream up Fifth Harmony who proves they are anything but angels in this music video for instant grat single "Angel".
Fifth Harmony are a four-piece girl group consisting of Normani Kordei, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, and Dinah Jane Hansen. They previously were a five-piece, hence the name, but Camila Cabello left the group and has gone solo; if you didn't know already. They were formed on The X Factor (US). This song follows "Down" which featured Gucci Mane - and is the only collaboration on their new album. It's a catchy R&B-style ballad, yet it's nothing on "Write On Me" or the other tracks they released in the past. It did manage to chart in some countries, although no great chart numbers. The song was written by Sonny Moore and Jason Boyd.
Directed by David Camarena, this music video doesn't have a high budget because it was a promotional single; most, of which, don't even get a music video. It's a pure performance visual, that has a slight narrative throughout.
Quite a bit of thought went into the video, especially the opening sequence where the word "Angel" appears in a devilish font. We then see a man lying in bed, clearly dreaming about this four-piece girl group.
For the rest of the video, we watch Fifth Harmony performing the track in neon lights. They bring energetic vibes and quite the aggressive body language as if the camera is their ex - who we presume is the one who is dreaming about them.
The scenes aren't all that memorable and it's not something that will stay in my mind. At the very end, the guy wakes up with quite the shocked expression on his face. It's a good concept, but it's just lacking a lot.
After interviewing Shangela for CelebMix, yesterday, I just had to review one of her music videos. Little did I know how incredible the song and the visual will be; call me impressed, as I did not expect this at all! Halleloo! The song certainly reminds me of RuPaul's "Supermodel (You Better Work)", but has Shangela's stamp all over it; it's basically her personality in song form and it totally works. I cannot get enough of this song. Watch Shangela Laquifa Wadley dance, sing, and audition, whilst claiming that she came to work and that she is a pro in this music video for "Werqin' Girl (Professional)".
Shangela Laquifa Wadley, real name D.J. Pierce, made a name for herself by being the first contestant of RuPaul's Drag Race to compete in two seasons. She first appeared in season two, where she was the first to leave; yet, she returned for season three where she popped out of a box and came fifth overall. She has since toured all over the world, co-starred in Hurricane Bianca, and has released a few singles and music videos. She exclusively told CelebMix that she will be in new film A Star Is Born which also stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga; she also revealed that new music will be on the way too. The future is looking bright for Shangela, and she continues to bring it when needed. This song was written by D.J "Shangela" Pierce and C.J. Emmons.
Directed by Camrin William, this music video is a pure performance piece that really puts Shangela in the spotlight. She nails all the choreography and the scenes. It also stars Jennifer Lewis, Abby Lee Miller, Yara Sofia, Jason J. Carter, Josue de la Vega, Vincent Harris, Tony Moore, Jonathan Silva, Francisco Thurston, Samantha Starr, and Mia Fierce.
The opening scene sees Shangela and her girls sitting on a couch as a commercial featuring Abbie Lee Miller comes on asking if you have what it takes for the Abbie Lee Dance Company, suggesting that you should get down to auditions. This is where Shangela calls the number and starts her opening lyrics.
Then Shangela turns it out for the rest of the music video, being fierce at the camera, and dancing like that is what she was born to do. She totally brings it for the music video, adding comedy and showing off her performance skills.
There are various clips such as the scene where Abbie Lee Miller saying no to D.J. Pierce - who isn't dressed in drag. She can also be seen singing along to the lyrics at one point. There's also the dance-off scene which is on point in every way. And, we can't forget about the scene where the dancers leave and Shangela talks about going down the elevator.
Jennifer Lewis appears towards the end, saying that she taught Shangela all that. Also, at the very end is the words "In Loving Memory of Our 'Sista' Sahara Davenport" with Shangela and Yara Sofia holding up a large photo of the drag queen; she died of heart failure in 2012 at age 27. She was a contestant on the second series, alongside Shangela.
Overall, this music video is well thought out and completely fierce. Shangela brings it, she states that she "came to work" and that is exactly what she does. It is low-budget and there are a few scenes that I wish had been done better; however, this is a killer song with a killer music video! Halleloo!
We've all been missing The Saturdays and their music but, luckily, Mollie King's brand new song and video are giving us all sorts of girl group vibes. The song itself reminds me of Girls Aloud's "Sexy! No No No...", while she impresses with her vocal range. It's something new and different for her considering she released her debut single, "Back To You", which was more of a pop-ballad. The release of this song coincides with the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, which launches next week; where Mollie King has been confirmed as a contestant. Watch Mollie King dance with her girls, flipping her hair and bringing it completely for this music video for "Hair Down".
Mollie King is best known for being one-fifth of British girl group The Saturdays, who are currently on hiatus with no plans to reunite - will they ever get back together? (We shall keep dreaming of the day that they do). She is setting her sights on a solo music career, but "Back To You" totally underperformed when it was released last year; it also has a killer music video that I'll never forget. Now, she's got this new song which I can't help but love, and with her being a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing next week, this could actually become a hit single for her; I sure hope it does. This song was written by Mollie King, Ben Taylor, Brian Higgins, Carla Marie Williams, Florrie Arnold, Georgia Morgan, Keir MacCulloch, Kris Ryeland, Kyle Mackenzie, Lauren Morgan, Sarah Thompson, and Timothy Deal.
Directed by Kyle Lewis, the music video was filmed in South Africa. The song and the visual certainly has a Kylie Minogue vibe to it as well as Girls Aloud; the latter of which isn't a surprise since the song is a collaboration with Girls Aloud producers Xenomania.
There is a lot of bright colours going on and edited slow motion, both of which relate to the song perfectly. There is great dance choreography that Mollie King perfects with her backing dancers. The visual is on fire from start to finish.
There's a lot of style and fashion going on in the clip, with Mollie King totally showing herself off as a professional artist; one who is determined to make it in this industry. She easily connects with the audience, as the dance moves are something any of us could nail if we put our mind to it.
Overall, this basic music video has got me gripped. Mollie King proves that this is exactly what she should be doing. She brings performance vibes and energy that just makes this track even better. I so hope that this slowly rises on the charts as she competes in Strictly Come Dancing.
Thursday Revisit time, and I was extremely interested in listening to some of J Balvin's early hits, so I chose this one since it did well in some international countries. The song is catchy, to an extent, and J Balvin is looking well stylish and hot, whereas now he has his own unique style that only he can pull off; in contrast, he's slick and stylish here. This track is certainly one of his defining releases and just listening to the song, you realise why that is. Watch J Balvin leave a woman in a hotel room all by herself as he drives away in this music video for "Yo Te Lo Dije" - which is Spanish for "I Told You".
J Balvin, full name José Balvin, is one of the biggest male artists in Latin music at the moment. He's had plenty of phenomenal career moves that has launched him to the top. He's now a highly successful international star, even bringing Latin music to countries that haven't given this genre a chance - I am totally talking about the UK here. Not only that, he has sung with some of the biggest stars in the world, including my queen, Inna - on "Cola Song". So, I have been aware of him for a few years, and I'm glad he's getting the global credibility he deserves. His latest single, "Mi Gente", in collaboration with Willy William, is a complete international success; and, is the reason I'm reviewing this song for my Thursday Revisit. "Yo Te Lo Dije" charted at number one in Columbia and number four in Romania, as well as various US Latin charts. It was written by José Balvin.
The song is about a one night stand and the agreement that they wouldn't call each other the next day and that they will go their separate ways. Well, that didn't happen, because J Balvin sticks to his plans and drives away to Las Vegas, whereas the woman he was with, wakes up and calls him.
If the song is anything to go by, she's hoping she can convince him to come back to her. He ends up pulling over and speaking to her in Spanish, basically telling her that this is what they agreed and that he was clear from the start.
Throughout the rest of the video, we watch J Balvin perform his song, and he is bringing pure Latin vibes. This song is really groovy and it's no surprise it was a hit in a few countries. It shows how much of a brilliant performer he is, and how he deserves to be on stages all across the world - which he sure will be now! He's one artist I wouldn't want to miss at a festival! I also bet he enjoyed filming this music video with that Lamborghini.
We have a new song from Antonia, well sort of, as she features on Micke's debut single as Global Records launches into a Latin subsidiary label. I wrote this for CelebMix earlier today, and I just had to include it on my blog because I am addicted to this track and both Micke and Antonia's vocals work perfectly together. Watch Micke act as a mechanic as he checks out girls and dances with them whilst Antonia performs at a distance with her own girls in this music video for "El Amor".
Micke, full name Micke Moreno, has been in front of the camera since he was young. He's been on various TV shows, commercials, advertisements, and much more; most recently he appeared as a contestant on La Banda and The X Factor US. Now, he finally gets to release his debut single, and it features the incredible Antonia. Full name Antonia Iacobescu, she is an ex-model who has had a successful career in music, hitting international markets with the Tom Boxer single "Morena" and having a few top hits all on her own. This was a perfect team up that works completely on the track itself. It was written by Sebastian Barac, Marcel Botezan, and Micke Moreno.
Directed by Ionut Trandafir, the music video is a pure performance piece that has a slight narrative going on. It takes place in a caravan park, where Micke plays a mechanic, fixing up a car. All the while, Antonia and a bunch of girls are just hanging out, and dancing to the track.
There is a massive degree of separation between Antonia and Micke, it's almost as if she didn't want to be a part of the video, and was only drafted in because they wanted a big name to feature on the track. She stuns us from the opening and refuses to fade into the background as the video continues; bringing her usual performance vibes, ones I hope I get to experience one day. I need to see Antonia live in concert.
As for Micke, he really gets involved. It's clear he is loving every minute of this music video. Yet, he practically ignores Antonia, and although the distance is something we get used to with every play, it still looks completely awkward. Regardless, he brings so much passion to this video, that he's full of energy.
The song is totally amazing, and one I can't stop playing. Regardless of the awkwardness, the music video comes across well, with Micke and Antonia performing perfectly. The background dancers and actors play their roles well, bringing their own fun narrative to the table too. Overall, it's one video we don't mind playing again and again.
YouTube Recommendations have come through once again and it suggested me to watch this music video, which has an epic storyline that will keep me addicted as each new video drops, I'm sure. At 21 he entered the porn industry, thanks to a persistent Grindr member, which he revealed in his exclusive interview with Midlands Zone - which is where I've heard his name from since I read that magazine from time to time. He's coming out of porn to focus on his music career, he also has two books published as well. He's clearly got a lot going for him. Watch Mickey Taylor loved up with Gabriel Phoenix which has a twist at the end and is part of a seven-part story in this music video for "All Day" which features ØMC.
Mickey Taylor first came to my attention when he graced the cover of Midlands Zone (who I wish would employ me - a guy can dream). I didn't even link this video to the cover of the magazine until I checked out his Facebook page - I knew I'd heard the name before, but had no idea why, and now I do. He can also be seen in Jordan Gray's music video for "Platinum". He's building his career and he has quite a nice voice if this song is anything to go with. I came across this music video through YouTube Recommendations after reviewing Brandon Stansell's "Spare Change", and now I'm definitely interested in seeing where Mickey Taylor takes his musical career next, plus I need to watch the other six parts of this story. The track features ØMC, real name John Neff, who is a Chicago producer who has worked with the likes of PJ Brennan, Lana Lubany, and Ryoko Miza. This is a great song that sure is catchy, that definitely makes me interested in listening to the rest of Mickey Taylor's songs, which includes two albums and plenty of singles. "All Day" was written by ØMC.
The music video was directed by Ashton Bradley & Mickey Taylor. It was filmed in Brighton and also stars Gabriel Phoenix and Theo Ford.
There's a lot of cute things going on, mainly Mickey Taylor and Gabriel Phoenix walking along Brighton beach. We also see them do various cute things together, including a fun ice cream scene, and a full-on arcade scene that sees them play on the dance machine, the claw crane, and the air hockey machine.
The final scene sees them in a bar, and Mickey Taylor asks a guy in the bar - who is played by Theo Ford - to take a picture of him and Gabriel Phoenix on the window ledge; he then goes and grabs a drink for Theo Ford to thank him. As he returns from the bar, he's shocked when he sees Gabriel Phoenix's hand on Theo Ford's leg - this has a lot of drama going on, especially when the audience watches the swap of numbers behind Mickey Taylor's back.
Overall this narrative is well thought out, yet not as dramatic as I was hoping it would be - to be fair, considering I've been watching web series The Horizon, this music video seems completely tame in comparison. Mickey Taylor has a segmented performance piece throughout, where he really shows he has connected with the song perfectly.
Finally, J Balvin gets a top ten hit in the UK, it's just a shame it wasn't "Cola Song" which is Inna's song that he features on. Every time I read his name, I say it the way he does in that song. Anyhow, this has launched up the chart with the help of Snapchat filters, since this song was played when a certain face filter was chosen. This music video gets reviewed for my Chart Mondays' review since Dua Lipa has made it a second week at number one on the UK Chart with the awesome tune "New Rules". This is also Willy William's first global hit too! Watch J Balvin and Willy William bring it in this extremely burst of colour that pulsates throughout in this music video for "Mi Gente".
J Balvin, full name José Balvin, is a Columbian reggaeton singer who has collaborated with a whole host of big names and has been focusing on his career for many years; and, finally, he's getting the recognition he deserves all around the world. It's been the perfect time for him to capitalise on his career as Latin music is ever-so-popular right now. This track is in collaboration with Willy William, who is a French artist whose previous biggest hit was 2015's "Ego". It'll be interesting what steps he takes next and whether he can keep a hold of this international fame because we sure know J Balvin will continue to release big hits around the world. The song has topped many international charts, as well as gained top ten's in much more. The song was written by José Osorio, Willy William, Adam Ashadally, Andrés David Restrepo, and Mohombi Nzasi Moupondo.
Directed by Juan Pablo Valencia as part of 36 Grados, this music video is a pure performance piece with a burst of nonstop colour throughout. The beat kicks in straight away and it's completely addicting as we watch a reflected city and completely colourful backgrounds in front of J Balvin and Willy William and the dancers.
There's a lot of head bopping during the opening scenes, showcasing the rhythmic grooves and the bright colours. Then the dancers come out, bringing freelance interspersed with some choreography. They're in time to the beat throughout, showcasing the song even more.
The performance piece of J Balvin and Willy William is on fire. They show their energy and what they would be like on stage. Just imagine seeing them live! They perform on a bus and in a club, and J Balvin even does some choreographed foot work. There's also a lot of fire and smoke when night draws in, with a football and a bicycle both on fire.
As the end comes closer, we watch similar visuals from the opening, but in reverse. Either there's a burst of colour, editing that removes colour, and splitting the visuals of the dancers in half - which they don't even try to make look real.
Overall the song totally makes this video, and it's that beat that has got us all addicted. The visual itself isn't anything special; although, it's good to see J Balvin and Willy William performing the track, showing exactly how they do it on stage. They're definitely people we wouldn't want to miss at a festival. The burst of colour is refreshing too and sure will brighten up the music channels.
Here's a new music video from Brandon Stansell, and I fully love it! He deserves to reach his goal on Kickstarter so that he can release his debut album because I cannot wait to see what other tracks he has in store. So if you haven't backed his project yet, I highly suggest you do so right now! The song is one of my favourites from Brandon Stansell, and I hope there are a few more tracks like this one on his new album - if it ever gets released; since the Kickstarter campaign is all-or-nothing. So support this gay country singer by backing his project. In this music video, Brandon Stansell makes a statement and a visual impact as he shows that culture plays a big part in America for this song "Spare Change".
Directed by Trent Atkinson, this music video has both a narrative and a performance piece. The latter showcases Brandon Stansell as a brilliant singer and performer, whilst the former makes a perfect cultural impact.
The opening scene sees a backpacker walking across a field, towards a city - which we presume is Los Angeles. He hops on to a metro train, where he spots a woman, who he smiles at as she dons a headscarf. When the train stops at their station, they meet up, and she takes him around Los Angeles, showing off her culture.
Throughout, the visual is segmented by a performance scene from Brandon Stansell. He releases energetic vibes that are full of emotion; it's clear this song means a lot to him whilst giving it this jovial spin that brings on a great positive meaning; effortlessly relating to the song throughout.
The ending makes a massive statement, not just in America but all over the world. Our characters come across five red posters that say "America is full go home". The male character shreds the posters up as the female character takes offence to the poster's words. We later see various people shredding the posters up before Brandon Stansell remakes the poster to say "America is home".
Overall, this music video is well thought out, makes the perfect statement, and relates to the song easily. This visual is something I'll never forget, and it's so heartwarming to watch. Culture and beliefs shouldn't separate, it should bring people closer together. Thank you, Brandon Stansell, for this music video; it deserves to be seen by a lot more people.
It's been two months since Relley C dropped her debut single "Unruly", which I wrote up for CelebMix and Outlet Magazine. Last night, she dropped the music video for this song and it is completely awesome. Again, I wrote it up for CelebMix and Outlet Magazine; and I am so happy there's a music video so I can now review it on my blog. It's high-quality, brilliantly edited and even features a mini-me in the visual. It was so worth the wait. Watch Relley C be "Unruly" reflecting back on her past and her childhood in her debut music video.
Relley C, real name Sherelle Clarke, is a home girl; she hails from my home city of Birmingham! Not only that, but she is an incredible singer/songwriter, who I have followed since her first audition on The X Factor series 10. She got as far as the Judges' Houses before being eliminated. Luckily, she returned for series 13 and I got to support her once again. This time around she made it to the live shows and placed 10th overall - although she totally deserved to get much further. "Unruly" was written by Relley C, Lei Jennings, and The 1990 Club.
Directed by Olvr G, filmed and edited by 'eyekandyvisuals', and co-shot by FF Creative, this music video is a pure performance visual set within a slight narrative. Relley C is accompanied by a child version of herself who is played by Portia.
There are a few different scenes, most of which shows Relley C looking out across a very beautiful landscape. It's serene watching her perform outwards. She can also be spotted in a tree, and in a field - where her mini-me is in the background doing back flips.
As expected, Relley C gives it her all for the music video; she's a total natural as if this is exactly the place she's meant to be, showcasing herself as an artist in a music video. I am loving the shots and her confidence and her performance vibes. The whole visual totally excites me for the day I eventually see her live on stage.
Overall, this music video is great, I love some of the transitions between adult Relley C and young Relley C. I already love the song, but it's even better now we have a visual to go along with it. I cannot wait to see what the future brings to this soulful R&B singer/songwriter. Keep your eye on Relley C!
The haunting hungry track we have been waiting for from Fergie is finally here. Fergie dropped this track and video today, along with an instant grat single of "You Already Know" which features Nicki Minaj. As for this track, she teased it back in June 2016, and many believed it would become the third single, instead "Life Goes On" appeared out of nowhere. Watch Fergie showcase her new song "Hungry" with Rick Ross in this black and white, highly edited, music video that is completely fierce!
Fergie - who was born Stacy Ferguson but has now changed her name to Fergie Duhamel after marrying Josh Duhamel - is gearing up for the release of her second studio album, titled Double Duchess. The album has been a long-time coming and fans are completely excited. Fergie has been teasing this song for over a year, so we're all ecstatic to be able to play it in full through our speakers. Not only that, but we also love that she dropped another song from her upcoming album, titled "You Already Know" which features Nicki Minaj. I hope both songs get the success that they deserve because I can't stop listening to them! Fergie is truly back! On this song is Rick Ross, real name William Roberts II, who is one of the biggest American rappers around. His name is iconic, so it's great to see that he's collaborated with the equally iconic Fergie. This song was written by Fergie Duhamel, Lisa Gerrard, and Brendan Perry.
The music video was directed by Bruno Ilogti. It's a full out edited music video using amazing techniques that keep the audience entertained as we have no idea what is going to happen next.
There's so much imagery going on in this music video, it's hard to even catch everything; which is a good thing because, on every replay, you find something new. We love the split screen of Fergie and Rick Ross, creating an even bigger haunting effect, just like the song.
Then there's Fergie cutting her hair off, giving herself a trim; suggesting her music has transformed into something new - and I'm so excited to hear the rest of her album.
Her performance piece is complete fire. She brings it like only Fergie can; Rick Ross also measures up perfectly. This visual works with the song, creating a dark and haunting concept that literally has the chance to go in various directions. It's great promotion for her new album, and I cannot wait for that!
