Britney Spears and The Smurfs in a music video together... Am I seeing this right, or is it one of my dreams? Nope definitely not a dream, my life is now complete.
Britney Spears, well-known across the world, hasn't had a UK number one since 2004 with "Everytime", unless you count her collaboration with will.i.am on "Scream & Shout". As well as that she has never had a UK number one album, shocking I know, but she will get there one day, we all should keep faith. Her next album is on it's way, and how healthy she looks in this video, and after a year of being a judge on The X Factor US, it's bound to be a great album!
"Ooh La La" was written by Lukasz Gottwald, Joshua Coleman, Lola Blanc, Fransisca Hall, Bonnie McKee, Henry Walter and Jacob Kasher Hindlin. Some well known songwriters right there, so it explains why it is so catchy. It was supposed to be sung by Lola Blanc, but a deal was made to give it to Britney. I have listened to it way too often and I can't stop. It's simple lyrics, it's clubby motives and the beat is all so drawing. This should be a hit, yet it's slowly climbing up the charts, hopefully it will hit the Top 40 this Sunday, but at the moment it looks unlikely.
The song is on The Smurfs 2 soundtrack, and since I'm seeing The Smurfs 2 on Thursday, I definitely expect this song to be played. As expected The Smurfs are in the music video. However I'm a little disappointed that we haven't got any songs from The Smurfs on the soundtrack. The first movie had them singing a few songs, and I expect the Smurf theme to be sung, but no sign of it on the soundtrack. I thought this would be like an Alvin and the Chipmunks soundtrack, guess that may never happen, I was really looking forward to Smurfette's 'I Kissed A Smurf' cover of "I Kissed A Girl" by Katy Perry.
The music video is mainly performance piece, with interspersed clips of The Smurfs 2. I like everything it's so good and so cute, what with Britney Spears' children and niece being in the music video, they are called Sean Preston Federline, Jayden James Federline and Maddie Aldridge respectively. They go to the cinema to see The Smurfs 2, and Gargamel zaps Britney into the film.
The opening scene with the Cinema is a homage to Janet Jackson's music video for "Nasty". Here Britney goes again with her homages!
The scenes with the boys and Maddie in the background are great to watch, and they perform so well, it makes it believable, and they did a great job.
Britney looks healthy in the entire video, she's dancing and having Smufette (voiced by Katy Perry) on her hand. She's having a great time, and it's good to see her well again. It may be due to having her boys with her, but since the song is for them anyway you can't help but smile. The world has Britney back once and for all.
The Smurfs perform a dance to her song, I keep watching it, and I'm hoping to learn the dance moves. I'm also expecting a lot of DJ's remixing this song for clubs, it has that hook in the middle that will suit clubbing perfectly.
Overall, a great song which should be a global success, yet it hasn't managed to do that well, could the reason be digital downloads? Since when CD Singles were released children could go and buy the single and help it chart, but now it's all digital downloads, the song attracts many younger audiences who probably can't buy the single without bugging their parents to death. The accompanying music video is amazingly cute. I don't know how Britney gets out of the Smurf world (she may be stuck there forever!) This has excited me for her new album, and I can't wait to see what the future brings to Britney.
Mandia Nantsios, 16 year old singing sensation, that although hasn't quite hit the charts anywhere, she has gained an amazing fan base and a lot of people look up to her. Her second single "One Last Time" was a hit in my world, and on my blog especially since it is in the top 10 most viewed blog posts of all-time on my blog! She became my Artist of the Month for March, and she is definitely one to watch. She has been strumming up popularity on Twitter, by following people who would be interested in her music, that's how I came across her and many other fans have been found that way too. Her first single "Never Again" isn't quite so popular, but it definitely shows her voice off... But is this new song as good as her previous singles?
"Smile" is a very catchy song and will be stuck in my head all day. It reminds me a lot of her previous single "One Last Time", it is very similar, and is a great direction for this girl to take. Her voice is phenomenal and I can't help but sit back and relax while such a beautiful voice reaches my ears. If Mandia Nantsios never charts there would be no justice in the world, and the world will have to live with such a huge loss. But she will make it one day, she's driven and that is all you need.
This music video relates to the song a lot, but it also is similar to "One Last Time". It may not be filled as big, obviously the budget couldn't have been stretched out as much as it did last time, nonetheless you can't help but like it and it definitely leaves my face with a smile.
The school presence continues, but they're graduating, and Mandia Nantsios has a new crush, who always makes her smile. They're getting ready for their graduation photos and they get to dress up and have fun, that's clearly the world Mandia Nantsios lives in, don't we all wish we could live in the world of fun?
There's a lot of performance in this, and she's extremely expressive, which is such a great thing, I hope she eventually gets a tour here in the UK, as I shall be in the crowd at one of her gigs! However the presentation of it in the video didn't work, I didn't enjoy the black and white graduation photo book, it just seemed too static, and it needed more substance.
Although, the ending is great to watch as the stern teacher relaxes and just lets rip and has fun too, and even the photographer gets involved too.
Overall a song that is going to be stuck in my head for the rest of today. And a music video that doesn't live up to her previous music videos, but it is great to watch and always makes me smile.
Diana Vickers came fourth on The X Factor, a show that is probably dominating my blog since it started, and I reckon it won't stop being present since the artists are very popular and seem to do well in the charts. Diana Vickers came fourth in the fifth series of the show. She has had a break from music, but is now back with this amazingly catchy song, and an album to follow later on in the year. But where are her competitors from that series? Alexandra Burke (winner) working on her third studio album and has a U.S. record deal; JLS (second) due to break-up and go their separate ways; Eoghan Quigg (third) released a single called "28,000 Friends" and an album back in 2009 but nothing new since; Ruth Lorenzo (fifth) just released "The Night" and is gearing up for her first album release; Rachel Hylton (sixth) getting ready for her first release; Daniel Evans (seventh) released an album that failed to chart and no more new news from him; Laura White (eighth) released a single and now working under the stage name Martha. The others are either disbanded, haven't released anything or are planning to release soon.
"Cinderella" was written by Diana Vickers, Miranda Cooper, Simen Eriksrud and Simone Larson. The song is about being in love and wanting to be with that person no matter what is going on around you and not caring about anything else. The song is catchy and it is something I can't stop listening to, however radio play hasn't really picked it up and although it definitely will be charting this Sunday, it might not be as high as I hope it will be. It deserves a top 20 position but I think it'll be lucky to chart in the top 40 to be honest. More people need to download this now!
The music video works with the whole song, the fact that it is Cinderella-ish, works entirely, although I wouldn't think Cinderella wears what Diana Vickers is wearing, even a modern day version wouldn't be wearing what she is.
I like how they run together away from the ball and the party, to go and have fun and to be together. They clearly wasn't having such a great time there anyway. One of the lyrics in the song just fits this perfectly which is 'If Cinderella was here tonight, she wouldn’t walk out the door leaving you behind'.
The ending is good with the pool and the guards finding her shoe on the stairs. It's a nice little spin of a twist.
Overall a song I fully love and hope will chart high this Sunday as it definitely deserves it, however I doubt that it will, due to not enough radio play. The music video fits wholly with the song and I can't think of a single bad bit to this video. The teasing, the fun, and the sneaking away is just exactly what I wanted and more. So here's my rating.
Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, is still awaiting a release of a new album which will be called 'Calling Time', so far three UK singles have been released from the album "Northern Lights", "Dream On The Dancefloor" & "Crash & Burn", and one Swedish single from the album called "Fest I Hela Huset" which is apparently also on the new album. Basshunter has had a few changes recently, from being the most successful act on the Hard2beat / Dance Nation record label, to not charting with on All Around The World Records with "Northern Light" & "Dream On The Dancefloor", he has now released "Crash & Burn" under Rush Hour records, is this a new record deal? I'm not sure. All I hope is that Basshunter releases a song and promotes it so it will get him to become the worldwide star we all used to know him as.
"Every Morning" was written by Basshunter. It's catchy and definitely was a good first single off his second UK album 'Bass Generation', giving us an insight into his new album which wasn't quite as popular as the first album. I think this is one of his better singles, having good emotion in his voice when he sings the song, and I can't help but sing-a-long too.
The music video continues the Jonas Altberg & Aylar Lie relationship. This video is definitely my favourite of them all, as it is funny as you watch it and then at the end the cliff-hanger is scarily amazing, so much so I'm sure I was upset the first time I saw it, it was that shocking to me.
So let's start off with a RECAP! "Now You're Gone" gave us Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text yet they both go clubbing with their respected friends and end up in the same club and get back together. "All I Ever Wanted" shows them on holiday in Spain, they have fun and go clubbing, but Lucas finds a 'mate's cousin', is it the end for them? "Angel In The Night" broke Aylar & Lucas up via text again, and Aylar finds Jonas Altberg (Basshunter) and after impressing her with his street racing and singing, they kiss... "I Miss You / Jingle Bells" brings Christmas in Norway, there's snow, presents and a dip in the hot tub, as well as Jonas having to fend off a guy from coming on to Aylar. "Walk On Water" breaks the story as we're shown the touring life of Basshunter (I've made it link, but it is the smallest link ever).
Jonas, in this video, wants to make the next move and propose to Aylar. She obviously makes him so happy, and the bedroom bit at the start is extremely sexy, what with her getting ready for the big day ahead. It looks like they are enjoying being together.
This music video was filmed in Majorca. After leaving the hotel, Aylar and Jonas part ways, Aylar doesn't understand why, but I guess it is to get the engagement ring. She goes onto a boat to party.
Later on Jonas catches up with her on a jet ski. And as he gets prepared to propose he is wrestled down by his mates. Later on they are at a beach and he is prepared to propose, when once again he is thwarted by his mates.
Aylar and her friends go swimming, only her friends return saying that Aylar is lost at sea. Such a dramatic ending, definitely the biggest cliff hanger from all of Basshunter's music videos, yet I'm catching up to his most recent single, and the story hasn't progressed that much.
Overall a song that gets stuck in my head over and over again, and a music video that kept me entertained and left me hanging on the edge until "I Promise You" got released two months later. This is definitely my favourite video from Basshunter, and I hope he manages to top it with the future videos, I also hope Aylar returns to continue the storyline.
Before I even start this, I have to say I'm sorry for not reviewing this video earlier, however I have just found out it has been released, although it's been on YouTube for a month now and there isn't that many hits to be honest. I am quite annoyed with the team behind this girl, it feels like they knew she was going to win and therefore decided to do a winning music video, similar to The X Factor UK's winner's single music video. It just is pretty out of place, and they've left fans waiting... Is this another winner who will disappear from the UK and Europe, only to release in her own country, Denmark?
Emmelie de Forest became the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, therefore bringing next year's contest to Denmark. She was the bookies favourite to win, and that is exactly what she did. This single and an album was released before the contest. Afterwards her album managed to hit the UK charts at 148, meaning she made a big impact, but will her second single "Hunter & Prey" get a worldwide release? And if so will she still maintain her fans, or will people just not realise it's been released, and therefore making her another winner who fails to keep in the limelight, guess time will tell.
"Only Teardrops" was written by Lise Cabble, Julia Fabrin Jakobsen and Thomas Stengaard. The song is extremely catchy, I have to admit that, but I feel that the performance at Eurovision was a little bit over the top, so much so that it looked like it had already won, on the other hand, that is exactly what happened and so I guess it worked for them. I just feel the whole team behind Emmelie de Forest were cocky and arrogant, and I'm sure that they weren't, but not posting a music video until afterwards puts this in the arrogant category. So it would've been interesting what this video would've been like if it hadn't have won.
Denmark came 1st easily. Emmelie de Forest gained 281 points. France gave 12 points, Lithuania gave 2 points, Moldova gave 6 points, Finland gave 7 points, Spain gave 8 points, Belgium gave 10 points, Estonia gave 8 points, Belarus gave 1 point, Malta gave 6 points, Russia gave 4 points, Germany gave 10 points, Armenia gave 4 points, the Netherlands gave 10 points, Romania gave 6 points, the UK gave 12 points, Sweden gave 10 points, Hungary also gave 10 points, Iceland gave 12 points, Azerbaijan gave 5 points, Greece gave 7 points, the Ukraine gave 5 points, Italy gave 12 points, Norway gave 7 points, Georgia also gave 7 points, Ireland gave 12 points, Austria gave 5 points, Slovenia gave 12 points, Croatia gave 10 points, Montenegro also gave 10 points, Cyprus gave 7 points, Serbia gave 12 points, Latvia gave 6 points, Macedonia gave 12 points, Bulgaria gave 2 points, Israel gave 8 points, Albania gave 1 point and Switzerland gave 3 points. San Marino were the only country not to give any points to Denmark.
This music video is similar to The X Factor UK's winner's single music video, with highlights of her win from Eurovision. This fails to interest me. I have watched this video once, and I shall not be watching it a second time. There's just nothing concrete that makes this amazing.
The song leeks so much potential for a video, I could imagine a perfect video in my head right now, as the song contains a lot of imagery. And when it started I had to admit that I thought a theatrical music video displaying most of the imagery in the song would be shown to us, yet we are left with Emmelie de Forest performing her song in a forest and lying down in the grass.
This is imagery to an extent but not at all what I expected. And then we had clips in black and white (I really don't like black & white all that much, so bad move on their part) showing her time at Eurovision, as well as winning. But it all makes it look like a fan video, something someone had pieced together to celebrate her winning. Failing to connect with the song and make something amazing.
The song has a lot of potential, and managed to get to number 15 on the UK chart. The accompanying music video could have been perfection at it's greatest, however it's a memoir music video, failing to capture me and keep me entertained. I hope her new single "Hunter & Prey" has a much better video, or she will go from a worldwide star to a Denmark star.
Bowie Jane first came to my notice when she stumbled across this blog and started talking to me on my Facebook page. Since then she has gone on to promote her singles anywhere and everywhere here in the UK, as well as turning up at Staffordshire University (my university) for a radio interview, where she left me a signed CD of "Luv Bomb". Since then I have been keeping an eye on her Twitter and Facebook, and found out her third single (the first being "Miss U Hate U") is being released this month. So just for you lot, I have organised an interview with Bowie Jane, and she will become Artist Of The Month for July.
"Bad Boy" was co-written by Bowie Jane and her producer Jason Bond. It's really catchy, and I know I'll be singing it all day today. Especially since I've bought it from iTunes, and I can't stop playing it.
The music video has become one of Bowie Jane's most viewed YouTube videos so far, and those views are only ever going to go up and up and up. It may not be a big budgeted video that well-known artists push out, but as I have proven on this blog over and over again, the simple videos can sometimes be the best, and this is clearly one of them.
It is practically performance based, with Bowie Jane singing in front of a brick wall, but she knows how to perform, and you are engaged right from the start.
Then the slight narrative jumps in with a bunny rabbit, who clearly is the 'Bad Boy'. It is very suggestive and makes this video stand out.
The slight narrative includes various slides which say various things. The first is: "Taylor Swift Admits 'I Knew You Were Trouble' Was A Blast At Harry Styles", and the rabbit just before the words is dressed up as Harry Styles. Next is the rabbit dressed as a golfer with the accompanying headline: "A leopard might change it's spots... but a Tiger doesn't change his stripes", a dig at Tiger Woods obviously. Next is the Hugh Grant and Divine Brown scandal. Afterwards the rabbit has a gas mask on definitely dressed up as Justin Bieber, with "Selena Gomez Throws Gifts Bought By Justin Bieber In The Bin? Bye, bye, bye Bieber....".
Overall a song that is stuck in my head, and one that I will be listening to for years to come. And a music video that makes me laugh, it's enjoyable, it relates to the song, and has everything possible to make it a great video. I can't stop watching, I can't stop listening, this is one song you all need to get now!
Lawson releases this song this week, it's so catchy that it should chart high, I so hope it gets to the top of the UK chart, but with so much competition it seems like it's going to be difficult. Lawson is a four piece band consisting of Adam Pitts, Andy Brown, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher. This band has been doing pretty well here in the UK, managing to get all four singles in the top 20 of the UK chart, and this one will manage to do the same. Are they going to be like The Saturdays, always hoping for a number one and yet not getting one until five years down the line... Or will they disappear like so many bands before them? Guess we'll see with time... I bet they will stand the test of time. They have collaborated with B.o.B, real name Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. He is another amazing singer and rapper, who previously had a number one with "Airplanes" featuring Hayley Williams, from Paramore. Could he be the one to push this song to number one?
"Brokenhearted" was written by Andy Brown, Ki Fitzgerald, Paddy Dalton, Duck Blackwell and Bobby Ray Simmons. The song should be a number one hit, yet with the competition this week, it's going to be quite a battle, however the song is racking up the charts. Even I, who isn't much a fan of Lawson, really like this song, and I can't stop listening to it.
The music video has a performance and a narrative side. This is one music video that reminds me of other videos such as Nickelback's "How You Remind Me" as well as Simple Plan's "When I'm Gone". This is a typical band video having both sides, and it really works in their favour.
The narrative is strong, there is a break-up between Andy Brown and his on-screen girlfriend, yet it is all in the media, and she isn't happy about that at all, because everywhere she looks there is Lawson. And, unknown to here, Andy's ghost-like form is following her around, is it her imagination? Is he dead? Yet again my brilliant idea of him actually being a ghost goes out of the window, and maybe it's the camera's imagination.
The performance piece is energetic, yet lacking somewhat. When B.o.B comes in there are quite a few vibes sent out to the crowd, but Lawson is failing to make me eager to watch them live. Where is their energy? Maybe they are good live, but this video fails to portray this.
Overall a great song that should hit the UK chart hard, but a music video that lacks energy. The narrative is full of amazingness, maybe a little copy-cat, but that is to be expected, and it's something I would watch again and again, yet the performance piece just doesn't match as well as it could.
Eiffel 65 were a three piece Italian dance band consisting of Jeffrey Jey (real name Gianfranco Randone), Maurizio Lobina and Gabry Ponte (real name Gabriele Ponte). They were active in 1998 till 2005, as well as a reformation in 2010 apparently they are working on a new album, but it now seems unlikely since three years have passed. They were well known for this hit, however they also managed a second hit with "Move Your Body" which got to number three here in the UK, followed by the album 'Europop' at number 12. So where did this band go wrong? Personally I think no promotion for global success was made. And the only reason people remember this song is because it's catchy and has the blue men in it, and the music channels really picked it up and kept playing the music video. Whereas the other videos wasn't picked up enough to make such an impact.
"Blue (Da Ba Dee)" was written by Jeffrey Jey, Maurizio Lobina and Massimo Gabutti. The song is about a guy who is 'Blue inside and outside' and he and everyone else is blue, suggesting it's a state of mind, as well as various objects he owns are blue as well. Guess this is where 'I'm feeling a bit blue' comes from. The song had massive success (most likely down to the video being memorable). Hitting number one here in the UK, this definitely put this band on to the rail road to global success, yet they didn't make it. This reminds me of Infernal, and I'm worried other acts will be following in these bands footsteps soon enough.
The music video has been listed in NME's '50 Worst Music Videos', however I do not agree with that at all, and even though it isn't exactly amazing compared to recent animation music videos such as Mat Zo & Porter Robinson's "Easy" and Britney Spears' "Break the Ice"; at the time it was so great, and even now people are watching it. What with 39,000,000 YouTube hits so far and it was uploaded in 2009, it shows it is still popular. The song appeared in the film 'Iron Man 3', and managed to chart at number 40 in the UK on 6th May 2013. It just goes to show that people still likes this song and it's definitely one of the classics in dance history.
The music video has much going on in the narrative. The two main blue aliens have even got names, they're called Zorotl and Sayok6. Not only that but their planet has a name which is Tukon4 and the blue martian aliens are collectively called Tukonians. This is a whole new world, and although they aren't quite cute I still want to go there and see their world.
Zorotl and Sayok6 abducts Jeffrey Jey from a music gig and deposits him in a similar gig only on their planet, while at the same time Maurizio Lobina and Gabry Ponte go in their own star ship to save their band mate. I have to say that I think Maurizio Lobina looks a lot like H. P. Baxxter from Scooter. Anyhow, they fight with the Tukonians to rescue Jeffrey Jey. They find him, take him back, but the Tukonians ask for them to return and so they do to perform for them.
Overall a song that will probably chart again in the next few years, it's one of those songs that will not stop being stuck in peoples heads. As for the music video, I have to disagree with NME, it is definitely not a bad video, it's probably one of the best from that year, although compared to 2013 music videos it isn't as good, it's still something I would go out of my way to watch. So in total contradiction to NME's '50 Worst Music Videos', here is my rating...
The Saturdays! And this is their third single to be released off their new album, which hasn't been released yet. The girls, who consists of Rochelle Humes, Frankie Sandford, Una Healy, Mollie King, and Vanessa White, recently created a show called 'Chasing The Saturdays' where the cameras follow their attempt at hitting the American market. And they have managed to chart on the US Hot Dance Club Songs at number 27 and the US Pop Digital Songs at number 50 with their song "What About Us", that single also gave the girls their first UK number one since they started five years ago. But will this single follow in it's predecessor's amazingness? Well it's not making as big as an impact here the UK, but it will definitely be charting high. Will they succeed in getting a second number one? Surely they can do it in the near future. But this song is a genre redirection and unfortunately won't chart as well. However I think it's one of their better songs.
"Gentleman" was written by Priscilla Renea. The song is catchy and a new direction for the girls. It is one of those songs DJ's will love, I can't wait to club to this song, it will be mixed heavily, and it'll be exciting to see what the DJ's will do with it, the remixes supplied on the EP are just great. There is also a segment near the end that is kind of a half-rap. Which is something I didn't expect at all, yet it works and I find it one of the best bits on this track. I hope there is more of that on their album when they get around to releasing it.
The music video shows a heavily pregnant Rochelle, who has given birth to a baby girl called Alaia-Mai Humes. She is not the only Saturday to have been on set of a music video while being pregnant. Una was pregnant on the "30 Days" music video, she gave birth Aoife Foden. At the moment Frankie is pregnant, I wonder if they will film another music video when her bump is showing...?
Anyhow, this music video has a desperate housewives inspired narrative, where they are all out in their gardens doing gardening as well as spraying one another with water and what-not.
I like when they walk on the road to meet their boyfriends, who have been playing poker and have also bought gifts for their girlfriends. The boyfriends are also The Saturdays. This definitely goes with the song.
I also enjoy the performance of the half-rap, it is definitely good to watch.
Overall a very relatable music video that goes perfectly with this amazing song. I just wish the song will chart high this weekend, but it seems doubtful. I feel like there isn't a lot for me to say about this music video. Yet I enjoy it so much. Maybe I'm a bit on the speechless side? Which is extremely unusual.
I was surprised to find this on iTunes today, I thought I'd see if it was out because my iTunes shuffler put on 'Top Of The World' which is one of her tracks on her album 'Hello My Name Is...' and here was the single with a remix EP. I was so happy I bought it and have been playing all the tracks over and over again, it's so catchy and the remixes are interesting, yet I am disappointed by the album artwork, it looks like it was done on a whim, why can't we have the American album artwork? The UK's looks really amateurish, hope it doesn't put people off from buying it. Her single "Ready Or Not" got to number seven here in the UK, I doubt this will do as well since it hasn't gained much radio play, but I'm hoping it charts okayish, at least.
The song was written by Bridgit Mendler, Emanuel "Eman" Kiriakou, Evan "Kidd" Bogart and Andrew "Goldstein" Goldstein. The song is about love and falling for it every time even after boarding up the windows and locking her heart. It's catchy and sticks in my mind easily, it's just a shame that it hasn't really been picked up by radio and people won't hear it often enough to go out and download the song to give this song the charting position it needs.
The music video is more of a performance side to things than anything else. There is a very small narrative that is hardly discernible. In the narrative Bridgit Mendler's co-star in 'Lemonade Mouth' can be seen as her best friend, played by Naomi Scott, for those of you (including me) who don't watch 'Lemonade Mouth', you may have seen her in 'Terra Nova' playing 'Maddy Shannon'.
Naomi Scott comforts Bridgit Mendler and takes her out for some clubbing, which clears her head, but that's all there is to a narrative, and I feel there should've been much more to it.
The performance side of things is featured much more often, there are various places she sings the song, one is on a white background which leaves very little to the imagination. She performs well clearly emphasising her thoughts when it comes to this song and it's engaging, with a lot of energy, the club scene is pretty involving, also making me want to go out clubbing, I haven't gone out in months! And as for this bit by the house or wall or wherever she is, I feel it links in with the 'boarding up the windows' part, yet there is no windows being boarded up, and although this scene is featured very little, it's the one that links in the most with this song.
Overall a great song, you really much check out the remixes too, they're as good as the song. The music video fails to entertain, a solid narrative is what is needed, something not too far from Mandia Nantsios' "One Last Time". The performance could have been much better, and more or less links in with the UK album art than anything else. This just seems like it was created on a whim, with little thinking behind it.
Krista Seigfrids may not have done well in Eurovision this year, yet she's not letting it knock her down, oh no, her new single is on fire, what with over 200,000 hits on YouTube and getting good reviews across the board, this is one girl who is not going down without a fight. And I intend to support her all the way!
"Amen!" was written by Krista Siegfrids, Erik Nyholm, Jessika Lundstrom, and Kristofer Karlsson. The song is different to "Marry Me" yet is still outrageously catchy, that no other song will knock this out of my head for the rest of today. It hasn't been released in the UK as of yet, but I'm hoping it does, as I reckon it will do well, if radio play picks up, I have been requesting it lots, and I hope it gets lots of promotion.
The music video is raunchy, but that is who Krista Siegfrids is, after seeing "Marry Me" music video along with the performance at Eurovision. This is someone who isn't afraid.
The video reminds me of Basshunter's videos because it's a continuation of the previous video, and if this is exactly what Krista Siegfrids plans then I'm excited where this one will lead.
The music video announces at the start that she did get married a couple of months ago yet 'Needless to say: it didn't last' according to the writing at the start.
The song is all about starting a new life, and her husband releasing her, and she is clearly more alive than ever. The limousine scene reminds me of Tyler James' "Single Tear" and she is currently getting a lot of comparisons to Katy Perry and Ke$ha... But she is totally herself, and I can't wait to see what more she gives to us.
Overall a song that will be on my mind for today, if not for the rest of the week. The music video relates well, and has a loose but well-fitting link with "Marry Me". This girl is going to be a star, she just needs to push herself and show how much a mistake everyone was for not voting for her in the Eurovision Song Contest 2013.
Ruth Lorenzo is back! It's official, her second single is actually going to be released here to the UK, and I'm so happy. I just can't stop talking about this song to people and I have been listening to it over and over again, I am really hoping it will chart this Sunday, but there's no sign of this song on the iTunes top 1000, it needs to chart people, you need to buy it now! This has been a long time coming to be honest, and her first single "Burn" didn't get released in the UK, so this makes it her debut here, but with little promotion and not a lot behind her, will she suffer? Well with this voice she will not be defeated, and I do see her eventually gaining the chart numbers she needed.
Ruth Lorenzo is from The X Factor UK, and came fifth in the fifth series. Her fellow contestants also got recording contracts and stuff, here's where they are now... Alexandra Burke (winner) working on her third album, has three number one singles and is kick-starting her career in the U.S.; JLS (second) are due to break-up, they have four albums behind them, five number one singles and are getting ready to release a greatest hits; Eoghan Quigg (third), one album, one single, and has disappeared from the spotlight; Diana Vickers (fourth), one album with a second being released soon, one number one single; Rachel Hylton (sixth) just starting up; Daniel Evans (seventh) released a single and album but failed to chart and has disappeared from the spotlight; Laura White (eighth), one single, has an album in the works and is now working under the stage name 'Martha'; Bad Lashes (twelfth) disbanded after releasing one single.
"The Night" was written by Ruth Lorenzo and Tim Ross. The song was originally called 'The Night Belongs To Us', and was given as a free download to her fans on FaceBook a couple of years back, and now it has been turned into a single, with remixes, that are great to listen to. The song is extremely catchy after a few plays, and her voice is outstanding, it's a shame she never got to the final of The X Factor, Simon Cowell missed out on something good here. Her emotion comes across amazingly, and I still think her rendition of Prince's "Purple Rain" on The X Factor sing-off is one of the best performances ever, I don't think anyone can top it.
The music video is mainly a performance piece but has a slight narrative that I find similar to Avril Lavigne's "Wish You Were Here". The narrative tightens heart strings and kind of displays her emotion out on a plate, however I think there should've been more to it, it lacks something crucial, maybe it would have been good to include past memories that she is thinking about.
The performance side of things to this music video is theatrical in a good way, you know her live performances will be full of energy and vibes that will reach across to the fans.
Overall a great song that gets stuck in my head really easily. The music video lacks a solid narrative, and the performance piece has lighting which doesn't always keep her in the light. The video, at the end of the day could be better, and be improved, yet it goes well with the song.
Avril Lavigne is my Sunday Revisit, purely because I cannot believe I have not reviewed this music video yet, plus her new song "Here's To Never Growing Up" was meant to be released today or tomorrow. Instead it has been pushed back a month, for reasons I am unsure of, hopefully she will put in more performances to help promote it, since everyone will have forgotten her performance on The Voice UK, in a month's time. Her new song has remnants of her old style and fingers crossed it will give her, her first UK number one single... Time will tell if it hits the top spot.
"Sk8er Boi" was written by Avril Lavigne, Lauren Christy, Scott Spock and Graham Edwards. The song did well all across the world, but only managed number eight here in the UK. The song is great, and I love the lyric chorus changing past half way. This song really tells a great story, but the video is just as good.
The video brings out the Avril Lavigne sk8er chick, who we all used to love so much. And yet she still has it as her latest video to "Here's To Never Growing Up" proved.
The video shows promotion at the start, with a slight narrative, as there is a 'sk8er boi' promoting the song as well as skating around her. Then it develops into this gig, filled with lots of energy, exactly what we expect to see at an Avril Lavigne concert (I still haven't seen her live, I hope I will in the near future)!
The thing I like about most of Avril Lavigne's music videos is that she includes her backing band, at the time of this video her backing band included Evan Taubenfeld (who returned for the video to "Here's To Never Growing Up"), Jesse Colburn, Mark Spicoluk and Matt Brann.
Overall a great song with a perfect accompanying music video. It is possible to stick a whole narrative to this song, yet they have decided to do it a different way, and it really works. So you can gather what my rating will be...
Echo Park, is a new band that came to my attention after James, the bass player, asked if I would review them on my blog, and here we are. They are June's "Artist Of The Month" with a special twist... Usually I'm not normally impressed with these requests, new unsigned bands don't usually have the quality and the connection that most famous bands do... But this band is different, and I'm sure Echo Park will be a name we'll be uttering with excitement. They are a five-piece band consisting of Laurence Brundson, Michael Walden, Jordan Buck, Max Santos and James Gregory. They sound totally original and I can't think of a single band they sound like, they are unique, and so great to listen to. They have aspects of Kids In Glass Houses, Hundred Reasons and Brand New. Keep an eye on these guys, they won't be quite unknown for long.
"Circles" was written by the band, they usually write as a collaborative effort, sounds like song writing comes naturally to them. Echo Park said of the song: "It's about being fatally attracted to someone you can't have and you know will only be bad for you." It's extremely catchy and I have played it too many times, I think I know most of the lyrics. It gets stuck in my head and I can't stop singing along to it. If you like it too, you can get a free download of the song from here: http://echoparkofficial.bandcamp.com/
The music video is a performance piece. I was expecting a typical first music video from a new band, they tend to be music videos where the band performs the song, and there's nothing special about the video, and the band fails to give any energy vibes. But like I said before, this band is different and this video proves that.
They are full of energy and emotion, and I just want to see them live now, knowing that the vibes they send out to their fans are real.
The lighting makes this video much more interesting to watch and definitely points out each of the members of the band. This is such a great introductory music video, one for the fans to recognise and identify the band members so that their future music videos will be just as great to watch.
Overall a great song that I can't help but tell people about, and I hope I am making more fans of this band. The music video relates so well and gives us an introduction to what this band is like. I have no problems with the video, and I can't wait to see what the future brings for these guys... Don't forget to download the song here: http://echoparkofficial.bandcamp.com/ as well as checking out my EXCLUSIVE in "Artist Of The Month".
Avril Lavigne is officially back, and you knew I was going to review this music video. This song is released next week, but will she score her first UK number one single? Well going back to her roots in this video could be exactly what puts her on the top of the chart, and I guess this planned performance on The Voice UK this weekend could go in her favour, unless it goes completely wrong, which it won't. She is getting ready to release her fifth album at the end of the year. And if this single is anything to go by, it could be her best album thus far.
"Here's To Never Growing Up" was written by Avril Lavigne, David Hodges (Evanescence fame), Chad Kroeger (Avril's fiancé as well as lead singer of Nickelback), Jacob Kasher and Martin Johnson (lead singer of Boys Like Girls). Seems like an all-star writing cast, and hence why this song is so catchy, and has hit various charts across the world. But the only number one coming from the Philippines. Could the UK follow suit, and get Avril her first UK single number one, we did it for The Saturdays with "What About Us", it's about time Avril got a single UK number one.
The music video has Avril written all over it. Back to the roots with her song, so the music video does the exact same. What with the "Complicated" skater costume, as well as bringing back her old backing band.
That's right, Evan Taubenfeld and Devin Bronson return on stage with Avril and her current backing band drummer Rodney Howard. No wonder Avril had fun on set, who wouldn't when meeting up with old friends?
There isn't really a narrative, just her having fun with a load of other people, there's a prom and she's performing with her band, as well as wrecking the school, making sure the whole school can hear her sing the lyrics, as well as having fun in a pool. Just a normal day in Avril's world.
Overall a great song that I can't stop listening to, I have my fingers crossed that it hits the charts at number one here in the UK next week, but guess we won't know for sure until next Sunday, you can do it Avril! The music video is typical Avril Lavigne, not growing up, having fun and just letting loose, I have no problems with this video because it's exactly what I expected and more, and relates to the song perfectly. I am not being biased with my rating, this video deserves this!
While I wait for my exclusive Artist of the Month for this month, and it is such a big surprise! I am left with choosing other songs.
I decided on this one since the song got stuck in my head thanks to 90210's season five première here in the UK, where Carly Rae Jepsen performs this song. She is a Canadian artist most known for coming third in Canadian Idol. She has a big fan base all around the world. She has hit the UK a few times especially with the funny music video to number one single "Call Me Maybe". As well as hitting number five here in the UK with Owl City with the song "Good Time". This is one artist we will be hearing more and more of, I assure you.
"This Kiss" was written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Matthew Koma, Kelly Covell and Stefan Kendal Gordy (AKA Redfoo from LMFAO). The song was written all over text messaging, e-mails and phone calling. It's quite a unique way of writing a song, but I presume it gives the song writers the chance to help when they have time. It also shows that you don't need to be together to write together. The song didn't do well here in the UK, only managing number 166, but her more recent singles have done better, so why did this fail? Lack of radio promotion as well as no performances here in the UK. Once again here is another example why promotion is so important. If we don't hear the song how are we to know about it?
The music video has made me realised I really need a night out. It's been a total of a month and a half since I last went clubbing, and I'm missing it like crazy. But I also want to go to the place Carly Rae Jepsen is at in this music video, it looks totally fun.
Once again two aspects of this music video, a quirky narrative and a performance as well. Which always puts music videos up there in my eyes. The performance is energetic, involving, and you can just tell she's loving every minute of performing, and so is her fans.
The narrative is fun and different, with another key love interest, who isn't gay this time. However has she downgraded? What with going after someone up there in "Call Me Maybe" and finding out he was gay, it's no wonder she's having feelings for this guy. However they look like they make a good couple.
I like the different scenes how she's clubbing, how she becomes different people in the costume stages, as well as the ending where they jump into a pool, it's fun, it's different and it's crazy. A perfect moment as some would say.
A great song that didn't do as well as it should've done and an accompanying music video that fits well and I have no problems with, it may not be as funny as "Call Me Maybe" or lust-loving, but all her videos can't be the same. Guess it's going to be hard for her to have a better video than that, one that people will remember.
I spent ages looking for a new release that didn't include Mark Owen. The other options were Taylor Swift Featuring Ed Sheeran with "Everything Has Changed" but I don't think it is having an official single release in the UK, and others I looked for was Bridgit Mendler's "Hurricane" which also hasn't been released. I struggled, and finally came up with this one.
I always thought Tegan and Sara were a new duo, but I have just been surprised to find out that they released their first album in 1999. They are a Canadian duo consisting of twins Tegan Quin and Sara Quin. They have only recently hit the UK, and managed to become known for their song "Closer".
"I Was A Fool" was written by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin. It's a very emotional song, and could possibly be about past love interests. The song is one of those that gets stuck on my brain, and no matter how much I try to shake it, I end up singing it or at least tapping along to it in my head. It's currently climbing up the UK iTunes chart, but will it manage to hit the top 100 before Sunday? I haven't heard it much on the radio, and radio play is so important. Maybe they'll only be known for "Closer" here in the UK.
The music video matches the song, there is a performance side and a narrative side. The performance is simple with little to it. I feel the piano is a little on the distracting side, so much so that we don't quite see her emotional face. However I love the back drop and being able to see both the twins in the performance piece.
The narrative side is extremely emotional, clearly her and her partner has split, and she misses her partner. But she's so angry or upset that she won't take Sidney's phone calls. I like the idea of seeing the Quin girl in the narrative, it's almost as if she is a ghost or a guardian angel watching over her.
Overall a great music video, that has no flaws what so ever. The song is highly emotional and the music video reflects that perfectly. So here's my rating.
Farid Mammadov almost brought the competition back to Azerbaijan. He came runner-up in the competition, and I predict Azerbaijan will be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest again in the near future due to it's great performances in the last few years. Farid Mammadov is a new artist and has released three singles so far. This one being the most popular. Azerbaijan holds a national selection so the public can choose who will represent the country, it is called Milli Seçim Turu. And this country has been doing well since they first entered.
"Hold Me" was written by Dimitris Kontopoulos, who has written many Eurovision songs. The song is so engaging and emotional, but then the Turkish version is heard, retitled as "Bana Dönsen", and it has this sad spin on things, and pulls at my heart strings. I feel like they are two separate songs, and I can't choose which one I prefer, naturally I would go for the English version, but this Turkish version has a special feel to it.
Azerbaijan came 2nd, and it was very close at the start. Farid Mammadov got 234 points. 8 from France, 12 from Lithuania, 8 from Moldova, 7 from Spain, 5 from Belgium, 10 from Belarus, 12 from Malta, another 12 from Russia, 4 from Germany, 2 from the Netherlands, 10 from Romania, 12 from Hungary, 7 from Iceland, 12 from Greece, 10 from Ukraine, 12 from Georgia, 2 from Ireland, 12 from Austria, 3 from Slovenia, 7 from Croatia, 12 from Montenegro, 8 from Cyprus, 5 from Serbia, 3 from Latvia, 2 from San Marino, 12 from Bulgaria, another 12 from Israel, 7 from Albania and 6 from Switzerland.
Although Farid Mammadov didn't sing the song in Turkish, there is no English music video, and henceforth, I will have to review this one.
The music video is lacking the staging we had at Eurovision, check the video below, that staging is definitely one of my favourites, and if I were reviewing it, it would definitely get five stars, as for this one...
It's a pure performance piece, but I feel there are too many different scenes that lead to nothing, why do I want to see him performing in all these places, it's not as if he is touring or anything. I just think there's too much variety in the places we see.
On the other hand, he has perfect performance skills, you know how he's feeling, you can tell he just wants to be held, and it's so full emotion, I can't take my eyes off his face, it tells me everything, I don't even care that it's not in English, and it certainly doesn't need to be.
Overall the song, in whatever version, is amazingly emotional, one of those songs you'll sing along to when you're upset, and it gets your sadness out of you. The accompanying video fails to entertain me with the backgrounds, but Farid Mammadov's stage presence is fill of hurt and sorrow that I just want him to be happy again.
Zlata Ognevich, real name Inna Bordiuh, has tried to represent the
Ukraine in Eurovision a total of three times. This year she finally got
selected. She came fifth in 2009, and 2nd in 2010, this year she won
Evrobachennya, Ukraine's national selection. She obviously was eager to
represent her country, and in competing so many times, made her known to
the fans of Eurovision in the Ukraine. I just hope this isn't the end
for her.
"Gravity" was written by Mikhail Nekrasov and Karen Kavaleryan. The song definitely stands out, and it's one of those songs I end up singing along to and I don't realise it. The thing is, I don't think it would've done as well, if that giant, Igor Vovkovinskiy, didn't carry her in during her performance. I was hoping to see the giant in the music video, but there's no sign of him
The Ukraine came 3rd out of 26 countries. 214 points were awarded to Zlata Ognevich. 10 from Lithuania, 12 from Moldova, 10 from Spain, 8 from Belgium, 10 from Estonia, 12 from Belarus, 10 from Malta, 1 from Russia, 12 from Armenia, 5 from the Netherlands, 4 from Romania, 5 from the UK, 7 from Hungary, 3 from Denmark, 3 from Iceland, 12 from Azerbaijan, 8 from Greece, 5 from Italy, 1 from Norway, 8 from Georgia, another 8 from Ireland, 1 from Austria, 12 from Croatia, 10 from Cyprus, another 10 from Serbia, 7 from Latvia, 10 from Bulgaria and another 10 from Israel.
The music video is dream like. It's the sort of place I'd love to live, a place without a care in a world and everything is beautiful around me, guess I'll have to leave that to my dreams rather than searching for a floating bit of land in Space, where I could safely live.
There a narrative and performance piece. The narrative hasn't got an actual story to it, just that she awakens from a metal flower and looks wide-eyed at all the things on this floating piece of land.
There are various performance pieces, which stands out totally. She has such a presence when she sings that you are captured. She is also really beautiful, and I'm not the only one who thinks that, many people have commented on her looks, it may also be another reason why people become captured in her singing.
Various scenes stand out, such as when she is singing in that red dress, and when she is floating in the bubble with diamonds surrounding her. It's such a powerful video, and she didn't even need to do much.
Overall a song I can listen to again and again, but I think there was better songs in the competition this year. The music video is powerful, with the occasional direct translation of the lyrics, what with the birds which are mentioned in the song. however, it's is theatrical and dramatic, and draws many people in.
Margaret Berger is another act from a reality singing competition. She entered Idol (Norway) in 2004 and came second. She since went on to release four singles as well as two albums. She competed in Melodi Grand Prix 2013, Norway's national selection, where she won to represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest. She is currently working on her third album in London, England... Does this mean she will release the song over Europe at least? And will people remember her name enough to buy the album... Maybe she will do promotion for it, nowadays that is what you have to do to be successful. And she is definitely bringing her own style to the table. I didn't expect this song to perform so well in Eurovision let alone on the UK chart, I can't think of anyone like her at the moment, so she can definitely get the chart numbers she needs.
"I Feed You My Love" was written by Karin Park and MachoPsycho. The song has hit charts globally, and has done so well in most countries. The song is about having the courage and strength to do what you want. But I have a sneaky feeling it is meant to settle into your bones, enough to creep you out. It is quite scary, but it works well and the meaning behind the song does come through.
Norway came 4th out of 26 countries. Meaning Margaret Berger got 191 points. 6 points from Lithuania, 2 points from Moldova, 12 points from Finland, 5 points from Spain, 7 points from Belgium, 3 points from Estonia, another 3 points from Belarus, a further 3 points from Malta, 7 points from Russia, another 7 points from Germany, 3 points from Armenia, 6 points from the Netherlands, 8 points from Romania, 12 points from Sweden, 2 points from Hungary, 12 points from Denmark, 10 points from Iceland, 2 points from Azerbaijan, 4 points from Greece, 3 points from Ukraine, 8 points from Italy, 4 points from Georgia, 5 points from Slovenia, 3 points from Croatia, 4 points from Montenegro, another 4 points from Cyprus, 7 points from Serbia, 8 points from Latvia, 7 points from San Marino, 8 points from Macedonia, 1 point from Bulgaria, 6 points from Israel, 2 points from Albania and 7 points from Switzerland.
The music video is officially titled as a promo video, hence why it isn't an actual music video, and kind of reminds me of PeR's "Here We Go" in that they both aren't real videos for the songs. However, like "Here We Go" I'm going to imagine that this is a proper video for the song since there is no other video available.
It follows the song in the scariness. I feel that nothing is totally explained and the short featured clips are more of an exact explanation of the song. The lyrics say certain visual items such as hands or feeding and we find that replicated in the video, what with the lips, the hands and the balls, which could be sweets of all sorts.
I think the clips of Margaret Berger brings nothing to the table, apart from the fact that she looks a bit like Pixie Lott with her hair down. But it's not a performance side of the video and fails to include anything. It makes her more identifiable, so much so that you can tell it's her singing, but since she's not performing to the song and she's not even lip-syncing, then I don't see the inclusion.
The other clips doesn't bring much to the table either. I will definitely not be going out of my way to watch this video a second time. Don't get me wrong, I love the song and I would certainly give it five stars, however this is a music video review, like I've said in past reviews, and so it's just down to the video and nothing else. Hence why my rating is so low. If a proper video were made for this song, I wouldn't be surprised if it's better than this.
Dina Garipova was a surprising entry, because compared to the other songs in the competition, this one was slow and a ballad, and it's hard to define yourself when this happens, and to make me enjoy it as well. Anouk may have sung "Birds" during the competition and stood out, but I didn't like the song, this one I did, hence why she's in my Eurovision Special and Anouk, who represented The Netherlands, isn't. Dina Garipova won Russian's version of The Voice called Golos. And then was selected internally to represent Russia. I think this girl has a big future ahead of her. Keep an eye on the name Dina Garipova, as I reckon she'll be on everyone's lips soon enough.
"What If" was written by Gabriel Alares, Joakim Björnberg and Leonid Gutkin. The song is very emotional and believable, it's one of those songs that lifts spirits up and really encourages people to believe in others too. The song made a big impact in Eurovision, but also across Europe. It even charted in the UK at number 161. But made bigger impacts on charts in other countries.
Russia got to 5th out of 26 countries and Dina Garipova got 174 points. France gave 6 points, Lithuania gave 7 points, Moldova also gave 7 points, Finland gave 2 points, Spain gave 6 points, Belgium gave 4 points, Estonia gave 12 points, Belarus gave 8 points, Germany gave 2 points, Armenia gave 7 points, the Netherlands gave 4 points, the UK gave 10 points, Sweden gave 5 points, Denmark gave 7 points, Iceland gave 1 point, Ukraine gave 4 points, Georgia gave 6 points, Ireland gave 10, Slovenia also gave 10 points, Croatia gave 6 points, Montenegro gave 7 points, Cyprus gave 5 points, Serbia gave 8 points, Latvia gave 12 points, Macedonia gave 6 points, Bulgaria gave 5 points and Israel gave 7 points.
The music video, at first, seems like a usual, expected performance piece. I was waiting to see amazing stage presence which she showed on the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. And just when she starts, we flit over to the audience. Annoying at first, until I realised they were all part of the story and she manages to uplifts them with her song, and makes them believe, not only in themselves, but in others as well.
There isn't much to this video, but there doesn't need to be, It's inspirational and that is all it needs to be. It's missing one thing that could've made this a little bit better. We could have seen the background of some of the audience members, what has brought them to this point? The point where they are sad and need to be uplifted by this song. I want to know more about the characters in the audience. It reminds me a bit of Papa Roach's "Last Resort" however even in that music video there was short snappy background profiles, and should've been more.
Overall a song that is catchy and makes you warm and fuzzy inside. The accompanying music video does the exact same thing, only missing out a few crucial details that should've been included. That is the only reason why I dropped a star, it could've been more, and I feel like they missed out on such an opportunity.
Another collaboration for my Eurovision Special. I forgot about Greece's entry when I reviewed Nodi Tatishvili & Sophie Gelovani's song "Waterfall".
Koza Mostra is the band, they are a six piece consisting of Elias Kozas, Stelios Siomos, Christos Kalaitzopoulos, Dimitris Christonis, Vasilis Nalbantis and Alexis Archontis. They are known as mixing genres up, hence why their songs are popular because it draws in a multitude of different fans of certain types of music. They did very well in Eurovision. I wouldn't be surprised if they become more known in the future. The collaborator is Agathon Iakovidis. He seems like a famous old man such as Engelbert Humperdinck. He adds a different flavour to the track, along with a comedic performance in this quirky video.
"Alcohol Is Free" was written by Elias Kozas and Stathis Paxidis. The song is sung in Greek and I have no clue what they are singing, apart from the chorus, which is in English and is a repetition of the song title. It is very catchy, hence why they did so well in the competition this year. They are apparently singing about the Greek government-debt crisis as well as the feeling of suffering because of it. It has hit a few charts but it's biggest impact, clearly, was on the Eurovision Song Contest.
Greece came 6th out of 26 countries, and Koza Mostra Featuring Agathon Iakovidis got 152 points. Finland gave 1 point, Belgium gave 2 points, Belarus gave 6 points, Malta gave 4 points, Russia gave 10 points, Germany gave 6 points, Armenia gave 8 points, the Netherlands gave 1 point, Romania gave 7 points, the UK gave 8 points, Hungary gave 1 point, Denmark gave 6 points, Azerbaijan gave 4 points, Italy gave 7 points, Norway gave 5 points, Austria gave 7 points, Croatia gave 5 points, Montenegro gave 8 points, Cyprus gave 12 points, Latvia gave 1 point, San Marino gave 12 points, Macedonia gave 4 points, Bulgaria gave 7 points, Israel gave 2 points, Albania gave 10 points and Switzerland gave 8 points.
The music video is very entertaining, and in some ways could be connected to the song. The narrative definitely. But let's start off with the performance side.
Koza Mostra is known for wearing kilts in their performance pieces, in which it is sometimes known as a Fustanella. They have so much energy, and it goes perfectly with the song. They were a big hit on the stage at Eurovision, and I reckon they will fill any gig with a lot of fun. I kind of want to see them live, just to see if they can keep up that bouncy energy for hours.
The narrative, as I stated before, could link in with the song because of Agathon Iakovidis being multiple stall sellers, as well as being a chef and in various other places Koza Mostra walks about. Koza Mostra ignores him and tries to get away from him, but he pops up everywhere, he's become their groupie and soon enough they kidnap him and makes him join them up on stage.
Overall a very catchy song, and a hilarious accompanying music video, that had me in giggles all the way through, but at the end I was like: what have I just watched? It's amazing, it's fun, it's weird in a good way and I can't help but enjoy watching it. The video is as good as the song, meaning if you don't like the song you may not like the video, and vice versa. Hence my rating.
Robin Stjernberg is pretty well known in Sweden, not only was he one fourth of What's Up! along side Eric Saade (who also represented Sweden in Eurovision, his year was 2011), he also came second on Sweden's Idol in 2011. His album 'My Versions' went to number one in Sweden, yet this is his only single to chart to date. He won Sweden's Eurovision national selection which is called Melodifestivalen which is one of the countries biggest TV reality competitions. Sweden takes this competition extremely seriously! It's usually a big party! I don't know what to think of this guy. During the final of Eurovision I was rooting for him, along with all my favourites, but now that I've seen this music video I'm questioning who he is.
At the final we saw a dance singer, yet this music video song is stripped back and it's a piano version. I would go as far as saying that this isn't really a music video, more a recording of a piano version of his song, yet there is no other music video to find... Is this him? Someone singing while playing a piano? Or is he this dance musician we saw at the final? The song was written by Robin Stjernberg, Linnea Deb, Joy Deb and Joakim Harestad Haukaas. And it was written in tribute to his father who brought him up without the help of anyone else.
Sweden came 14th out of 26 countries, falling short of half way, yet compared to most of my favourites this year, that is a great placing. Robin Stjernberg got 62 points overall, 5 points from Moldova, 4 points from Finland, 1 point from Belgium, 1 point from Estonia, 3 points from Germany, 3 points from Netherlands, 8 points from Denmark, 4 points from Iceland, 12 points from Norway, 5 points from Ireland, 6 points from Slovenia, 1 point from Croatia, 1 point from Serbia, 4 points from Latvia and another 4 points from Bulgaria.
The music video has a different song to which Robin Stjernberg performed, and although the lyrics are the same, the music video is a piano version. This is one thing I am not happy about, I'm supposed to be reviewing the music video for the song performed on Eurovision, yet this is a different version and not what I was expecting.
As I previously stated, this doesn't seem like a proper music video, more of a piano version. And I'm sorry to say but I don't think he manages to draw us in, he is lacking stage presence. Performing with a piano is rarely entertaining to watch and will only interest a minority, however there are videos that still manage to draw you in, this isn't one of them.
Overall I preferred the Eurovision version of the song in which Robin Stjernberg performed, compared to this one. There is very little for me to comment on this video, as there isn't a lot going on. There are a few good choices on camera shots and editing, however occasionally the camera does do a weird shot, that makes it seem amateurish. The song lyrics contains the word piano, and so it kind of relates, through a very small link. This wasn't what I was expecting from Robin Stjernberg...
