The Naked And Famous - Young Blood

March 31, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So SpeedATW decided to suggest this music video on to my suggestions page. I have never heard of The Naked And Famous, so I was interested in what I would think of this, but then I heard the song and realised that I have heard it before. It was used in an advert in the UK for the Cannon EO5 Camera. It has been used in various TV shows and on various adverts worldwide.

The Naked And Famous are a New Zealand indie rock band. They consist of Alisa Xayalith, Thom Powers, Aaron Short, Jesse Wood and David Beadle. So there's 5 members, which is quite a lot to be honest, but if they create music like this, how can anyone complain. This song became a big success worldwide, however people didn't link this song with the advert, and I bet it would have done much better if it were promoted more.

"Young Blood" was written by Thomas Powers, Alisa Xayalith and Aaron Short. Again it's another band who have wrote their own song, meaning they can connect with it easily and it's usually what makes the song all the more better. It was created to convey the spirit of youth, and it sure does that.

The music video is interesting, that is the only word I can use to describe it. There is a lot of footage used but nothing links this song to the music video. If I turned the song off, the video could be for any song, and the only identifiable bit is the fact that everyone is free and having fun and doing whatever they want to do.

There's a lot of footage used such as the water, which is quite clever as water is open and free which is what young people want to be. But there's just not a lot going on. It's not performance or narrative based, and it just looks like a lot of footage compiled together.

Overall the song is really catchy and I do like it (now I know who created it). But there's nothing special about this music video. And I don't really have much to say about it either.

One Direction - One Thing

March 30, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Okay, so I'm not a fan of One Direction and usually skip over their music videos, but I was struggling today to pick a video for this blog, and I decided to look at the TV, spontaneously, I just picked it.

One Direction came Third on the seventh series of the X Factor. The band members are Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. It was one of few series that released quite a few artists into this world, they are: Matt Cardle (winner), Rebecca Ferguson (second), One Direction (third), Cher Lloyd (fourth), Mary Byrne (fifth), Katie Waissel (seventh), Belle Amie (eleventh), Storm Lee (fourteenth) and Nicolò Festa (sixteenth). One Direction has had quite a few hits here in the UK, and have recently took over America, winning a lot of hearts out there, and creating "One Direction Infection". Not only that, they have become the first British Group to have their first album go straight to number one on the Billboard chart. I have previously reviewed "What Makes You Beautiful" on this blog. They will be one of the biggest acts around the whole world, but my question is... Why is there a winner of the X Factor, when other positions clearly do better... Where is Matt Cardle now?

"One Thing" is the third single to be released in the UK from this band. It was written by Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk and Savan Kotecha. Obviously only the best writers for this band, they have all worked with big names in the past, and also created What Makes You Beautiful. This is another great and catchy song, and again it looks like a bright future for these guys.

The music video is performance based, which is usually not my favourite type of music video, however, it's done differently and it puts a great spin on things, and definitely stands out from other performance videos. Which is extremely difficult to do.

There is a lot of One Direction fans involved in this music video. They were invited to join the video, but on one condition only... And that was that they had to find out where it was being filmed through a series of clues, which may be the reason why they are all very excited, although, I bet that is usually what their fans are like.

The music video is basically a tour of London, with One Direction singing here and there, such as on some steps, in a park, on a bus, and in front of fans.

Overall, it's definitely a different kind of music video, with a great song to go with it. It charted at number 9 here in the UK, but has done a lot better elsewhere. These boys are going to be a worldwide success, if they aren't already, and it looks like they've come out on top from that series of the X Factor.

Avicii Featuring Sebastien Drums - My Feelings For You

March 29, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Avicii has quickly become one of my favourite house artists. His real name is Tim Bergling, but his first release was "Seek Bromance" where he released under the name Tim Berg. Not many people realise that Avicii and Tim Berg are the same person. I have so far only reviewed "Levels" which was his highest hit. I hope to hear more from him in the future, and I'm getting excited for when an album gets released. As for the collaborator, it's Sebastien Drums, who is a France DJ and is big in the House genre. He has worked with Avicii a lot, and collaborated on a few tracks, maybe we'll see more collaborations in the future. He is working up to becoming big, and my guess is that by next year, a lot more people will know of him, and I'm interested in what the future brings to this potential star.

The song was made for Cassius, an electronic band, that released the song under "Feelings For You" and managed to get it to number 19 here in the UK in 1999, no wonder I've heard of it before hand. So Avicii has remixed it up and made it so much more with the help from Sebastien Drums, if this is just one thing that can be done, I'm interested in what will be happening in the future. The song got to number 46 on the UK chart.

The music video is an act of pure genius, everyone has played all the video games involved. And I also like the fact that the lyrics have been added, no one is going to mess them up when they sing a long now.

There are a few video games I can reference out, such as Super Mario Bros., Pong, Pac-Man and Space Invaders, although there is a lot more that I can't remember the names of, I'm sure one of them is Tetrix and another is Brickbreaker.

I like that there's a narrative to it too, with the fact that there are two love hearts in love, and this green love heart steals the pink one, suggesting that he is lusting after her, and the red heart is going to get her back, no matter how many obstacles attempt to stand in his way. As for the ending, I'm not quite sure what's happening, maybe the green one feels lonely and is upset? Or maybe it's more sinister than that?

Overall the song is really catchy and it's been stuck in my head all day. The music video is extremely memorable, and I'm sure there's a few people out there who could name all the video games that feature in the music video. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Avicii and Sebastien Drums, I'm totally looking forward to it.

Paramore - That's What You Get

March 28, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Paramore is definitely one of my favourite bands as you already know. In this song they are a four-piece consisting of Hayley William, Josh Farro, Zac Farro and Jeremy Davis. Recently the Farro brothers left and now Paramore is a three-piece band with fellow friend Taylor York. However this song was released a month after I saw them for the Riot! tour in February 2008 (wow that was 4 years ago). I went with Tink09 and Hollagram Star and had an amazing time.

So "That's What You Get" was written by Hayley Williams, Josh Farro and Taylor York. Which surprised me as Taylor York didn't become part of the band until not long afterwards. Anyway, as per usual, I like the fact that the band wrote the song as they can connect with it more, as you usually find most bands have wrote their own songs.

I like this music video, I like the fact that it's both performance and narrative. However in the UK, the music channels usually only show the performance edited music video, so I was quite surprised today to have seen the full version.

Paramore is one band I could see again and again, their performances are usually so engaging and capturing, they draw you in within seconds, and you are guaranteed to have a good night. Hayley Williams just has this amazing voice that you could listen to over and over. And the music video shows the band off perfectly.

As for the storyline, it's a little mismatched, you cannot be certain of what is going on, however you know that a couple have met up again, possibly a couple that recently put things on hold or even went as far a split up. And so we go over their past memories, which is a perfect touch, and it's really nice to see them.

Overall I love this song, I remember going out and buying it. But the music video is missing something, I'm not sure what it is, but it doesn't capture me enough. Paramore has far better music videos out there, and I'd much rather see them than see this one, I just thinking it's missing some sort of spark.

Darren Styles - Save Me

March 27, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Darren Styles, real name Darren Mew, has released a lot of different records and he is pretty big in the dance world, however he's never really had a great song or even a signature song, so why aren't so many people taken to his music? Lately he has released a couple of songs, one being extremely likened by all music channels who happen to have played it a lot, but it still didn't get very far on the chart, and I'm not sure how he could grab people to buy his next single, it just doesn't seem possible.

Now the sun is coming out, even though it's just March, the music channels have started putting the summer songs on, including new ones and old ones, like this one, which I haven't seen in ages. "Save Me" was written by Darren Mew, and he sings this song perfectly, and he also produced it, so therefore it's no wonder it is so catchy, especially since he is a Disc Jokey (DJ).

The music video is pretty good, it's not bad, but it's not exactly great either. Repetition in some of the footage is extremely obvious, so they definitely ran out of footage, however it was implemented accurately.

I bet this music video sounded perfect on paper, and maybe a bit extreme, and the music video comes off just like that, however it's a little on the boring side, with next to nothing going on, it's extreme, but that is all.

Overall I like this song, it's catchy and puts me right into a summery mood. However the accompanying music video could have been a lot better, we aren't given a reason for him jumping over the side of the skyscraper, and she clearly wasn't there to save him either. But it's one of those music videos I'd watch again and again, purely because the music is amazing.

Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

March 26, 2012 Critic Jonni 3 Comments

Carly Rae Jepsen is a 26 year old Canadian singer (where are all these Canadians coming from?) Who has one really catchy song releasing everywhere called "Call Me Maybe". She came third in the fifth series of Canadian Idol, and she is the first person from Canadian Idol to release internationally and do extremely well. With number ones popping up here there and everywhere, and with catchy songs like this one, she is going to be a big star soon.

This song was written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay, the latter being the lead vocalist of Marianas Trent and has written and featured on a number of songs. Carly has a diminutive voice that just makes this seem effortless and extremely catchy at the same time. The song gets stuck in my head even if I just catch the last 10 seconds of the song. And it's definitely stuck in my head now.

The music video is really funny, it's very narrative, but has a great implemented performance side of things. Whenever I've seen it on the music channels I've only ever caught the last half of it, and never knew what the start was like, until just now.

This is really funny, I like how Carly spies on her neighbour (played by Holden Nowell). Holden is a model in real-life and so taking his top off at the beginning must have been fine with him. I like the fact that Carly is watching him obviously from the window, has she not heard about hiding and watching? I like the fact that she fans herself with the book, such a great thing to add in, and then she ducks.

I like the bit where she's pulling poses on the car to try to get his attention. And when she finally gets him to look up, she falls off the bonnet. I also like the dream where she imagines them being on the cover of a romantically (possibly erotic) novel, very clever to have thought to put that in.

And then to top it all off he's not even after her. Which is probably why the lyrics go "And all the other boys tried to chase me", does this happen to be a regular thing falling for guys who are playing for the other team?

New Release: The All-American Rejects - Beekeeper's Daughter

March 26, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Been looking forward to doing this for a few weeks now, been eager to review it sooner, but thought I'd wait for new release.

The All-American Rejects are one of my favourite rock bands along with Paramore, 30 Seconds to Mars, Evanescence and Lostprophets (amongst others maybe). They just become addicting after just a few minutes and I'm totally in love with this song as I was with all their other songs. The band consists of Tyson Ritter, Nick Wheeler, Mike Kennerty and Chris Gaylor. They have had many hit singles such as "Gives You Hell"and "Dirty Little Secret". But this has the potential to do even better, but interest hasn't sparked up enough, and here in the UK it's rarely been promoted.

This song was written by Nick Wheeler and Tyson Ritter, In a press release Tyson said about the song:

"'Beekeeper's Daughter' is a story about a guy who thinks he can get away with anything and always have a girl there waiting for him, he never backs down from that opinion. At the end of it, he's even stronger and more snide and thinks he's invincible no matter what. He's an asshole, but at that point in my life, I was kind of an asshole. As we were making Kids in the Street, I went from that to being a completely humbled guy who's looking at his reflection saying, ‘Wow, what have I done?' It may make me not seem very likeable, but it was important that I be truthful and really open up on this album about what I've been through."

I like the relaxed lyrics of the song and the way it's sung makes him seem like he doesn't care anymore, which is basically the guy he's singing about. It's quite clever. For those of you wondering what the connection a bee has to a flower.... Well (a little science for you), a bee travels from flower to flower collecting nectar, the flower sticks pollen onto their hairy bodies, then on the next flower the bee rubs a bit of pollen off, helping to create seeds so the flowers can reproduce. So it does relate...

I think this music video is really good, I like watching it multiple times as it's really engaging, and quite funny a lot of the time. I just want to walk down the street and then everyone I pass starts to dance, except that would never happen unless in a dream.

I like the devils, it shows what Tyson thought of his girlfriend when she shut him out, except really wasn't he the devil? I also want the massive bee in the parade. There's a lot of things that don't quite make sense, but apparently they just tried to include rejected ideas from previous music videos, and so somehow they've ended up with this which is pretty surprising. But don't quite understand why Wayne Newton makes an appearance...

I also agree with a lot of people on the fact that it seems like it's the Tyson Ritter band, as the other guys in the band hardly get a look in. However this song is about Tyson's life, also he is the vocalist, if this was compared to other bands' music videos, the vocalist is usually the only person to appear in the music video, so they're quite lucky to be honest.

Overall, I love this song, it's really catchy and worthy of getting a high chart number, however it seems unlikely to happen as it hasn't been promoted much. As for the accompanying music video, it's brash, out-standing and surprising all at the same time, and although some bits may not fit, such as the old men with the black contacts, there's bound to be a connection somewhere, and so some may think I'm being generous, but I do love this music video, and this star rating is well-deserved.

VS - Love You Like Mad

March 25, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

VS is my revisit this week, I chose this band for my revisit as I doubt I'd get another chance of doing another VS music video, and because I like seeing how much Marvin Humes has changed. VS was an R&B group that started in 2004, they consisted of Jaime Summerz, Chinyere McKenzie, Blimi, Ryan Taylor and Marvin Humes (who is now of JLS fame). I have previously reviewed "Call U Sexy" this week.

This was their first ever single, and I still remember the lyrics off by heart, surprising how long your memory can last. I was obsessed with this band back in 2004, and while they are good, it's unlikely they will get back together, due to Marvin being in a well-known band. But there's always hope, right?

The music video isn't that great to be honest. I was kind of expecting another big choreography number, but since it's more of a Ballad than an R&B song, and so if they subtly added in something about love then I'd be happy but they haven't.

This is possibly a typical mixed group's first music video, there isn't a lot in the storyline and more or less shows off the band, rather than anything else. I don't know whether they are trying to show that they love each other in a band kind of way or what? But it's not as interesting as their other music videos.

Various band members do various things, but they aren't connecting that well, and it surprises me that they were able to have their biggest hit with this song. Especially since this is the music video, that would've been shown on a lot of the music channels during that time.

Overall, I do like this band, and the song is quite catchy. However it's accompanying music video could have been a lot better, but obviously low-budget played a big part in the video, and it was incapable of being a great music video. This rating is deserved, but wouldn't be surprised if others think it is too high.

Christina Aguilera - Beautiful

March 24, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This is the first time I have ever reviewed one of Christina Aguilera's music videos on this blog. She made an appearance once as I reviewed "Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5, in which she features in. However this is an early song from her, when she was still finding her way, and she sings it beautifully. I decided to do this music video today as I'm going to see the X Factor tour in Birmingham at the LG Arena tonight, and Little Mix sang this song on the show, and they sung it perfectly as it related to Jesy lots as she was having a tough time. This song linked in amazingly and I hope they sing it tonight.

Christina Aguilera has been going since 1999 and has always been pit against Britney Spears, and although I believe Christina has a strong empowering voice, Britney was favoured more, and people thought Britney had finally won, but most recently she has come out on top, with Britney following her shadow, this will be a battle that will last a lifetime, and will get more and more intriguing as the years go by. However they've known each other since the start, when they both became part of the Mickey Mouse Club and have claimed that this rival is nothing more than banter between old friend. Yes that's right Christina admitted in an interview that her and Britney go way back and are really old friends.

"Beautiful" was written by Linda Perry, who is known for being the main singer from 4 Non Blondes, she has had a few solo attempts, but now sticks to songwriting, and has worked for Christina a few times, and most of her notable songs was written by Linda Perry. Christina's voice matched this song amazingly. However I totally get what some people have said, such as why such a pretty girl like Christina gets to sing this song? However there are haters out there who'll do anything to make her feel down, and that's where I think the emotion came from for this song.

The music video is very controversial, but also fits in perfectly, I don't know any other better way of doing this, and it would have reflected badly on anyone who refused to show it, as it's extremely clever, and I can't help but laugh at some bits in it, and it shows that people are just people and everyone's the same no matter what they look like, as long as you're happy inside, it doesn't matter what others think, and if you aren't happy, find a way of loving yourself just the way you are.

I like how they've put Christina in a dirty horrible room, it shows she is pretty sitting right there in that room. Again it's clever, if they would have put her among some people then she may not be the only beautiful person. So I'm quite surprised by this.

Overall, I love this music video, it's almost a short film in a few minutes, and I love how it stands up for all the issues of the world, such as an underweight girl, a skinny guy lifting weights, a girl being bullied, a goth being ignored, and how it touches on LGBT such as a gay couple and a transgendered person. This is extremely clever, and although subtle it creates this huge effect that's still being talked about today.

Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss

March 23, 2012 Critic Jonni 12 Comments

Just a Kiss - Lady Antebellum |

This music video has got on my nerves today, but you'll find out why later...

After reviewing "Need You Now" last week, I'm excited I get to do another Lady Antebellum song. For those of you who didn't read my review then... The band comprises of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. They got their name from taking pictures of Antebellum homes down in the American South, and Hillary Scott had attempted American Idol twice and they didn't let her through, but it looks like it was meant to be, otherwise this band may not have come together. My Friend Edges is a fan of theirs and claims this song as one of their best.

The song was written by Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Dallas Davidson who is a country singer-songwriter and has helped with a lot of songs, now he is attempting to release his own music. This song sounds like a great song to listen to, this band makes me feel relaxed and contempt with their songs, that it's so peaceful to listen to. The song is about their own experiences and being in a relationship that feels special, but in which you don't want to overstep the mark.

The music video is amazing, I like the use of actors and then the band singing behind them as if it's some sort of soundtrack to their story, which is quite imaginative. However the annoying thing for me is that I recognise the girl who plays "Joy", but I have no clue where from. I have spent about an hour trying to find out who it is, but all I come up with is Victoria Young (who does look like her) and yet none of her credits leap out at me, telling me where I've seen her from... So maybe it's not Victoria Young, or maybe it is and she just has a familiar face. (EDIT: Danielle Donn is the actress who plays "Joy", it has been confirmed). As for the guy, that is Andrew Jackson Murphy who is an upcoming actor, and I reckon he'll become big in no time at all.

Another thing that was pointed out by people posting on the Internet is that in Joy's dream Brady calls her "Julie" during the tablet message... I thought I heard wrongly at first, but he definitely says Julie instead of Joy, I'm surprised it's not been changed yet.

The story is basically a dream come true, two star-crossed lovers fall for one another and they have such a great time, next thing we know, it has been a total dream but the person who woke Joy up is the person from her dream, the guy she never knew, was that a premonition of times to come? Or is it merely just a wish that may never come true?

Overall, a great music video and again I can't fault Lady Antebellum apart from the name change during the video with Joy, but other than that there's nothing bad I can say about it. But someone please tell me who the one who plays Joy is and where I may have seen her from... Thanks in advance.

Buy on iTunes

JoJo Featuring Bow Wow - Baby It's You

March 22, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

As you may have guessed, I'm quite a big fan of JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque. She has had record problems in releasing her third album and so the UK still lies in wait for the day "Disaster" gets released here, and by the looks of things it may never happen, although there's quite a lot of popularity around the song here. She collaborates with Bow Wow on this track, real name Shad Moss and formerly known as Lil' Bow Wow. Recently his popularity has died, so now is the time for him to come back, as rapping and R&B music is definitely in right now.

"Baby It's You" was written by The Underdogs members: Harvey Mason Jr., Damon Thomas, Eric Dawkins and Antonio Dixon. They have worked with a lot of artists in the past, so it's no wonder they worked with JoJo also. JoJo connects with this song amazingly, and you can tell she means what she's singing, however the music is a bit loud compared to her voice, and you kind of hear the song more than the lyrics. It is worse on the album and singles that were released, whereas it's not too bad on the music video.

The music video takes place at a funfair, and it looks like they had great fun, and I bet you they went on all the rides, but maybe the camera couldn't follow the roller coaster or something. There are some great bits and I can't help laughing, such as soaking the guy with the water pistols, I'd so love to do that one day.

However I don't see how this music video relates to the song. The song is all about wanting to be with this guy and no matter where she goes or how much money is spent on her, she doesn't care, as long as she's with him, everything's going to be fine. However, where is this guy in the music video? Is it Bow Wow, or someone else? And is the funfair a place she goes with him in tow or what?

Overall the song is good and heart-felt, but the video could have related one way or another. However there's some great clips and they make me laugh quite a few times. I'm just begging her to release "Disaster" some time soon, the UK really wants to buy it!

Buy on iTunes

Nelly Furtado - Maneater

March 21, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Nelly Furtado has only ever got to number one in the UK once. She has released a lot of songs, although none of them have made an impact on the UK much like this one. Even now, some music channels still show this music video, proving that this is still the sort of song people like listening to, and if it were re-released or covered on a reality show, I can definitely say it'll break the charts once again.

"Maneater" was written by Nelly Furtado, Tim Mosley (Timbaland), James Washington (Jim Beanz) and Nate Hills (Danja). Individually, their writing credits are shocking, you wouldn't think they would have so much behind them. So of course collectively, they would come up with such an amazing song like this.They got inspiration from 80's songs including the original "Maneater" song by Hall & Oats. Apparently, it's about people becoming 'hot on themselves', which basically means that people are arrogant because they know someone will do anything they ask.

The music video is amazing, it's one of those ones that you rarely skip over when it comes up on the music channels, and the song is so very catchy that you can't help but move to it. Which makes the music video even better as it has amazing choreography involved.

I love the start and the ending of this, it includes a narrative that you understand clearly, and she just happens to walk into this old building looking for her dog called 'Toby'. But being a dog owner myself, why on earth would you let go of your dog's lead? (Presuming Toby has a lead on him).

The dance choreography is amazing, it makes Nelly Furtado confident and empowering within an out-numbered crowd. I like how everyone dances around her, this relates perfectly with the song as she is the main focus and everyone is doing exactly what she wants them to do, making her the maneater she's singing about.

There is a slight similarity to Emeli Sandé's "Next To Me" as there are clips embedded within the video, that doesn't quite fit, and although added towards the end, it puts you off. How can she be up on top of the roof in broad daylight, when it was night time when she entered the building? And the flames footage doesn't add up either. Again my the only reason I can come up with is that they ran out of footage, or they thought that if they did different footage it would make this video better. However I find it distracting and not very helpful.

Overall a great song with a good relating music video. It is definitely worthy of this rating; however, I've dropped a star for the extra footage that wasn't needed. I can definitely see this song charting again in the near future.

Buy on iTunes

Emeli Sandé - Next To Me

March 20, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Emeli Sandé is definitely a singer to watch out for. She recently won the Brit Award for Critic Choice award, and it is definitely deserved. The previous winner was Jessie J, and I'm sure Emeli Sandé will be one of the greats pretty soon. However surprisingly she has not gained a number one single yet, she has got to number one by featuring on Professor Green's "Read All About It", but haven't got to the top spot with her own single, however gaining number two, twice, is a pretty good achievement. I think the competition at number one when she releases is just difficult to beat.

"Next To Me" was written by Emeli Sandé, Hugo Chegwin and Harry Craze. The song is so powerful, meaningful and vivid, and you can believe every word she is singing. I would like to believe that the song is about the long-term boyfriend she is currently with (who has asked to be unidentified and all we know is that he's a scientist). It's such an amazing song, and I bet there's a lot of girls out there wishing they had a boyfriend like the guy she's singing about. Although you'd have to be careful that the boyfriend wasn't too clingy...

Whenever this music video has appeared on the music channels I have always skipped over it, I really didn't want to review it as I was scared of what rating I will end up giving it. However it was requested, and so this is why I'm doing it right now. The music video is pure performance, and you all should know how I feel about these sorts of music videos, hence the reason why I skipped over this video on the music channels...

I like the use of the spotlights and the fact that you can clearly hear the drum in the music. I like the piano, it shows that Emeli Sandé can use different instruments (as most artists can). However, did they run out of video footage by any chance?

It just seems weird how towards the end of the music video, we have a completely new setting and it's still performance side of things, and although the editors have done a great job interspersing the video footage, it just seems out of place.

Overall the song is powerful and heart-wrenching, you can tell she means every word. But I'm a little disappointed with the music video, a very good narrative could be used; but instead, we have a performance, that would have been really great to watch, except for the footage at the end as it looks like it's in the wrong music video. But putting everything aside, it's interesting, and definitely something I'd watch again and again. So here's my rating, remember I'm judging the music video solely, and not the song, otherwise it would have been 5*'s.

Buy on iTunes

VS - Call U Sexy

March 19, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

VS is a R&B band from 2004, and contains a famous face. The band consisted of Jaime Summaz, Chinyere McKenzie, Blimi, Ryan Taylor and Marvin Humes (who is now in JLS). I always thought this band was going to do really well, and be around for a long time. They reminded me of Big Brovaz, but their album didn't perform well (getting to chart at 184), and they sub-sequently disbanded. Guess these sort of bands aren't meant to be around, we recently got a new similar band called Six D, but after one single they too split up. It's such a shame, especially since this song is still considered a good song.

"Call U Sexy" managed to be the band's second single, and their second best hit, managing to get to number 11. Apparently the song samples Imagination's Body Talk. I like the song, it's really catchy and if it were covered by a band in the future, I'm sure it'll be a hit again.

The music video has a lot going for it, I especially like the choreography in it, which could have been put together by Chinyere since she is a dance choreographer. And it looks like they had a lot of fun with it. Why did this band split up? They could have made it big. Is there a reunion on it's way? Hopefully there is, but no sign as of yet.

I like the party, as it references the music video perfectly, it's definitely the song they'd play at a party. I like the cinema drive in, I really want to go to one of them, but there isn't one near me at the moment. It's weird seeing Marvin Humes in this band, especially how popular he is now. I've reviewed his videos twice in one day, as my new release was JLS' "Proud".

Overall this band is really good and it's a shame they split-up, I think they could have become big. As for the music video, it's pretty average, but memorable nonetheless, so it's definitely worthy of this rating.

New Release: JLS - Proud

March 19, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Well, start of a new week, and a lot of new songs have been released. My favourite is Katy Perry's "Part Of Me", however there is no music video for it yet, so couldn't use it as a New Release. So instead, after following a New Release from Alexandra Burke last week, I've decided to do JLS' new song.

JLS (Jack the Lad Swing) is a boy band that consists of Aston Merrygold, JB Gill, Marvin Humes and Oritsé Williams. They competed in The X Factor UK 2008 coming second. So far the acts from that series who have done well are: Alexandra Burke (Winner), JLS (Second), Eoghan Quigg (Third), Diana Vickers (Fourth), Ruth Lorenzo (Fifth), Daniel Evans (Seventh) and Laura White (Eighth). Personally, I think that year was the most competitive and the most powerful. But who is the real winner. By the looks of things JLS has done better than Alexandra Burke, however that could always change.

"Proud" is the official Sport Relief single, however they clearly haven't timed this right with the fact that Katy Perry's "Part of Me" is released on the same week. JLS may get the most sales Sport Relief has ever had, but it's going to be extremely difficult to get to that top spot, which they seem to claim a lot of the time. It's a really good song and it's very catchy, but compared to others near the top of the charts, it's just not as memorable.

The music video is great, it definitely shines out from the other music videos, especially since they have both a great storyline, and an unbeatable performance stories.

The performance takes part in Wembley Stadium however it's empty, allowing them to take as long as they need. Bet you they've never performed a song in an empty stadium before...

As for the storyline, it blows me away. I like how you have the Athletes and then it shows them growing up, and what it was like for them as a child. I laugh at Rebecca Adlington (child version) when she just stands in the rain and is loving every bit of it (she's a swimmer for anyone who isn't aware of that). As for Phillips Idowu (who is a Triple Jump athlete), the child jumps on top of school tables, and runs and jumps for a jar in a supermarket, which is quite clever and must have been a lot of fun to do. The third athlete is Louis Smith, who's a Gymnast, which explains the break dancing the child does in school.

I like the fact that this music video relates perfectly, it's all about making people proud and doing the best for yourself (as well as your country, in this case) and going after your dream. And I love the use of the child counterparts, it makes it more of an inspirational music video.

I haven't got anything bad to say about this music video, I'm not a fan of JLS, but I can appreciate their music and their music videos, so I have no choice but give them this well deserved rating.

Lady Antebellum - Need You Now

March 16, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Lady Antebellum is another country band that has started releasing in the UK, and they've been doing extremely well so far, and their helping to bring Country back into the UK, and it's working just fine. The band consists of Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood. They joined forces and their name Lady Antebellum comes from when the band was taking photos of Antebellum Houses which are the large plantation homes in the American South. Antebellum commonly refers to the pre-Civil War America. Edges is quite a big fan of theirs and knew about this band way before me, it's definitely the sort of songs he enjoys.

According to an interview with Sirius Satellite Radio, Hillary Scott claimed that she had been rejected from American Idol twice. Simon Cowell has sure missed someone great, this band is exciting and new and their voices fit beautifully, they will be around for quite some time, mark my words.

"Need You Now" was written by Dave Haywood, Josh Kear, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott. So basically the band wrote the song along with Josh Kear, who is well-known for writing quite a few country songs. You can almost tell this band wrote the song as they connect magically with the song, and you just feel every word go through you. The song is about needing your loved one and not wanting to be without him/her.

The music video is deep and thoughtful and just flows perfectly with the song. I love the use of the love interests and the fact that Dave Haywood hasn't had an argument or anything with his, and they're still going strong (there's always a friend who's still in a relationship). And this is sort of what makes Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley to go after their love interests.

I like the start, it makes you think that Charles and Hillary are the ones that are together, or was together and they're singing about one another. Then when they both rush to the masked ball, you think they're finally going to get back together, but then they find the ones they've been after... Well it's just a little disappointing, you build up all this hope and then you realise it's for no reason at all as they weren't together in the first place, however this is what makes it so great.

I love the piano with Dave Haywood, and the fact that they add those few key notes at the end, it's like it's settling everything back to the way it was.

So I have no choice but to give this music video this rating, it's very well deserved. The song managed to get to number 21 on the UK charts, which is a great chart position for a country band. And I'm sure they'll get higher than that in the future at some point.

Buy on iTunes

The Band Perry - If I Die Young

March 13, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

The Band Perry is a new country music band from Mississippi in America (where a lot of country stars start up, but now they're making an impact over the ocean too). This band consists of Kimberly Perry, Neil Perry and Reid Perry. I find them quite exciting, and country is currently becoming more popular here in the UK. Thanks to the likes of Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Sugarland, we are now able to have our own Country chart, not only that but country stars such as Blake Shelton, The Civil Wars, and of course The Band Perry, can now have a crack over here. If you would have told these people last year that they'd be releasing in the UK with a bit of chart success they wouldn't have believed you.

There's some great bits, like the chasing through the plants, a suggestion of young love that the lyrics mention how she never got to really experience it (if she were to die young). And telling her family not to shed a tear as there may be a time when they're going to really need it. However I would have liked to have seen the river filled with roses as the lyrics suggests to "lay me down on a bed of roses".

Overall I love this song and I hope to hear more from this band, along with their amazing music videos. I also have this feeling that they'll hit it big here in the UK, just like Taylor Swift has, and who Kimberly Perry looks quite similar to, although that might be done to draw our attention in. But because I'm rating the top music video (as that's the one shown in the UK), I have to give this star rating, however if there was a bed of roses and/or the full version was shown in the UK, they would have got 5*'s from me.

Cascada - Miracle

March 11, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So again Cascada has grabbed my Sunday revisit, but why? Purely because no other artists from this week have released music videos in 2007 and earlier, and so we are back to Cascada. This was their first ever single, and it went international and became a big hit. Cascada is comprised of Natalie Horler, Manian (Manuel Reuter) and Yanou (Yann Peifer).

This song was written by Yann Peifer and Manuel Reuter. I have always thought this was a cover version, but obviously when I had heard it on the radio previously it must have been Cascada's song I was listening to, and that's what surprised me about this.

This music video is a typical, first international music video. It really hasn't got a lot going for it, and no wonder the music channels do not play this anymore, especially since Cascada has released much more interesting and engaging music videos recently.

There isn't much going on in this video, but there's quite a bit to like about it, which is a bit conflicting. I really like the mirrored scene, I think that's done really cleverly. I also like the "box tunnel" scene, as I call it.

But that's all the substance this music video has, which is a little disappointing for Cascada, especially since their recent videos are so much better, and this song is amazingly catchy.

Overall it's a good first international music video, but an extremely catchy song that you can't help but sing a long to. I very much doubt I'll be seeing this on the music channels in the future as there are far better Cascada music videos available, and I cannot wait to hear their new music.

Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know

March 10, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Gotye, real name Wouter De Backer, is Belgian-Australian, and has been going for a number of years. This is his first international single, gaining number ones everywhere including the UK chart, but I can't understand why it's so popular, but I guess it's what people like, and it's not my sort of music at all. Gotye collaborated with Kimbra, real name Kimbra Johnson, on this track. This is also her first international single, and so it'll be interesting where these two singers will end up, personally I don't see them surviving for long if they stick to this sort of music... But we'll see.

This song was written by Gotye himself, which means every single lyric he sings means something to him, and you can definitely tell that he is passionate about this song, as his emotions come over amazingly. The song is about reminiscing over times in a relationship, then he goes on to sing about hating the fact that he was treated like a "stranger" during the break-up. Kimbra's bit emphasises how she didn't enjoy the break-up either. I think a lot of people can relate to this song, and the fact that it sounds like they're having an argument makes people enjoy it even more. But I doubt I'll ever start to like this.

The music video creeps me out a bit, sometimes I eave, believe it or not. However it's clever and done  interestingly with the use of stop-motion animation. However I never quite watch this all the way through before now, and I just don't see how this is that great, it wouldn't be something I'd personally watch out of pleasure.

I think it is clever and must have taken a lot of time, as you can tell that they sped some of the bits up, I like the fact that we follow the lines and the colours, and the fact that Kimbra ends up having her colouring removed suggesting the break-up.

Overall there isn't a lot to say about this music video, it's clever but not my sort of thing. The song is at the top spot here in the UK, and again it's not my sort of song, but I reckon a lot of people can relate to it. I feel a little grossed out at this music video, as I presume a few people would be, but being realistic, it's not that bad of a music video, therefore it is worthy of this rating.

We Are The In Crowd - Both Sides Of The Story

March 09, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

We Are The In Crowd are a five-piece rock band, but what makes them stand out is the fact that they have two vocalists. They consist of Taylor Jardine, Jordan Eckes, Mike Ferri, Rob Chianelli and Cameron Hurley. They are quickly becoming known, and especially on here with the amount of blog posts I've already done. As you may be aware of DJD is a big fan of theirs, and I'm really interested what this band has coming up, I just know they're going to get onto the UK chart fairly soon.

This song was their first ever single, it is also the most played video from this band on the music channels. This is the first video I ever saw from this band, and I've been looking forward to reviewing it. The song was written by the band, with pretty surprising lyrics such as: "you're not quite Satan, but I really think I hate you".

The music video is an act of pure genius, and I don't see them topping it any time soon. I think it may have been on the low-budget side, especially since it was their first music video, but it's done amazingly and I don't know whether to laugh until I fall over or be grossed out by it. It's just incredible and well made.

I love the use of the social network site: Twitter. And I like the use of people (possibly fans) that are included in the video. There are very memorable parts, such as the guy sitting next to Taylor who picks his nose then eats it; to the guy who has a Japanese tattoo that was meant to say Peace, but instead says Pervert.

There's some bits that don't fit very well, such as the degrading music videos clip, and the Patronus at the end where he's a magician... It just doesn't quite add up. As for the performance side of things, I have to laugh at some of the comments on the video, such as Jordan's tight leg-ware and the fact that people are agreeing that they'll never love anyone more than they love music.

Overall I like this music video lots, but some of the clips don't necessarily add to the video and there could have been better clips. I kind of feel sorry for Cameron Hurley who had to step into the muck... Was it the luck of the straw? Anyway, this music video is well created, and is worthy of 5 stars however because not everything fits as well as it should I'm going to give it this rating.

Cascada - Au Revoir

March 08, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Cascada is a 3-piece dance act that comprises of Natalie Horler, Manian (Manuel Reuter) and Yanou (Yann Peifer). As you may have guessed I'm quite a big fan of their music, and have created quite a few blog posts on this band. I always thought, after buying the album, that this would have been their next single, and it sounds like the sort of song that would put them high in the UK charts, unfortunately, with lack of promotion, the song failed to make it. The album "Original Me" is an amazing album, and I can't stop listening to it. There are collaborations with Carlprit, that throw off the scent of a possible single, that would surely have made number one, but it looks like they're going to start on a new album, and hopefully a great comeback in the UK.

The song was written by Manuel Reuter, Yann Peifer and Allan Eshuijs, who has worked with Cascada in the past, on a few hit singles. Personally I think this is one of the most catchiest songs on the album, and I'm interested in Cascada's new album and what would be in store for us.

The music video is interesting, as it's not the sort of video you expect from Cascada (but neither was "Fever", which was another single that failed to get onto the UK chart). It looks like they had fun with it, and I have to admit it is quite a good music video, but this was the only promotional work Cascada did for this song here in the UK, and the music channels didn't think much of it. I am totally surprised it came onto the music channels today.

The best thing about this music video is that we see Natalie Horler have choreographed dance moves. It is the first time we've seen her dance in a music video, leaving sceptics realising she can dance and she's very good at it. It's nice to see it, and I hope it appears more in Cascada's upcoming music videos.

As for the story, it's pretty good, I like the fact that Natalie Horler teases guys in the corridor, and then does a tango-styled dance. I like the wink at the end, it's reminiscent of Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell". And the first few seconds makes us think we're watching Michael Jackson's "Thriller". It's all very good, but it's missing that Cascada spark, and it's just lacking that special bit.

Overall it's a very good music video, and links in slightly with the song, although there could have been more of a narrative (however that is what we expect from Cascada). I like the fact that we actually see Natalie Horler dance, and I cannot wait to find out what's around the corner for these guys.

Buy on iTunes

Adele - Rolling In The Deep

March 07, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Adele, real name Adele Adkins has quickly become one of the biggest UK artists. She has won a number of awards, and I can't see her being stopped anywhere in the future. She recently undergone surgery on her throat due to vocal hemorrhage. A lot of celebrities took to Twitter and Facebook to show their support to her. She came out fine, and she is a lot better now.

This song never got to number one here in the UK, surprisingly. I'd go as far as saying that it's her signature song. I am reviewing it today because it came on the music channels, but also Linkin Park did an amazing cover version that has got people comparing the two and totally splitting them up on which ones better. They are both pretty emotional and so I'll let you all decide (for the Linkin Park review, click here). The song was written by Adele and Paul Epworth. Paul Epworth has written a number of songs, but he hasn't written many well known ones, which is why I've never heard of him before today. But I'm looking forward to seeing what may be around the corner. This song is emotional and carries through perfectly, I just think something is missing...

The music video is a shot of pure gold, it is perfect in every way and links emotively, exactly how we want it to be. And what do you expect from such a great song? There's a lot to like about this video and I like the simplicity of it and the difficult complexities that can be found, I have to admit it looks difficult to create, but works effortlessly.

This video reminds me a lot of Demi Lovato's "Skyscraper". It's so simplistic but held with emotion that it's amazing. I love the drummer and how the drums makes the water move. I love the empty room, suggesting Adele's lonely and has an empty heart. I like the ballet dancer, it's brings the effortless effect, but also portrays the feelings that was put into this song.

It's all just so perfect. My one thing is the crockery, I know it suggests angry and usually people throw stuff such as plates and other cooking wares, but it just seems a bit out of place. But I do like how the editing has matched it in time to the beat.

Overall, this is a great and moving video, is the original song better than Linkin Park's cover? I'm not sure, I think they are both as worthy as one another. I expect Tink09 is happy I have finally done this video, as she is a fan of Adele's music, along with the rest of the world. I have to give this video this rating, I really have no choice.

Big Time Rush Featuring Mann - Music Sounds Better With U

March 06, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Big Time Rush has been attempting to hit the UK charts for a while now, and haven't been doing all that good. So while the UK's boy band: One Direction, goes over to the states; Big Time Rush releases a majorly catchy song that is worthy of a big chart position. This song is going to be big, especially since the music channels can't get enough of it. The band consists of 4 members, who are: Kendall Schmidt, James Maslow, Carlos Pena Jr., and Logan Henderson. This song is their best so far in my opinion, and I reckon that if they stick to these sorts of songs, they will be an international band. Mann features on this song, real name Dijon Shariff, and raps great to the song, I was expecting something different so when he started rapping I was really surprised. The song is very catchy and I know it will do really well here in the UK I think, depending on when it will be released.

This music video is really interesting  it's both narrative and performance, and it's very noticeable. It links in well with the song especially since they're at a party and having fun. I also like the fact that each guy has a girl, (think One Direction needs to take notes!)

There are 2 different parts to this music video, and it's edited well. There is the party scene, that links in with the song and they each have a girl they are with. I like the photo shoot as it's classy but funny and clever. I also like the fact that we follow each pair before they're all together.

As for the performance/choreographic scene, this is neat, tidy and really controlled, they have a set of choreography and repeat it at certain points, which is interesting and allows people to learn it and copy it, which is always the added bonus in music videos like this one.

As for the bit where Mann comes into it... Well to be honest I don't really see the point in it (pretty much the same with Travie McCoy in StooShe's new song "Love Me"), I think it could be done without, however I reckon these collaborations happen because they need more promotion and need to get more people to buy the single, therefore the sales from a collaboration allows 2 sets of fans to buy the single, rather than just the one. Although, I think this still would be a hit without Mann.

Overall, this is a great song and I'll be very surprised if it doesn't chart here in the UK. The music video is a good representation, and I'm not sure what else could have been done with the video. I'm trying to find a bad thing to say about the video, but there isn't one, so I have no choice but to award five stars. Can't wait for what's around the corner for these guys.

Katy Perry - Teenage Dream

March 05, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Katy Perry is becoming a big artist now, and it's hard to keep up with her. Her actual name is Katy Hudson, but she uses Katy Perry as her star name because she thought her name sounds too close to Kate Hudson's. I like how catchy her songs are becoming, and I'm sure she's going to be around for a very long time. She has recently got divorced from UK's Russell Brand, and she wrote a song about him "Part Of Me" that I can't wait to be released here in the UK.

Teenage Dream was written by Katy Perry, Laukas Gottwald (A.K.A Dr. Luke), Max Martin, Benjamin Levin and Bonnie McKee. Again we have the formidable Dr. Luke and Max Martin cllaboration, who are best known for a number of amazing songs. This one is subtle and really interesting, and the perfect follow up to California Gurls.

This music video is a great representation of the song, it links in amazingly, and I congratulate the people who came up with the idea, as there wasn't any other way of doing this. It's completely narration, but that is perfectly fine, and totally expected from a pop music video.

The story paints the picture of a teenage couple getting together, I like the idea that we see where it started but not at the beginning, it makes this stand out and is different from other narrative videos. Katy Perry's on-screen boyfriend is played by model Josh Kloss, who is attempting to get into acting.

There's some bits that is really good, such as when they're driving in the car, I really want to just sit in a convertible, just once in my life, and it has to be very very sunny. I also like the beach scene as that looked like great fun.

This music video links in well with the song, and it makes a change to find a video that is a great representation of the song, so I have no choice to give this the rating it deserves, I hope everyone agrees.

New Release: Stooshe Featuring Travie McCoy - Love Me

March 05, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Stooshe are the new girl band on the block, ready to storm the charts like mad. They follow after Little Mix, who managed a number one thanks to The X Factor. It's definitely the year for girl bands. Stooshe is a pop group consisting of 3 members who are Alexandra Buggs, Karis Anderson and Courtney Rumbold. They were put together last year, and although they have already released one single (that didn't do all that well), this one is known as their first single, and it's going to be big, if it isn't already.

The song "Love Me" was originally called "Fuck Me" and was first released on YouTube, however it wasn't released as a single, deciding to choose "Betty Woz Gone" instead. It was then re-recorded with additional vocals from no other than Travie McCoy (known for "Billionaire") and has been released on iTunes this week. The song was written by Alexandra Buggs, Darren Lewis, Iyiola Babalola, Joe Perry and Karis Anderson.

The music video isn't amazing, I have to admit that, but it is good and links in with the song, but there's just alarm bells that ring, pronouncing that it's a low-budget video. However, the girls have made it look a lot better, and although they don't look like they suit one another, with no prominent girl band style, it really works. But I definitely suggest they need to look more like a group, the individual band members look totally different, and suggests that they're more of a collaboration group than an actual girl band, suggesting that they may split up in the future, fingers crossed that doesn't actually happen.

This music video is set, in what looks like a hotel, and the girls are both staff, and guests. The corridor makes me laugh, as it is quite narrow, and the girls can barely fit, and it's so funny when they come to a doorway/arch as they have to go through it one at a time.

Travie McCoy adds his spin to things, although I don't know how it helps, if Stooshe did it all by themselves, with no collaboration, I reckon it would have been better. I also like the fact that the guest Stooshe's all have their own rooms and are doing their own thing, however it furthers the point I made about them not being a collective girl group.

Overall, there isn't a lot to say about this music video, it looks low-budget and not in a good way. The song is catchy and interesting, but the video isn't so.

Buy on iTunes

David Guetta Featuring Chris Willis - Love Is Gone

March 04, 2012 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

David Guetta, first name Pierre, has been chosen as my Sunday revisit... Why? Well It was an act of elimination, he is the only artist, from this week (apart from XTM), who has released a single before 2008, so I'm starting to get worried, as one week I might end up with no one for a Sunday revisit, and I'll be stuck on that day. A lot of people prefer the old David Guetta, personally I think I'd have to agree, although I wouldn't have been able to identify any of his songs, but now searching them up on YouTube I do know a lot of them. Again this is a collaboration with Chris Willis, him and David Guetta have collaborated since the start, so I'm interested what he'll be like without David...

This song managed to get to number 9 in the UK chart, and I've heard it a number of times but never identified it as David Guetta until now. The lyrics were written by Chris Willis, whereas the music was written by David Guetta, Frédéric Reisterer and Joachim Garraud. This seems like a very common collaborated writing team. This song is really catchy and I bet it has been remixed a number of times.

This music video is really good and understandable, whenever I've caught it on the music channels I have always missed the start of it, and so now that I've seen it from start to finish, I realise that everything now makes sense, although there are quite a few weird customers in that restaurant.

For anyone who is wondering... The actress in the video is Kelly Thiebaud, who is known for Hostel Part III, The Secret Life Of An American Teenager, Days of Our Lives, Chuck, and many other acting credits. She is a good actress, and I cannot believe that guy dumped her, but then again some people just aren't that clever.

The customers in this video are definitely not right, maybe there's something dodgy in the restaurant? Maybe it's the waitress who sets it all off? I don't know, but it is quite funny to watch, and I always laugh at the bald guy with the cowboy hat, even though I know it's coming up, I can't help but laugh.

As for the ending, it's quite heart-breaking, she's had a rough day at work, and she comes out and see her now ex-boyfriend there with some flowers, next few seconds you realise he's waiting for someone else, and you get a bit angered by it. Which shows you connect with the main character.

Overall this music video is definitely really good, and interesting, I could watch it again and again, while listening to that amazing song. I'm surprised it only got to number 9, but then again at least it didn't do worse. I'm knocking one star off, purely because not everything in that restaurant is right, and it's just a bit on the weird side.