Mandia Nantsios - One Last Time

February 28, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So where did this girl come from? Out of the blew I got a follow from a certain person called Mandia Nantsios on twitter. I took my time exploring and finding out more about her, as I'm used to getting bands and artists following me and then when I follow them back they soon unfollow me. But after a bit of time Mandia Nantsios is still following me, so I thought it was about time to reviewed her...

Mandia Nantsios is only 16 years old, I don't quite believe that from this video, but I guess she must be. She's another Canadian star (quite a few of those popping up now), but one who has set her sights high, and one who will definitely be achieving them pretty much soon. Everyone step aside, because the biggest new thing is staring us right in the face, and she's ready to capture the world.

"One Last Time" is written by James Fauntleroy, but it is totally been made for Mandia Nantsios. Her vocal range makes this video so emotionally great that you are captured in seconds, and her power is effortlessly expressive. This is her second single, her first being "Never Again". I thought this was going to be a typical sixteen-year-old, high school crush song, but hell, I was so wrong. The song reminds me a lot of JoJo's "Leave (Get Out)" and the music video isn't too different either.

We are so use to seeing the typical high school crush music video. It's usually a singer's first music video, and she seems to be following in the footsteps of greatness. Britney Spears did this type of music video for "...Baby One More Time", JoJo did it for "Leave (Get Out)", Paramore with "Misery Business" and Stacie Orrico with "Stuck". There are many more, some become big stars, others disappear. However Mandia Nantsios will definitely be on everyone's lips soon enough.

This videos quite different though, instead this manages to link in with the song perfectly, with a nice added twist, which is always great to have. Mandia and Paul (the male lead), have been together and they keep breaking up and saying goodbye, only to reunite not long after. But she has had enough and have decided to break it off for good and say goodbye one last time.

All the markings are the amount of times they have broke up and got back together, only surely there is way too many lines, surely they've split up and got back together every single day for a year, maybe even longer and more frequent with the amount of markings. Of which reminds me of another music video: New Found Glory's "Kiss Me".

The choreography, is amazing, the professional dancers are so detailed and concise that you can't help but marvel at their dancing. As for Mandia Nantsios' dancing with her 'friends', they seem to be bringing back the dancing children can easily copy, which is totally dated and would've fitted 10-15 years ago, however we kind of need this back in the videos, and I'm all for it. Not only that, but they seem to be bringing back Double Denim too.

Overall a song that caught me by surprise and of which I shall be downloading this week. And a music video that also caught me by surprise, and has a unique twist to it that I can't help but enjoy. I have no faults for this video and everything is exactly perfect. It looks like I've found my next "Artist of the Month" for March...

Rudenko - Everybody

February 27, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Rudenko, real name Leonid Rudenko, is a Russian DJ. He hit the UK charts in 2008 with this song and it's flirtatious music video, managing to score number 24, and yes I do remember buying the single. Since then he has released more singles and there's a possible album around the corner, however everyone just remembers this song, and none of his other singles have charted in the UK at all. If I had to guess why that is then I would be pointing at the video, it was shown a lot on the music channels, and I guess people loved the video just as much as the song and bought it.

"Everybody" was written by Leonid Rudenko, Kelly Barnes and Alexander Pearls. Kelly Barnes provided the vocals for the song, but after searching on the Internet, I am still not sure who she is, and whether she has sung on any other songs. She is also not the person lip-syncing in the video. Which is also what happened in Wiley Featuring Ms. D's "Heatwave". So who is she? The song is obviously isn't implicit in the meaning, and so I shall not go there since if you don't get it, I'm sure the video will help you with that.

Right, so the video links in well with the song, of course it does. Except it may be a lot more typical than you may think. As From Above, with their song "Not The Same Girl" is pretty similar but with more narrative and Little Mix also did it with "DNA", not only that but Danny & Freja's "If Only You" takes this to a new high. I'm sure there is more examples, but it suggests that we are totally fine with showing girls kidnapping guys and possibly torturing them (take that in any sense you wish). Yet some videos are banned such as Britney Spears' "Criminal" due to the showing of guns... Sometimes I can't quite get my head around the UK's decisions on some music videos.

The main dancer, who also lip-syncs to the music, is Charleene Rena. She is now known as 11ven, and trying out a singing career. She's a good dancer, and extremely sexy too, however I can see why she would want to move away from that line of work, especially since the reaction from this music video alone, and I guess there's worse about.


The choreography is expressive and all in sync, the commonality of a guy strapped to a chair is shown obsessively through-out various music videos, on the other hand this music video goes all out and makes it much more flirtatious and almost S&M if you want to take it there. And surely the ending suggests such a thing.

Overall a song that is quite daring but worked and should've pushed this guy into fame, instead he's only known for this song and it's music video, and sometimes people haven't got a clue who sung the song but remembers this video. The music video is equally daring, and links with the song perfectly. The only thing I don't like is that the person who's lip-syncing is not the person who provided the vocals.

Inna - Wow

February 26, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

This song has been stuck in my head all day, and so why shouldn't I review this music video? The disappointment with this song is that it has yet to be released in the UK, and by the looks of things it never will. However in 2012, it was released as a promotional single for her album, but it soon disappeared from the iTunes store.

Inna, real name Elena Apostoleanu, is a Romanian singer, who I have followed since her first UK single release of "Hot". Since she has had a number of hits in the UK, but recently her songs have failed to enter the UK chart, along with her second album. This begs to question whether she will ever make a comeback to the UK, or will she dwindle in Romania, leaving UK fans, and other worldwide fans upset that they may never be able to download her new album or any of her new singles.

"Wow" was written by Sebastian Barac, Marcel Botezan and Radu Bolfea. And it is definitely one of those songs that could've done well in the UK. If 3beat records were to carry on releasing her singles, this one would be next in line. But as we all know, 3beat records jumbled up the first nine singles, so I should stop predicting which one will be next. As I mentioned above, this was released as a promotional single to her second album by Roton Romania. It was released along side promotional singles of: "Alright", "OK" and "Caliente" (the latter being both a radio single and an remix EP). I'm so glad I downloaded them all in time, as they soon disappeared with the release of 'I Am The Club Rocker' album. The song is one of my favourites from the album as it's extremely catchy, hence why it's been stuck in my head all day.

I was worried when I started watching this music video. It looks like I'm watching a children's music video such as Cartoon's version of "Witch Doctor". This looks very low budget. But as the music video progresses, we realise the budget was thrown at the extras. And it may have been intentional as it looks like we're watching a pantomime...

The music video shows three iconic children's stories. These stories are forever shown in pantomimes, they include, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', 'Alice In Wonderland' and 'The Wizard of Oz'. Although they missed one pantomime that's just as crucial, and that's 'Cinderella', how did they miss that one out?

Inna changes the characters of Snow White, Alice and Dorothy, into quite sultry, sexy and sleek personalities. Not only that but a great singer and dancer empowering everyone including The Hatter from Alice In Wonderland (who reminds me a lot of Johnny Depp's portrayal of the character in the 2010 film).

Many music video's have done these storylines in their music videos such as Avril Lavigne's "Alice" is 'Alice In Wonderland' along with Daisy Dares You's "Number One Enemy", which features Chipmunk, and Rizzle Kick's "Dreamers". Ivi Adamou's "La La Love" takes inspiration from 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs'. I'm sure there's portrayals of 'The Wizard of Oz' however I have not yet come across them. All these videos unfortunately makes Inna's portrayal look amateurish and maybe a little on the childish side due to the background. On the other hand, they really can't compete with Inna's sex appeal.

Overall a song that should hit the UK charts hard if they ever release it. But a music video that fails to meet expectations as it has no link with the song. The portrayal of the characters is very interesting, turning them away from their dainty side as we all know them to be. As the video progresses we get used to the video's scenery and start to enjoy it for what it is, and so I feel this rating is more than generous.

Buy on iTunes

Bridgit Mendler - Ready Or Not

February 25, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Bridgit Mendler is new to the UK, she has had a few hits in America, but she is most known for her television acting roles in Good Luck Charlie, playing Teddy Duncan. And her role in Wizards of Waverly Place as Juliet van Heusen. She is also known in films such as Labour Pains, Alice Upside Down, and most notably Lemonade Pains. Now she's embarking on a singing career with her solid fan-base from Lemonade Mouth, she has become quite popular in the states and over here, even managing to get her US second single to chart here in the UK as "Deteminate" Featuring Adam Hicks got to number 198. However her first two singles, which includes "Somebody" was released as part of Lemonade Mouth. Now she's embarking on her own, and you could go as far as saying that this is her first single.

"Ready Or Not" was written by Bridgit Mendler, Emanuel "Eman" Kiriakou and Evan "Kidd" Bogart. The song samples the Fugees song "Ready Or Not". The song is about no longer waiting for the world to come after you, and going after the world yourself. There's a romantic twist to it too, as she goes out to find the guy she's been waiting for. I first heard this song on The X Factor (US) when Bridgit Mendler performed during the Live Shows, I remember liking it and being disappointed at the thought it might never be released in the UK, guess I was wrong. The song reminds me of something Ashlee Simpson would release and it looks like it's going to chart next week (as that's when it's released in the UK), as it's very popular over here so I am definitely buying this.

The music video isn't what you expect, and although it links slightly, you kind of want to know what they win at the end after all they've just done, as well as finding the romantic side, which there was none of.

This whole scavenger thing looks fun, I want to do it too. The only similar thing I've done is a zombie experience day in the city centre of Birmingham called "2.8 Hours Later". On the other hand there's a few things I didn't like...

The scavenger hunt looks like it's filmed good, however after closer inspection, we don't always stick to Bridgit Mendler and her team, not only that but the other team that is filmed has a total different set of instructions. As well as that they don't all complete their required tasks, or they did but they edited them out.

The use of the Polaroid camera is fun, and I always like seeing them being used in music videos.

Overall a great song that will definitely chart next week. It's accompanying music video is missing the romantic side, and they do all these tasks and get nothing out of it, by the looks of things. Not only that but we never get the satisfaction of seeing all the tasks completed. On the other hand, it's fun, but maybe a bit on the forgettable side, I have now watched it four times, and I still can't remember everything that went on.

New Release: Paramore - Now

February 25, 2013 Critic Jonni 1 Comments

Paramore hasn't released an album since 2010, three years away from music has shown how they have developed, we had the big song "Monster" and then that was followed by The Singles Club EP in 2011. Since then they have been working on their fourth album which is self-titled. Paramore are a three piece band consisting of Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis. This is their first single from their new album. "Now" is a different sound to what we expect from Paramore, but just as addicting.

This music video is not at all what I was expecting, but then again I'm getting used to this. Paramore is such a big name now, that they have a high budget on their videos, with the amount of extras in this and the hard work that has clearly gone into this, you can tell the typical videos from the start of their career should be gone and lost, as they set towards an amazing new future.

This war themed video expresses the lyrics of the song, taking the original meaning and flipping it to an equally disturbing, but very real, literal meaning.

War can be seen as scary, but life is like a war, with conflicting issues between people, however it also shows that people split into teams, siding with certain people, such as Jeremy and Taylor helping Hayley get closer and closer to the soldier who's hoping to kill her.

I have to admit, I am very fond of some parts, such as showing that she gets knocked down twice, but does she give up? Hell no, she gets back up and is ready to achieve what she came there to do.

The ending is definitely my favourite part, it shows that a bit of love is all that everyone needs from time to time, and that hug she gives to the soldier stops the war.

Overall, a song that is not what we're used to hearing from this band, but something that's influential and undeniably catchy. The music video completes the song exactly the way it should, and it's hard to imagine these two apart, as they coincide perfectly. I have nothing bad to say about this music video, and therefore there's only one rating this video is worthy of.

David Guetta Featuring Sia - She Wolf (Fall To Pieces)

February 22, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

David Guetta, real name Pierre David Guetta, is a name that is on everyone's lips and will be until the end of time, he has made such an impact on the music industry, that it's difficult for him to disappear, and for him to get better, that's just as impossible. But if anyone can do it, it's him. This song is his second to most recent, the latest being "Just One Last Time" featuring Taped Rai. So where is he now? My guess is that he's touring in some place or another, or he is working on a new album, maybe he is doing both... This song features singer Sia, full name Sia Furler, who's been working on her career for quite some time, however she is finally scoring the success she is definitely entitled to. Will she continue to be the next big thing, or has she already soared past that, and will disappear once again? I am hoping it's the former and not the latter.

"She Wolf (Fall To Pieces)" was written by David Guetta, Chris Braide, Sia Furler and Giorgio Tuinfort. It's not one of those instantly catchy songs, and it fails to meet my standards, it's more of an album tack (in my eyes) than a single, however each to their own right? The song managed to get to number eight in the UK, which is pretty good considering.

The music video is narrative, reminding me of similarities with "Titanium", in which both artists previously collaborated on. It is yet again part of the supernatural, involving Werewolves, this time, hence the title 'She Wolf'.

Hands up I don't like this video, however I can appreciate what it is. They have made the storyline more life like and surprising. The thought that cavemen used to go out and hunt wolves is surprising, but it even happens nowadays and yet we pretend it isn't.

The thing that sets this out as something for me to dislike is the editing, and the use of the Werewolf's supernatural powers, everything goes pixelated, so much so that it becomes obsessively so, and turns me off. However this can totally been seen a different way and people actually like this sort of thing.

Overall a song that isn't that amazing, along with a video that coincides with the song in it's amazingness. It's just not my thing, on the other hand it's other people's thing, and taking that into account compared to the bad music videos I have reviewed in the past, they are far worse. And so this rating is based on an overall concept and not my personal feelings.

Sash! Featuring Stunt - Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)

February 21, 2013 Critic Jonni 3 Comments

Sash!, real name Sascha Lappessen, was a big hit in the 90's claiming top 10's in most of his singles, along with a nomination for a Brit Award for 'Best International Male' in 1998. His hits include "Encore Une Fois", "Ecuador", "Stay", "La Primavera", "Mysterious Times", "Move Mania", "Adelante" and "Just Around The Hill". So when he returned in 2008, none of the new generation (including me) knew who he was. But this song was catchy, and I had already been introduced to Basshunter, Platnum and September (all of which were on the same record label as Sash!) it was only right this song did just as well. Stunt is a dance music project consisting of producers Gary Johnson, Scott Chester, Simon Willis and Dave Valler. Molly Smitten-Downes provides the vocals to every single Stunt has released, however she is not notably known for being in the band Stunt, as she is also searching for her own solo career. Stunt's following singles which were "I'll Be There" and "Fade Like The Sun" unfortunately didn't chart, although they received quite a lot of music channel play when they were released, which begs the question: why did they not chart?

"Raindrops (Encore Une Fois)" managed to reach number nine in the UK chart. It's a mash up provided by Kindvater, according to the single information, of Sash!'s original song "Encore Une Fois" and Stunt's song "Raindrops". The two songs coincide perfectly and hence why such a high charting was received. As of yet, in the five years that have passed, none of these acts have achieved a higher charting position since, however I have faith that Stunt will return full force with an amazing new dance track, especially with an album that has yet to be released. Failing that Molly Smitten-Downes is such a great singer, she might have a chance at making it on her own.

This music video reflects everything and more. There's also narrative and performance and surprisingly, the latter features both acts. This is definitely one video that I'm not going to be able to fault.

Much like Cascada, Stunt has a front woman, and Molly Smitten-Downes takes full credit for video purposes of Stunt, therefore giving the misconception that Stunt is a solo project by Molly. This also happens to Natalie Horler, who fronts Cascada. She sings the song, and dances occasionally. Not only that but there is some good imagery when she's singing and is sitting down. When I first saw this, I thought she was sitting on the end of a pier, with the ocean's tide was out and the beach underneath. Closer inspection now reveals she's on what looks like the end of a bed frame (but could be a bench or a couch, considering the other end of it), and what I thought was sand is merely the floor, and it's just spotlights behind her. Managing to portray something else in a certain snap-shot scene is incredibly hard even for film makers, except this director of the music video pulls it off perfectly.

As for Sash!'s performance, he is seen behind the DJ deck much like Basshunter is for "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted".

The narrative follows two people who meet in a club, and they soon get together. I like how they run up the stairs and run into a couple kissing passionately exactly what they were planning to do. Up they go again and they find a spot to get together. Next the guy pushes the fire alarm and the sprinklers rain on everyone, only no one leaves the club, instead they dance more vigorously. If only this would happen to me in a club, I can dream right?

If anyone knows who played the characters in the story of this music video, please comment below, I am intrigued to find out their names.

Overall a catchy song that is definitely worthy of that chart number. But also a music video that relates to clubbing, to raining (or raindrops in this case), and everything else. I like the inclusion of both artists, and I just can't fault this video at all.

Basshunter - I Miss You / Jingle Bells

February 20, 2013 Critic Jonni 1 Comments

Basshunter, the next instalment. I haven't reviewed one of his music videos in ages, and since I was struggling to think up a music video, I looked through my drafts and found this one.

 Basshunter, real name Jonas Altberg, has been suffering in the UK chart, it's the only word I can link with the artist. He used to be on Hard2Beat Records (later changed to Dance Nation Records), but by the looks of things the record label has shut down, moving it's artists on to All Around The World Productions, amongst others. This new record label is known for artists such as Cascada, Eric Saade, Tulisa and N-Dubz. By the looks of things, they haven't been doing much promotion for these artists, although it's not always their fault. Hopefully they can make a turn around soon.

"I Miss You" and "Jingle Bells" were released together in the UK, so they both share the same video ("Jingle Bells" video can be found at the bottom of this blog post). So in theory they both count as Basshunter's 4th single release in the UK. "I Miss You" features vocals from Lauren Dyson. It charted at 32, with "Jingle Bells" following in number 35 on the UK chart. Not brilliant, but not too bad nonetheless.

The music video continues our story, so let's do a RECAP! "Now You're Gone" music video started off with Aylar Lie and Lucas Thorheim breaking up by text. Their friends invite them out clubbing and coincidence or not they end up in the same club, and Aylar invites Lucas for a dance. "All I Ever Wanted" they go on holiday to Spain. They have fun with water guns and dressing up. They go clubbing and Lucas starts talking to a "mate's cousin", but we don't think Aylar buys that story. "Angel In The Night" starts with the break up of Aylar and Lucas (again via text). Aylar meets Basshunter and there's a connection. They have a street race and Basshunter impresses her by winning and then singing, but what is next for this great couple? Well it seems Christmas is what's around the corner. Again texting starts this video (this is a common theme in these videos, either it's at the start or at the end). The text reads "Sorry babe, I can't make it back for xmas. Jonas xx", and then he surprises her by throwing a snowball at the video.

This is a typical Christmas, with snowball fights, and Christmas presents. We get a nice surprise with the jacuzzi and turning the Norwegian log cabin into a Christmas house party. But once again we see the guy who Basshunter raced against in "Angel In The Night" (his name is still unknown to me, if anyone knows please comment below). And this guy thinks he is still in with a chance with Aylar, but who is he kidding? Basshunter soon steps in his way, and we finally say goodbye to this guy, he never appears in another Basshunter video (yet).

Overall a song that didn't get the credibility it deserved, it should have charted higher, and Lauren Dyson should've been pushed into mainstream success. The music video is probably one of my favourite videos, bringing the spirit of Christmas along with it. However I feel it doesn't link that well with the song "I Miss You", I think it fits with "Jingle Bells" but the former should've had a different video. Although, it was released around Christmas time, and since it's a video for both singles, I kind of feel I have no choice but to give this rating.

Buy on iTunes

Buy on iTunes

M83 - Reunion

February 19, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

I reviewed M83 last week for the song "Midnight City", since this song and music video is the follow-up, doing a Basshunter theme and continuing the video on to the next song, I thought it was only right I should review it this week. The band is French and consists of Anthony Gonzalez, Jordan Lawlor, Morgan Kibby, Loïc Maurin and Ian Young. They have quite a big fan base, and have charted a few times in the UK.

"Reunion" was written by Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez and Morgan Kibby. the song is about being with someone, possibly being together, but this is definitely not reflected in this music video.

I have to admit, I like seeing music videos that follow on from one another. Basshunter has made it unique to himself, and I can't help thinking that the videos that do this is sort of copying him.

The previous music video didn't have a good enough ending, in my opinion, so I was hoping this one would wrap it all up, but guess I was wrong, since the ending has nothing for me to flow with. Does this mean another music video, if not already, will continue the story?

Not much happens in this one, we see good and evil, and we lose one of our children we saw in the first video "Midnight City". We see a stand off between the children and the handlers who want to capture them (maybe to experiment on them?) The stand off is interesting, it shows different powers, and a battle for the floating car is interesting, although somehow at the end we end up with more children with powers, how did that happen?

I like how good wins over evil, although this is a constant shown in all media, personally evil should win at least once, because that's life sometimes although everything works out in the end, if you let it.

Overall, I'm not impressed with the song, once again not my sort of thing, and it never charted in the UK, so clearly I'm not the only one who didn't think it was that good. The accompanying music video is a perfect continuation of "Midnight City", but it lacks connection with the song, and again the ending is left open, leaving us unsure if there will be another follow-on.

Avicii Vs. Nicky Romero - I Could Be The One

February 18, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Avicii, real name Tim Bergling but is also known as Tim Berg, has been a constant on this blog, always appearing now and again, and usually getting high ratings from me, this music video will not be an exception. He has had lots of various hits on the UK chart, but this is his first number one, and it is well deserved. As for Nicky Romero, real name Nick Rotteveel, he is a Dutch DJ and has slowly increased his popularity, so much so that he is currently up there with David Guetta, now this song has definitely pushed him into the public eye, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get charting success within the next few years.

"I Could Be The One" was originally called "Nicktim" before the vocals were added. The vocals were provided by Swedish singer Noonie Bao. The song was written by Nicky Romero, Arash Pournouri, Avicii, Linus Wiklund, Jonnali Parmenius and Måns Wredenber, few of which are familiar as they have been referenced in my blog before. The song is really catchy and it charted at number one in the UK last week, and the summer hit has definitely brought the sunshine with it as the sun has been out with a bright blue sky, a rarity for the UK, finally the summer is coming.

This music video is pure narrative. It's quite unique, and not something I was expecting, but shouldn't I start getting used to this sort of thing? Since all of Avicii's music videos are never something normal, although I don't think he'll ever be able to top "Dancing In My Head" which was Eric Turner Vs. Avicii, never have I been so shocked to watch a music video.

I like the start, and the fact that words are used proving it isn't just music. This is what I like about Avicii, his music videos are thought about long and hard, and a lot of details go into them. I like the constant repeat showing us what her everyday life is like. But I get confused when the dream first comes in, wondering what has happened, although, it soon becomes clear.

I like the dream side, it shows the potential she has and she must have had a lot of fun filming that side of the scenes, and then when she goes crazy you can't help but laugh, especially with everything flying here, there and everywhere.

I have to agree with some of the comments, the ending is a little disappointing, but then again you don't expect it, but couldn't they have thought up something more imaginable?

Overall a worthy number one that has got everyone playing and talking about it. The music video is shockingly great, as all Avicii music videos are. I have no negative comments, so you can see where I'm heading with this rating can't you?

New Release: Tyler James Featuring Kano - Worry About You

February 18, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Tyler James first became noticeable to me on The Voice UK, he was mentored by Will.I.Am and finished in 2nd place. Before then he had a bit of success with 3 singles all getting into the UK chart and an album, all in 2004/5. His highest charting single back then was "Foolish" at chart position 16 and it still is. Recently he released "Single Tear" which only managed to make it to number 28, however his new album managed to crack the UK chart this time around at 47. Now his follow-up single is released this week, and even though the song has been picked up by Radio 1, it still is not performing as well as everyone thought it would on the iTunes top 100.

This song features Kano, real name Kane Robinson, he has had a lot of chart success, not that I know any of his songs, but almost all his singles have charted and half of them entered the top 40 between 2005 and 2010. Recently he is working on his fifth album, we could potentially be seeing more of him.

"Worry About You" was written by Tyler James and Blair Mackichan according to the album credits. And I do find it effortlessly catchy, one of these songs that will be around for a while. However as I have previously stated, it is not performing well on the iTunes top 100, regardless of the fact that Radio 1 has been playing it a lot recently. So what is it this time? Well once again, I think the sales are split, half of them have gone and bought the single, which includes remixes and the rapping from Kano which is also seen in the video. Others have opted to download the song from the album, as most did in the last two weeks, managing to get the song alone to chart at number 52. But with these annoying split sales the charting position may not be as high as it would've been if it were released before the album. It just seems so unfair.

Throwing away the sexy, flirtatious side of Tyler we first saw in "Single Tear" we now see a man ready to take on the world to save his one true love. The music video is passionate and intriguing, and confusing all mashed into one.

I was watching it unsure of where this may be going, for all we knew the music video may not relate at all and it could've just been created. But that is not the case. His love interest has a serious gambling problem, and he doesn't know how to help her... It relates to the song perfectly... But I wonder where he gets this idea for the song from... As he had a famous friend called Amy Winehouse... And didn't she have a drug problem? Clearly she is watching over her friend and is trying to help him the way he helped her. Hopefully she'll haunt people all this week and make them buy the single from iTunes.

Overall, I can see why Radio 1 has picked up the song and are playing it often. It's one of those that will get stuck in your head, if only more people will download the single! The music video fits perfectly. I'm not quite sure what the role of Kano is, although maybe he was the one who told Tyler where his love interest was... Who knows? Anyhow, I've just realised that I can't give this music video anything other than this rating, I have no negative comments, only that it's different to his first single, but what do we expect?

Elliot Minor - Parallel Worlds

February 17, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Elliot Minor becomes my Sunday Revisit, purely because I don't think I'll have a chance to review this band again since they may never stop their hiatus. So instead, I hope The Dead Famous or Spirits will be reviewed on this blog soon, as one member from each of those bands were in Elliot Minor. The band consisted of Alex Davies, Ed Minton, Ed Hetherton, Dan Hetherton and Ali Paul. Dan is now in The Dead Famous and Alex is in Spirits. The other three are studying in various different places.

I chose this song as I thought it would only be fair to review their first single, as I reviewed their most recent "I Believe" on Friday. "Parallel Worlds" was written by Alex Davies and Ed Minton and is about supernatural ghosts in a room, as when they were at school an attic flat was believed to have been haunted according to Alex. This song got to number 31 in it's original release, but a year later it got re-released, scoring the band's 3rd best charting single at 21, following "Still Figuring Out" which got to 17 and "Jessica" which got to 19. The UK chart was being dominated by rock bands, but now there is no successful charting positions for them, hence why teenage memories of famous bands is just a past-time (for the moment, I have a feeling the rock age will swing around again at some point).

This is not the original music video since I have been struggling to find the original. I'm sure if I was pushed I'd eventually find it, but for now we have the re-released version, which is a lot better nonetheless.

There is both a narrative and a performance, but surprisingly it's all rolled into one. The band are ghosts and so are their instruments (funnily enough), but they can still manipulate real-life objects, scaring the people eating at the dinner time, if only they knew how lucky they were to have Elliot Minor performing in front of them.

On paper this sounds amazing, in the music video... It's just as good, it's engaging, clever and different to other videos, therefore making it stand out. The only critique I have is that I think the editing has made the scenes short and quick, I had to watch it twice to see if I missed anything the first time round as it's speedy and you don't realise what is happening until too far in, and then it all clicks.

Overall a catchy song that deserves that 21 charting position, however nowadays it would have no chance. The music video is hauntingly creepy and shocking, I can't help but laugh at the wine glass, definitely my favourite scene. Apart from the speedy cuts of the camera shots, I have nothing else negative to say, and I'm willing to let the camera cuts slide, so here's a very deserving rating.

Britney Spears - Born To Make You Happy

February 16, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Britney Spears seems to be a constant on my blog, so the fact that she hasn't appeared since October ("Scream & Shout" doesn't count), just shows how focused I have been. But this song has been haunting me for the last month. It keeps coming up on my iTunes Up Next; then I heard it in Tesco's; next it was played on Signal 1, the radio station my alarm goes off to in the morning; not only that but my friend always plays the song when she comes over, which is quite often. People describe this song as Jonni's song, as people believe that it's about me, only I was born to make everyone happy, not just one person. I guess it's true, it's definitely a me song.

"Born To Make You Happy" was written by Andreas Carlsson and Kristian Lundin. This song is so powerful, and I can see why people think it's about me, sadly it isn't, although it could well have been. The song is about a woman who wants to fix her relationship. The video is not quite the portrayal it could have been.

Now this YouTube video is out of sync, the lyrics of the song doesn't match with Britney's lips. They're a few seconds out, which really annoyed me. I am not entirely sure if that is in the original video shown on the music channels or if it is this version on YouTube. Since I don't know, it does not affect my rating (however if I were certain it was like that in the original, it would create a low rating, since this is the worse matching up I have seen).

I have never seen this video, believe it or not. I was quite surprised that I hadn't so this is something new.

There's narrative and performance, once again. I love the use of it all being a dream. I struggled finding the name of Britney's love interest, but after much researching, I found him, his name is Christopher Snyder. There's not much to the bedroom scene apart from slow walking, pillow fights and sleeping, but she clearly makes him happy (or is it the other way round? Who knows?)

The performance side is filled with choreography. I especially like the blue and silver room that has different level tables, it's quite futuristic and engaging, I think there should've been more scenes cut from that part. The choreography shown through-out seems too quick for the song and it's not easy to follow, which shows how good of a dancer Britney is, but also makes me think she's dancing to a remixed version which is sped up.

Overall this song means a lot to me, and I agree with my friends, it is a Jonni Song, and if people were to write a song about me, it would be similar to this as I am always trying to make everyone happy. The music video is missing a lot, the choreography is too quick and the scenes flit by, you have to try and make sure you catch it all, as if you blink you might just miss something.

Buy on iTunes

Elliot Minor - I Believe

February 15, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Elliot Minor is a band I have followed since their very first single "Parallel Worlds", since then they had a spike of popularity when the amazing song "Still Figuring Out" got released. Recently they are on a hiatus after their most recent album only managed to chart at number 73 and their accompanying singles failed to chart. The band consisted of Alex Davies, Ed Minton, Ed Hetherton, Dan Hetherton and Ali Paul. Ali has left the band indefinitely, and it is unknown if or when the band will reform. The band members are all doing different projects at the minute, Dan, at this time, is in a band called The Dead Famous, who have released two singles thus far. Alex has also formed a band called Spirits, they are currently using PledgeMusic to release their album. The other three band members are all studying. I sincerely hope that this band will reform, but by the looks of things, it seems unlikely.

"I Believe" was this band's last ever single, and it did not chart. Personally I think it's before it's time, and would've fit nicely to have been released next month as it is the perfect song to be included on the soundtrack to the film The Host. Unfortunately it looks like that won't be the case either. The song was written by Alex Davies.

This music video is up there, it's both narrative and performance based, however it's not something I was expecting. But then again I am currently reading The Host by Stephenie Meyer, so it's quite hard not to imagine a video quite similar to the book. This song NEEDS to become part of the soundtrack to this film!

The narrative side is quite the opposite to the performance side. Here we have a rock band playing instruments and singing a catchy song, on the other side we have someone performing ballet, however she has dark problems enveloping her and so ballet can be seen as a way to escape just like music can help people escape too.

Overall a song that needs to be on a certain film's soundtrack. It's accompanying music video has everything it needs to give me top marks, but I don't think there is a big enough link with the narrative and the song, so that is why I'm dropping one star. I still have my fingers crossed a reformation will happen sometime in the near future.

Of Monsters And Men - Little Talks

February 14, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Of Monsters And Men are a band from Iceland and have become quite well-known across the globe, their popularity just keeps getting bigger and bigger. They were a band of six members but one has left (apparently) so now they're down to five. But when the music video was recorded there was 6 members and so I shall list all of them. The members include Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, Ragnar þórhallsson, Brynjar Leifsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, Kristján Páll Kristjánsson and Árni Guðjónsson. This is definitely a band that shall be sticking around.

"Little Talks" was written by Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar þórhallsson. The song is their highest UK charting position to date at 12, and it is quite catchy, once again not my sort of thing, but it is very current. I can see this band becoming more and more successful!

The music video is definitely out of this world, not something I was expecting but it wasn't surprising and I think that was to do with the name of the band. You just can't help but think monsters will be involved in their videos and guess that was why I wasn't too shocked.

As you all well know I'm not a fan of black and white films or videos, and I rarely think it's a good idea. However in this case it is to make Nanna stand out as she is colourful and is like the guardian angel of the sky-sailors. I also like how she manages to change things into colour.

I like the narrative it's like a complete journey and kind of reminds me of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as the sky-sailors look like they're on a mission, plus their singing a song as the march. I also like how they always run into trouble, but manages to return the guardian angel to her home.

I thought the ending seemed unfocused. The ending looked like another monster was going to attack them, and maybe that is what happens afterwards and maybe the angel is actually not an angel in the first place. Personally I think the ending should've twisted what we knew and developed the story more.

Overall a great song that gets catchy the more I hear it. The accompanying music video is theatrically great and I have no problems against it since it stands out from the crowd and I've seen nothing like it ever before, and although it is repetitive, I'm prepared to let it slide and give this video top marks, since it clearly deserves it.

M83 - Midnight City

February 13, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

M83 are a five-piece band who has had international success with this song, however since then they have only had a few various charting singles, will this be the last we hear of them? The band consists of Anthony Gonzalez, Jordan Lawlor, Morgan Kibby, Loïc Maurin and Ian Young. They have released a number of albums and singles, but only few has charted and very little has reached across the seas to us in the UK. But this is a band that will start doing well soon. It's this sort of music people go looking for and this sort of music that is very current, it wouldn't surprised me if they have another spout of stardom in the next year or so.

"Midnight City" was written by Anthony Gonzalez, Yann Gonzalez, Morgan Kibby and Justin Meldal-Johnsen. I've heard it a few times before and it has been featured in a number of TV episodes and films, it's hard not to recognise the song, but it's also one that doesn't interest me, something I wouldn't normally go out of my way to listen to, however everyone has different music tastes and some people would like this whereas others won't. And that is the same with all music across the board. The song charted at number 34 in the UK, their previous singles "Run Into Flowers", "Don't Save Us From The Flames" and "Teen Angst" all managed to chart too at 199, 86 and 86 respectfully.

This music video is unusually different. It has elements to it that would never be found elsewhere. It also seems like there isn't much to this and yet it still manages to convey a strong narrative.

The video shows children who have gained telekinetic powers and they escape from a boarding school and manage to test their powers in an abandoned warehouse. Their eyes really capture me and reminds me of The Host, a book by Stephenie Meyer and soon to become a film released next month. It's like they get an inner strength and discover something new.

The ending scene is powerful but also slow moving and it is unable to end properly leaving us all to wonder what is next for these children. But all is forgiven in the follow-up single as "Reunion" has a follow-up music video that continues the story.

Overall a song that is very current and will be around for a while and it shall be used a lot more on TV and in film for the next few years, this is one song that refuses to disappear. The music video accompanies the song perfectly and manages to grab the audience as intended. Although the song is not to my taste and the video is definitely missing something, I have no choice but to give it this rating as it is a very powerful music video.

Sam Callahan - Runaway Train

February 12, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Sam Callahan first sparked my attention by appearing in a magazine. Since then I can't stop thinking about him, so I looked up his music on iTunes and on a whim bought this single, and what a lucky find I have found, an 18 year old and he can sing like that..... What is this world coming to? His voice is angelic and amazing, and one of those voices I could listen to again and again and never ever get bored.

"Runaway Train" is not the only track on the single I bought from iTunes, but it's definitely his own song, whereas the others are covers of Calvin Harris Featuring Example's "We'll Be Coming Back" and Taylor Swift's "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together". Both covers are amazing with the former being one of the best versions of that song I have ever heard. This is one artist you do not want to miss, and I'm sure he is going to be on everyone's lips soon enough (and I don't mean that in a literal sense, I hope not anyway as there would be a lot of jealousy in the world if that did happen). He has recently became my Artist Of The Month in February. Watch out guys, he's on his way.

This music video is low-budget, which is to be expected since it is his first music video, and there is a lot of imagery in this that goes perfectly with the song. I especially like seeing the trains in the background.

There is a performance piece and a narrative, always a good starting point in music videos, so this puts him in my good books, and there is not much going on making it easy to follow, although you can't help but be distracted by his pretty face.

There's a few niggling things that has dropped my rating. From a technical point of view, there is way to many close-ups and mid-shots, we never see his entire body, and what he is wearing, focusing mainly on his face, sometimes too close. The long shots are quick and flits as if they weren't really there. Another point is the studio performance piece, this could've been in front of a crowd full of screaming girls, I think it would've captured us in more and seen the sort of energy he would give to a stage. Again the narrative could've been developed that little bit more, maybe him jumping off the train at the start and then him strumming about on the grass with his guitar.

But those are minor details that are missing, and I'm throwing ideas about this video, because I want Sam Callahan to become the mega star he clearly deserves to be, and I'm sure he will be. Watch out 2013, it's the year of Sam Callahan and many other artists so it seems.

Overall a great song I could listen to again and again. And an accompanying music video that may need a few touch ups here and there, but it's captivating and imaginable, that it makes you want to watch again, and not just because of his amazing voice. This is the sort of video I like, and hence for the rating. Please bare in mind this is a low-budgeted music video and so my rating would've differed if this wasn't the case.

MGMT - Kids

February 11, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

MGMT is a band I've never been interested in, and a band I never thought would appear on my blog. But here they are thanks to one of my flatmates suggesting me to review this video.

MGMT are 5 piece band from America, consisting of Andrew VanWyngarden, Ben Goldwasser, Will Berman, Matt Asti and James Richardson. They aren't quite a successful charting band, with this song being their highest charting single at number 16 in the UK, and it's a similar story with America. On the other hand, their albums have charted high, this is definitely one of those bands that will forever be on the rocks, not quite sinking into the water, but not flying high either.

"Kids" was written by Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. This is usually what makes a brilliant song because the artist believes every single word they are singing, and you can definitely see that in the music video along with the voice in the song. But it's just not my sort of thing. I usually take a dislike to some songs, and I will never turn around and say I like it, never ever. Although I tend to end up singing a long to it by accident, so it shows this is just as catchy as the next song I take a dislike to.

This music video has confused me. My flatmate told me it was a great music video, and I agree to some aspect, but it's quite scary and then towards the end the video changes so dramatically it makes me think they may have ran out of money? It's like they've put two similar but different music videos together.

So there's two parts to this video, the live-action side which has a narrative with an extra performance scene, and then there's the animation side of things. I shouldn't split this video up, but that is what I'm going to do because it is split (although the music never splits so still don't quite understand).

The live-action side really gripped me, I was involved. I managed to get past the bad acting of the monsters, and managed to focus on how scared the boy looked. I can totally understand why critics went at this band, because the boy does look genuinely scared, but a behind the scenes video has proven it not to be the case. The monsters are scary and the only calm bit is MGMT dressed as a futuristic band, which fits perfectly with the song as it is quite futuristic.

Then for no reason whatsoever we turn to complete animation, where unrecognisable, unthinkable and shocking things happen that you wouldn't imagine would work, and we are completely right, it doesn't. What I really wanted was an ending that made me want to watch it again, but there was no such thing, leaving me unhappy and questionable about the switch to animation.

Overall a song that will inevitably be catchy although I am going to carry on disliking it. A music video that starts well and grips me making me think this is going to be a 5 star music video, but it soon changes with the animation and it just doesn't fit or work at all. So I'm indecisive with this rating, so I'm going straight through the middle today.

New Release: Rita Ora - Radioactive

February 11, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Okay, so some of you might have thought I lied to you, unfortunately I did not make a full return last week, due to an illness that drained the life of me. Just a simple cold, but it knocked me for ten. I am now back, no sign of any cold whatsoever, so I have no excuses. So I shall start this week with one amazing artist!

Rita Ora. She appeared out of no where and here she is again. Most known as having 3 consecutive number one singles in the UK which are "Hot Right Now", "R.I.P." and "How We Do (Party)". And a number one album. We all thought this girl would be unstoppable. Unfortunately "Shine Ya Light" stalled at number 10 and it looks like this single is also going to fall short of that all important number one.

"Radioactive" was written by Sia Furler and Greg Kurstin. The former is well known for collaborating with David Guetta on "Titanium". So I'm surprised this song hasn't done as well as the others, and it's making me question whether it's got anything to do with the fact that the album is released and that people have been buying the song from the album, therefore splitting potential sales between the album and the single. However I don't think that is the only problem, I think it may also be down to the music video.

I struggled deciding which new release I should choose, it was between this song and Avicii Ft. Nicky Romero's "I Could Be The One". So I decided to choose the one that is currently the lowest on the UK iTunes chart. I thought I might be able to help Rita Ora, but I can't help but say this music video is not at all what I expected.

Rita Ora should be bringing in a lot of money from all those number ones, but why are we left with a music video that looks like it's low-budget? After more viewing, you realise the budget may have been spent on the theatrical backgrounds and features. Leaving you wondering if they may have had a short amount of time to cut this. As this wasn't what I was expecting at all.

I wanted something similar to Ke$ha's "Die Young". A complete narrative and a perfect choreography, since this song allows you to do such a thing. But no signs of it, leaving me thinking a lot of green screen was used to make this and that Rita Ora wasn't given much to do, especially since we only see her back through the first minute or so.

Overall a song that should be performing better on the iTunes chart. But a music video which falls short of anything I imagined. There's nothing to grip you, nothing to keep me entertained. And if I were flipping through the music channels and this video came on I would flip over it looking for something better, and there probably would be something more interesting on another music channel. I hope her next music video is a lot more entertaining than this one.

New Release: Booty Luv - Black Widow

February 04, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Booty Luv are officially back, after a two year hiatus, they are back, and should be storming the charts with this amazing single. I am also back, and shall be reviewing everyday, after a five-week break (more or less), I feel I need to be back, and all problems are much more settled now.

Booty Luv consists of two members who are Cherise Roberts and Nadia Shepherd. They originally were in Big Brovaz, but they took a whole different path and arrived at dance music. They were hitting the clubs hard with their amazing songs, but "Say It" only managed number 16, and they were subsequently dropped from the Hed Kandi record label (although number 16 isn't bad there's a whole host of worse chart numbers). Now they are releasing under Pierce Entertainment record label, and the song is amazing, but not enough people know about it.

This music video coincides with the song "Black Widow" amazingly, and it's quite surprising to see a music video that may have had a slightly high budget, considering I have never heard of this record label.

It kind of reminds me of Britney Spears' "Toxic", it's got the same sort of element and theatrical dying that always draws people in.

There a narrative and a performance piece, which makes this incredibly detailed, however the narrative is not so clear, there's not much purpose to what is happening, as far as I can tell. I could take a guess that the girls agree to kill these guys, but once Nadia has killed her man, she finds out Cherise has actually fallen for her guy, and so it's left to Nadia to complete the task. But is that really what is going on?

Overall a great song, that should climb quicker up the chart, it's quite low at the moment. The accompanying music video has everything I need to give it a high rating, however the unclear narrative leads me into thinking it isn't as good as I once thought it might have been. Hence the rating.

Buy on iTunes