Nathan Sykes - Born To Dance




I cannot believe I found this little gem. Today was difficult, since it's a Thursday, it means revisit time... Yet none of the artists I have reviewed this week have a music video released in 2009 or earlier. Until I found out that Nathan Sykes entered Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2004, and also released this song as a promotional single, not that I can find it available to buy anywhere. This is the only video I can find too. Nathan Sykes proves he can dance in sync with this video, vocals may not be on point, but they don't matter since he is looking adorable, he has grown into one hot guy now.

Nathan Sykes had won a few awards and competitions by this point, and so taking his chances with Eurovision, might not have served him good. In recent years I have become obsessed with Eurovision, many countries take it so seriously, and it's about time the United Kingdom stopped joking around and started to take it seriously too, the competition is not what it used to be, credible acts get sent there and the rightful winner wins, not because of neighbour voting or countries past conflict, and the voting proves that as each year passes, sometimes shocking us. Nathan Sykes came third in the UK selection behind unheard names Cory Spedding and Andrew Merry (the latter became part of The Risk on The X Factor Series 8, which have disbanded). Will Nathan Sykes take a shot at the main contest in the next few years? Or was this something he didn't care all that much about? We do need a credible act to represent us soon.

This is a full performance video, no official music video was released, and so I have the video that is of the UK's selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2004, which was shown on ITV2.

A typical kids song, with typical kids dance moves incorporated into a choreography, that isn't so bad when watched again.

Good staging, although not that impressed with his fashion choices. Nathan Sykes wasn't exactly Born To Dance, but definitely born to sing, his music career has only just started and he has definitely improved because "Over And Over Again" is a stunner!
"Nathan Sykes 2012" by Joella Marano - Nathan Sykes. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nathan_Sykes_2012.jpg#/media/File:Nathan_Sykes_2012.jpg
"Nathan Sykes 2012" by Joella Marano

Troye Sivan - TALK ME DOWN



You all knew this was coming, and I've been worried about reviewing it, what happens if it doesn't live up to "Wild" and "Fools"? What if I don't like the ending? It's the end of the Blue Neighbourhood videos, part 3/3, with a cliffhanger to boot, Troye Sivan do not let this be the end! Sad, depressing, upsetting and a little bit sexy, a short narrative this time that ends this little series, Troye Sivan is looking dapper, how can the other guy turn him down? Just come to me Troye Sivan, any day you want.

Troye Sivan, real name Troye Mellet, is all set to release his debut album "Blue Neighbourhood" on the 4th December 2015. And I am so ready to buy it off iTunes. His EPs and singles have charted well in the UK, Australia and the US, but will his album top the charts? I surely hope so, but he has stiff competition. Personally he has become an idol in the LGBT world, and I'd have definitely come out sooner if I had had him as someone to look up to. He's influential and a total inspiration, and I'll never stop supporting him.

This final part in his music video series is set at a funeral, it's directed by Tim Mattia.

The funeral is for the other guy's father who was a drunk in "Wild" who also beat him up, who was homophobic as well, which we saw in "Fools". With him gone you would think he would get back with Troye Sivan.

This is not the case and he is still influenced by his father's opinions and expectations, it's so sad that he lets his father still control him.

The cliffhanging ending is devastatingly tragic. I'd never wish that on anyone, although I also think Troye Sivan is a fool to still want him back, just no! Move on and leave him behind, he made his bed and he needs to deal with it. Or not. Yet love is love, and no one can help how they feel towards someone.
Buy on iTunes

Megan Landry - Wallpaper



Suggestion time! Megan Landry commented on my suggestions page and posted a link to one of her own music videos, risky but clever. First off I want to say sorry it took me eight months before actually reviewing it, but I've been blogging infrequently this year, and only recently started publishing daily, and I only just checked my suggestions and I saw it there. Powerful, innocent and deep, Megan Landry shows us, that as children, we are influenced easily whilst growing up, what we saw, listened to and where we grew up could influence where we are now and who we are, and yet it's us that gets us here. Every person we pass was just a child, like the ones featured in the video.

Megan Landry, 19, is from Ottawa, Canada. She has a total of 20 videos on her YouTube channel, over 8,000 subscribers, and plenty of songs on iTunes. Recently she has released "Stills", her debut album. Her voice is powerful, authentic in a current way, and her songs are clearly filled with passion. The way she is going, all she needs is more promotion, and she'll be topping charts around the world. Watch out for this girl, if she doesn't become something soon, the music industry will be missing someone amazing!

The music video was self-made, directed by Megan Landry, she proves she has the perfect ideas to go with the perfect songs.

The start is insightful, little clips that show what is happening in the world, it's explained later, showing what the children probably became. With this sort of stuff surrounding them it's not surprising.

Children are so innocent, and I totally do miss those days. This really packs a punch and make you see how influence can shape a person, how everyone you pass and meet all were just as innocent as you once were.

As for the performance side, Megan Landry is strong, full of emotion, and intense, reminding me of Diana Vickers. Her voice is perfect and she hits all the notes. The video interprets the song just right, this is one low-budget video that I won't be forgetting because it's so good! Just as a side note, the girl is using a vapour cigarette and not a real one, obviously.
Buy on iTunes

Chart Mondays: One Direction - Perfect



Adele's "Hello" has finally been knocked off the number one spot... By Justin Bieber with "Sorry"... Only that has yet to have an official music video; leaving me, once again, with my chart Mondays open to the top 10. The top five, unfortunately, are either filled with videos I have reviewed or they don't have one. With little to choose from, I chose this one because I feel that One Direction have totally upped their game since Zayn Malik left the band. Classy and stylish, One direction shows what perfect means to them, which is trouble in hotel rooms, little rendez vous and going places you can't pronounce.

One Direction now consists of Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson. Since becoming a four-piece they have definitely had much more catchy songs, so it's no wonder they chart so highly. This follow-up to "Drag Me Down" is a perfect ballad, that you can't help but sing-a-long to. Written by Jesse Shatkin, Jacob Kasher, John Ryan, Maureen Anne McDonald (MoZella), Julian Bunetta, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson.

Here are the boys in black and white... They come across classy, but it's rare for me to approve of this setting on a music video. It was directed by Sophie Muller.

The video shows the boys lives whilst on tour and what they do in their spare time. Links in well with the song in the aspect of the hotel corridors and they also doing things they shouldn't, like playing football indoors.

Relaxed and fun, the band really perform and proves that they are good to see live. They capture the essence of themselves, their own individualities and an attempt at a look-in of One Direction as a whole, some may say their lives are perfect.

Simple, easy, tiring; the black and white effect does not help this video at all, and has definitely taken one star off this video. All four guys are again singing to one girl, very similar to their debut "What Makes You Beautiful", however have to hand it to them, everything else is just fine, not great and definitely not perfect.
Buy on iTunes

Galantis - Peanut Butter Jelly



Their follow up to "Runaway (U & I)", which can also be heard at the start of the video, is this amazing smash of a song, with a music video that has got everyone talking, who doesn't want peanut butter jelly now? Galantis is impacting the charts well, and with videos like this, sexy, fun, full of cultural diversity and full of variety, they are appealing to everyone; I'm expecting many more hits.

Galantis consist of Christian Karlsson (Bloodshy) and Linus Eklöw. The former has won multiple awards including an Ivor Novello for Britney Spears' "Toxic", he is also one half of Bloodshy & Avant and part of Miike Snow. The latter is most commonly known as Style of Eye, and has remixed a lot of well known tracks. In this collaboration, they have come together and are charting globally. Written by Phillip Hurtt, the song samples Bettye Swan's "Kiss My Love Goodbye".

This is the sort of supermarket I want to walk into, Galantis please take me here, I want to strut around dancing to your track in the middle of the aisles! The awesome video is directed by Dano Cerny.

The video starts off normally, the typical people you see around a supermarket, yet it advances to something so much more when the beat kicks in. Strangers clothes are whipped off by an invisible source and they're dancing in tight bodysuits. It's like an infectious wave and as the music continues and the dancing becomes more sexualised, more and more people transform into confident dancers.

What more can I say really? It's nothing normal, it's got everyone talking, got everyone praying this would happen in real life and cheer grocery customers up, yet it seems totally random, Although the song is sexualised, the video follows suit. Great catchy song, and a very surprising interpretation into a video, that none of us saw coming. The video features Jillian Sipkins, who is the girl on the roller skates.
Buy on iTunes

Shawn Mendes - Stitches



Saw this for the first time today on the music channels, I hadn't even heard this song before today and yet I just had to review this video. Just an invisible ex beating him up, a ghosty ex, or him beating himself up where the relationship went wrong? Either way Shawn Mendes shines through wishing I was the one healing Shawn Mendes.

Shawn Mendes first came to light on Vine, singing covers of songs. He soon became popular and got a record deal. He released an EP, and an album that has done well, and this song is his biggest hit. Most recently he has released a collaboration with Camila Cabello, one fifth of Fifth Harmony, called "I Know What You Did Last Summer". This guy, with this voice, will definitely be in the music charts for some time. Personally he looks a little like Nick Robinson, definitely a dead ringer for him.

Music video was directed by Jay Martin, it's simple. That is the only word to describe it.

Shawn Mendes sings the song in an abandoned car park, and gets beaten up by some unseen person. Figuratively speaking he could be beating himself up after a relationship gone bad, or a ghost has come to get their revenge. Either way it works easily, and definitely stands out; shockingly so.

I do have a slight problem, there is no wall behind him when he gets hit and flies through the air. At first I thought he fell through the car park floor, but I was definitely mistaken by that. So, other than invisible ex's, we also get walls appearing from thin air. The bathroom scene is a little dodgy, where did the bathroom come from? Yet he could've walked to the bathroom, who knows what the car park is attached to, some offices or corporation maybe? They would definitely have bathrooms.

Overall, great music video that definitely stands out on the music channels. An amazing song to go with it too. Dropped one star because of bad continuity edits, there was no wall behind him, just saying.
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Nathan Sykes - Over And Over Again



Nathan Sykes has done something no one else has ever done! First time watching this and tears roll down my cheeks. This video has officially made me cry. A real Romeo and Juliet feel to this video combined with The Notebook, a truly amazing storyline full of love, devotion and such a sweet ending with an emotional song to boot.

Nathan Sykes is one fifth of boy band, The Wanted, who are currently on hiatus. Therefore Nathan Sykes is making a career for himself as a solo artist. His debut single "Kiss Me Quick" hit number 14 on the UK chart, however this follow up single has been played on the radio more often and has got a lot of people talking, and now with a video like this, it's bound to get heaps more attention. The song sounds more like John Legend than Nathan Sykes, but kudos to him for creating an emotional ballad that's bound to be a hit.

Directed by Frank Borin, the narrative side of the video is amazing, I love the old woman, painting scenes in which we get to see, like they're her memories. Going back into the past and watching their dates and how they met. A few errors bring questions up such as the film they see which was released in 2015, along with the smart phone he uses to get her number... Was that on purpose? Suggesting the old woman's memory isn't as accurate?

The young woman is played by MaeMae Renfrow, and they build an amazing on screen relationship, one you can't help but wish you had. As for the performance side of things, Nathan Sykes plays the piano well, and sings well, however there isn't much performance that can happen when one is sat behind a piano. Some people can pull it off such as Avril Lavigne in "Let It Go". Nathan Sykes, take notes.

But who cares about his performance behind the piano? When we have him taking his shirt off in a raunchy scene? This music video has everything I want and more for a song that is full with passion. Beautiful song, perfect video, and teardrops rolling down my cheeks. Nathan Sykes and Frank Borin, what have you done to me and everybody else?
Buy on iTunes

Martin Solveig & GTA - Intoxicated



Right... well... What the hell do I say about this? Martin Solveig continues he's weird and colourful music videos with this out there, confusing and a little pathetic excuse to call a music video, like what is this? Clearly intoxication.

Martin Solveig, real name Martin Picandet, has been trying to globally attack the charts for a while, he is well known for his song with Dragonette "Hello", which only reached number 13 in the UK, however this one has beaten that chart number, peaking at number five. Written by Martin Solveig, Julio Mejia and Matthew Toth, "Intoxicated" is ultimately catchy, perfect for the clubs, and definitely something special. GTA, which is an acronym for Goons Take America, is the collaboration of the latter two songwriters. They are quickly becoming known in the EDM world and have featured on a number of hit songs, I'm expecting more to come.

Weird colourful and bright, Martin Solveig doesn't disappoint in his usual and unsurprising video.

Full of block colours, some ice cream, a bath, some dance off in a boxing arena, and weird badminton, is there anything that isn't weird in this video, but is it intoxicating? Nope.

Martin Solveig is competing against Ed Sheeran for worst looking artist in the music industry, like seriously, why would you dress yourself like that and have hair and a moustache like that? You need some style Martin Solveig and maybe you'll get that number one you so clearly deserve!

Overall a typical video from Martin Solveig, which fails to insight me or make me even watch it again, however amazing song that is definitely my tune in the clubs!
Buy on iTunes

Troye Sivan - FOOLS



Troye Sivan continues his Blue Neighbourhood series with the second instalment to the three part music video, narrative and telling, Troye Sivan melts everyone's hearts connecting straights and gays everywhere, there isn't one person who doesn't at least sympathise but the majority can definitely feel empathy for this as many have been in such a situation. He is one artist leading the way for the LGBT community, and quickly becoming someone people look up to within the gay world. The third video has also been released but for the purposes of my blog I shall review it next week. "Wild" was the first video.

Troye Sivan, real name Troye Sivan Mellet, is getting ready to release his debut album called "Blue Neighbourhood". He's 20 years old and of YouTube fame. He is definitely one of my favourite gay singers, and I like how he is easily an inspiration to others. "FOOLS" is written by Troye Sivan, Alex Hope and Pip Norman, it describes how he's feeling about falling for a certain guy, we've all been there, calling ourselves a fool for falling for that guy, it happens to everyone in either a minute way or an extreme way. Troye Sivan turns us all into empathising with him.

The video continues on from "Wild", and I love that the first few scenes contrast. Both acts happen in the same room, one is an act of love and pleasure, whereas the other is an act of violence. Directed by Tim Mattia, the series of music videos easily pull at the heart strings.

Homophobia is a big topic, and kudos for Troye Sivan in tackling it. A lot of people can relate easily, especially me as my dad openly admits he's homophobic, yet no where near as severe as the drunken dad in this video.

As the story continues I can empathise with both main characters, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. The ending is truly sad, although you cannot blame the guy because of his dad and the way he is. Yet the guy isn't being true to himself and locking that closet behind him and swallowing the key. The ending definitely reminds me of Steve Grand's "All-American Boy".

Overall a perfect narrative and great performance scene. Troye Sivan tackles a difficult subject that is rarely talked about. I cannot wait to watch the third instalment, which is totally teased at the end, and if it's anything like this one and "Wild", it's going to be amazing!
Buy on iTunes

Chart Mondays: KDA Featuring Tinie Tempah & Katy B - Turn The Music Louder (Rumble)



Since Adele is still at number one with "Hello". It gives me the chance to review any music video in the top ten. I chose this one due to it has previously been at number one. A simple music video set, with four contrasting rooms, bringing back stripes, polka-dots and all things 00's, Katy B shines out as Tinie Tempah fades into the background. Reminds me of will.i.am's "Scream & Shout" as Britney Spears outshines him just like Katy B is outshining Tinie Tempah.

KDA is an English house DJ and producer, his identity is still unknown, but the song was first known as "Rumble" before Tinie Tempah and Katy B's vocals were added to the song. Tinie Tempah, real name Patrick Okogwu, is on a UK domination, he has had seven UK number ones including this one, and I wouldn't be surprised if he keeps getting to the top spot. As for Katy B, real name Kathleen Brien, this is her first number one. The closest she has ever came to topping the charts was a collaboration with Ms. Dynamite called "Lights On". This has been her recent direction and it's really worked for her, can't wait to see what she releases next.

Reminding me of La Roux's "Bulletproof" mixed with both Kids In Glass Houses' "Gimme What I Want" and Liberty X's "Jumpin'", an '00s idea mixed with a current cast, crew and styling. All directed by Carly Cussen.

Not much to say about this, definitely a performance piece and the camera is on a dolly with a track, hence four different rooms, The choreography is all on point and yet not complicated at all, the three dancers only have one costume, which is slightly disappointing, I think different costume for each set would've been better.

Katy B is wearing something quite revealing and pulls it off amazingly, although I'm not too fond of her blonde wig. Disappointingly contrasts too much with Tinie Tempah's winter clothes, which so does not work on this set whatsoever.

Overall an easy concept; a much done but yet much loved dolly on a track camera movement, seen through films, tv shows, tv adverts and music videos alike; and amazing current stars looking contrastingly stylish.
Buy on iTunes

The 1975 - Love Me



The guys at work have been talking about this song, singing this song and suggesting I should review it. So here I am and here it is. I have never really like The 1975, although I do agree their songs can be catchy, but I'd never go out of my way to listen to their songs or watch their videos. Glitzy, pop-ish and an attempt to be sexy, The 1975 gives us a video we really want to forget.

The 1975 are a four piece band consisting of Matthew Healy, Ross MacDonald, Adam Hann and George Daniel. They have had mild success in the UK and various other countries, "Chocolate" being their highest charting single. They're the talk of many people and if you have never heard of them, then you must not live in the UK, as they are pretty well known. Their debut album went straight in at number one, and they're hoping their follow-up does the exact same. This is their first single off the new album, a mock of pop music and how they don't like how people can become famous now. Tricks and bending what used to be, all caught up in an 80's feel. Effortlessly catchy even if you don't like the band.

The video follows suit perfectly, giving us the 80's feel, as well as mocking celebrities and their own fans as well as technology such as the selfie stick, a lot of thought clearly went into the video which is directed by Diane Martel.

However it fails to amaze, things are the way they are because it's the 21st century. Guys and girls can be sexy, and Matthew Healy may be mocking that, yet he still pulls it off. The selfie sticks aren't that shocking, and people make such better photos and videos from them. We are not stuck in the old age for a reason.

Drunk and wild, Matthew Healy drinks in front of cardboard cut-outs of well known stars, some from the past, some from the present. As well as including a hot tub, and a guitar on strings. Not something I want to watch again. Mocking can be all good when done properly and light heartedly, yet it seems like they're trying to get a message out at the same time. A messy video at best. At worst, scenes compiled together of a general day in The 1975's life.
Buy on iTunes

Inna - Yalla



Inna has a new video, so obviously it will appear on here. Currently the richest Eastern European artist in the world, Inna continues to release music based on her fans, and this is why I like Inna, rather than sticking to one language she has delve into languages from all over the world in her lyrics, exciting her club rockers. Yalla, delves into Arabic, and the video follows suit, set in Marrakesh, Morocco, Inna looks sexy, sultry and playful, Inna as we've always known her as.

Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, continues to release singles from her self titled forth album. Officially this serves as her third single, following "Diggy Down" and "Bop Bop". Written by Marcel Botezan, Sebastian Barac and Nadir Tamuz Augustin, this is a song many artists would be jealous of yet Inna pulls it off to perfection, infusing two languages into one song is difficult enough, but to do it and appeal to people around the world and connecting people is truly a difficult thing to do, especially through music.

The video, directed by John Perez, follows suit and sticks to an Arabian theme. Inna is quite the tease in the video, and her male lead can't keep his eyes off her, clearly, and we can't blame him. Yassir Lamrani Selmane plays the love interest. This is the first Inna male actor we've found the name of, thank you Yassir Lamrani Selmane for contacting me and letting me know that you are the male actor in this video. 

Inna is dancing. This excites me, she rarely danced, we saw a little in "10 Minutes" but it has been something of a rarity in her videos apart from the recent collaboration with Alexandra Stan and Daddy Yankee in "We Wanna", where she proved that she can dance, totally in sync and pull off choreography perfectly. In this video she does the exact same thing, we need more dancing from Inna.

Teasing and sexy, Inna appeals to her Arabian club rockers, and hopefully she has gained more fans in that part of the world. A catchy song that I can't help but sing a long to, as well as a perfect video that is helping her turn into more of a worldwide star, soon enough all she'll have to hit is the Western World, she's done it before, she can surely do it again.
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Missy Elliott Featuring Pharrell Williams - WTF (Where They From)



Missy Elliott is BACK! She has just proved how amazing she is. It's been 15 years since she last released a studio album, She has proven that there's still a spot for her in the music industry with where this song has already placed in the iTunes charts. She will be getting international chart numbers soon, and cementing herself back into the rap genre, but she's never truly left.

Missy Elliott, real name Melissa Elliott, has been working on production work since her last album, a much needed break. Yet this comeback is stylish, perfect and on point, I'm like wow, you go girl! Pharrell Williams is a nice addition to the song, although his appearance doesn't impress me in the slightest.

Directed by Dave Meyers with a surprising come back video, something definitely to get people talking... But lets start off with the marionette puppets, Pharrell Williams clearly was not available for the day and yet they have made it work so good, it has totally got people talking about the music video and not only that it is done so well that you can tell a lot of effort and time has gone into the marionette puppets alone to get them just right, and it works. However, stars that were able to make the video included Les Twins and Sharaya J.

Choreography in the video is also on point, can't have it any other way, and Missy Elliott take centre stage, I just can't believe she's 44 and moving like that, she looks classy, edgy and full of sass, which is exactly what we like to see.

I love this video, although I'm ashamed at them having to resort to marionette puppets because Pharrell Williams wasn't in the video. However, stylish, out there, and definitely a video to remember, with a catchy song to boot. Missy Elliott is finally back, and hitting those chart numbers all over again, I am expecting a number one on the cards soon.
Buy on iTunes

Suzanne Vega - Luka



After reviewing "Tom's Diner" how could I not review her biggest hit? Especially since it's rare for me to write reviews of old music videos, usually opting for songs that are in the charts now. A music video that subtly relates to the song, filled with simple emotion and understanding.

Suzanne Vega never really did well in the UK, apart from the DNA remix of "Tom's Diner". Otherwise she charted badly considering the year her songs were charting. Nowadays it's an achievement to get those chart numbers. Her biggest hit in the UK was a re-release of her debut single "Marlene on the Wall". She is still releasing music as of today, and her latest album even charted in the UK's top 40. "Luka" was written by Suzanne Vega and is about a boy that used to live across the street from her who always was just different compared to the other children who were playing. In the song the child is abused by a family member, in real life, she believes, Luka was just a normal average kid, only acted differently.

Directed by Michael Patterson and Candice Reckinge, who opted for a blue and white toned video which fails to intensify the video whatsoever.

The actor who plays Luka in the music video is Jason Cerbone. The scenes involve him shutting doors, walking up stairs and being out on the street.

Like I said before, the song speaks for itself, Suzanne Vega's narrative lyrics come across so well, we don't even need a video to interpret the song, however they have done a good job and subtly included the child abuse. The song is so catchy it's stuck in my head, and I am not shocked it charted so well in other countries.
Buy on iTunes
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