Macklemore - The Town


The Town - Macklemore |

I've been eager to watch an older music video from Macklemore, so now that I've covered "Good Old Days" featuring Kesha, I thought it was the perfect excuse to delve into Macklemore's previous songs and pull this one out for my Thursday Revisit. It really does encompass the song's title and the lyrics. It's not surprising that he managed to build up his career if he was previously releasing treasures like this one. Watch Macklemore perform and present the town in his debut music video for his song "The Town".

Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, originally released this song and music video, along with a few others all before he became famous when he teamed up with Ryan Lewis. They've had a successful career to-date as a duo, but they are currently on hiatus as they pursue solo projects. This song's music video is Macklemore's debut video and has an air of "Good Old Days" to it, which has just been released in collaboration with Kesha - and is the sole reason I'm reviewing this today. The song hits us all in the heart emotionally from the very first verse; Macklemore can seriously write some amazing lyrics; like, WOW! This was worthy of being a hit, although there is only a simple melody and rhythm to the song; however, it's the lyrics themselves and Macklemore's delivery that makes this one we all need to treasure.

Directed by Zia Mohajerjasbi, this music video seriously is incredible. The town of Seattle is fully shown throughout the clips, the people, the city, the photos, the events, everything. Linking in perfectly with the song.

There's a performance piece with the city skyline behind Macklemore, and it has his usual energy. He really means every single word of this song, and it's so heartwarming to see that.

The main scene that makes an impression on all of us, is the table filled with flyers and photos that represent music from Seattle in every way. It's great to see this side of Macklemore, and his ability to flood a song like this with emotions. The lyrics are outstanding in every way, and it's great that the music video manages to represent the song totally.
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Macklemore Featuring Kesha - Good Old Days


Good Old Days (feat. Kesha) - Macklemore |

I actually thought I had already reviewed this, clearly, I haven't, so it's time to do this one. It's still in the UK chart, and I actually thought it would climb its way up and make it into the Top 10 so I could review it for Chart Mondays, however, that seems extremely unlikely, so I might as well cover it now since I adore this song and music video in every way. This was a killer collaboration, one that should've brought international chart success for both artists; it's sad that that didn't quite happen, but this will be one of my treasured songs, for sure. Watch Macklemore and Kesha live their lives freely and together in this cute music video for their song "Good Old Days".

Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, went viral when he teamed up with Ryan Lewis. Together they brought some phenomenal tunes that smashed the charts all over the world, but this collaboration didn't stick around for long, and Macklemore is continuing his solo career. They are officially on hiatus, much like many bands and groups that we know. He's been having a tough time getting those chart numbers as a solo act, and we all thought it would change with this song and collaboration, since Kesha has had amazing success, but her court proceedings have affected her career, that's for sure. Her full name is Kesha Sebert, and she recently released her third studio album which has got everyone talking. This song sees the artists complementing each other effortlessly, so much so that we hope that they release more collaborations in the future - we can only hope. The song was written by Ben Haggerty, Kesha Sebert, Joshua Karp, Andrew Joslyn, Sam Wishkoski, and Tyler Andrews.

Directed by Johnny Valencia, the music video has a laid-back theme to it just like the song. Really managing to capture "Good Old Days" in every sense of those three words.

Taking the lyrics and transforming a world around them, Kesha and Macklemore impress with their acting ability and vocal skills. There's an old camera used to capture some of the scenes, and it's clear they both got on really well with each other. They certainly make a great couple, and it's heart-warming to watch every single scene in this video.

There may not be much to this video, with it bringing some sort of hippie vibe, where they relax and take it back to the good old days. But, it perfectly relates to the song, bringing it everything we wanted and needed. This music video warms all of our hearts and makes us a little teary as we think of our good old days, as well as knowing how personal this is to Kesha's life since we all know she's going through some tough times, right now.
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Fergie Featuring Axl Jack - Enchanté (Carine)


Enchante (Carine) [feat. Axl Jack] - Fergie |

I am still 17 days behind on my blog, and it's all Fergie's fault for dropping music video after music video - I managed to cover them all on CelebMix, including this one; in doing so, I fell behind on my blog, so I might as well just review her music videos on my blog too since she is the culprit. This is one of a few of my favourite songs from her brand new album, however, this music video is much more basic than her other videos. Watch Kendall Jenner go about various tasks as repetitions of her going forwards and backwards is constantly shown in Fergie's music video for "Enchanté (Carine)" featuring her son Axl Jack.

Fergie, real name Fergie Duhamel and previously Stacy Ferguson, is best known for being the female singer in the Black Eyed Peas. She previously went solo over ten years ago and has been working on her second studio album for a few years. To me, it is one of the best albums of the year, Double Dutchess shows off her versatility in every way. I pretty much like every single song on the album - which is rare for me. This one stands out because the song features her son Axl Jack. The song was written by Fergie Duhamel, Tal Meltzer, Philip Patterson, and David Riff.

This music video was released as part of the Double Dutchess Visual Experience, which sees all 13 tracks get a music video, bringing a visual experience album to her listeners and fans.

This is one of the most basic music videos, that certainly has inspiration from Instagram's Boomerang feature - which is becoming very popular at the moment in visuals. Kendall Jenner appears both as main characters and backing characters in this multi-Kendall-Jenner universe. This isn't the first time one of the Kardashian/Jenner's have been in a Fergie music video, Kim Kardashian featured in "M.I.L.F. $".

There's not a whole lot going on, just multiple Kendall Jenner going about her life, waking up, walking the dogs, getting ready, being in a meeting with various versions of herself, and then we go back through her routines.

What I can't fault this on, is her fashion and style. Kendall Jenner is on point all the way through this music video. Some surprising choices have been chosen, but she works them completely; totally showing off how great of a model she is.

Overall, the music video has nothing going for it, it doesn't really keep the audience entertained, and it certainly has a warped effect. Plus, could we really deal with multiple Kendall Jenners? This would be too many, however, imagine if you had multiple versions of yourself, you could literally stay in bed all day whilst they do everything else - that'll be the life.
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Chart Mondays: Camila Cabello Featuring Young Thug - Havana


Havana (feat. Young Thug) - Camila Cabello |

According to this backdated blog post, it is 6 November 2017, which means that during this week we had a brand new number one on the UK Singles Charts. Yes, that's right, Camila Cabello climbed her way up into first position, knocking "Rockstar" by Post Malone featuring 21 Savage off the top spot. It's been a steady climb for this single, but radio play sure pushed its success - plus it is undeniably catchy. As for the music video, there is a hell of a lot going on with multiple versions of Camila Cabello. I have not been looking forward to writing about this, but here goes. Watch Camila Cabello bring some Latin flair as she performs and acts in this music video for her song "Havana" featuring Young Thug.

Camila Cabello is mostly known for being the first member of Fifth Harmony to leave the girl group; the other girls have continued as a four-piece. All five girls auditioned on The X Factor (US) separately and came third, as a collective, in the second season. Camila Cabello has certainly made impressive strides in her solo career and it seems to have certainly paid off, especially by claiming the UK number one. She needs to keep on to this success though, as we've seen many reach this pivotal point, only to fall dramatically. This song is a collaboration with Young Thug, real name Jeffery Williams. He's had moderate success as an American rapper internationally, but nothing career-defining, unless you count this track. He has made his name known and has collaborated with a whole host of artists. He's bound to have a solo hit sometime soon. This song was written by Camila Cabello, Brittany Hazzard, Ali Tamposi, Brian Lee, Andrew Watt, Pharrell Williams, Jeffery Lamar Williams, Adam Feeney, and Louis Bell.

Directed by Dave Meyers, this music video is a full-on narrative piece with a performance piece set within the story. It's pretty much another film, which seems to be the way music videos are going at the moment. There's a long intro to this, that acts as a double intro, all before the music actually kicks in.

The video opens up with a telenovela. Camila Cabello walks into a bedroom where she sees her boyfriend Juan (played by Marco DelVecchio), and her best friend and the maid, in bed together, then the real Juan comes out of the closet and states that in bed is his twin brother, before he gets down on one knee and proposes. We flit to a couch where Camila Cabello is sitting watching the telenovela, which her grandmother then turns off using the remote.

This is where we see a full family storyline, we see Camila Cabello play Karla, LeJuan James playing the grandmother, and Lele Pons playing the sister, Bella. There's a chat around the table, mainly telling Karla to go out in the world and find life, rather than sitting at home watching telenovelas.

Karla later goes out to watch a film, titled "Camila in Havana". This acts as the main part of the music video, and Karla watches Camila Cabello perform in a club with various guys whilst wearing a stunning red fringed dress. The dancing is on point throughout, and we have to give kudos to the two guys dancing together - just yes!

There's a lot of flirting and teasing going on in the main part of the music video. Camila Cabello brings it for the performance piece, strutting her stuff and bringing all the energy needed. Unfortunately, Young Thug is overshadowed in every way, and we completely forget that he appears on the stage for his part - however, it is needed to break up the song.

Lastly, she follows a shadow outside and slaps this guy, and then lets him walk away because she loves herself more than she loves him; well, talk about being extra - to be fair, that's me all over though. Only Karla isn't happy with the ending, and says so; to which there's a fiction-to-reality moment where Camila tells Karla that if she doesn't like the ending, she should go out and write her own.

So, that's what happens, Karla goes outside and starts to dance like she saw in the movie, and a guy crashes his bike. They dance together on the street, and her sister spots them and she's so surprised. Not only that, but the grandmother seems to also know about it happening, back at the house.

It's a great music video, with the male love interest being played by Noah Centineo. However, the intro is very long but completely relatable to the theme of the song. It does have that Latin flair. I want to give it four stars because the intro is too long, but it deserves five, for sure.
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Madonna - Papa Don't Preach


Papa Don't Preach - Madonna |

I watched something the other day and there was a photo of Madonna, I actually think it was a YouTuber video; whatever it was, it made me realise that Madonna has a whole host of music videos, a massive range of visuals, and I haven't really delved that much into them. I haven't really covered Madonna on my blog much, mainly because I'm not a fan of hers, but also because I've been preoccupied with the current stars of the world. So it's time to jump into this song and video. I actually identify the song with Kelly Osbourne, since she covered it as her debut single, under the same name "Papa Don't Preach". Watch Madonna walk around New York, fall in love with a guy, and tell her father that she's keeping the baby with visuals of her childhood in this music video for her song "Papa Don't Preach".

Madonna, full name Madonna Ciccone, is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, female singers in the world. Her career has been lengthy, to say the least. She's been going for many decades and has kept up-to-date with the music in each era and managed to stay current with every new release. Not many singers have been able to do just that. As of 2017, she doesn't have any plans to release new music, although I reckon she'll make a return sometime soon, and it's bound to be massive since her last few singles didn't do as well as everyone had hoped, although the album Rebel Heart did amazingly. This song was released in 1986 and hit number one in many countries around the world. It was written by Brian Elliot and Madonna.

Directed by James Foley, this music video shows Madonna off with a tomboy look. It's intersected with a much sexier Madonna, showing two sides of her in this music video - she literally made tomboys current and fashionable. Madonna definitely had that ability back then.

It is mainly a performance piece. We watch her relationship with her father as she grows up, with her dad being played by actor Danny Aiello. The narrative plays out as we continue to watch how Madonna meets this guy who later becomes the father of the child she is carrying. Her love interest is played by actor Alex McArthur.

Various scenes correlate to the actual lyrics of the song, and the ending is adorable, how the father finally accepts what she has told him and rather than staying mad, he breaks the ice and embraces her in a hug.

As for the performance piece, Madonna sure knows how to release energy, however, it does feel distant compared to the song and the music video. The story has this massive impact on every single viewer, that the performance piece becomes a distraction, something we don't want to watch. But, because the narrative is so strong, I have to give it this rating.
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Jake Miller - Can't Help Myself


Can't Help Myself - Jake Miller |

I have literally just reviewed this for Outlet Magazine (article awaiting editor approval), and I just had to include it on my blog because it is absolutely incredible. It deserves millions more views than it has received, and so I hope I manage to send a few more its way with this blog post, as well as my constant viewing. This is a total must-watch music video, and as soon as I saw it in my email, I knew I would be writing about it because it is truly unforgettable in every way. Watch Jake Miller be some sort of hero in this Mad Max themed music video for his catchy song "Can't Help Myself".

Jake Miller is an American singer-songwriter who was originally signed to a major record label but he is now an independent artist. The album this song has come from is his first album release as an independent artist, titled "2:00am In LA". The whole album is addicting and just shows how passionate he is when it comes to his music. He went viral in the past with his collaboration with Travie McCoy on the song "Dazed and Confused", whilst his most popular solo track is "First Flight Home". This song hasn't gained all that much momentum, and nor has this incredible music video. But it'll be one of my treasured hits, that's for sure. The song was written by Jake Miller and Cade Larson.

Directed by Christian Bresleaur & Edgar Esteves, the inspiration for this music video actually came from Mad Max: Fury Road - so it's no surprise it has a Mad Max theme all around it. It is a fully narrative video, which starts off explaining what has happened to the war, thanks to what the reporters tell us, and Jake Miller also proclaims he is one of the last few survivors.

He awakes in the desert - specifically the Mojave Desert in this case - covered in sand. After searching for some time, he finds a motorcycle and drives away. He comes across a stunning blonde woman who is chained up in a ruined city. Instead of driving off, like he should've done, he can't help himself and has to rescue her.

After shooting off the chains, and the two of them having a moment, the guards spot them and start firing. They shoot his bike and fuel spills from the tank. So now he can't escape, so they hide behind a wrecked car as he fires back. They start running through the ruined town, but one of the guards finds him and pulls the trigger on a handheld flamethrower. They turn around and run but the other guard is around the corner and hits him in the face, knocking him out.

They drag him and tie him to a chair. They throw a bucket of water over him to wake him up, and then this is where the awesome plot twist comes in. The woman he saved turns out to be the ringleader, and it was all a setup. She straddles him on the chair before the guards remove their masks to reveal they are women too, and they're clearly sexually frustrated. They have their hands all over his body before the rest is left to our imaginations. According to Jake Miller, the women use him to populate the Earth.

The final scene in the video sees Jake Miller chained up in an amphitheatre-like arena. For those of you who say it doesn't relate to the song, you are incorrect. Jake Miller can't help himself when there's a beautiful woman involved and look at what's happened. It's a short, yet obvious, correlation between the song and the music video; one that fully works in every way.

Overall, this music video is beyond anything we could've expected. Thinking out of the box, yet relating to the song, is something I love to see when it comes to music videos. It's a different interpretation of the track, whilst still making sense in every way. This is full-on incredible and is more than worthy of the rating below. I hope he releases more film-like music videos.
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New Release: Kryan, Fabyan, Yoandri & Micke Moreno - Eres Tu


Eres Tu - Kryan, Fabyan, Yoandri & Micke Moreno |

Once again, I wrote up an article about this for CelebMix, but of course, I was going to cover this on my own blog. I am a fan of Micke Moreno since he collaborated with Antonia on the track "El Amor", and he has incredible vocals that he has shown as being an artist on Global Records Latin; so, I can't wait to see what the future brings him. This has really cemented Global Records Latin and displays the calibre of artists on their label. This catchy song will certainly gain momentum for the label and the boys. Watch Kryan, Fabyan, Yoandri, and Micke Moreno come together in this music video that easily shows off the capabilities of each artist for their Latin single "Eres Tu".

Kryan is known for his time on La Voz Teens, where he was a semi-finalist. This is his first official release and is sure the great big step that he needed. I expect him to release more music under this label, along with the other three guys in this collaboration. Fabyan, full name Fabyan Sanchez, is known for his time on La Banda (the show that gave us CNCO). He came sixth in the show's second season, missing out on being in the five-piece group Mix5. He recently released his debut single under Global Records Latin, titled "Sin Ti". Then there's Yoandri, full name Yoandri Cabrera, he is also from La Banda, only from Season One, where he came sixth, missing out on being in five-piece boy band CNCO. After the show, he self-released three singles that have gained a lot of streams, this signing could certainly allow him to go global. And, lastly, we have Micke Moreno, who has already kick-started his career on Global Records with "El Amor", which features the incredible singer Antonia. His vocals are stunning on this single and I can't wait to see what the future brings him. This song was written by Melo Cardenas Brian Andres, Fabyan Dariel Sanchez Lopez, Yoandri Cabrera, Micke Alejandro Moreno, and Alexandru Cotoi.

Directed by Khaled Mokhtar, this music video tells a short story whilst allowing all four guys to shine in profile performance pieces. Engaging from start to finish with a few surprising and unplanned scenes, this visual definitely brings the Latin vibes.

Filmed in Bucharest, the boys declared that the area reminds them of home and that the scenes definitely bring the Latin American vibe, which is certainly the intention. The boys mentioned about there always being a grandmotherly figure in their home neighbourhoods and whilst on set they came across this old woman who was more than happy to be involved in the music video - talk about a great coincidence.

The boys are walking around when they spot some women on a balcony and they flirt for some time before setting off to a club to dance the night away. The boys each have a solo performance piece that truly allows each of them to shine whilst being surrounded by the women.

Overall, this definitely has a typical Latin music video vibe to it. It allows Global Records Latin to put their stamp into this music genre, and it truly works. Each of the guys will, no doubt, start their incredible music careers under this record label and I certainly look forward to following their every step.
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Little Mix - DNA


DNA - Little Mix |

Yes, we're all shocked I haven't reviewed this music video yet; but, I'm going to pretend I've been waiting for a Thursday Revisit - like this backdated date - to review this visual. It's one addictive track, but it's a grower of a song, which explains why it didn't live up to the chart success of "Wings". The song is quite dark and spooky, and they sure followed up the track with a similar one called "Lightning", which never got an official single release or a music video - however, we all presume that the "to be continued..." at the end would've been perfect follow-through to "Lightning", if that ever became something. I doubt they'll continue this music video on, as so much time has passed, but we can keep hoping that they do. Watch Little Mix perform their song on a tall tower, whilst each member have their own time in the spotlight as they get revenge on a guy in this music video for "DNA".

Little Mix are a four-piece girl group consisting of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. They were the first group to win The X Factor in the UK and are still the only group to have done so in its 14 series. They are one of the biggest girl groups in the world and definitely the biggest in the UK. They bring fire to everything they do, and they're gearing up to release their platinum edition of their latest album Glory Days which gained them their first UK number one on the Albums Chart. I can't wait for new music, but I'm hoping it's not too long for a new album. This song was written by Thomas Barnes, Peter Kelleher, Ben Kohn, Iain James, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, and Gavin Jones.

Directed by Sarah Chatfield, the music video is more of a profile and performance piece, with snippets of a potential story-line that's not quite fleshed out fully. There is a "To Be Continued..." found at the end of the music video, which was later confirmed that people who went to the DNA tour in 2013 would've seen the follow-up, or so we presume.

We start off watching Perrie Edwards driving a car with a guy who she has kidnapped, bound and gagged. Jesy Nelson's scene is pretty similar although she's in a different car. Then we've got Jade Thirlwall on the side of a building, next to a covered window where a guy's shadow can be seen - she fully stands out in this visual. Then, Leigh-Anne Pinnock has her scene at the end, where she makes out like she's devised all the plans.

It's a strong narrative, but one that should've been developed more. The girls are fierce in the performance piece, where they're dancing on top of a building. They're on fire, although a full choreographed sequence would've engaged the viewers a bit more. Then you've got them running along the street, which doesn't add all that much to the music video.

Overall, it's dark and twisty which shows Little Mix in a whole different light compared to "Wings". They sure know how to bring it, but they've definitely come a long way since this music video. It's all right but could have been so much better if the narrative was played out much more.
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Alex Aiono - Question


Question - Alex Aiono |

I recently found out I would be going to an Alex Aiono gig for CelebMix. Those of you who know I've backdated this, would know I have already been to this gig (set in the future taking into account the date of this music video) and my gig review can be viewed here. This is probably my favourite Alex Aiono song and I truly couldn't wait to review the music video on my blog because it is a highly emotional song that many can relate to. It went off when he performed it at the O2 Academy 2 Islington; and, he sure knows how to bring it. Watch Alex Aiono perform this track, as we watch clips of a past relationship that didn't go well in this incredible music video for his song "Question".

Alex Aiono was initially a YouTube star, but his music career has certainly picked up. He's one of the biggest rising male artists in the music industry and he has collaborated with some great stars to date. His music videos have millions of views and he's got a killer voice that will certainly take him a long way. This song acted as his official second single on a major record label, following "Work The Middle". I adore this track, and I hope he releases something similar in the future that brings him an international chart success. The song was written by Jamie Sanderson, John Mitchell, Oliver Peterhof, A. Izquierdo, Mike Molina, and Nelson Kyle.

Directed by Hamish Stephenson, this music video is pure fire from start to finish. It relates to the song and has both a performance piece and a narrative piece. Alex Aiono truly shines throughout.

The narrative is on point, it's clear they have taken the story of the song and transformed it into this amazing visual. I particularly like the ghostly apparitions while Alex Aiono is sitting on the couch - now that's a clever idea. There are more clips intersected throughout that shows how their loving relationship slowly fizzled out.

We never meet this new love of his that he sings about, but that's not what the song is about anyway, so watching him being in a new relationship is a whole other story. The dancing is fully lit. He brings it in perfect timing to the dancers in the background, showing that he can pull off an energetic gig - which he certainly did in London - and easily nail choreography.

He's highly passionate about this song, and has managed to connect with the meaning effortlessly. This entire music video is brilliant in every way. Alex Aiono is a future star, and if he keeps bringing songs and music videos like this, I'm sure we'll be seeing an international chart sensation from him very soon.
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Liam Ferrari - Run To You


Run to You - Liam Ferrari |

YouTube Recommendations have come through for me again today, as I attempt to catch up with this blog. After previously watching Monoir's "Save The Night" featuring Alexandra Stan, which is set in a similar location, it's great that I've come across Liam Ferrari's "Run To You". This place is absolutely gorgeous, and totally a place we all want to visit for a couple of days. I'm so glad to see this scenery again in a music video! Watch Liam Ferrari perform in a stunning Greek Island where he sings and dances through this new single "Run To You".

Liam Ferrari is first and foremost a self-taught dancer. His videos have had millions of views on YouTube and Instagram. He also gained fame as part of a group called Straight Up who competed on the fifth season of The X Factor (Australia); they were eliminated at the Judges' Houses stage. Recently, he has turned to solo music, and it sure has become extremely popular after his viral dance videos. This song is a total killer, that has a Justin Bieber-esque to it. I truly believe Liam Ferrari will become big as the years go by. He's clearly passionate about this and prepared to make it his career; with his sort of following, he is going to be massive, especially if he keeps bringing amazingly catchy songs like this one. The song was written by Rory Noble.

Directed by Sean Higgins (Shotography), this music video is a pure performance piece that showcases who Liam Ferrari is. It was shot in a gorgeous Greek Island that totally looks scenically beautiful. We bet his whole team enjoyed every minute of being there.

What we do know from this music video, is that no one would be disappointed at a Liam Ferrari concert. Not only does he look so hot, but he performs with electric energy that transcends to every viewer.

His dancing is on point and he nails it in every way. However, as with most solo dance freestyle, it feels awkward. Although he brings it, I'd love to see backing dancers to allow him to truly shine even more. It just feels like he's trying to show off in this visual, which is what we definitely shouldn't be thinking.

Overall, the scenic beauty is what attracted me to the music video; and, I won't lie that his shirtless visuals are nice to look at. However, I don't feel engaged or amazed at his performance throughout. It's energetic and there's a lot of dancing going on, but the dancing doesn't relate to the song apart from the upbeat feel of the track. I'm missing the emotions and the feelings of this song.
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