I've been planning on watching this music video for some time, but I keep forgetting about it, until recently when it appeared in my YouTube Recommendations. Sunstroke Project were my favourite act in the Eurovision Song Contest 2017, where they sang "Hey, Mamma!"; they came third overall, having appealed greatly to the public at home. Personally, I think they deserve international success, but I'm not that surprised that this song didn't do well when it was dropped since it has a summery feel to it even though it was released at the end of last year. I'm hoping that 2018 brings new Sunstroke Project music that we all will fall in love with. Watch Sunstroke Project host a carnival in a street as a group of children discover what's going on through a gap in a wooden door, fighting over who gets to watch in this bright and colourful music video for "Sun Gets Down".
Sunstroke Project are a three-piece group consisting of Sergei Yalovitsky, Anton Ragoza, and Sergey Stepanov. They've represented Moldova at Eurovision, twice; the first time was in 2010 alongside Olia Tira with the song "Run Away" where they came 22nd in the Grand Final with 27 points. They attempted to return by competing in following national selection shows. Finally, they won, in 2017, with the song "Hey, Mamma!", which was well received by the public at home. They came third in the Grand Final with 374 points. This is the song that followed that Eurovision hit. I am hopeful that they continue to release music and we all hope a brand new album is on the horizon.
Directed by Slava Sirbu, this music video relates to the song with its summery vibe and engaging narrative. The video opens up with a bunch of children interacting with one another. This then pans out to the carnival festival that is going on. The street completely reminds me of Antonia's "Jameia", for some reason, I guess all street sets all look the same.
The one child finds out about the carnival by looking through a hole in a wooden door or gate or fence - I'm not sure what to call that. He quickly rides his bicycle to his friends and tells him about what he's just seen, and they all rush over to watch. Then, one of the children is pulled through the door to enjoy the festivities. The ending, sees someone beckon the other children to join.
As for the performance piece, Sunstroke Project are full of style, class, and fashion. They exude their magical energy and really light up the carnival with their moves and their music. They stand out amongst the festivities while others take centre stage such as the day of the dead woman and the dancers.
Overall, this music video is stunning in concept. It really relates to the jovial sun vibe that is being leached out of the track. The addicting storyline keeps the audience entertained throughout, although I'm quite confused as to why the children run away when the door opens and a hand beckons them in. Otherwise, this music video certainly excites me for future Sunstroke Project songs.
I used to be a massive fan of Justin Timberlake, but my love of his music certainly fell as time went on, and I'm glad it did since I do not like this song, or it's accompanying music video. He's made quite the comeback this year, but it falls short. He is one of the top male singers in the whole world, and yet his latest music hasn't quite slammed the charts as his past tracks have done. Watch Justin Timberlake present to the world the first dancing robot that copies his moves on stage in this futuristic music video for "Filthy".
Justin Timberlake released this track as the first single from his new album, which is his first in five years. Usually, if an artist has waited so long to release an album, you would expect a brilliant collection of tracks. However, he doesn't meet our expectations when it comes to this album, and it really does make us miss his previous tracks. He came back with the awesome "Can't Stop This Feeling", last year which got us all excited about new music, yet this all just falls short, in my opinion. Since his latest singles haven't hit the charts hard, it just shows I'm not the only one who thinks this. However, there's bound to be a surge soon as he performed at the Super Bowl's LII halftime show. This song was written by Justin Timberlake, Larrance Dopson, James Fauntleroy, Floyd Nathaniel Hills, and Timothy Mosley.
Directed by Mark Romanek, the music video is set in 2028 at the Pan-Asian Deep Learning Conference at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He takes inspiration from Steve Jobs and presents his new creation, this robot. He pulls off the geeky-look effortlessly whilst still remaining professional.
This is quite on the freaky side, it reminds me so much of iRobot and all the other robot films where it just doesn't turn out all that great. I keep expecting something to happen every single time I watch this music video, but all we are watching is a dancing robot.
There is a slight twist at the end, but rather than the robot deciding to think for itself and kill everyone, we have Justin Timberlake disappearing from existence. He really is a holographic image! It's an interesting concept of a music video, which becomes slightly relatable to the song as the dancing continues; however, they should've done more with it, there's nothing to keep the audience entertained unless your a robot fanatic and cannot wait to see what this robot does next. Nope, that's not me.
I could've sworn this became a UK number one single, but it turns out that it only hit number 13 in the UK. I'm not sure why I thought it became number one, mainly because the song and music video was literally everywhere back in 2011. It's time for my catch-up blog's Thursday revisit, and I am more than a month behind on my blog, and I totally hate myself for it, so much so that I'm determined to focus in the next few weeks and totally catch up! This music video was totally everywhere back in the day and was filmed in real time, so this tennis match actually happened! Which explains the clarity of the visual. Watch Martin Solveig compete against Bob Sinclar in a tennis match at Court Philippe Chatrier in this music video for "Hello" in collaboration with Dragonette.
Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, is one DJ who continues to bring out hit after hit after hit. This track was certainly the start of his success. In recent years, his music has grown on me a lot, and I was completely honoured to have been given the chance to exclusively interview him for CelebMix. He's been bringing out brilliant songs to date, and I'm still obsessed with "Places". There's no sign of a new album on the horizon, and he even admitted, in my interview with him, that he doesn't plan to release an album, just yet, unless he feels it is right. This song is a collaboration with Dragonette, who currently consists of Martina Sorbara, Dan Kurtz, and Joel Stouffler. They've had a number of hits in their time as a group, although in recent years they haven't had the success that their early years gave them; however, they have an established name and when it comes to this sort of music, it comes in waves and I'm sure Dragonette will return with an absolute banger. The song was written by Martin Solveig and Martina Sorbara.
This music video takes place at the French Open at Court Philippe Chatrier and stars Martin Solveig, Bob Sinclar, DJ Grégory Darsa, Flo Lafaye, Olivia Sanchez, Mathilde Johansson, Novak Djokovic, and Gaël Monfils. Unfortunately, Dragonette does not appear in this visual. There are two versions of this music video, a long version which is part of the series of music videos titled "Smash", and then this shorter video. I may review the longer video at some point in the future.
I'm not sure what tennis has to do with this song overall, but it's comical and great to watch. Who knew that Martin Solveig and Bob Sinclar could play tennis, let alone this exceptionally? I love the fact that Bob Sinclar pretty much thrashes Martin Solveig until the final match point, to which Martin Solveig's love interest, played by Flo Lafaye comes in, and this is where he finds energy and motivation to impress his girl.
During the match point, Novak Djokovic refutes the referee, telling him to check it again. It turns out that Martin Solveig's return is actually in, rather than out. The game continues and Martin Solveig racks up the points to level with Bob Sinclar for the match point.
This is where it becomes interesting, because on comes Gaël Monfils, who will apparently be playing the winner of this match, and therefore is there to scope out the competition; although let's be honest, if that was the case, he would've been there from the beginning rather than appearing at the very end. Martin Solveig watches him walk up to Flo Lafaye, kissing her right in front of him. This is where Martin Solveig gives up and essentially throws in the towel by literally throwing in a towel, and the music video ends.
Overall, the song is about going over to someone and just saying 'hello' and not meaning anything in it and just enjoying the party. Instead, we have a music video all about tennis and competition; there is a love interest, but she isn't saying hello, instead she goes off to someone else. It does have a slight connection as Martin Solveig tries to impress her; however, she's not there to be impressed as she's already in a relationship. It's a very slight connection to the song, but I applaud it for not showing a typical party music video.
Anyone who saw my last blog post certainly expected me to follow it up with this one, since I had just realised that I haven't reviewed any of CeCe's music videos, until now. "Broke AF" was totally one of my favourite music videos from 2017; yet, her debut single "Dead 2 Me" still manages to resonate with me, and I'll never forget the day she dropped this music video. There's just something so incredibly special about this. CeCe really brings it for this visual, maybe because it is officially her debut. Watch CeCe get revenge on her guy who cheated on her in this music video for her debut single titled "Dead 2 Me".
CeCe, full name CeCelia Frey, made her name known by coming eighth in the second series of The X Factor (US). Her vocals are phenomenal, and this track really doesn't do her justice, although it is catchy. If you take a listen to her follow-up song "Broke AF", you'll see how amazing her talent really is. This song and its music video feels like the CeCe that we met during The X Factor, who was almost on the side of arrogant; however, she's grown up a lot since then. The series also made stars out of Tate Stevens, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Diamond White, Bea Miller, and Sister C. This song was written by Lydia Vaughan, CeCelia Frey, and Andrew Kremer.
Directed by Patrick Lawrence, this music video has three sections or parts as the video calls them. It's a great narrative from start to finish; although, it's something we've seen time and time again with just a different take on the storyline every time. However, this isn't that much different to others we have seen.
"Act I: The Set Up" starts off with a phone call between CeCe and the guy who has cheated on her. She announces that she totally understands and that "friends kiss all the time" in quite a sarcastic way without giving it away that it's a set up. She invites him to a party, proclaiming that they'll kiss and make up. At the end of the phone call, she tells her girls that "he bought it", before laughing and the track kicks in. They drive to the venue as the first part of the song is sung, with CeCe bringing fire to the track in her performance visuals, which we totally expected.
"Act II: The Trap" sees CeCe's on-screen lover walk on to the set of the party. The venue is deserted as he tries to find out where about the party is being held. He arrives at a garage as the second part of the song kicks in. The girls surround him, as CeCe sings and throws punches at him, which he attempts to avoid until the last one knocks him to the ground.
"Act III: The Party" is the final part, where they drag him to a chair and tie him up. CeCe has on her leopard-print face paint which we're used to seeing from her days on The X Factor (US), as all the girls dance away at the party. She sings the song right in the face of her love interest before they all walk away, leaving him strapped to the chair.
Overall, it's a brilliant music video that completely relates to the song in every way. The storyline has been thought out and is cleverly split into three parts. On the other hand, it's not something new, and this narrative has appeared time and again in music videos.
Have I really not reviewed this yet? OMG! I haven't even reviewed her first music video "Dead 2 Me". What is wrong with me? You know what's coming after this music video review, right? I did write up an article about CeCe's "Broke AF" music video for CelebMix, so that's probably why I missed it. Still, I'm ashamed of myself, because this is one epic music video that should be on my blog! This song is such a raw, emotional, and honest pop-ballad, one that no one can deny suits CeCe perfectly. The music video completely relates in every way. Watch CeCe and Ronen Rubinstein show how in love they are with one another whilst being completely out of money in this loving music video for "Broke AF".
CeCe, full name CeCe Frey, made a name for herself on the second season of US version of The X Factor. She came sixth overall and was a part of Demi Lovato's team. It was that series that made established names out of Tate Stevens, Fifth Harmony, Emblem3, Diamond White, Bea Miller, and Sister C. This song, alone, really shows how far CeCe has come from her first audition. "Broke AF" is a powerful track that is totally stripped back and full of real emotion in every single way. It was written by Jonathan Castelli, Zachary Scott Poor, Hayley Warner, Adam Scott Friedberg, and CeCelia Marie Frey.
Directed by Patrick Lawrence, this music video is a full narrative music video that has a performance piece thrown in throughout as CeCe sings along to the lyrics. She easily portrays the main character and gives it all the emotion it totally deserves. Ronen Rubinstein brings it too, for the narrative, and these two worked perfectly together.
Interpreting some of the lyrics literally, such as the mattress on the floor, this music video easily shows two people completely in love whilst being "Broke AF". The video starts out with our adorable couple robbing a store with water guns, as they clearly can't afford to pay for their items - let alone pay for a real gun to rob the store with. Then we watch their home life, which sees CeCe as an artist, painting a jacket and then painting her name on Ronen Rubinstein's body.
They easily convey two people in love, and it melts my heart to watch. They steal a car and then later returns it, leaving a note; they drove to the top of a hill to look at the beautiful cityscape. She finds a waitress job but feels so down after her shift, only to come home to see the cutest surprise ever from her boyfriend.
Overall, this music video is beyond amazing. It's well thought out and completely relates to the song in every way. CeCe and Ronen Rubinstein bring it, easily displaying the narrative and really getting involved with the characters they are playing. Such a brilliant music video, one I could watch again and again.
I've been avoiding reviewing this for weeks during Chart Mondays, purely because I knew it would be in the Top 10 for some time, and there was bound to be a week where I don't have much choice left. This was the week where Christmas songs dominated the charts, as they do every year. Unfortunately, I had already reviewed all the Christmas song music videos in the Top Ten, so it leaves this one and Rita Ora's "Anywhere" for me to review, but since this is a backdated review, I know for a fact that this one drops out before Rita Ora's song does, so I might as well do this one now. After my first watch, I'm wishing I was reviewing Rita Ora, not going to lie. Watch Big Shaq in Miami performing to the camera and including comedic scenes that relate to his viral track and biggest hit to date "Man's Not Hot".
Big Shaq is a comedic character who is played by English comedian rapper Michael Dapaah. He went viral with this song due to a meme after he appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra's Charlie Sloth "Fire In The Booth" section where he played both his characters MC Quakez and Roadman Shaq. The previous character released a debut single titled "Balance". It was a freestyle on the instrumental of 67 and Giggs' 2016 track "Let's Lurk" which was first used on 86's "Lurk". It became a complete sensation, and he soon changed the character's name to Big Shaq and then released the song as a single. I very much doubt he'll manage to keep his success and continue having hits, but considering how Michael Dapaah maximised on this popularity, I have no doubt he can do it again. This song was written by Michael Dapaah.
Directed by Marv Brown, this music video starts off with a skit where Big Shaq receives a phone call from Asznee who turns out to be comedian and YouTuber Chunkz. As the video goes on we see various stars appear, including Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Yachty, Jim Jones, Broederliefde, and DJ Khaled, the latter of which calls Big Shaq a "legend".
Throughout, there are some relatable scenes, mainly with Big Shaq not taking his coat off, even when a girl asks him to take off his jacket, or even when he's in a sauna. We sure get that he really isn't hot.
Overall, there's not a lot that I want to comment on for this video. It's comedic to an extent, managing to relate some of the lyrics to the song itself. It's a quality music video with Big Shaq bringing some great energy to the visual, especially when it cuts to one of his gigs. I look forward to seeing if Michael Dapaah can bring another hit to charts around the world; I really believe he can.
Again, I'm letting my iTunes randomizer choose the music videos I should review. This song came up while I was playing my music on random, I have it as part of a compilation album, and I just had to see if there was a music video because this song is addicting in every way. So, that is how I came across this and it is full of fun and totally relates to the song. Watch Martin Solveig, The Cataracs, and Kyle perform as they set up lights and a paddling pool in this fun and cool music video for "Hey Now".
Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, is one of the biggest DJs in the world, and one I am obsessed with after having the amazing opportunity to interview him for CelebMix. He continues to prove himself in the music industry, his music chart positions come in waves, most of the time it takes time for his songs to go viral and become popular, but as soon as they do, they become chart successes. This one had mild success. It features The Cataracs, who was down to one member at this time who was Niles Hollowell-Dhar, he is now known as KSHMR. As a duo, they scored many successes and song-writing hits; and now, as a soloist, he continues to make splashes in the music industry, which is great to see. The same goes for Kyle, full name Kyle Harvey, who totally went viral a few years later with "iSpy"; it truly shows if you work hard and never give up, you get there in the end! This song charted well in some countries, with it becoming a hit in Ireland at number eight. "Hey Now" was written by Kyle Harvey, Martin Solveig, and Niles Dhar.
This music video is pure fun in every single way, which is totally expected considering the overall joviality of the track. To my surprise, Martin Solveig sings this song. I'm so used to him using a vocalist to sing these songs that I so didn't expect to see him singing - that certainly shocked me from the very start.
The whole theme has a Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" feel to it, only updated to the max - since that old music video was done way back in 1965. It's all about fun in the summer sunshine as they continue to spread the cheer and create words out of the set they have.
Once again, Martin Solveig proves that he's a DJ and not really a performer whatsoever since there's no energy behind his singing. However, he does try his best and he's much better at being himself and having fun. As for Kyle, on the other hand, he brings it with the energy and really gives the camera what is missing.
This totally works with the song, how this didn't become a hit in the UK or the US, I'll never know. We need more fun songs like this dominating charts all around the world. I also think "Kings Of The Playground" would've been a much better title for the song.
I was just listening to "Only You", and realised I haven't reviewed this music video yet; although to be fair, I'm not so keen on this song "Don't Let Me Be Yours". Why did she not release a music video for "Only You"? - Now, that one is a tune. This song was released before "Only You", it wasn't a success at all, compared to her previous songs. The music video is all right, but the scenes with Zara Larsson has all sorts of lighting problems. Watch Zara Larsson perform to the camera while scenes of a woman racing driver are intercut throughout in this music video for "Don't Let Me Be Yours".
Zara Larsson is the Swedish sensation that went international thanks to a collaboration with MNEK that really sent her global with her solo work. She launched well, especially in the UK where her follow-up singles all did well, and we finally got a debut solo album, although she did previously release a debut album which was restricted to certain countries. We haven't heard anything new from her for a bit of a while, so I'm presuming she's working on new music and is prepared to blow us all away once again. This song was written by Zara Larsson, Steve McCutcheon, Johnny McDaid, and Edward Christopher Sheeran (Ed Sheeran).
Directed by Daniel Kaufman, this music video deserved to have been better. It may have the essentials for a great music video with a performance piece and a narrative piece, but it just doesn't work overall. It does have a sense of girl power throughout though.
The narration starts the video off, as we watch a woman head towards a smashed up car in the junkyard. She finds what she needs and takes it back to her racing car so she can compete. At the end, she wins a trophy, which makes the whole thing worthwhile and proves that anything is possible if you fight for it.
I have a total problem with lighting in the music video during Zara Larsson's performance piece. It's clear the person behind the camera didn't take in the sun and the background lighting, causing some really bright shots that swallow Zara Larsson up in light - at times we can't see her at all. Regardless she still brings energy, which we expect. It's clear this song means a lot to her, yet it doesn't work out the way we had hoped.
Overall, this music video isn't memorable at all. It barely relates to the song, apart from the fact that our main character isn't bothered about looking her best, and instead focused on making her dream come true - which isn't really what the song is about, since Zara Larsson sings about a guy who may not like her in the morning when she doesn't look perfect and he has sobered up. Her performance piece would be good if the sunlight didn't get in the way. She makes up for it at night with the burning car, though.
I was trying my best to find a music video to review for this backdated date, but all that was coming up was this specific music video. Annoyingly, it is claimed to have been released on 29 December 2017; however, the video itself states that it was released on 4 January 2018. According to reports, it was first made available on Tidal before making its way onto YouTube. Either way, I'm not spending any more time trying to find another music video to review, as I don't think any others were released. The song isn't to my liking, yet Beyoncé's riffs are certainly perfection - nothing new there. Watch events unfold from 2444 before going into the past, through generations, to present day where Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Blue Ivy spend time in a church together in this music video for "Family Feud".
Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, is an internationally known rapper. Everyone practically knows who he is and the ones who don't, certainly knows his wife, Beyoncé; she is also the featured singer on this specific song. He is one of the best-selling musicians of all time and has been following a career in music for decades. This song is taken from his 13th studio album titled 4:44. The album was released on 30 June 2017, so technically this isn't a new song; however, the music video is new, hence why I'm using it as my new release blog review. "Family Feud" was written by Shawn Carter, Dion Wilson, Beyoncé Knowles, and Elbernita Clark.
Directed by Ava DuVernay, the music video starts off in the future and then goes back in time to present day. It's quite a unique idea, although I bet others have thought of it before him. It has an all-star cast consisting of Trevante Rhodes, Janet Mock, Rashida Jones, Michael B. Jordan, Mindy Kaling, Omari Hardwick, Jessica Chastain, Thandie Newton, Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, America Ferrera, Storm Reid, Brie Larson, Rosario Dawson, Constance Wu, Niecy Nash, Susan Kelechi Watson, Henry Sanders, and Irene Bedard.
It spans almost eight minutes long and starts off with a quote from James Baldwin before starting a narrative in 2444. The score is by Flying Lotus. We watch a man, played by Michael B. Jordan, walk up a flight of stairs, storming into a woman's bedroom, played by Thandie Newton. We presume she is his sister; she's the face of the family and she's still in bed. Micheal B. Jordan's character thinks he should be the face of the family. She's lying in bed with a guy, played by Trevante Rhodes, who gets out and strangles her brother before she stabs him in the side with a knife.
The next scene sees two co-presidents, played by Irene Bedard and Omari Hardwick, being confronted formally about a murder in the family that led to his ascent that refutes his claim for peace. The two co-presidents push back, saying that everyone is family and throughout generations, they've worked together. Omari Hardwick goes on to narrate the rest of the story as we go back in time.
The next scene is almost 300 years ago, in 2148, where we see two protectors keeping watch over a disturbance that hasn't happened in centuries; which they then solve themselves. Back again we go to 2096 where the narrator states: "My family has fought for the law." The clip suggests that in 78 years time a fight will take place that is reminiscent of the cavemen days. America Ferrera appears in this scene. This is followed up by a scene in 2050 which sees a diverse group of women debating. Susan Kelechi Watson plays the adult Blue Ivy Carter, claiming she's one of America's founding mothers. They debate the second amendment - and Susan Kelechi Watson links it to the 13th amendment, which is what the director's Oscar-nominated documentary "13th" is about.
This is where Susan Kelechi Watson takes on a bit of a narrative, introducing us to the present day's scene. She states: "It's like I remember my father saying when I was a little girl. Nobody wins when the family feuds." This is when the actual song finally arrives. Jay-Z can be seen confessing in the church to his wife Beyoncé. She gives some amazing riffs that are added to the backing track. They're both stylish and on-point, fully giving us power-couple vibes in every way.
Overall, this music video focuses more on the film side of this and the story rather than the short song and the clips that go with it. It's cleverly put together but certainly feels long-winded. A long intro before the actual song and the specific clips have been something we've seen many times before, and these sort of music videos come around every few years. It's interesting and engaging, yet there's not enough focusing and understanding going on. Music videos are too short to be turned into films unless done correctly. This just feels like they've tried to compact too much in.
There wasn't much choice for my Thursday Revisit, I had planned to do a donkeyboy music video review, but they're all meaningful which will mean I'd have to go into great detail; and, since I am on a catch-up spree for this blog, I need easy visuals to review. So, taking that on board, I chose "SOS" by Rihanna as it isn't really a memorable music video, and certainly one that allows me to keep detail to a minimum. Watch Rihanna dance through these visuals as she acts sexily in some of the scenes in this music video for her song "SOS".
Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, launched on the scene in 2005. This song was her first single from her second studio album in 2006. It charted well globally and continued her success. She's now one of the top female artists in the industry with a whole host of chart hits, notable singles, incredible albums, and amazing awards; she truly is unstoppable. This song is such a jam now, still to this day, which shows that she really can release some incredible tracks. The song contains a sample of "Tainted Love", which was written by Ed Cobb, and was made famous by Soft Cell. It was originally given to Christina Milian, who turned it down, so it was later given to Rihanna. "SOS" was written by J.R. Rotem, E. Kidd Bogart, and Ed Cobb.
Directed by Chris Applebaum, the music video is a pure performance visual, which showcases Rihanna in various scenes and locations. She certainly knows how to give fuel to the song in the visual, giving an infectious energy that was definitely needed for the song.
We start off with her in a low-cut green dress that matches the tropical plants behind her. This scene later becomes iconic from Rihanna's back-catalogue of music videos - everyone remembers what she wore. The other scenes get lost, there's the one where she's wearing a glittered skirt and a ripped white vest as she dances flirtatiously with a man.
Then there's the mirrored room, which was certainly all-the-range back then. In this scene, Rihanna gives legs for days. Mirrored rooms have been used so many times in the past, it's no surprise to see it in one of Rihanna's videos. There are also other dance scenes that show that she can really move and follow choreography perfectly, yet there isn't enough emphasis on those scenes since they're short and sweet. Clearly, they decided to show off her sexy shots more than her dance technical ability.
Overall, the music video isn't all that memorable apart from the green dress scene. It could have been so much better. I can't help but laugh at the Nokia 3250 that she uses - why did I not know about that phone? And, why did I not have one of those when I was younger? I thought I had seen it all, but I was not expecting Rihanna to twist the bottom - I so would've had this as a child if I had known about it. Still, it's an okay music video, but I expected something so much better.
