GWEN STEFANI is back with her first single in the UK in seven years, and what a catchy song, better yet an uncomfortable awkward video. Full of passion and emotion, you can't help but feel for her. I want to jump through my computer screen and hug her until she feels better. Quite the comeback in the UK, but will it chart?
Gwen Stefani is the lead vocalist of band No Doubt, who seem to be on a hiatus as she continues to follow her solo success. She's hit the UK big in the past, and we are used to her outrageousness. It's not as sexualised as other stars are now, but we usually expect something quirky from her, and we can't help but love her for that.
However this video flips what we expect. Directed by Sophie Muller, the video displays a stripped back version of Gwen Stefani, putting her entire emotions into the song, and singing a couple of lines.
Something so easy and low-budget comes across perfectly, it's exactly what is missing from music channels and yet it's not something someone wants to watch again and again. It's clever.
Difficult to rate, as it will receive mixed views. I personally think it's great, and yet even I don't want to watch it over and over again. Awkward, uncomfortable, and sensitive, yet clever, amazing and surprising.
Why are so many artists releasing singles without music videos? Music videos circulating on music channels, is promotion, and yet many this week have released relying on radio play and their fans, such as One Direction with "Perfect", Diplo & Sleepy Tom with "Be Right There" and Ben Haenow Featuring Kelly Clarkson with "Second Hand Heart". Then there's Taylor Swift who has released a remix version of "Wildest Dreams" instead of an official single. So here I am stuck with Alesha Dixon's new one. Powerful and entertaining, Alesha Dixon shows us what Britain's Got Talent has shown her: failure and how to get buzzed.
Alesha Dixon was one third of Mis-Teeq. She soon launched her solo career, and became notable for single "The Boy Does Nothing". Although her highest charting position is with "Breathe Slow". She has only recently released her fourth album, which this is her second single, after "The Way We Are". These two singles, she has released, are unable to chart in the UK, at her own request. She didn't want to define her album by the singles she releases. Yet I guess this is the reason why the album charted at 81. Is she just a failed artist now? She's clearly not making the cut is she?
The song is written by Alesha Dixon, Alex James and Harry Sommerdahl. Catchy and energetic, I had it stuck in my head for all of three minutes, at which point I played Little Mix's new release "Weird People", which I'm currently in love with!
Alesha Dixon is known for her dancing, she won Strictly Come Dancing, which kick-started her comeback, and yet where is the dancing in this bubbly song? And did she really do the robot? Are we sure this is a 2015 video right? It seems so dated.
Donning killer heels, and amazing fashion statements, you can see where the budget for this video has been blown, and yet it hasn't helped at all, compared to Inna's "Bop Bop". I'm bored, and uninterested in what she is wearing. Not only does she not look good, but she looks confused as to what she should be wearing, how to wear it and who she is as a person. Does this reflect in her music? Is she at her standstill where she's just releasing music because she wants to, and not taking a key interest in what she's releasing. She needs another hit, which charts high. Otherwise, she's not going to do as well as she thinks she should.
I was going to review the only other JoJo single to chart here in the UK, only "Anything" never got an official music video, and so, by elimination, there was just two more music videos to choose from. This song takes JoJo to the R&B roots we're used to, and it proves how much she has changed. Her Tringle she released, which includes "When Love Hurts", "Save My Soul" and "Say Love", are much more modern. However Not That Kinda Girl was released when R&B was hitting the charts hard. The video relates to the song perfectly. Edgy and full of depth, JoJo announces she's not the usual type of singer, and she won't be controlled either.
JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, has just made a return to music with a short snapshot of her new album. The Tringle is amazing, and I cannot wait for the other videos. It's good to see her back, after such an awful dispute with her label, where she ended up suing them. Finally she got out of the contract and signed a new one with a new record label and can now release new music. This song was written by Neely Dinkins, B. Cola Pietro, Balewa Muhammad and Sylvester Jordan, Jr. Catchy and full of R&B vibes, her voice is deep and soulful.
It was directed by Fat Cats, who consist of Eric Williams and Randy Marshall. It also features cameos from Laurie Ann Gibson, Vincent Herbert, Da Internz, Tool and Maynard James Keenan.
It's almost as if JoJo is being two different people, this star singer who is photographed, who is dancing on stage, who has bodyguards everywhere. And then this normal girl getting on a bus, with her album advertised on the side of it. She's proving that she is a normal down to Earth girl, and that she will not become what they want her to be.
Her dancing is in sync, and I hope that in a future music video she has full choreography like this one. I know "When Love Hurts" has choreography, but it's mainly vogue and finger tutting, and I really would like to see something much bigger.
Overall, perfect video to match a perfect song. I have no problem with this video at all, and now the song is stuck in my head.
After reviewing JoJo's "When Love Hurts", I just had to review this next. Also set in a warehouse, Nick Jonas has never looked his sexiest. Seductive, engaging and lustful, this video is hard not to watch for many reasons.
Nick Jonas was one third of the band The Jonas Brothers. Another Disney based group. However I don't understand how figures like Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez get criticize for no longer being the sweet innocent girls they used to be, where as guys like Nick Jonas doesn't get anything as so bad. This music video is more than sexy, it even includes a sledgehammer as a sexualised object, which we've seen in Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball", so why is this considered okay when it comes to Nick Jonas, especially since he has also appeared in a Calvin Klein inspired photo shoot as well as other media in a sexualised manner. Yes sex sells, and people have no problem when it comes to Disney male actors, but when it comes to Disney's female actresses, it's a totally different story. However I guess the artists prove themselves by getting their high charting hits. Any press is good press right?
Sultry and provocative, this isn't exactly a surprise when you notice the director is Colin Tilley, who has done a very good job of making Nick Jonas the centre of attention.
The dancers are getting a few comments, but when you have a song like this, which is not only catchy but also quite sexy in itself, you instantly think of this sort of video. The song was written by Sean Douglas, Stefan Johnson, Marcus Lomax, Ian Kirkpatrick, Sam Martin, Talay Riley and Jordan Johnson.
Performance wise, Nick Jonas is on point, and definitely making me eager to see him live. The editing is amazing, clearly a lot of work went into it, and I definitely can't fault it. I can't stop watching either.
JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, is finally back, and I am more than excited. She was an icon when I was younger, and everyone was talking about her when "Leave (Get Out)" was release. After an issue with her record label, who wouldn't let her release any new music, hence the two mixtapes "Can't Take That Away From Me" and "Agápē", she got out of her contract. Now with a new record label, she has released this tringle as a sample of her new album. If this is what her tringle gives us, I am excited to see what else is to come.
I was going to review this song when it was released, however there was no music video at the time so Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" was reviewed instead. Finally this video got released, it's stunning, effortless and engaging, JoJo really stands out proving why we all loved her from the start, and proves to us how she is older, stronger, sexier and vocally much talented. She has already got people talking about her comeback, which is going to hit the charts hard globally.
Written by Ammar Malik, Benjamin Levin, Jason Evigan, Daniel Omelio and Ryn Weaver. The song talks about how love hurts and how strong that emotion is. It is a powerful song, and everyone can relate, to some degree, even if you haven't exactly been in love. The video was directed by Patrick "Embryo" Tapu.
It reminds me a lot of Inna's "Bop Bop", maybe it's because JoJo is seen as a stylish performer, and the vogue dancing and the finger tutting. She's centre stage, being confident and in sync with her dancers.
This is a perfect performance piece, showcasing not only her album, but her future singles, her gigs and the tour she'll be soon be on. Not quite relatable to the song, but it still stands out and it's more than what I was expecting from her comeback music video. Although not quite as hot as Nick Jonas' "Levels" which has a similar setting.
Since Justin Bieber, yet again, has claimed the UK top spot with "What Do You Mean?". Today's Chart Monday is wide open to the Top 10, again. This song is the perfect follow up from "Wish You Were Mine" and Philip George has hit the charts hard, and it looks like he will be having hit after hit. The video is stunning. She has everything I want, a gorgeous guy, a holiday or a few, beach, sun, sand, clubbing, extreme adventuring, funfair, sea, partying, did I mention gorgeous guy? Can we swap places please?
Philip George is a British DJ, who has just came onto the music scene. "Wish You Were Mine" hit number two here in the UK, as well as performing well in other countries. This follow up track is also proving popular, currently sitting at number four, could it potentially climb higher? This is a collaboration with Anton Powers, who many will know him as one third of the dance group Cahill, who have remixed the likes of Inna, Alexandra Stan, Cascada, Nicole Scherzinger, The Saturdays and many more, he is also A&R for 3 Beat Productions. This is a label that released Inna and Alexandra Stan and Unicorn Kid here in the UK, and did a good job with them, until they focused on other acts, hence why Philip George, Fuse ODG and Sigma are doing so well now. This is a problem with most record labels, as they end up focusing more on other acts, they may have their reasons, but still it is a problem. Let's face it, Anton Powers isn't the source of the problem, and he is doing well for himself, as well as for Cahill, pretty sure everyone's heard of one of their remixes by now.
This song is upbeat and catchy, perfect summer anthem for the autumn.
It is an unsurprising music video, to a degree, the song is about loving someone and not wanting to be alone, and that is perfectly replicated in a loving relationship between a man and a woman, played by Luis Young Buaa and Lynn Kelly respectively.
This would be my type of holiday, just wished I had the money to do this and the hot guy to go with it. Regardless, it's fun to watch and engaging to an extent. I love the appearance of Philip George and Anton Powers in the club, it brings reality into this fictional narrative, and kind of reminds me of Basshunter's first two music videos "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted" where he too is DJing in the background.
Definitely one of the most disturbing music videos I have watched recently. Klingande follows up "Jubel" with this powerful song, yet the video concerns me and definitely wasn't what I was expecting, since house music usually isn't in depth as this.
Klingande, real name Cédric Steinmyller, is from France. The name means chimes in Swedish. Originally Klingande was a duo, consisting of Edgar Catry as well, and although they remain best friends, it wasn't working. Their debut single was "Punga" but it was the second single "Jubel" that became a hit, after Cédric went solo. I am excited to see where Klingande will go next, this single doesn't look like it's going to chart well, here in the UK, but there's always time. Written by Cédric Steinmyller, the song is powerful, something I would listen again and again, it has already charted well in other countries. The featured guest is Broken Back, real name Jérôme Fagnet (which took me ages to find his last name). He is a singer songwriter, also from France. He has released a few songs, but this is what will give him his spark of fame, what he does with it, time will tell.
Two directors for this video: Johan Rosell and Michael Johansson. Strictly narrative, the actors display a cult, one that includes a death sentence, how everyone is still alive I do not know.
They love making wine and drinking it, clearly. They throw parties, and people pay the ultimate price if they have not collected enough berries.
The little girl, at the very start, prepares to run away, but then she has a change of heart and wants to take someone with her, who we can presume is her mother. Only she is betrayed, and we see clips of her final moments as they get ready to burn her alive.
In depth and kind of shocking, something I really wasn't expecting. Considering all the releases this week, I struggled to find a music video to review. This seemed to have been the only one, and yet I'm grateful this had a video at least, even if it did surprise me.
Taylor Swift's debut music video and single becomes my revisit this week. As a true swiftie, I do miss her country music, however I still love how far she has come and her most recent albums are my favourites. I have not seen this video before today, and it's a typical country debut video, nothing I didn't expect and no surprises, Taylor Swift has definitely upped her game since this,
Taylor Swift is an international superstar, and if you haven't heard of her, please curl back under your rock. This song is crisp, clear and engaging, just Taylor Swift and her guitar, and compared to "Blank Space" really proves how her musical journey has evolved. Written by Taylor Swift and Liz Rose, it was never officially released in the UK, much like her most recent singles as well as many other US country artist's singles. The song is about Drew Dunlap, who was her boyfriend at the time and he was leaving for college and she wanted to capture the emotion of losing him into a song. It's catchy just like all the other songs she has sung, and filled with such emotion!
Directed by Trey Fanjoy, the video narrates a relationship between Taylor Swift and this guy, Johnny, played by Clayton Collins. They do things together, but mainly spend time together, and you can tell they really really like each other, definitely the point what Carly Rae Jepsen is singing about in "I Really Like You".
I like the starry night sky watching. That is something I'd really like to do, but the UK is just too cold on a night out. I also don't hold a boyfriend long enough to arrange such a thing.
There is a slight performance side, which as usual shows Taylor Swift's emotional side, yet it looks so effortless here that the song has totally taken over.
Grab your passport and my hand, I can make the straight guys gay for a weekend. This is the sentence I have to nail every time I hear this song. The video resembles a mix of Avril Lavigne's "Let It Go" and P!nk's "Please Don't Leave Me". Quirky and narratively fun, something I don't mind watching again and again, and Taylor Swift is looking damn sexy, even when she's crying.
Taylor Swift, country singer turned international pop star, was lining the way for country here in the UK, yet she's dropped all ties to her first few albums, no more "Love Story" or "Mean" or "Teardrops On My Guitar", yet she still manages to make powerful emotional songs that you can't help but love. Written by Taylor Swift, Max Martin and Shellback, it's no surprise that this is a hit, just look at those songwriters' backgrounds. Taylor Swift takes a dig at the media with the song... Pretty sure Britney Spears have done that a few times "Piece of Me" and "I Wanna Go" amongst others. Blank Space only charted at number four in the UK, as no official single was released. This is what annoys me the most as a swiftie (Taylor Swift Fan), at least give us a UK single release too, could've scored a number one with this song.
Linking in well with the song, the video, directed by Joseph Kahn, contains both narrative and performance. In her performance side she's sexy, entertaining, emotional and full of passion. She really proves her acting skills in both parts of the video and you can't help but be drawn in.
The male lead is Sean O'Pry, who is a model. I really believe Taylor Swift could've found someone better. He looks good, not going to lie, but he fails to be as captivating as Taylor Swift is, and it brings the video down, just slightly.
I like how they go from being a couple, to Taylor Swift becoming a maniac and an obsessive freak, it suggests that that is what the media is portraying her as, only she's heightened it a lot more and put her own spin on it. A perfect video, one that everyone is watiching again and again, hence the YouTube views.
I had to review this music video, especially since I saw Carly Rae Jepsen live at an acoustic gig along with a meet and greet, read all about it here. With an extreme comedic effect this video got everyone talking, and they're still talking about it now.
Carly Rae Jepsen came third on the fifth season of Canadian Idol. It's taken her some time, but now she has definitely reach international fame. She hit charts all over the world with "Call Me Maybe" and this song was set to do exactly the same, with it catchy chorus, yet failed to become as big of a hit, only reaching number three in the UK. Written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Peter Svensson, it's an emotional song announcing that you really like someone, but it's still too soon to say I Love You.
Peter Glanz directed this video, and he has done a good job, however I do have to mention that Tom Hanks lip-syncing isn't exactly perfect.
Tom Hanks looks like a father figure to Carly Rae Jepsen in the video, and it all came about because he is friendly with Scooter Braun, Carly Rae Jepsen's manager, this also explains why Justin Bieber appears at the end of the video too, although I give him kudos for not taking centre stage of the video. Also making appearances are Vine stars Rudy Mancuso and King Bach.
Tom Hanks attempts to be down with the kids, being able to text using emotions, taking selfies, being on tinder, and clearly being able to follow choreography, although his jacket does not help to prove he can dance, he should've lost that jacket for the dance scene.
Overall amazing video, one that has got everyone talking, which has a fantastic song to go with it. Definitely as catchy as "Call Me Maybe" if not more, and was so good to hear live too, blog post about that can be read here.
Since Justin Bieber is still at number one with the amazing "What Do You Mean?", I can review any song in the UK's top 10. It's Pia Mia everybody! Currently at number nine on the UK chart. This song is such a hit and is definitely a tune when I'm out clubbing. The accompanying video is so annoying, it's supposed to be sexy and engaging, yet it's easily forgettable and just falls to the bottom of the music video heap. It's all the cameraman's fault during the choreographed scenes and the final scene too, no one could have salvaged this.
Pia Mia, real name Pia Mia Perez, was born in Guam, and will probably have a long-lasting career. Her problem in the UK is that she has come out at the same time as Natalie La Rose, who is on top of her game, and her most recent video "Around The World" puts this video to shame. The song was written by Pia Mia, Jerry Afemata, George Veikoso, Nic Nac, Marc Griffin, Tyga and Chris Brown, it came from when J Boog performed in Guam and Pia Mia went to see him live and loved his song so much she remade it into this hit. The collaborators heard the song and asked to be featured on it, which is definitely an honour. Pia Mia has everything going for her, but her next few singles are going to have to be crucial, or she could end up being a one-hit-wonder, which we definitely don't want to see.
Directed by Colin Tilley, who has a vast amount of experience when it comes to directing videos, he has some amazing ones, such as Rita Ora's "Body on Me" as well as JLS's "She Makes Me Wanna", this video seems a mess and not only is it unmemorable, it fails to engage too.
It makes sense why the editor used most of the scenes of her performing on the beach singing the song, Pia Mia can definitely sing and give an emotional performance.
She can clearly dance too, yet the camera is shaking a lot and constantly moving. This is the why Natalie La Rose looks amazing and on point in "Around The World" and why Pia Mia looks sloppy, out-of-sync and unsure of herself. Yet we can tell this has nothing to do with her but more to do with the cameraman.
Chris Brown and Tyga, the latter's real name is Michael Nguyen-Stevenson, both feature in the song and video, although their dress sense isn't really the most fashionable thing around, I wouldn't be seen dead in that, and I would probably laugh inside at such a dreadful clothing outfit if they had walked past me. However, they attract attention straight to Pia Mia, which is probably the idea.
An extremely catchy song that definitely gets me on the dance floor in any club. Yet the video fails to stay in my memory, and what should have been an amazing dance choreographed sequence not only falls short but isn't even good. This should've been a lot better.
HaHaHa Production collaborates with Global Records to make this amazing Romanian duet which has got me reminiscing of Morandi Featuring Inna "Summer In December". These songs are in no way similar, even though fans of Inna and Alexandra Stan seem to make out there is some sort of competition, but there really is not. Maybe it's too late for Romanian music to make an impact in the western world, what with all these amazing songs sifting under the radar, but if it's happened once, it can happen again. Inna is on top form, and Alexandra Stan is not far behind, both girls are leading the way, proving you can be successful, They both deserve to chart here in the western world and it's such a shame they aren't. This is another hit that just fails to chart.
Dorian, real name Dorian Micu, is an up and coming Romanian artist, and have released a fair few singles. Very active on social media, he will soon be charting in his own country, I foresee, he is talented to say the least, and to bag Alexandra Stan, as well, to feature is an honour. She has been on top form since the whole fiasco with her manager/ex-boyfriend, and her song "Thanks For Leaving" pushed that problem out of her life. Although she hasn't come into prominence recently, her collaboration with Inna & Daddy Yankee on "We Wanna" definitely hasn't gone amiss. I wouldn't be surprised if her third album does well worldwide, let's just hope we don't wait too long. Motive, written by Andrei Mihai, Dorian Micu and Elena Morosanu, is in their native tongue, and is beautifully and emotionally sung. It is about not knowing how you feel in a relationship and maybe it is too late to get past the hurt and confusion.
The video, directed by Ionuț Trandafir, reflects the song well. Clearly Dorian and Alexandra Stan have had an argument and he's stormed out, into his car and is driving away, whilst Alexandra Stan throws a cushion.
It's clear they both don't know what to do. She doesn't run after him, so maybe she hasn't fallen too hard for him, and he is driving whilst rapping.
I think Alexandra Stan looks a bit like Davina McCall only with blonde hair, when she's on the bed, however Alexandra Stan has had a new hair cut which looks good. Her performance piece in front of the concrete makes me desperate to see her live, so effortless in her moves with so much feeling. She can definitely sing, and I hope I get to see her live in the future.
She made this song, let's be honest, without her vocals this wouldn't have worked out that good. The video fails to be memorable and exciting, relying on both artists presence and demeanour, as well as lacking visually, however the narrative succeeds, if only slightly.
I was on holiday last week. Spent my time up in Stoke-on-Trent at Staffordshire University for Freshers Week. I had a brilliant time, was great catching up with all my friends, clubbing almost every night, meeting new friends and just having the perfect drunken holiday.
I do wish I was still a student. However I can't keep looking back. I have to live in the now and look towards the future.
Friday 18th September, I met Carly Rae Jepsen. She was so adorable, I just wanted to stay talking to her forever. She performed at HMV on Oxford Street, an intimate acoustic gig, where there were about 150 people in the audience. She sung "Run Away With Me", "Your Type" and "I Really Like You" before signing CDs in a meet and greet as well as posing for photos.
I also met Verne Troyer at LRV, Staffordshire University's Club on campus, on the 13th September.
My last night out was spent at Gossip, one of my favourite gay clubs in the country, if you are ever in Stoke-on-Trent, you have to give it a go at least. And you just have to try their alcoholic ice slushies, perfect for drinking on the dance floor so you don't get too hot!
I always end up reviewing Inna when I haven't come up with a video to review. Officially the biggest eastern European act, Inna has had hits all over the world. The video keeps her class, in a high-end fashion show, and she manages to not only stay sexy, put pull all the outfits off. There's also choreography, which I've been hoping for in an Inna music video.
Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, has had four chart hits in the UK, her first single "Hot" is what made me become a fan of her, and I will always be one of her club rockers. This single, written by Eric Turner, Carl Bjorsell, Thomas Troelsen, Marcel Botezan, Sebastian Barac and Julimar J-Son Santos, is energetic and is definitely one of my get-ready songs as I get ready for a party or a predrinks. It's one I sneakily add to a playlist, and as with any Inna song, people enjoy it. The song features Eric Turner, who collaborated with Avicii, in the past, with "Dancing In My Head" (amazing video if you haven't seen it), he is rarely known in music and is the lead singer in the band Street Fighting Men. He seems relaxed when it comes to music as if he is content with who he is and where he is.
The video is definitely fashion involved. Directed by Dimitri Caceaune, John Perez and David Gal, it contains fashion objects such as old televisions and lipstick props as well as microscopic lenses, which makes this stand out entirely.
I love the use of the mirror, I love how they include Inna being sexy as always, with a confidence air about her. She credited desire, Marni, Givenchy, HBA HOOD by Air, Balmain, KTZ, Ashish, Pierre Hardy and Pas du Tout for designing the outfits she wore.
Eric Turner also makes an appearance through the TV screens, which does remind me of Pitbull's appearance in her "Good Time" video as well as Flo Rida's appearance in The Saturday's "Higher".
Authentic and fashionable to an end where you would not be seen on the streets wearing half the stuff shown, it works well and surprisingly relates to the song. The choreography isn't in depth enough, yet works well with the fashion side of the video, and surely you want to learn it too and get involved.
As soon as I heard this track was released this week, I HAD to review this music video. I came across it on YouTube after searching for Birdy's "Wings" song, and I saw the colourful thumbnail and knew this was going to be on my blog at one point. Colourful and on point the video shows the passion that isn't displayed in a narrative.
RHODES, real name David Rhodes, has appeared out of no where, amongst others who seem popular from London Grammar to Rufus Wainwright, from Laura Marling to Daughter, this style of music is really making an impact on the charts, and this collaboration is definitely going to further his career. Birdy, real name Jasmine van der Bogaerde has had a string of hits in the UK, mostly known for "Skinny Love" and most recently "Wings", she has yet to get a top five hit, although with a voice like hers, and the right collaboration or song, she will, most definitely, hit the top spot. At the moment she has yet to make the impact that we're all expecting from her.
Directed by Sing J. Lee, the video engages with the colourful forest and the use of the northern/southern lights used in the sky. I like the camera work on it, if only there were a forest like that, which were sunny, clearly it's cold with what they are wearing.
Birdy fails to perform, she looks like she's just singing and uncomfortably makes you wonder if you want to see her live, he vocal range is phenomenal, but I want more from her, especially in a music video.
Surprisingly RHODES stands out compared, and definitely becomes the star of the video. His voice travels across well, but it's his performance piece that makes you realise he means what he is singing.
Overall, great use of colour, I want to visit this forest, if only it was real. RHODES outshines Birdy, and yet there's just something completely lacking in the video on the whole.
Honestly, how have I not reviewed this music video before now? Pixie Lott's debut single and video is the Pixie we all loved. The video is sneaky, cheeky, sexy and on point, how can it not be with this amazing choreography, which was all the range back in 2009, who doesn't remember doing that clap dance on your legs whilst in school?
Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, has got three UK number ones under her belt, this one, "Boys and Girls" and "All About Tonight". It's been a while since she's been anywhere near the top spot, she needs something new, fresh and exciting. Something people will like and something that revisits her first two singles. Written by Mads Hauge and Phil Thornalley, this is the song that made me a fan of Pixie Lott. The song is still catchy today, and she sings about sneaking out of the house and meeting up with a guy and what her parents would do if they ever found out.
The video contains everything, it's chaotic and hectic yet absolutely perfect, Trudy Bellinger did a good job directing this.
First is the bed scene, works well as it's a way of sneaking out, almost as if Pixie Lott escapes to some dream world, the feathers, the mattresses, the bedding, so fantastical. I liked the little inclusion of the metaphorical black butterflies from the lyrics appearing in the video
Next the bed leads to a locker room, always known as a prep room, it always precedes something important, such as a workout in a gym, a swim in a pool, any sport activity from football to tennis. The girls prep for what is about to come. The styling is great, the red outfit for Pixie Lott suggests she's being naughty, compared to the good girl innocence in her bed.
They enter the dance arena where the guys pull up on Ducati motorcycles. Pixie Lott squares up to the leader of the guys (anyone know who he is, please tell below), and start the dance battle. It reminds me of the start of a basketball game. The dance off is sexual and concise, clearly a lot of practise went into this choreography, and it paid off, come on Pixie Lott, show off your dance ability in a new music video.
The dance off is won by the girls with a backhand to the lead male from Pixie Lott who then rides a motorcycle back to her bed, before her parents find out. The sneaking around reminds me a lot of Christina Milian's "Am to Pm". This is what Pixie Lott is missing, and she needs to make a new impact when she next returns to music.
Just when I think I'll get a relatable narrative, I'm disheartened. Like what is this? Surely it's an advertisement for Herbal Essences shampoo, yet I'm dumbstruck that this is a music video, like seriously?
Calvin Harris, real name Adam Wiles, is one guy that will always be in the UK charts, he has made a name for himself and with a few number ones behind him, he isn't going anywhere. This is his most recent single and collaboration. Disciples are a trio consisting of Nathan Duvall, Gavin Koolmon and Luke McDermott. They have had a previous hit the uk chart called "They Don't Know", but this is the song that has pushed them into international fame. Where they will go next is what we're all wondering. How Deep Is Your Love was written by Calvin Harris, Gavin Koolmon, Duville Lane, Luke Mac, Johannes J. and Ina Wroldsen. The latter is the vocalist on the track, a much improvement from her song "Aliens", not going to lie. Yet uncredited, unfortunately, however she has made a name for herself in the songwriting world, could she be a best selling artist? If she goes for it, with songs like this, she definitely can. Catchy and personal, this song is deeply emotional, yet it is perfect for parties and clubbing.
I am so disappointed in this video, the song is amazing, yet it only reached number 2 on the UK chart, would a better music video have pushed it that little bit more? I agree with the YouTube comments about it being a hair commercial rather than a music video.
Directed by Emil Nava, the video stars model Gigi Hadid. Gigi wakes up on an operation table, she reminds me of the robots from the TV series Humans. Yet instead of continuing this possible idea, the video pushes aside any narration.
Gigi Hadid ends up flicking, tossing and touching her hair, whilst her surroundings change. Not only is this not a representation of life, if only we could all be whisked away on a yacht in the middle of the sea just by touching our hair, but it fails to connect at all with the song. This is not what I was expecting when I came to watch this, and although this will interest some people, they could've done a lot more, and it's not something people would go out of their way to watch repeatedly.
This is definitely one of my favourite Pixie Lott songs along side "Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)" and "Boys and Girls", yet this is her worst chart performance on the UK singles chart, apart from "Caravan of Love", but I think we should all forget about that cover version. A sultry, sexy music video that relates well with the song, but could the video have been better?
Pixie Lott, real name Victoria Lott, needs to pull something out the bag soon. It's been a year since her self-titled third album, and her greatest hits "Platinum Pixie" didn't do well either. I will always be a fan of hers, I just feel the songs that actually mean things to her aren't chart hits. But this one should've been. Written by Ashton Parsons, Matt Parad and Adam Pallin, the song is catchy and exciting, emotional and enticing. Definitely sultry and sexy, hence the video.
Directed by Ben Falk, the video shows Pixie Lott looking hot, slim and sexy. Not a lot is happening, and it isn't much of a performance piece either, what with her just singing and looking attractive and seductive.
The video looks a bit dated, which seemed to be the intent, and most of the budget was probably spent on that yacht in the middle of the ocean.
I think a lead male would've made this video a little more narrative and therefore interesting, but there is a lack of everything. It's like someone with a lot of money has made their own music video, and it doesn't work.
Thanks for this Justin Bieber, I am definitely expecting nightmares tonight. And if a guy ever did that to me, he would be dumped on the spot, not going to lie. So Justin Bieber is back, and his beliebers have finally got him to the top of the charts, That is right, Justin Bieber has his first UK number one!
Just like Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber knows exactly what he is doing, gain press, become a big known star in the media for doing stupid things and then BANG! Here's your number one single. This worked for them both. The song was written by Justin Bieber, Jason "Poo Bear" Boyd and Mason Levy. It's infinitely catchy, and is currently stuck in my head, no wonder it got to number one, but I much prefer "Boyfriend" if I'm honest.
Directed by Brad Furman, the video is something that will be remembered. I was a little worried what Justin Bieber was going to do, especially since you can't really blame the girl when she doesn't even know what she wants herself.
The video stars John Leguizamo and Xenia Deli, the former is a well known actor, and Justin Bieber pays him to kidnap him and Xenia Deli, it's a way to make her trust him and I guess it works as she jumps off the building with him and then lands at a party full of skaters.
Still if someone did that to me, they'd be dumped on the spot, just saying, and then I'd enjoy myself at the party. Justin Bieber even has a go on the skateboard. Overall, it's everything I want in a video, and a great song to go with it, how can I not give it this rating?
I thought I'd continue on from Troye Sivan's "Wild" with Steve Grand's most recent single, which actually displays a gay kissing scene. Full of emotion with a full narration that keeps us engaged. What more can we ask for from a Steve Grand music video?
Steve Grand has recently been in the media as he has accepted Marine Tanner White's invitation as his date to the 2015 Marine Corps Ball on YouTube. Steve Grand first came to my attention in one of my magazines after "All-American Boy" became popular. Since then I have followed his career and he is such a genuinely nice guy, I can't wait to see where his career takes him.
This music video is exactly what I'm looking for, Perfect narrative, and an emotional performance. Although the video seems low budget, it contains everything I want.
The narrative follows Steve Grand as he tries to work out when the next train is. When he asks, he finds out he's got two hours until the next one. The guy, played by Daniel Williams, offers to grab food with him, which leads to their first date. If only we all could find a guy at the train station.
They get into a relationship and it goes as far as them moving in together. But then his on screen boyfriend is seen talking to another lad, where it ends in a break-up. We then learn it was all in his mind, and it's his negativity that put the scene in his head, just like we all have. But my mind always has a happy ending, and my reality doesn't, especially lately.
The performance side is emotional and full of feeling. Seeing Steve Grand live is a dream of mine, I could imagine it would be quite a performance.
The real question is whether he actually caught the train? Well, along with: Is the guy he's catching food with gay or straight or bi? And, do they have a happy ending? We all want a happy ending don't we? Love this video, and cannot wait for Steve Grand's next music video, and I want new music soon! Don't let me down Steve Grand!
Before today, I had no idea who Troye Sivan was, but I must've been living under a rock. Thanks to Gay Times and Attitude's facebook statuses, this video popped up on my news feed twice. Now you all know how I love Basshunter's music videos that continued the storyline of him and Aylar Lie, well Troye Sivan is doing the exact same, in three parts. Blue Neighbourhood here we all come.
Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, is an out gay YouTuber, singer and actor. He's 20 years old, and from Australia. He's very cute, not going to lie. He's got an incredible voice, move out the way Steve Grand, I think I've just found my new favourite gay singer. "Wild" is taken from his most recent EP of the same name.
This is the sort of music video I love to watch. Something that tells a story line. I love the flashbacks, children are so innocent, and I really miss those days, not having to worry about anything, unless you did something bad. Instead the two children don't do anything bad, it's the drunken dad.
I love the emotional piece, at first I thought Troye Sivan was singing whilst resting his head on a pillow, it soon turns out that he's cuddling a guy, who we presume is the other child in the video, is this a reality or some dream? Clearly something personal happened in Blue Neighbourhood, and I can't wait to see where it will go.
There's a few snapshots of the future, a little scene on the beach, at the start, someone dressed in a suit, someone running... Is this something to come in parts 2 and 3? I'm excited for the story to continue. Although Troye Sivan has made me a little jealous, I miss having someone there to care for me, I miss my cuddles and kisses, but most of all I miss having someone else in my life. Although I'm not ready for anything again, not just yet.
Full of emotion, heart-breaking for some, and powerful, this music video isn't shy of anything. Troye Sivan is really paving the way. The emotion reminds me of Steve Grand's "All American Boy". I cannot wait for part two of Blue Neighbourhood.
Been ill for a week, hence why I haven't blogged, but I'm back now, with this surprising collaboration. Is this Nick Jonas' attempt at getting into rap and hip hop? Because it is a complete fail. Who is Sage the Gemini anyway? A typical music video featuring a lot of girls in a forest similar to Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda", with two singers who are ecstatic to be surrounded by all these women, only Nick Jonas looks more focused on singing and performing, whereas Sage the Gemini looks obsessed with the girls in the video. Reminds me a lot of Justin Timberlake's collaborations.
The Jonas Brothers broke up in 2013, and Nick Jonas has gone solo. His recent singles have done well in the UK. But this one isn't making an impact on the iTunes chart all that much. Could it be due to the shoddy release date? Amazon, HMV and 7digital released it three weeks ago, yet on iTunes it was pushed back until now. I surely haven't heard it on the radio, although it is kind of catchy.
Sage the Gemini, real name Dominic Woods, has had an all right career in the US. He has previously charted all over the world in a collaboration with Flo Rida and Lookas on the track "G.D.F.R.", but it'll be interesting if he has another hit.
Here is another typical music video, where girls are parading around wearing very little, we've seen this hundreds of times in rap and hip hop music videos, and yet a music video has failed to stand out above the rest.
Even the forest isn't a new thing as Nicki Minaj has done it before. Is there anything original about this video? Not really, and that is what really disappoints me as the song is on the catchy side.
How have I not seen this video before today? To be fair I only just about remember P!nk's debut single. This video is amazing! What a great ending, I'm so glad I chose this as my revisit.
This is P!nk's, Alecia Moore's, debut single. She was previously in a girl band called Choice, however they disbanded and P!nk got a solo career. This song is a surprise, who would've thought P!nk was firstly an R&B singer? Written by Alecia Moore, Kandi Burruss and Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, it hit number six here in the UK. Considering the songs out at the time, Destiny's Child's "Bills, Bills, Bills", TLC's "No Scrubs" and Mýa "Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)", this sound was very popular in the early 00's and I do miss this sound, maybe it will return, like all good music does, in the future.
This video is awesome. I like her skater side, makes me think of Avril Lavigne's debut single "Complicated", and they also brought back the skaters in "Raise Your Glass", which was a nice tribute to her past.
The narrative was something interesting to say the least. I loved the ending as I wasn't expeciting it at all. The whole scene with the bike is pretty reminiscent of Britney Spears' "Toxic", but then again motorbikes are featured in this way a lot, whether it's in a music video or not.
I can't help but laugh at the phone, back then the flip phone was popular, and it soon came back around again, but the size of the screen is laughable considering the size of our screens now and what they can do.
P!nk, even back then, proved how great of a performer she is, she sang and danced her way through the song, and she commands us to watch her and give her our full attention. She just looks powerful.
Overall great song, with a brilliant music video. I just don't understand the topless scene, although Rihanna also did it in "Umbrella", and Miley Cyrus, most recently, did it in "Wrecking Ball", so I guess it's nothing to be surprised at.
