Girls Aloud have returned! 2012 marks their 10 year anniversary, and although it's now late 2012, it still counts. They are a five piece girl band consisting of Cheryl Cole, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts, Kimberley Walsh and Sarah Harding. All of which are famous names all by their selves. They first got together back in 2002 on Popstars: The Rivals. Since then they have had 4 number one singles, 20 top 10 consecutive singles (currently the UK record for the most top 10 consecutive hits by a girl band), and various successes all by their selves. Now they've reformed, but will it last? Have they gone their separate ways too far and there's no way this could work? Or is this going to be a total reformation that will stand the test of time?
"Something New" was written by Brian Higgins, Wayne Hector, Tim Deal, Matt Gray and Carla Mae Williams. It's being released as the official Children In Need single, making it Girls Aloud's second time releasing a Children In Need song, the first time being "I'll Stand By You", back in 2004. Personally I find it extremely catchy, but a little on the shouty side, as many critics before me have stated. However I think this comes from how their different styles don't quite harmonise the way we want them to. At the moment it's climbing up the UK chart, but it's struggling to get to the top spot, and it's going to be extremely difficult to get there as I don't think all their fans are that impressed by the single. And surprisingly, the music video is not so good either.
Before now, I would have said that most, if not all, of Girls Aloud's music videos are more than just good. But has this video made a turn for the worse? I really think this is their worst video so far, however there is links such as showing them as strong girls, but it also links in with the song because the song isn't amazing either, and the video isn't as well.
I don't even know where to go with this... The video is a performance piece, there's not enough going on but at the same time there's too much going on. This effect is caused due to editing and camera shots. And maybe we were expecting something wow, and it just doesn't meet our expectations.
After a few plays the song becomes incredibly catchy and you can't help but sing-a-long. However it still is missing a lot. The music video is also lacking too, there's no exact link in with the song and there's nothing to make me go wow. From any other artist this would be an okay video, however it's Girls Aloud, the band people would constantly watch their videos over and over... This one is one people will only watch once.
Scooter gets my Sunday Revisit, as I didn't have much to choose from. I really, really wanted to review "The Question Is What Is The Question?", unfortunately the song was released in 2008, and all of my Sunday Revisits have to be at least 5 years old. So hopefully when next year comes around, I can go about doing a Sunday Revisit with that song. But until then we're going to have to deal with "The Logical Song".
As I mentioned in my most recent Scooter blog post, they are a hard dance band from Germany, consisting of H. P. Baxxter, Rick J. Jordan and Michael Simon. They have had a number of hits (this song being their highest, charting at number 2 in the UK), but they have been doing not so well lately, as no promotion are put into their releases, and therefore relying solely on radio play and music channel play. Their most recent songs haven't been charting, until last week when "4 A.M." got to number 188, thanks to people downloading it from the album: Clubland 22. Hopefully they'll officially release "4 A.M." at the right time and put a bit of promotion into it, and manage to get it to chart higher as it's an amazing song.
Once again I have gone off on a tangent. Now back with "The Logical Song". It was written by Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson. And heavily samples the original by Supertramp, that was also called "The Logical Song". Scooter's version got to number 2 on the UK chart back in 2002, easily beating their previous highest single: "Back In The U.K." which charted at number 18. Supertramp's original version got to number 7 on the UK chart, meaning Scooter's song was more of a hit.
The music video is both a performance and a narrative music video. Which is usually a great video in my eyes, however I don't think it links in well with the song and is sometimes a bit on the confusing side.
I like the idea of a drag race, but I'm not sure who wins, I presume it's Scooter but then again the car blows up, doesn't it, or am I viewing this completely wrong? They walk back towards the woman, who was driving the other car, through all the flames, unscathed. How is that even possible?
The performance side of things is something I've seen a thousand times in Scooter music videos, and it makes me question whether I actually want to see them live or not. Clearly the energy flows from the band, but they could be singing any song, there's no easy way to tell, and they are always doing the same thing over and over again.
Overall a great song that just missed out on the top spot like many great songs have. The music video is definitely mediocre, another typical Scooter video. I just don't know if they're all looking the same or not, I want to see something different, just like "Ti Sento" is different. But then again they'll all be the same again. I think their videos are just something I can never make up my mind about.
Eric Turner. He is the lead singer of rock band: Street Fighting Man, and most known for the collaboration with Tinie Tempah for "Written In The Stars". So where does this guy fit in? Literally everywhere, from rock, to r&b, to dance, and he obviously fits in each genre, will he ever find his niche, or forever be this artist that will release something different each time. If it's the latter, will the public like that? I hope so as his voice is amazing.
This collaboration is with Avicii, real name Tim Bergling, but occasionally goes by the name of Tim Berg. I am a big fan of Avicii, and just hearing this song, you kind of know it's an Avicii song.
"Dancing In My Head" is a great song, and I can't stop listening to it. It has managed to chart in the UK, at number 188, but I reckon it deserved to chart higher.
I have never ever seen this music video, and I don't think many others have either, so it's quite a shock to the system to watch this, so if you're reading this before watching the video, just be on your guard for something shocking, or should I say sawing?
I like the start, reminds me so much of other people and a bit of me. However I like how he really isn't confident, but he is when it comes to taking his brain out. It still gives me the shakes thinking of that scene, seriously heaving here and I'm just typing about it.
I wasn't quite sure where this video was going, and I just couldn't help laughing with the following scene, really wasn't expecting that at all.
The ending is a typical ending, but the brain started looking cute, don't ask me why but the editing made it look cute, and then he messes it all up by talking right at the end. Seriously couldn't they have made it a happy ending, making people be more confident in going up to girls and talking to them?
Overall, an amazing song that deserved to have charted a lot higher than it did. The music video is disgusting, but it is done in complete humour and I cannot help but laugh a lot. However it's not something I'd willingly watch again, I think I might skip the certain part. I'm in two minds about the rating, but since it's fully humorous I'm going for the highest rating possible, as it clearly deserves it.
Scooter is a German hard dance band consisting of 3 members who are H. P. Baxxter, Rick J. Jordan and Michael Simon. I used to be a big fan, back in 2008 when they were getting a few chart successes in the UK. But just like Infernal, they have stopped charting, and although they are still releasing singles there is hardly any promotion and even though some are still being shown on the music channels, people are unaware of when the song will be released, along with being unaware that they have new music. The song features vocals from Jaye Marshall, she is the female singer in "4 A.M.", and she is a power house. She's amazing and definitely someone who's bound to hit it worldwide very soon. If she disappears I think I might have to curl up and die, as Jaye Marshall is amazing and I NEED to hear more music from her in the future.
This song came to my attention last week when I went home from uni. I was watching the music channels (as I've been missing them) and Clubland TV was counting down the most requested music videos, and this one was number one. The song samples Otto Knows' song "Million Voices". Could "4 A.M." be the song that pushes Scooter back into the UK limelight? It's already climbing up the UK iTunes top 1000 thanks to people downloading the track from the new album: Clubland 22. Clearly this song will be released soon, I just have my fingers crossed that it is released with some promotion, so that people know it's available and it does chart, as we need the full force of Scooter back.
This music video is an expected Scooter music video, however I feel the band has a more active role in this video, which is quite surprising and quite different.
The song is about clubbing and that is what we see, it looks more like a house party turned into a club. But this is also who this song is aimed at. However I wish UK DJs will pick up this song as I can see it being a big hit for the UK Clubs.
I like the story-like start and how everything links in well with the lyrics. However the lyrics is repeated over and over, so it's not lyrically great, but Jaye Marshall is vocally amazing so they cancel each other out.
Overall it's a phenomenal song that should chart well in the UK, if it's released at the right time and all the fans know it's been released. The music video is a typical Scooter video, with extra bits that are great to watch. I love how we see the sun rise suggesting they've done an all-nighter. But it gives me very little to comment on unfortunately. So here's my rating.
Pink, real name Alecia Moore, is one of those singers that are always going to be in the music industry. She has released a lot of great songs, however I'm not too keen on her new ones, and I have to admit that I used to be a fan, but now I've kind of gone off her, and I'm not sure why.
Today I woke up still half-drunk from drinking the night before, but for some reason this song was playing over and over in my mind all morning even though I was far from sober. It was the second release from her most amazing album "Funhouse". Personally, I don't think she has ever released a better album. This song was written by Pink, Nate Hills (Danja), Kara DioGuardi and Marcella Araica. All of these song-writers have appeared on my blog already, and clearly this song was going to be a hit. Apparently Pink started writing this song when she hosted a house party, everyone else was drinking and she was sober, and she just wanted everyone to leave. And this music video reflects that perfectly.
The video didn't make much sense to me when I was younger and first saw it on the music channels. Only today I watched it and started laughing, realising that the music channels had cut certain scenes out, for obvious reason. It now makes perfect sense to me.
There's a lot to like about this video. I like that there are two Pinks; we are left to believe one is actually her (the one who's sober), and the other is her doppelgänger (the drunk one). I find it incredibly clever how they have managed to film this especially when she makes out with herself, and we are left to presume they'll have sex together.
I have no problems with this music video at all. It works well with the song and I love the idea behind it. The song is extremely catchy as well. The video speaks for itself, leaving me with extremely little to comment on. I also feel I have no choice on the rating to give as it deserves nothing less.
Otto Knows, real name Otto Jettmann, is a Swedish DJ, who is mostly known for this song as it charted all over Europe. He has collaborated with quite a few artists including Avicii with the song "iTrack". He is going be one of these people you have to keep an eye on, as I reckon he'll pull out a number one hit soon, however it'll be all down to how much the radio and the clubs will play the song. "Million Voices" was written by Otto Jettmann and it managed to chart at number 14 in the UK. No sign of any new songs to be released, but I bet he is working on them. This isn't going to be the last we've heard of Otto Knows.
So this isn't really an official music video. On the other hand it is the closest we are ever going to get. This song keeps on getting played in the clubs, so how could I not do this song as it is incredibly catchy.
I have to bare in mind that this is a fan-based music video, using a lot of clips that were borrowed. I think the editing technique works well with the song, and you just can't help but laugh at some of the clips, however there is some that shock you, some that make you upset that someone would do such a thing, and some that makes you want to go "awwww" as that panda is definitely cute.
Some celebrities can be found, however I am not 100% sure it's them, and I don't think other people are sure either.
Overall it's a catchy song, and I reckon it will be sampled a lot in other songs, and will be played in the clubs for some time, this song is never going to die. As for the not-official music video, it's fun to watch and makes you emotional, it links in with the song. However it's obvious that it's not the official music video. I really wish that Otto Knows filmed an official video, because I would've liked to have seen if he could've topped this video (it would be pretty difficult).
As you all know I prefer to do requests than choose a video off the top of my head, because I know someone wants my opinion. Here's another request, someone commented on the Suggestions page, and I'm so glad they did.
Bb is a rapper from Birmingham, UK, the same place I am from, and he is definitely making a name for himself. He has supported quite a few big star artists on their tours in the UK, and his music videos can be found on music channels. As you may know I'm not into rap or hip-hop as there isn't many blog posts of this genre, however I kind of like this song, and I especially like the constant repeat of "Be Like Me".
This music video is a typical, low-budget rap/hip-hop music video, however there are editing techniques that makes this much more intriguing along with certain scenes that I don't expect.
I have to admit, the start is a little boring, and I was waiting for something to happen. Only when watching it a second time things do happen and the scene changes to 4 dancers, but they're in the dark, so hidden well. The 4 dancers are only young but wow they are pretty good.
I like the editing of the people, it kind of draws me in. Being able to see the lyrics of some of the words Bb raps to, definitely makes this video that little bit better. My favourite bit is when they connect all the scenes together, Bb catches an imaginary something, I presume it's a ball, then he throws it, and in a different scene a dancer catches it, then he throws it and the 4 dancers catch it. It's great to watch and makes this stand out a lot more.
However I feel not a lot is going on, it's very one-on-one and it seems a bit on the detached side. There's a few subtle links with the song but there's only a few, however I do like seeing the TV where we see a music channel playing his music video to "I Want You Back".
Overall a song that took it's time to grow on me, but that is what it has done. It's accompanying music video is missing quite a bit, but it is also entertaining to watch and a bit different to your usual rap/hip-hop music video therefore making it stand out from the crowd. I am torn between two different ratings, which do I choose... Okay I'm going with this one, I hope you all agree with the rating.
So an unofficial request came through twitter the other day. BH (producer) sent me a new collaboration called "Fade Into Darkness" that was by DixonBeats & BH. They wanted my thoughts on the song and I loved it lots. Unfortunately there is no music video, and according to a tweet from DixonBeats, it doesn't look like there is going to be one either. However DixonBeats sent me another of his songs that actually has a music video, and now I'm ready to review it.
DixonBeats, real name Aaron Dixon, is from Birmingham, West Midlands, UK. The same city as where I am from (and quite a few celebrities), and it looks like DixonBeats is going to become the next big thing in the next few years, so keep an eye out for him. This song is a collaboration with Dante, I can't find much about Dante only a few songs and a facebook profile that hasn't been used in the last few months. This song took it's time to grow on me, however, even though it is almost 5 minutes long, it seems to take 15 minutes to get through it, which gives me plenty of time for me to change my mind and now it sticks in my head too easily.
This music video is similar to others I have seen. The one that stands out the most to me is Swedish House Mafia Featuring Laidback Luke and Deborah Cox "Leave The World Behind". however unlike that music video "Afraid" has a much better vibe and manages to draw me in so much that I believe I'm there dancing with everyone else.
That is what you need in a video like this, to draw the audience in, much like a book does, so that the people watching feel like they're seeing through their own eyes and not through a camera. Usually this is extremely hard to pull off, but these have made it look easy.
They have even kept to the song and when it goes gentle in the middle, they show people swimming in the water, something so peaceful and so opposite to clubbing, but somehow they are the same thing, as they are connected through having fun.
Overall a catchy song that grows on you really quickly, and a music video that just blasts the similar ones into the water, as this music video is definitely the way to do this type. The only thing I don't like about it is that I feel some of the scenes are too quick or too slow, and the camera isn't always in the best position. However everything else is perfect.
Well as you may know, there are quite a few new releases this week, but I narrowed it down to two, it was between Inna and Little Mix's "DNA", the only reason I chose Inna was because it is currently doing not that well on the iTunes top 1000, and I hope to help a little bit with this review, whereas Little Mix is climbing up that chart quickly.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, is one of these artists who have had quite a few chart hits, and then a few that didn't make the chart, but was worthy of it. She has yet to promote any songs or albums in the UK, relying on fans and music channels, hence why this one might not get on to the UK chart, although it definitely deserves it. The collaboration comes from Flo Rida, real name Tramar Dillard. He has become extremely popular, and you would think that this collaboration would help this song climb higher and higher, but there's just zilch, nothing.
"Club Rocker" was written by Sebastian Barac, Radu Bolfea and Marcel Botezan. Once again, the same names are popping up, and clearly they are writing amazing songs, it's just the lack of promotion that is unfortunately making this song fail, amongst the others. I hope it will climb up the chart as it's extremely catchy and Inna deserves it.
This music video... What do I even say about it... Once again we see the flirtatious Inna found in her previous music videos, however what makes this video different is the similarities to other artist's music video. There is many music videos that link, but let's just name a few, there's Taio Cruz's "Dynamite", Rihanna's "Shut Up And Drive", Basshunter's "Angel In The Night", Kylie Minogue's "All The Lovers" and Lady GaGa's "Born This Way", there are others so if you can come up with some comment below and I'll be more than happy to add them.
However this isn't just a basic mash-up of music videos, there is a storyline and that is what makes this a lot more complete as to other mash-up videos. I like the start using Twitter to ask to compete in a race. I like the race overall and of course Inna has to win. I definitely like the lift, but what do you expect?
Flo Rida doesn't make an appearance, however his vocals can be heard at the start and I think they should've had a scene with him in.
Overall, a very catchy song that was made for the UK, but unfortunately not enough people know about the song, and therefore it won't catch on. As for the accompanying music video, it's fun to watch, it's a mash-up of other videos we have seen, but they have made it complete and interesting.
Esmée Denters, yes you heard that name correctly, she is BACK! She is well known for her song "Outta Here" and her collaborations with Chipmunk on "Until You Were Gone" and Justin Timberlake on "Love Dealer". She was labelled as an R&B artist, but I don't think the UK took to her, and soon enough other countries world-wide started to become disinterested. She disappeared for two years, and now she is back, with a complete new direction in music. Is this right? I think so, and I think she thinks so too. Could this be her way of staying in the limelight. We'll just have to wait and see.
"It's Summer Because We Say So" is definitely not the sort of song I would've expected Esmée Denters to sing, but here she is, and here I am, reviewing something worthy enough to be a Cascada song. It was released last week, but I don't think many people realised she had released a new song, again lack of promotion, furthermore I found it difficult to find as it is under her first name only of Esmée, is this the name we are supposed to go by now? And if so, how come she hasn't changed her facebook and twitter profiles?
This music video is clearly low budget. It's missing a hell of a lot. I can't imagine the music channels picking this video up and showing it, it's just not commercial enough, it doesn't exude what you really want and need from a video like this, and although, for some people, Esmée is enough, for others it just isn't.
I don't even know where to comment on this video, there's just not enough there. I like the photo booth, but it's a common item found in previous low-budgeted music videos.
I really haven't got much else to say. The song should've been a massive summer hit, but it came out too late and wasn't promoted enough (3 Beat Records really need to step up their game). The music video had so much promise, but doesn't work and doesn't stand out. I have to go with my brain on this rating, and I really don't like dipping this low for ratings, but guess I have no choice. however the song is definitely much better than the video, her voice is fantastic, and I hope she gets her big break soon!
Rita Ora has been mentioned quite a few times on this blog, and here is another fantastic song. She has so far had 3 consecutive number ones in the UK, plus a number one album. Will this song make it a fourth? Well it seems doubtful, with extreme competition with many other well-known artists. But guess we'll find out on Sunday, and sure enough she is promoting a lot, she performed the song yesterday on The X Factor, and apparently there are various other performances lined up.
"Shine Ya Light" was written by Chris Loco, Fraser T Smith and Laura Pergolizzi (L.P.). Personally I don't think this song is as great as her previous singles "R.I.P." and "How We Do (Party)", however more radio and music channel play will definitely get this song running over and over in my head as it's such a catchy little song. Is it number one worthy? Probably not, but Rita Ora is always number one worthy, so with the help of the radio, I can see this song getting there, but it's going to be quite the battle.
This music video takes Rita Ora back to her roots of Kosovo. It reminds me a lot of Nicki Minaj's "Pound The Alarm" because she did the exact same thing, and even though the videos are different, the idea behind it isn't too different.
I like the natural narrative, it just shows Rita being in Kosovo, and also shows the UK what it is like over there. However I feel that it doesn't link in with the song, which is usually a must with this sort of song.
I do like the performance bit, it shows how confident she is and ready for what comes her way, especially when she is on the "Newborn" sign.
There are various scenes that are interesting too, the motorbikes stand out the most to me reminding me of Shakira featuring Dizzee Rascal's "Loca". However I also think there is a small scene that reminds me of another video, and that is when she has her hair wet and combed back. It reminds me a lot of Pixie Lott's "All About Tonight".
Overall a great song that becomes pretty catchy after a few listens. As for the music video, it's very different to when we first saw her feature in DJ Fresh's "Hot Right Now", but it also shows how versatile she is, and how much she believes in her roots, which always gets a thumbs up from me. The only thing missing is the link with the song, and this song is so story-like, that you don't expect this sort of video. However it does link as she is shining her light and showing that no matter who you are, you can get somewhere. But I don't see that link strongly enough.
Infernal is my Sunday revisit, purely because I don't think I'll ever get another chance to review this music video, and I specifically remember liking this music video lots, but I have no clue why.
As I have previously covered in my blog post for "From Paris To Berlin", Infernal are a duo consisting of Lina Rafn and Paw Langermann. They have only had three of their singles hit the UK chart, this one being the third and last and lowest position. "I Won't Be Crying", was more or less the decider as to whether they will stay in the UK limelight or not. But since it charted at 123, Infernal disappeared from the UK, or so we thought. They are still releasing but with no promotion, only their devoted fans to spread the word, Infernal just may never reach the UK chart, let along succeed to the height of their popularity back in 2006.
This music video is one of those videos that you see a lot of. It reminds me of From Above's "Not The Same Girl" and Rudenko's "Everybody". There's bound to be a lot more that have this similar style. And the only way to switch it up is to make it your own, and I feel that Infernal has done that with a little humorous spin to things.
I like the storyline, it's really good and links with the song perfectly. I especially like how the guy thinks he is perfection, rather than it being the girl, which shows a complete role reversal. I like how they've drawn inspirations too, such as the mirrors.
I like how they have added the performance sided to things, clearly showing what the UK missed out on. This song didn't chart high enough and Infernal disappeared from the UK chart altogether. However it was definitely worthy of getting much higher in the chart, as the vocals on this track is amazing, and I'm struck in awe every time I hear this track. I hope Infernal comes into the UK limelight once again, however it's not looking promising.
Steve Appleton is a singer/songwriter. He has released 3 singles and an album. Only one of the singles managed to chart, and it was a low charting position of 67, which was for "Dirty Funk". The following singles failed to chart. I have to admit, I have no idea why, maybe people didn't like the songs? But he did do a lot of promoting, so is it really worth it? So where is he now? Well he is releasing in Japan. His first single got to number two, he is a pretty big hit over there. This song has to be my favourite, I think it's really catchy. It was his second single to be released and didn't even chart.
This music video is your general boy band-esque video, except it's a young adult, with no other guys with him, which makes you question who was behind this guy, record label and producer wise.
There's a narrative behind it, he sees this girl he likes and goes out and watches a magic trick, she then picks him up in a car and they have fun, but then he is dropped off and it's morning, and it's just a kiss to say goodbye, clearly a "one night stand" did happen as she requested on the card.
It is just too quick, too fast and not enough is given, however I do like the guitar solos in the video and shows his musical ability.
Overall, another song that should've charted but didn't and a music video that is more suited to a boy band rather than a male singer. It's too quick and easy, but great to watch at times. I'm in two minds about this video, don't know whether to like it or not, so I'll play it safe and strike through the middle.
Inna's real name is Elena Apostoleanu. You all knew this one was coming, because she is finally releasing her most recent album "I Am The Club Rocker" next week in the UK. Will it actually chart well, I hope so. However the only promotion for it is hearsay over twitter, and that is it. And not many people know about its release. So I doubt it will chart high, although I hoping I'm proven wrong.
"Love" was written by Sebastian Barac, Radu Bolfea and Marcel Botezan. It is Inna's second single not to reach the UK top 200 after "10 Minutes". Now her count is four, 3beat Productions really need to do something quick with both Inna and Alexandra Stan as these brilliant artists just aren't making the charts, and that is because there is no promotion at all, so people are unaware that they have released new singles.
This music video is different to what you expect from the song, however I think it works and fits well, however it is quite on the unclear side, so much so that you don't quite know what is going on unless you've watched it a few times.
It seems quite on the low budget side, which is understandable since Inna can't possibly have great video after great video.
It has 4 main characters, a ballerina, a boxer, a martial arts person, and a staff person. They represent the good, whereas the characters dressed in black represent evil. Inna's in the middle, she's wearing white with a black belt. And although good is meant to be good, they are fighting the evil, fighting comes under evil right? And I think that is why Inna becomes confused, clearly not everything is black and white.
Overall a great song that should've at least charted. The music video shows Inna dancing, but I wouldn't call that dancing, maybe a few turns and hair whips. There's not a lot going on in the video and doesn't exactly link. However I do like the concept and the idea behind it.
Infernal is a duo band consisting of Lina Rafn and Paw Lagermann. They have been releasing since 1997, but have only had 3 singles enter the UK chart. Believe it or not, they aren't giving up in the UK, or worldwide for that matter. One quick look on iTunes shows that they are still releasing their music in the UK and everywhere else. So how come it's not charting? Well a number of things: a) music channels aren't playing their music videos which leads on to, b) the band isn't promoting it so there's also no promotion from the music videos, c) even hearsay isn't getting around. Their music is apparently good but the band needs to promote it with appearances on TV shows, or a better record label.
"From Paris To Berlin" was written by Adam Powers, Paw Langermann and Lina Rafn. It caught on really quickly and managed to get to number two, just missing out on the top spot. It got covered for the World Cup 2006 with the title changed to "From London To Berlin" however it was pulled from radio after England got knocked out.
The music video reminds me a lot of Avicii Featuring Sebastien Drums song "My Feelings For You". It has that old game style to it, however if it were re-made the music video would look a lot better, but not too different.
I like the story line and fits perfectly with the song. I like how they added the game style to it, however the ending is pretty sad, as she has been searching for this guy she clearly likes and he's not even real.
Overall a great song, another one of those that should've been number one and just missed out. As for the music video, you can tell it didn't take much to create, and it's a little on the patchy side. Therefore I am knocking one star off.
Britney, Britney, Britney. What else can I add to this blog post, that I haven't added in previous posts? I just feel like I'm going to keep on repeating myself. So let's start with what's new... She is a judge/mentor on The X Factor US, which I have been watching, and I'm definitely rooting for Britney's Teens, however the UK is one episode behind the US, so please don't spoil what happens for me. She has been through a lot in her life, and I really like how this video shows the stages of her life.
"Hold It Against Me" was written by Max Martin, Lukasz Gottwald (Dr. Luke), Bonnie McKee and Mattieu Jomphe (Billboard). The song was almost given to Katy Perry, but they decided it wasn't a "Katy Perry song". It's extremely catchy and very different to what we expect from these amazing song-writers. The single was pushed forward as demand was high for it, even in the UK. However it peaked at number six on the UK chart. It deserved higher. Will Britney ever get a new number one? She hasn't got there since "Everytime" was released back in 2004 (almost 10 years ago now). It shows she's not quite fully back just yet, but I bet we'll see her top the charts once again in the next few years.
This music video doesn't link in with the song,. however it does show Britney is back. It shows her life and how she has battled through it, and she isn't going to give up.
I like the progression that this video gives. We see her as a strong, on-her-game sort of person that represents the late 1990's, where she was on top. Then things start to go wrong, showing her meltdown. I like the use of Britney fighting herself, representing her fighting her inner demons, trying to hang in there. She collapses, every Britney falls to the floor. Showing her breakdown. But she gets back up again showing she is back and ready to get back on top again. The question mark at the end means the future is what you make it, and that there is a future for Britney.
I like how we see all her past music videos as well. And it's extremely brave to show her breakdown. It proves that she realises it's a part of her past, and although she isn't proud of it, she has to accept it to move forward, and that is exactly what she is doing. Again we see a couple of references, one of Madonna's music video "Bedtime Story", a reference to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and there is also a reference to the paparazzi who just won't leave her alone.
Overall a very catchy song that should've charted higher. The music video doesn't link in that well with the song, however there is product placement, from Sony TVs, "Make Up For Ever" and "PlentyofFish", the latter adding into the meaning of the song, so it is there. Now what should my rating be? Since this video is superb and the only thing I can find wrong with it is not linking with the song all that well, I have no choice but to give it the rating it clearly deserves.
Eagle-Eye Cherry is a Swedish singer, who is in theory a one-hit wonder in the UK. Everyone knows this song, and although it didn't quite get to number one, people do know what the song is called and it is extremely catchy.
Believe it or not, Eagle-Eye Cherry is his actual name. He got it from when he was born; he opened one eye and looked at his father, and that is where he got his name.
"Save Tonight" is one of those songs that will never go away, it is one that will always fit into society, no matter what year it is, as it has that longevity that other songs are missing. Will Eagle-Eye Cherry ever manage to sing another hit song? Who knows? But this song has made him, and no matter what he will always be remembered as the guy who originally sung "Save Tonight".
The music video is very clever. I cringed at the thought of watching a black & white music video, it's just something I don't like watching, however it makes it look more detailed, and surprisingly heightened my interest.
I like how he is all the characters and that it looks like they film this in one consecutive run, however that is pretty impossible, clearly filming was paused and they edited it.
The only thing I have with this music video is that it is too low-budget, it's not something I would willingly go out of my way to watch, however I am willing to give it the benefit of the doubt.
The song keeps getting into the UK chart year after year. We really need someone to cover the song on a TV show, and it could possibly sore high enough on the charts to beat it's top position of number six. The music video needs to be updated. However, it's fun and different.
Friendly Fires are a three-piece English band consisting of Ed Macfarlane, Jack Savidge and Edd Gibson. Their highest charting single is "Kiss Of Life" which got to number 30. However I know this song more than any of the others, but I think it took it's time to become popular, and therefore that's why it didn't chart so well the first time around. "Live Those Days Tonight" is an extremely catchy song, and I tend to be hearing a lot nowadays.
This music video is really not something I was expecting. I have heard this song so many times and I was expecting something very good, but this just looks like a fan-made music video, and it's missing a lot.
Hands up! I can't even find more than one good thing to say about this video, however they have got something right, and that's the link in with the song. The clips all show what it was like back in the '80's ('89 to be specific according to YouTube). However everything else is wrong.
There is no narrative, no performance, nothing. We don't even see the band. Also if you look into more detail about the lyrics "I'll live those days tonight", where's tonight? All we see is clips from the late 80's and what we supposedly "missed out on".
And that is all I have to say, the song is catchy and stuck in my head, and will probably be there for the next few days and then some. But I'm extremely disappointed with the video, and although I can actually find one good point, it's just not enough to budge this rating up. If I was rating the song it would get five stars, but because the rating is based on the video alone, I'm giving it a totally different rating.
Robbie Williams, one of the biggest male solo acts from the UK, and now the first time he has appeared on my blog. He was one fifth of the band Take That, and even re-joined the band for their most recent album. But now he is back as a solo artist, and after that performance last night on The X Factor, I'm sure his new single will shot to the top of the charts.
"Candy" was written by Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams and Terje Olsen. Personally I don't like the song, no matter how many times I hear it, it just won't grow on me, however it has clearly made an impression on a lot of people as it's soaring up the iTunes chart.
This music video is confusing, I don't quite get it, and I feel like it doesn't make sense. It's a pure narrative video, featuring Kaya Scodelario (skins) who has appeared in a lot of music videos, including a few Plan B videos. She plays "Candice", and she seems like she's extremely independent and believes she's unstoppable. This links in with the song as that is exactly what the song is about.
But what is Robbie's role? I never quite get it. At a guess he is her guardian angel, and therefore manages to stop things from possibly killing her. Is she really that accidental prone? Or are people after her?
It is similar to a few videos I have seen, but definitely reminiscent of Twin Atlantic's "Make A Beast Of Myself".
What I don't get is that at the start he is protecting her, but then near the end it just looks like he is hurting people for the sake of it, such as that bicycle, is there any need to keep making him go over? Also it makes me question what children think of this video, surely they might think they can do the same, such as surviving when a car goes over you etc... But maybe I'm just looking for things to dislike about this video.
Overall a song that I will probably never like, however others do and it's because it's quite catchy. As for it's music video, it is very different and is an interesting idea, I do worry what impression it gives to children. And some of the things don't quite add up, but it does seem a lot of effort has gone into it, and as much as I want to, I just can't find any more negative points about the video.
Aerosmith, Aerosmith, Aerosmith. Even words can't describe them as they are above words. They are definitely one of rock's great, and when I knew new music from them were going to be released, I was surprised. Could they really manage to live up to their previous songs? That was the single question running through my mind. After watching this, it's clear to me that they are back and with a vengeance as this song is extremely catchy.
Aerosmith are a five-piece band consisting of Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford and they have been going for a very long time, longer than I've been alive. "What Could Have Been Love" was written by Russ Irwin, Steven Tyler and Marti Frederiksen. It is one of those songs that I am not sure of in the first minute or so, and then it starts to get better, so much so it's stuck in my head. Will this song do well when it is officially released in the UK? Who knows, it depends how much it gets promoted, it's possible that it will chart high, but I doubt it will be the song to give Aerosmith their first UK number one single, it's just not commercial enough.
The music video is weird, but in a good way. I like how it's both performance and narrative, however they have released so many music videos that I just don't think this one is quite up there with the others.
I don't really understand the narrative, however I do have my own take on it. As far as I can work out, he is lost after they broke up therefore he is "missing". As to why he is painting the town in these posters is a different story altogether that I don't quite get as he has to take them all down again the next day as he is no longer lost. Guess this is just a video I'm not going to fully understand.
I like the performance side to this, it's different and not something you would expect. But I can definitely see other bands doing something similar in the future. This one is quite laid-back and chilled.
Overall a very catchy song that is still stuck in my head, and a music video that is not as bad as I first thought, but one that I don't quite get. However there are no other problems with this video and so...
Here we go again. They were my exact thoughts yesterday when I noticed someone had commented on my suggestions page, and asked me to review this song. Justin Bieber is a worldwide superstar and he is one of those people who girls fall for and guys hate. It is possibly, the reason as to why he has never managed a number one single in the UK. However, as he grows older his music has got to change, and we are currently seeing that, and he is managing to capture some of the guys.
I was listening to "Free Radio" a couple of months back and someone texted in saying she had played Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend" to her boyfriend without him knowing who it was. He turned around and said it was amazingly catchy and he would like to know who sung it so he could listen to it himself. However, to his shock horror she announced it was Justin Bieber and he told her to stop playing the song and choose something else. This begs to question why guys dislike him... My idea is that his first few singles and his debut album has given people a perception of him which he is now trying to dislodge, but will it work?
"Beauty And A Beat" was written by Max Martin, Anton Zaslayski, Savan Kotecha and Onika Maraj. This looks like a great collaboration of song-writers and is proved to be a hit, but will it get as far as it should. It is set to be released in November but it has already charted from album downloads only. It begs to question whether or not this will actually chart well. It's catchy and if I heard it on the radio it would be stuck in my head. At the end of the day, who cares who sings the song?
The music video was actually directed by Justin Bieber and John M. Chu. This is what makes this video different and amazingly great. It's reminiscent of Cloverfield (the film), and maybe a bit similar to Chronicle too. However there is no video I've ever come across that is quite as outstanding as this one.
I like the idea behind it, the fact that Justin Bieber directs the camera around. Not only that but he is a great dancer too. He kind of reminds me of Britney's early music videos. A lot of people, Sharon Osbourne in particular, has said that this guy might not make it in the future. However I believe she and many others are wrong, he will develop as an artist and take different directions, that his fan-base will support. Actually he is doing that right now.
Overall the song is really catchy and I can see this song charting higher when it's officially been released. It's music video fails to relate to the song as well as it should, and there are a few errors that doesn't go amidst when watching. However it is a whole new video that stands out from the crowd and is something I am willing to watch again, surprisingly. Justin Bieber will never disappear, he will keep making hits, but will he ever get that UK number one single? We lie in wait for that day to come.
You Me At Six are one of those bands who releases some good music and then some not so great stuff. In this case, the song is extremely catchy and currently stuck in my head.
You Me At Six are a five-piece band consisting of Josh Franceschi, Max Helyer, Chris Miller, Matt Barnes and Dan Flint. They have been around for quite some time, dipping in and out of the UK Chart. Their new song is "Reckless" is probably, in my opinion, one of their better songs as I can't stop listening to it. A lot of people have compared it to The Killer's "When You Were Young" and yes they are very similar, but it's such a catchy song why should it matter if they seem the same?
This music video is taken off a gig off their tour, therefore making a big performance piece. I like that there are scenes edited in showing the band having fun and doing what they do best.
The tour performance in this video really shows off how much energy the band gives off, clearly their fans are enjoying it and the fact that Josh even touches a fan with his hand and then even the crowd sing the lyrics back during the song, really makes me interested in what their gigs are like. Clearly you wouldn't be disappointed if you saw this band on tour.
However this is all I can say about the video. The song is extremely catchy and they could've tried to do something with this video, but they have decided on a good performance based video, and although it's great to watch it doesn't interest me into watching it again and again and again. However the song makes me want to listen to it over and over and over. Therefore, I'm going to be generous and give this video this rating.
Paramore gets my Sunday Revisit, purely because I couldn't believe I have never reviewed this music video, as it is their first ever single and music video release. Therefore it is their most important single, as it is what got them to where they are now, even though it didn't chart anywhere except in the US. But if it wasn't released then the band might not be who they are today. Paramore were a five-piece band back then, consisting of Hayley Williams, Josh Farro, Zac Farro, Jeremy Davis and Jason Bynum. The line-up has now changed. I also saw Paramore live with Tink09 and Hollagram Star in 2008 as you know from all my previous Paramore blog posts. "Pressure" was written by Hayley Williams. It's a catchy song that the band perform amazingly. However recently they have moved in a very different direction and just shows how much a band can change over a matter of a few years.
This music video relates to this song pretty well. I love how they have managed to include a pressure gauge, it's a nice little extra to link the video with the song. The video is definitely low budget, however if it were to be remade, they would just update it as it's perfect the way it is.
I like how it shows that things builds up and makes you pressured into doing things you don't want to do. It really reminds me of Avril Lavigne's "Don't Tell Me" although it's 2 different takes. However I'm not sure I agree with showing someone walking out of his job because he can't stand the pressure, whatever happened to being strong and not walking away? However I get why they have shown that.
I bet Paramore loved the water bit, it looks like they had a lot of fun, just letting go and performing while sprinklers are raining down on them.
Overall a great first single from this band, however it didn't chart well anywhere and I think that was down to the promotion of the song. On the other hand the band has made it, a lot of people know who this band is and they keep getting chart hits. This music video is low budget but has a good narrative and performance side. Nonetheless there are some bits that I don't agree with and therefore this video deserves this rating.
Avril Lavigne has been stuck in my head all day. The song called "Nobody's Fool" is the one going around and around in my head, so I was going to review that song, but it doesn't have a music video and therefore I had to choose a different song. After much deliberating I decided on this song as I think it has a similar meaning and I haven't reviewed it yet. She has a fifth album on the way, which is apparently complete. I cannot wait to hear new music from her.
"Don't Tell Me" was written by Avril Lavigne and Evan Taubenfeld. This is the Avril Lavigne many fans fell in love with, now she has taken a very different direction except we have grown with her and we still enjoy her music. The song is about being strong and not letting someone else control you. Avril wrote it as she wanted to impact girls and let them know that they should be strong and not let guys pressure them into doing anything. However a lot of people have taken the song and developed it as a way of being strong against other things like bullying and dangerous situations. I find it amazing how one song can mean many things to different people.
The music video is very relatable to the song. It's narrative but also a performance piece as you can really feel every word Avril is singing, also she is singing to the guy who tried to pressure her.
I like the start and how it's the morning after the night before, you could presume something has gone on but he leaves and clearly he isn't in a good mood, hence where the song kicks in and you realised she didn't let him. I like how she just walks behind him, almost gets run over by a car, and she doesn't even flinch. Then she kind of appears everywhere the guy looks making him feel guilty and her feelings are playing on his mind. She then decides she's better off without him and lets him walk away.
There's nothing bad to say about this video, except I feel something is missing, or maybe it's just too short. We don't quite know what went on last night, there are many situations that could possibly be what happened but I guess we will never know, and I think that is what is missing from this video.
However the song is very catchy and has probably helped a lot of people over the years. It's music video relates to the song perfectly and I can't knock it for that, although there's just something out of place, something that needs to be included, but what that something is, I'm not too sure.
So last night I went out to "2.8 Hours Later Birmingham". It was extremely fun, exhausting and hilarious. My cousin Tink09 and Incubus27 both got infected by zombies, however I survived and this song was the only one I could think of. I entered the zombie disco at the end as a SURVIVOR whereas Tink09 and Incubus27 entered as ZOMBIES. I would definitely do it again. For more information check out the official site here: 2.8 Hours Later.
Destiny's Child was a big group back in the late 90s - early 00s they also reformed, but soon split up once again. At this current time they consisted of Beyoncé, Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams. All of who are very well known, and their careers are just going to get bigger and better. Will they ever reform again? It is highly unlikely, and I will be very shocked if they do, however I would've said the exact same thing when they did reform so it's a possibility, but it's doubtful.
"Survivor" was written by Beyoncé Knowles, Anthony Dent and Matthew Knowles. The inspiration for the song came from the band as 2 members left them and they got Michelle Williams in to replace them. This was big news and it made Beyoncé think about the programme Survivor, and how it seemed it related to the band. Soon enough this song came about which is really catchy and managed number one in the UK, amongst various other international charts.
This music video isn't great quality, however we have to come and expect that from songs released in the early 00s. The video has a big narrative behind it, but there are various performance scenes including a big dance choreography, it has everything I need to give it a high rating, but is it all it's cracked up to be?
I don't know about you, but I definitely think this looks like Beyoncé with 2 backing singers, it was something that we were used to seeing back then, but nowadays it's just something that doesn't work, and the other 2 girls have good voices too. I believe this idea looked good on paper, but it just doesn't grip me enough.
They become shipwrecked onto an island and they go exploring and find natives who love dancing with them, and then they see a helicopter and escape. There's no substance to this, the only good bit is the prelude, where we discover how they got shipwrecked. But at the end of the day there is so much they could've done with this, but instead they extend the scenes to make it longer.
Overall a perfect song to celebrate surviving 2.8 hours later, it's accompanying music video does link in with the song but there's not enough substance to it to make it amazing. It could be down to a number of reasons as to why, such as low budget or they cut some scenes out... These are just some ideas... Anyhow time for my rating, and I believe I've been fair.
Tim Berg, real name Tim Bergling, or as we all know him Avicii, is definitely a very popular DJ now, thanks to many singles that have got into the UK chart. And I am super excited about new music, however so far no albums have been released in the UK, I just want to hear all his top songs on one complete album, but guess we might have to wait for a few more singles to be released.
"Seek Bromance" was, and probably still is, one of my favourite songs of all time and a perfect video to go with it. The song mixes Tim Berg's instrumental track "Bromance" with "Love U Seek" by Samuele Sartini and Amanda Wilson, and therefore there is a lot of song writers. The song writers are: Tim Bergling, Arash Pournouri, Maurizio Colella, Samuele Sartini, Maurizio Alfieri, Davide Domenella, Wendy Lewis, Andrea Tonici, Amanda Wilson and Massimiliano Moroldo. Quite a collaborative effort, which gives us one amazing song that I could listen to over and over again.
So this video links in perfectly with the song, however I don't even know where to go with this review, there is so many takes on it already that has flooded YouTube as well as various other blogs. I was in denial before I watched the Director's Cut (found on the right). I wanted to see the best in everyone, and wanted to believe that they hadn't done what everyone said they had, it was worse to leave her behind, but I watched the director's cut today and couldn't believe what I was watching, clearly I was wrong and everyone else was right.
This is a narrative piece and a lot of people see it differently, they see what they want to believe and I really like some people's takes on this video. This is what makes this video superb, to be able to get so many people connected to it and to see it in different lights makes it one of the best videos ever made, you really can't beat something like that.
Usually I talk about the narrative, however my take is different to others about and I also want to display everyone's takes on this music video, and it will probably take all day to do that, however they are easily found amongst comments on YouTube and Google, just search and you will find.
Overall a very catchy song that should've charted better than number 13 in the UK Chart. The accompanying music video has to be the best one I've ever seen and to be able to make various people confident and determined is something rare to find in a music video. To allow many people to get different things from this video is an inspiration and I'm extremely happy to award this video with this rating.
Fun. are a three-piece band consisting of Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff. They have recently become very popular after their number one single "We Are Young". Will they manage another number one single in the future? I think it looks promising as their songs are on the catchy side, I really wouldn't be surprised to see another one of their singles go to the top of the chart.
"Some Nights" was written by Jeff Bhasker, Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff. This is why their songs are very catchy because they believe the words of the song, also Nate Ruess' voice is technically great, it's one of those voices I could listen to over and over again.
The music video links in with the song pretty well, as they lyrics talk about a war. A lot of people don't like the start as you have a whole minute of scenes with no music, however I think it links in well with the song, it sort of sets the scene in a way.
I find it funny how they have managed to put a performance piece in a narrative, it's definitely not something you should try. To actually perform in the middle of a war... Not the best idea ever, but it's really interesting and very different to what I expected.
However I don't think there is enough going on, to be honest. I think they are trying to focus on too many things, that the story gets lost along the way. It relates to the American Civil War and shows two soldiers on different sides, one is from the Confederacy who is a farmer, in love with his life and his animals, whereas on the union side there is this young man torn apart from his lover to go to war. It shows a great loss on both sides for winner and loser and shows that war does affect things beyond that moment of time.
Overall the song is extremely catchy and deserved a higher chart position than number seven on the UK chart, but the music video is pretty detailed, but not a lot there for me to comment on, I also find that I get lost somewhere along the way. Therefore I have dropped one star, but that is all.
Paramore is definitely one of my favourite bands of all time, I've liked them from the start, and only recently they have started to become very popular. I saw them live back in 2008, with Tink09 and Hollagram Star, and I really want to see them again. They are currently a three-piece band consisting of Hayley Williams, Jeremy Davis and Taylor York. However when this song was released they were a five-piece band which also included Josh Farro and Zac Farro. Paramore are currently recording for their fourth studio album, and I'm really excited to hear new music from them.
"The Only Exception" was written by Hayley Williams and Josh Farro. This is one of the many reasons why I like this band, because they have a very deep connection to their songs as they write the songs themselves, and they are usually really personal. The song is about finding love and believing it doesn't exist until you find that one person. And the music video reflects that perfectly.
The video is a big narrative piece with little edited scenes of them performing. It links in amazingly with the song and it manages to capture people as it has such a clear and strong emotional draw to it. And you manage to feel everything as if you are a part of the video as well.
The storyline is pretty simple, Hayley leaves this guy she met the night before and sees her father, she then thinks about what has gone on in her life before this moment, such as all the boyfriends she has had and the weddings she has been to, and realises that this guy is the only exception, someone she actually really likes and is possibly falling in love with him.
There is short shot scenes of the band performing, I like how the focus is on the other members of the band in these shots as the storyline focuses on Hayley Williams. I also like how the rest of the band appears at the wedding. It shows that it's not all about Hayley Williams, and that they are a band.
Overall a very catchy song that you wouldn't have identified with Paramore until recently. The music video links in perfectly with the song and the added touch of Hayley Williams lying on valentine cards that fans had sent in just adds to the completion of an amazing music video. And without being biased I have no choice but to give this music video this rating.
