Finland Entry: Krista Siegfrids - Marry Me

May 25, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Krista Siegfrids came to prominence in The Voice Of Finland, in which she got eliminated in the first live show. She competed in the Finland's national selection which is called Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. Where she won with this song. controversy came up with her performance as she kisses another woman on stage. Her reasons for doing this is that she wants Finland to legalise same-sex marriage. This caused a stir in Turkey, who had pulled out of the competition this year, as they didn't show the contest due to the kiss. Although Krista Siegfrids didn't do as well as she should've done in the contest, this song has charted in some countries, and it is such a catchy song, maybe she'll become an international star.

"Marry Me" was written by Krista Siegfrids, Erik Nyholm, Kristofer Karlsson and Jessika Lundstróm. The song was definitely one of my favourites, it's so catchy that after one listen you just want to sing-a-long. I really thought this song was going to get top five, at least, so I was stunned at it's placing.

Finland came 24th out of 26 countries in this years contest. Krista Siegfrids gained just 13 points, this should've got a lot more. France gave 3 points, Germany gave 1 point, Denmark gave 2 points, San Marino gave 3 points and Israel gave 4 points. So this song along with Ryan Dolan's "Only Love Survives" were the shock surprises, why were these songs not voted for? However it was such a tough competition this year.

This music video is great to watch. Krista Siegfrids reminds me of Ke$ha, and I could definitely imagine Ke$ha singing this song. The whole concept reminds me of Katy Perry's "Hot n Cold". However it's fun, exciting, different and samey all at the same time.

There's a narrative, with a wedding performance. The narrative is interesting. She's idolising her boyfriend, asking him to propose to her. He looks vulnerable, as if he doesn't know what he wants, and she's this wild, crazy girl who he can't handle. How did he take this long to propose to her?

The flirtation between her and her friends is different, showing that she's comfortable with who she is, and she will do what she wants. told you she's crazy, but in the amazing crazy way. At the start she writes in her notebook: 'I'm not obsessed I'm just a woman!'. She kidnaps her boyfriend, and then performs at her wedding, where he FINALLY proposes.

Her performance at the wedding is fun, exciting and totally different. It makes me think that I'm watching a musical, and she's singing on the way up the aisle and then her guests dance, that made me laugh lots. She has so much energy, crazy freaky energy, that will be awesome on stage at one of her concerts. I really want to see her live now.

Overall a very catchy song worthy of a top five Eurovision placing, instead it landed near the bottom for unknown reasons. The music video, is fun, energetic and full of everything I want. I have a little problem with kidnapping the guy, it's happened too many times in other music videos, and surely there could have been a more original idea, but apart from that, a narrative, a performance... What more do I want? Definitely the best music video I have reviewed from Eurovision 2013 SO FAR... Can any others top this one?

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Ireland Entry: Ryan Dolan - Only Love Survives

May 24, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Ryan Dolan was chosen to represent Ireland, he is a young singer-songwriter and shouldn't have come last in the Grand Final, this song is amazing. Little is known about him, although I am aware of the fact that he has released quite a few singles here in the UK.

"Only Love Survives" was written by Wez Devine and Ryan Dolan. The song was set to do well, especially when it came eighth in the first Semi-Final, so how this only got a few points in the Final, and came 26th out of 26 countries, I have no idea. My thought is that Ireland performed last, and by then everyone had chosen their favourites to vote for and Ryan Dolan failed to make those people change their minds.

In the Final, Ireland came last, and only managed to get 5 points, 1 point from the UK, 2 points from Sweden and 2 points from Cyprus. Whereas in the Semi Final Ryan Dolan gained 54 points from various countries, where did it all go wrong?

This music video surprised me, at the start, the performance is stand out and top notch. I was ready to give it a top rating watching it, as it brought in the concept of the world changing and each day possibly being the last, as well as playing on the love side of the song which is the main theme. And then it went downhill.

I really did not enjoy the editing of the various photos and video from the general public, it made it amateurish. And after such a professional start to the video, this seemed wrong and not right at all. Plus the amount of 'heart-hands' is just too much.

There's not a lot more to comment on I have downloaded the song and listened to it a couple of times, and I do really like it, but it doesn't stick in my head compared to other songs from this year's contest. As for the video I got excited that I might be giving out the first five stars for a Eurovision 2013 music video, but my excitement dropped as the fans and general pubic joined in, it looks messy and just doesn't work.

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Montenegro Entry: Who See Featuring Nina Žižić - Igranka

May 23, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Who See, also known as Who See Klapa are a duo from Montenegro. If I had to announce my favourite from this years Eurovision Song Contest, I'm pretty sure this would be the one, if not they would be really close. Who See consists of Dedduh, real name Dejan Dedović, and Noyz, real name Mario Đorđević. They are a hip-hop group, and are well known in Montenegro. So much so they have even won an MTV EMA. This is their international debut, although they haven't actually released the single, so I had to download it from the Eurovision 2013 album. I just hope they eventually release over here in the UK. The song features Nina Žižić. She has been trying to become known for almost a decade, and have performed at various international festivals. I think this appearance will help push her career. I hope Who See and Nina Žižić collaborate again, as this should have been a success, I just cannot believe it missed out on the final.

"Igranka" was written by Djordje Miljenović (also known as Wikluh Sky). The song was really one of my favourites, and even Ana Matronic (one of two commentators for the Semi Finals in the UK) loved it as much as I did. Like I previously stated I bought the song, and I have already played it a number of times, along with watching this video a couple of times. This will never get old.

Unfortunately Montenegro didn't make the final, in fact they have never made the final, placing 12th out of 16 countries in the first Semi Final. I really thought this would've made the final. Who See gained 41 points overall. Croatia gave 6 points, Denmark gave 5 points, Ukraine gave 8 points, Belarus gave 2 points, Moldova gave 6 points, Serbia gave 12 points and Sweden gave 2 points.

The music video is surprising, a lot of dancing going on, whether it's freestyle or choreographed is debatable, the in sync dancing had to be choreographed right? But the freestyle might just be freestyle. There is so much going on that it's hard to keep up with it, I think the editing can be considered quick, but it's easily watched, whereas Latvia's Entry: PeR with "Here We Go", is a different story.

So let's start off with the narrative, a woman comes down a lift, turns on music, removes her jacket and dances around a chair provocatively, this is what we sort of expect from this dubstep/hip-hop/rap combination. Then another woman enters the room and they have a dance-off. At the end they walk off together.

In other scenes, we see Who See in boiler suits picking up drills in cases, and handcuff them, soon we see them surrounded by two guys with swords. They start rapping and then make their ways towards the stage. I just cannot help but think: where are the astronaut costumes? As they performed as astronauts in the first Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 (check out video below).

Elsewhere there is a 'cat-fight' between two women in a cage... And then Nina Žižić appears on stage. Who See breaks up the fight and the girls start dancing beside them. Then they replace the cases where they were and everything is deserted.

I do not understand this video at all, but the dancing is good to watch. The crowd around the performance piece really shows us how much people enjoy their music, I would be one of them if I could be. However I think Nina Žižić has a much bigger stage presence than Who See.

Overall an unusual Eurovision Song Contest entry, however I enjoyed it, and many others did too, it could have spurred other countries to enter a similar act for next year, or not since it didn't make it through to the final, although it definitely should have been there. As for the accompanying music video, I don't get it, but I can appreciate the choreography and the performance piece, but there isn't a stable narrative, so here's my rating.

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Switzerland Entry: Takasa - You And Me

May 22, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Takasa, are a six piece band. They were originally called Heilsarmee, but due to the Eurovision rules  that forbid political and religious content, Heilsarmee had to change it's name to Takasa since Heilsarmee is German for 'Salvation Army'. The name Takasa is a Swahili verb meaning 'to purify', but it has also come to attention that Takasa is an acronym for The Artists Known As Salvation Army, which is amazingly clever. They consist of Sarah Breiter, Jonas Gygax, Katharina Hauri, Christoph Jakob, Emil Ramsauer and Michel Sterckx. Their age difference is surprising, Sarah Breiter is just 22 years old whereas Emil Ramsauer is 95 years old, making him the oldest musician to perform in the Eurovision Song Contest.

"You And Me" was written by Georg Schlunegger, Roman Camenzind and Fred Herrmann. The song is about love and endearment, and I really thought this was going to make it through to the final. It makes me feel happy and I just want to play it again as soon as I hear it. Takasa (known as Heilsarmee back then) competed in the Swiss national selection show called Die Grosse Entscheidungs Show, where they won with this song. I just cannot believe they didn't get through to the final.

Switzerland took part in the second Semi Final. They came a respectable 13th out of 17 countries, beating one of my favourites PeR whose song was "Here We Go" for Latvia. Takasa gained 41 points. They got 6 points from Finland, 2 points from Malta, 1 point from Bulgaria, 5 points from Iceland, 3 points from Greece, 2 points from Armenia, 6 points from Hungary, 3 points from Norway, 2 points from Albania, 10 points from France and 1 point from Germany.

This music video has little to it, but I can't help but laugh at some of the things that is going on. Emil Ramsauer is picked up on the way, he's posing as a hitch-hiker, hoping to get to Malmö, Sweden, where the Eurovision Song Contest was held this year. They manage to fit him in the car, and even put his double bass on the back of the car.

I like how it shows they go on a journey to get to Malmö, Sweden. And surely they've already done that competing in the national selection. But this is a journey in a compact car that seems to have only five seats... How does six people safely drive in a five seater car? Maybe someone's in the boot?

The various scenes out of the car include picking Emil Ramsauer up, going the wrong way, having to push the car, singing and playing their instruments on the ferry, passing people on the street, as well as the men standing on the side, surely they're not doing what we all think they are... It's against the law in England and Wales, deemed under the Public Order Act 1986. But it still makes me laugh, especially when they leave one of them behind, reminding me of Tim Berg's (Avicii's) "Seek Bromance".

Overall it's a perfect song, one that makes me want to sing every time I hear it, one I want to give to people to make them happy as well, this band is in such a good mood, and I don't think they'll ever stop being happy. The music video includes their happiness a lot. I like the use of the journey, who knows how long it took them, but even I would have found it difficult to keep happy after that, yet this band manages just fine. They use green screen during the scenes inside the car, but it's so good to watch you don't even realise. The song is about togetherness, and although it is portrayed between a relationship, it can be seen in a friendship kind of way.
Buy on iTunes

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Austria Entry: Natália Kelly - Shine

May 21, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Natália Kelly is an 18 year old singer, who was born in America, but moved to Austria when she was just six years old. Her father is American with Austrian and Irish roots, her mother is Brazilian. She won The Voice in Austria 2012, that has been going since 2002, and has nothing to do with the international franchise 'The Voice'. After winning she entered Österreich rockt den Song Contest, which is the Austrian selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest, and Natália Kelly won that too. However she failed to get through to the final. There was so much buzz about her before the competition started, I really thought she was a contender for winning, but she kicked off the first semi final, leaving the other 15 acts following after her. Her song got forgotten by the time the voting opened, and unfortunately didn't get through. But I loved it, hence why she's in my Eurovision Special.

"Shine" was written by Andreas Grass, Nikola Paryla, Alexander Kahr and Natália Kelly. The song is catchy and powerful. She portrays emotions through her words and she means every single one of them. I just cannot believe this didn't make the final, it was definitely worthy of a higher position.

Austria came 14th out of 16 countries in the first Semi Final. She got 27 points and fell short of getting through to the final. She got 1 point from Estonia, 1 point from Slovenia, 4 points from Croatia, 4 points from Denmark, 3 points from Moldova, 4 points from Ireland, 2 points from Cyprus, 3 points from Belgium, 2 points from Serbia, 2 points from Italy and 1 point from the UK.

This music video is simple and totally focused on effects. The performance-based video brings her strong powerful vocals to the camera exposing how much she believes in this song.

The start is in black and white, which worried me, I really do not like black and white music videos, so I was happy when it went into colour. And then I saw how musical she is, playing the guitar, the piano, the drums... This is the Natália Kelly band. What let this side down was seeing someone help her with the drums... Maybe she isn't a musical genius as I first thought.

We have a lot of fun scenes, where the title of the song is behind her, where her name gradually appears behind her, various behind the scenes clips that show her laughing, trying to catch the drumsticks and just having the time of her life. She is the girl next door, and the video portrays her perfectly.

Then ending is full of fun fun fun, balloons, dancing, paint bombs (is there such a thing? Or did I just make that up?), and a dog or two. One of the topless guys slips over just as Natália Kelly gets splattered by a paint bomb, I just can't help but replay that scene over and over again. The very ending when she splats that guy is great to watch too because he doesn't expect it.

Overall a catchy song that should've made it through to the final, and a music video filled with fun, making Natália Kelly shine. She obviously had a wonderful time, and you just want to be there with her. She looks good, and has an infectious personality that is so bubbly. I just want to be her friend, as I'm sure many other fans want to be too.

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Latvia Entry: PeR - Here We Go

May 20, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

PeR is a duo who entered the contest for Latvia. The name means Please explain the Rhythm. They are well known in Latvia, and have competed in Eirodziesma (the national selection for Latvia) in 2009, 2010 and 2012. In 2013 the national selection changed it's name to Dziesma. In the latter they finally won and went through to the Semi Finals of Eurovision. It shows how dedicated they are to this contest, and they must have really thought they could win. The duo consists of Ralfs Eilands and Edmunds Rasmanis. This seemed the act that would attract the younger population, so what happened? Well... Ralfs was ill and had a temperature, but he performed it well and even crowd surfed. (Semi Final performance can be seen below).

"Here We Go" was written by Arturas Burke and Ralfs Eilands. The song is very catchy. And manages to show that the band is a vocal group since Edmunds Rasmanis beat boxes. The song should've made the final 26, however I think the reason it failed to make it was due to it going first, and was forgotten when the other countries performed.

In the second Semi Final, Latvia came 17th out of 17 countries. They gained 13 points overall. The following countries gave points: Macedonia gave 2 points, Iceland gave 3 points, Georgia gave 7 points and Switzerland gave 1 point.

PeR was introduced to the UK as the Latvia's answer to Ireland's Jedward... I somehow don't think so, on the other hand the energy from both duo's are similar. I don't know whether this is the official video or not, but it's the only video I can find, and so I'm rolling with it.

This is a video of them performing the song live. They are full of energy and throw the vibes out to the crowd. They clearly can't stop moving, reminding me a lot of Jedward, who does the same thing. You can tell the crowd are loving them, and in the Semi Final the crowd loved them too.

This would've been a good music video, the lyrics are about having fun, and so I can totally understand the performance-based music video. But the fact that editing has totally blown this out of proportion has made this video less engaging.

There's the occasional backstage shot which drew me in, but this editing is so disastrous. The editor was listening to the music behind and not the lyrics, since it's quick and dodge-like. Reminding me of a record spinning on a vinyl turntable.

Overall a song that I've already bought, and have already listened to a few times. This song will never get old, and I will be singing along to it every time I hear it. The music video is too quick, too short and snappy, and it's hard to keep up with. In my opinion it should have been in real-time and them just performing. Their energy on stage is infectious, there's something to it that makes me want to be energetic.

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UK Entry: Bonnie Tyler - Believe In Me

May 20, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Bonnie Tyler, international songstress from Wales, full of power, and full of life. She's bubbly, she can hold her own in a power ballad, and has just released her new album 'Rocks and Honey'. Her real name is Gaynor Hopkins. She is well known for her number one UK single "Total Eclipse Of The Heart", and the song that was on the Footloose Soundtrack "Holding Out For A Hero", which missed out on the top spot and settled at number two. Bonnie Tyler has been touring over the last couple of years, and has been performing this song. However on the night, I don't think she performed it that well, I feel that she's performed it better in the past, and her gravelly powerful voice was missing in her performance (video can be found at the bottom).

"Believe In Me" was written by Desmond Child, Lauren Christy and Christopher Braide. The song is a ballad, but doesn't key into Bonnie Tyler's powerful side. The song doesn't help all that much, and doesn't give her a chance to power it out. It's a nice simple song, and we did pretty well considering, I was expecting the worst.

At the Eurovision Song Contest 2013, the UK got a total of 23 points, placing us 19th out of 26, up six places from last year. We got 4 points from Spain, 5 points from Malta, 3 points from Romania, 1 point from Sweden, 7 points from Ireland, 1 point from Slovenia and 2 points from Switzerland.

The music video looks low budget, although I doubt that was true with how professional Bonnie Tyler is. It's a simple video with very little going on. This is usually a focusing technique so that Bonnie Tyler is central to the video. And she is that.

The problem with her being the main feature of the video is that she fails to entice us. She doesn't do a lot, and she's either sitting down or leaning against the wall, or just normally standing. The song is about believing in her, that she's there for that guy, the one who she truly loves. She sings about not lying to him, that she'll always stand beside him. But where is this guy in this video?

The beach scene shows her independence, and her strong powerful side. She may just be standing on the beach to most people, but to me, I can feel energy vibes coming from her, something she lacked in the performance last Saturday. This is the Bonnie I would like to see live.

Overall a song that doesn't give the range Bonnie Tyler is capable of. And a music video that follows suit. Missing things that could possibly engage the audience. The beach scene should have been extended, that is the most alluring bit of the video. Bonnie Tyler gets the same rating as I gave Engelbert Humperdinck last year for "Love Will Set You Free".
 

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Papa Roach - Last Resort

May 19, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Papa Roach becomes my Sunday Revisit, for many reasons. The main one is because before this week I hadn't reviewed them, another is that we need more rock music on this blog, and country music and other genres that hasn't even been touched just yet.

Papa Roach is a four-piece band consisting of, at the time, Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Dave Buckner. The latter left in 2007 and was replaced with Tony Palermo. This is their first ever single and was released in 2000.

"Last Resort" was written by Jacoby Shaddix and Tobin Esperance. It is their signature song, hitting the UK charts at an amazing number three. I very much doubt Papa Roach will beat that charting position, especially since their most recent singles have yet to be released here.

The music video is full of surprises. It's quite small with a performance piece in the forefront. Uniquely this band has incorporated a narrative piece into the performance piece, this is something new, and have yet to be done again, usually it's vice versa.

The performance is great, with lots of energy, a lot of people there, a few crowd surfing moments and crushing effects that makes you easily identify with the people there, as well as making you feel a part of the video.

The narrative clips are short, and shows the crowd in the respective bedrooms or other rooms of people's houses. It shows them in depression, and now that they're at this gig, they aren't quite so depressed. However I think these clips are too quick, it leaves us questioning, why do they feel that way?

With that question in mind, and looking back over the video, some are obvious. One out of the four girls is totally different, therefore not in the clique and not popular. The couple in a relationship... Well the boyfriend seems very possessive... Maybe too possessive? Some aren't so clear. And I think they should have been developed a little more.

Overall a song that brought the attention of a lot of people to this band and which pushed this band into mainstream success. However lately they have failed to keep their fan base, and hard core fans are pretty much the only ones keeping tabs on these guys. They need another big hit! The music video fits in with the song well, and I can't help but enjoy this simplistic, but very real music video. My one problem is that they should've done more to the narrative. However a great music video to go with a great song.

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Agnes - Release Me

May 18, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Agnes' song has been stuck in my head all day, it's because I watch her performance of this song on the second Semi Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2013. The Swedish pop diva, who looks and sounds similar to Leona Lewis has been a global success, and this is her signature song. However she needs another hit song, otherwise she will just be known is Sweden. Her real name is Agnes Carlsson, and released her first album in 2005, since then her third album 'Dance Love Pop' charted worldwide along with the hit singles "On and On", this song "Release Me" and "I Need You Now". But can she do it all over again, and chart worldwide, or will she become lost to the UK and other countries and settle with Swedish success?

"Release Me" was written by Anders Hansson, Sharon Vaughn and Agnes Carlsson. The song is very reminiscent of Leona Lewis' songs, I could so imagine her singing it, and I can't help but think of her duet with Avicii (another well-known Sweden artist), their song was "Collide". Agnes' song got to number three on the UK chart. She is signed to 3beat records, who also has Inna and Alexandra Stan, amongst others, on their label.

The music video is taking the song in it's literal meaning, as well as using the dance music as a forefront. I can't help but laugh at that guy clung to her left side, holding onto her body, while she sings about asking him to release her. It would be good to actually see him, but usually the camera cuts him out. I bet she felt uncomfortable singing while a guy is caging her body with his.

The dance theme with the clubbing atmosphere adds a lot to this music video, showing that it is the sort of song you hear in the clubs. The pulsating lighting is much more intriguing, and makes you feel like you're there watching the dancing.

The make-up scene in the bathroom makes me lose interest. I don't think there's anything to this scene, and it feels like it got added in. If you were to do this scene, it should be at the start, because girls tend to do their make-up as soon as they enter a club. This is what Rihanna did for her video "Don't Stop The Music".

Overall a song I could imagine being played in a club, yet I haven't heard it played in any of the ones I've been into, guess it's too old... The music video shows that longevity brings high charting numbers, as the music video received high praise on the music channels, and was repetitively played four months before the release date. A similar thing happened with Inna's "Sun Is Up". The video represents the music video perfectly, and the bathroom scene is all that lets it down.

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Paramore - Still Into You

May 17, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Paramore is a three piece band, who has been through it all, break-ups, fall-outs, hiatuses, and awesome music, with verifying degrees of genres. This is a band that will be forever with us, whether dishing out new music, or just in our hearts, they'll never be far from our minds, YouTube playlists and iTunes music or Spotify. The band consists of Hayley Williams, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis. A few hardcore fans think they should return to their more rockier days, but I like how they've grown and this song is just perfect, I even think it's better than their previous single "Now".

"Still Into You" was written by Hayley Williams and Taylor York. The song is about Hayley's feelings for Chad Gilbert who she has been in a long-term relationship with, and how those feelings are still the same as when she first met him. Chad Gilbert is mostly known as the lead singer of New Found Glory. The song was released in the UK alongside it's radio release, this is usually a daring thing to do, yet they succeeded, and managed to get to number 26 on the UK chart.

The music video is filled with so much fun, I want to be there and just jump into that room full of balloons, I want to light up my sparkler while fireworks go off in the background. I want to ride my bicycle in that posh house. I want to have as much fun as they did. Guess this is what Amy Studt was on about in "All I Wanna Do", a cover version of Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do".

There's a lot to like about this video, and it's obviously a performance piece music video, showing that they are a fun, mature band, and that you definitely won't be disappointed seeing them live. It makes me want to see them again, but a) I can't afford it, and b) no one to go with, guess I'll have to deal with all their music.

The problem I have is that this has nothing to do with the song. This is a main thing for me, and although her butterflies in her stomach whenever she sees Chad Gilbert is probably similar to all this fun she is having, I think this video could be for any upbeat song, and failing to add anything to properly connect with the song.

Overall, a great song, that should've charted higher. This band is still looking for a UK Top 10, as well as a number one, surely they'll get it in the near future. The music video is fun fun fun, but fails to represent the song in the meaning of the lyrics. However I want that house, filled with so much fun.

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Papa Roach - Lifeline

May 16, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So waking up this morning with no song stuck in my head, makes this blog hard to keep up with. So I decided to add some more rock, and was surprised I have never reviewed Papa Roach before. Well it's time to change that right now...

Papa Roach is a four piece rock band who have been going for a number of years. They consist of Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo. They've been on my radar ever since their first song "Last Resort" that surprisingly got to number three on the UK chart. But I never became a fan of theirs until they released "Hollywood Whore" along with the album 'Metamorphosis'. I remember buying the album and playing it non-stop. It also invigorated me into buying their previous albums and a couple of singles such as "Time And Time Again". However they have not breached the UK top 100 since "Getting Away With Murder" got to number 45 back in 2004. However "...To Be Loved" reached number 171 in 2006 and "Hollywood Whore" reached 139 in 2008. However their albums keep breaking into the top 100 Album chart. So why are the singles not? It's down to airplay, and rock isn't that popular at the moment, but also only a few of their singles are getting released here. Once again it's all down to promotion.

"Lifeline" was written by Jacoby Shaddix, Tobin Esperance and James Michael. It was originally titled 'Hanging On' but was soon changed to what it is now due to the lyrics being changed. The song is about hardship in America, and being able to live with who you actually are. This was a well-received song and should've charted in the UK, unfortunately it failed to get the sales it needed.

The music video fits in well with the song. As per usual there is a performance and a narrative piece, this is definitely not uncommon for a rock band. The performance piece is full of energy, Jacoby Shaddix just can't help but move around. There is a lot of energy vibes coming from this band, and you definitely would have a good time if you went to one of their gigs.

The storyline is engaging, although short. I like how he kind of cracks under pressure. The kind of thing that everyone does once in a while. Bills are a common problem with people attacking their inner worries. He is pushed over the edge with an eviction notice, and you can't help but feel sorry for him. He is very relatable.

He soon is seen running from another person, who is later identified as himself, but a broken, bruised and bloody version. I like the incorporation of the lyrics as words as they say "I'm never going to fade away" then the one we are following turns round and says "I'm looking for a lifeline". They collide, and they wake up as one.

At the end he goes home and is happy when he is greeted by his family. I like the happy ending, proving that family and friends are what is most important in life and not money struggles.

I like the whole concept of this video, battling inner demons as well as making them a part of who we are as people, and realising that in some cases there is nothing more you can possibly do.

Overall a song that is now stuck in my head, I really can't stop singing along to it. It's accompanying music video is just perfect. There are no faults, and the imagery behind the concept is inspirational and pertinent to many people in the world. I have a lot of love for this music video, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. You can all probably guess my rating, but here it is anyway.

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Jenn D - Lose It

May 15, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Jenn D was reviewed by me last month. My plan was to review this song the week after and include her as my Artist of the Month. My problem arose when I had exams to revise for and to complete along with essays to hand in and 'News Days' to deal with (the latter is where trainee journalists, such as myself are journalists for a website for a day). With all this university work I had little time for my blog. But I'm ready to rectify that right now.

Jenn D is a new artist currently signed to All Around The World Productions. She used to be in a band called Soft Toy Emergency, now she is hitting it out on her own, but had struggles as she wanted her name to be Vela but had to change it due to someone else using that name. She has released a second song: "You Keep Giving Me Love", which also failed to chart. Could she disappear before she's started? Or can her fan base help her get prominence when she really needs it? I hope her third single brings the popularity she needs it.

This music video fits well with the song. I have to admit a lot is going on, and when the skater jumped over that guy sitting on the steps, I knew I was in for a treat with this video.

There is a lot to like about the video, I'm sure many people like the topless guy at the start, and clearly Jenn D enjoyed that part too, but the choreography is interesting to watch, as like in her most recent music video, she is doing little compared to the dancers behind. I like how she is centre of attention, always a good thing.

The idea of her being arrested for disrupting the peace, which is what she is doing with her loud music. And then she escapes and climbs on top of the police car, which is a complete shock, she is definitely showing her daring side.

Overall a song that is catchy but failed to chart, and a music video that is engaging to an extent, but looking at it in a different way proves that there isn't much going on, however they've made it so that there is not one thing you focus on, apart from Jenn D. There's so much going on behind her, but she's doing very little. Here's my rating.

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Little Mix Featuring Missy Elliott - How Ya Doin'?

May 14, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Little Mix, a winner of The X Factor here in the UK, yet this song; probably one of their most catchiest songs, got their lowest charting position to date, what happened? Well a push release is what happened. High demand is what made it get released in the middle of the week, and as we all know, it is difficult to get a high charting position when so many singles have been bought already, especially since some of us wasn't aware of it's release until the next week (some of us includes me myself). Little Mix is a four-piece group consisting of Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall. They were the first, and so far only, group to win The X Factor, and they are currently working on a second album. Second was Marcus Collins, released an album and now in a musical. Amelia Lily came third, who has three singles and an album which keeps getting pushed back. Fourth is Misha B, following in the footsteps of third place, with three singles and an album to be released. Next was Janet Devlin who is just starting up. Sixth place follows suit, but has much exposure recently with his new look, and that's Craig Colton. Kitty Brucknell came seventh, she's touring at the moment with new songs. Eighth was Frankie Cocozza, who got ejected, appeared in Big Brother, and went on to release two EPs. Presenter Johnny Robinson came ninth, he also released a Christmas song. Tenth was The Risk, who released single "Missiles". And finally 2Shoes came joint fourteenth, and released "Turn Me On (Turn Me Out)". Could this be the most acts signed and released from one single series? And some critics said that series wasn't up to scratch, guess the finalists had the last laugh.

"How Ya Doin'?" was written by Darren Lewis, Iyiola Babalola, Shaznay Lewis, Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall, James Stanley Carter, Glenn Francis Skinner, Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot, Nicholas Bernard Thorp, Julian Godfrey Brookhouse, Miguel Drummond and Missy Elliott. This is a lot of song writers, however it is because the song samples two songs (hence why those writers have to be named in the song writing credits), the songs that have been sampled are Curiosity Killed The Cat's single "Name And Number" and The Walnauts' single "Help Is On The Way". Both of these songs have previously been sampled on De La Soul's "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)". The song should've been a hit, and I was expecting it to hit the top 10 at least, if not, go straight to number one. But it was pushed out in the middle of the week, and some fans (including me) were unaware until it was too late. If the record label had waited until the Sunday and announced that they were going to bring it a week or two forward, it would've got the promotion it needed.

Long paragraphs behind, let's start to focus on the music video. Another performance piece from these guys, reminding me of "Wings" as well as Belle Amie's "Girls Up". It has the bubblegum pop feel, and suggested that this should have been a hit. I am definitely blaming the record label, since airplay was strong.

The video links in with the song, adding various phones that Missy Elliott snips with a pair of scissors. The choreography is short but still noticeable.

There is Product Placement. Not as much as Avril Lavigne's "What The Hell" but still there. This time Little Mix promotes Live Colour XXL in a sponsorship deal. Hence why each of the girls have bright colour hair.

Overall a song that should've topped the charts and shouldn't have been pushed out by the record label. But it happened and there's nothing we can do about that. As for the music video it features the awesome Missy Elliott, whose credits are incredible, she's one rapper who will never disappear. It also features great dancing, phones to link in with the song, and catchy colours. This is their last single from this album, leaving me disappointed that 'Going Nowhere' co-written by Nicola Roberts (from Girls Aloud) will never get a single release.

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Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed

May 13, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, is called Avis Cyrus in this music video for no reason I can think of. Maybe it's another alter ego? Or is she playing a part? Is this not who she is, or a whole different side to her that wanted to come out and play? This is the song and music video that hit major controversy for Miley Cyrus, leaving her 6-12 year old fan base to try and get credibility between her own age which is young adults. Now she is 20 years old (same age as me) and has short hair, and is working on a fourth album. Could this be her most daring album yet? She has left her old good-girl image behind her, much like Britney Spears did with "I'm A Slave For You" and Christina Aguilera did with "Dirrty". So this new album could take any form she wants.

"Can't Be Tamed" was written by Miley Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James, Paul Neumann and Marek Pompetzki. The song can be taken and be seen in various different lights, I always saw it in a relationship side and how she doesn't want anyone to turn her into someone she isn't. However it can also be seen as a school situation and trying to be oneself instead of being involved in a clique. The song hit the UK chart at number 13 making it her fourth highest charting position behind the joint firsts of: "See You Again", "The Climb" and "Party In The U.S.A.". Will Miley Cyrus ever get a UK Top 10 hit? Or will she constantly be getting number 11?

The music video is held in a museum and it starts off with the cage keeper announcing: 'a creature so rare it was believed to be extinct. In captivity for the first time, the rarest creature on Earth, Avis Cyrus'. Miley Cyrus is in the cage and when someone takes a photo she protects herself with those awesome wings.

The music video continues with her and her backing dancers taking over the museum and causing a bit of a havoc.

There is a lot of choreography, which is performed well and shows that she can dance (although we already know that from various previous music videos). The setting is extremely interesting, teaching younger audiences that it is cool to go to a museum and learn about extinction.

The ending proves that everything will end up in rubble. Again, I believe this also manages to hit out at the paparazzi, with the camera at the start, and the song could also be linked to them, she doesn't want to be a good-girl, she wants to be who she is, and would rather the paparazzi leave her alone.

A lot of people have referenced this to Britney Spears, the paparazzi angles can be found in "Hold It Against Me", "If U Seek Amy", "Everytime", "I Wanna Go" and "Piece Of Me". Miley has even done her own music video that hits at the paparazzi which was "Fly On The Wall". Is there never going to be an end to music videos hitting out at the media? On the other hand, some of them are the best videos I have ever seen.

Overall a song that has been stuck in my head, and should've also hit the Top 10 of the UK chart, and a music video that is perfect in every way. I do think they should've used the wings more as they were only in a few scenes for a few seconds. The video portrays the song exactly the way we want it to and also manages to show off her dance ability.

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New Release: Demi Lovato - Heart Attack

May 13, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Demi Lovato is setting herself up to hitting the UK charts big style. Her highest charting single "Skyscraper" only managed to get to number 32, yet here comes her new single, raking up the chart, making this song her best charting position to date. But will her album be such a success as this single is. She has failed to reach the top 40 in the album chart, but let's hope her new album 'Demi' will be just as good. Last year she was a judge on The X Factor US, winding up Simon Cowell much to our amusement, and clearly to his as she is to also be a judge on the third series as well. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Demi Lovato.

"Heart Attack" was written by Demi Lovato, Mitch Allan, Jason Evigan, Sean Douglas, Nikki Williams and Aaron Phillips. The song has been compared to Kelly Clarkson, and it is definitely her kind of style. The song is about being scared of falling in love again after being rejected. Demi Lovato, as usual, manages to put her own spin on things and push the song emotionally. I don't think this is her best song over the last few years, I still think "Skyscraper" is her best, but I can see why this one is more of a commercial success.

The music video fails to excite me. I was expecting something narrative similar to "Give Your Heart A Break". Instead we get a performance piece that doesn't quite fit the emotional song. She has proven herself in "Skyscraper" with an emotional performance music video, but this seems to lack emotion.

The song announces she's scared of being in another relationship, afraid to fall in love again, as she thinks she might have a heart attack. But the video shows her as a strong independent person, could that mean she is happy being single?

I like the black and white scenes, it shows she doesn't know what to do, and what she thinks. However there's still not enough to this music video than there should be. Showing her backing band also gave us a more rockier Demi Lovato, could that show us what her album is like?

Overall a commercially great song, although not her best. And a music video that fails to convey her emotional side, and lacks very much. On the other hand, her backing band, and the song shows us that she would be good to see live, but I am not impressed with this video compared to her others.

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New Release: Chris Malinchak - So Good To Me

May 06, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

So new this week is a new artist called Chris Malinchak, and with this glorious sunshine, it's obvious this is going to be a hit, however if it wasn't so hot and summery then this wouldn't have done well at all. There isn't much on the internet about Chris Malinchak. His twitter feed is used now and again, and information about him is hard to find. I'm sure a Wikipedia page will pop up after this song has charted, so I'm interested in how much is known about him. All I know is that he's American, and has previewed a few songs on his Soundcloud. The song is the perfect summer relaxer (yeah I did just make up that word).  It's not a summer anthem it's a summer relaxer, one to listen to as you are sunbathing or relaxing in the sun.

The music video continues the relaxing element from the song. A cute little girl loses one of the tallest animals in the world, a pet giraffe! And goes looking for it, then it sneaks up on her and they play hide and seek and have fun.

The girl is adorable, and the story line is a little too simple for my liking, but I can't help but appreciate it for its relaxing quality and the summer sunshine spirit.

Overall a summer relaxer song that will have everyone listening to it in the sun. The music video has next to no substance to it, but it relates to the song, and is a video I would watch while relaxing. The only fault is that it needed a bit more to it, maybe scenes of when she first got the pet giraffe.

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Far East Movement Featuring The Stereotypes - Girls On The Dance Floor

May 05, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Another proof that Sunday Revisits are usually a struggle. Take this week for example... Most of the artists are newish and haven't released a music video older than four years ago... And the occasion where one has, I've already reviewed it, such as Platnum who featured on H "Two" O's "What's It Gonna Be". So I am left with this, and I had a choice of three music videos from Far East Movement, and I just went with this one out of sheer luck. Guess I don't have much of that left, especially in this case.

Far East Movement is a four piece hip-hop band consisting of Kev Nish (real name Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (real name James Roh), J-Spliff (real name Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (real name Virman Coquia). The featured guests are The Stereotypes, they are a three piece production team consisting of Jonathan Yip, Ray Romulus and Jeremy Reeves. They have worked a lot with Far East Movement, but have also worked with the likes of Justin Bieber and Alesha Dixon. This song was released before Far East Movement made it big, and although it failed to chart (except for in the US on their Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay Chart where it got to number 27) it has received a number of TV and film appearances. And it is catchy, just not as good as "Like A G6".

The music video is not great, it is just not my thing and I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again,. however, opinions as big as this out of the way... It does actually relate to the song.

Believe it or not, but the song is about being with girls on the dance floor, and that is exactly what Far East Movement is doing.

I think the shots of them on tour should've given the music video a perfect performance piece, but the camera angles as well as the scenes doesn't help the band one bit as I cannot attest their energy on stage, although they do have it.

Some scenes does not fit, and really aggravates me, why do we see one of the band members amongst desert hills? And what is with the monkey? Maybe it shows this band has a chaotic side, but display that on stage, or at least make it relatable in the music video.

Overall a song that might just get stuck in my head if I hear it again, luckily for me I shall be going out of my way to try and avoid it. And a music video that I really do not like, but I can't help but rate it up due to it relating to the music video. So although I do not want to see this again, I'm going to have to give it this rating.

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Mat Zo & Porter Robinson - Easy

May 04, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Mat Zo, real name Matan Zohar, is a British DJ, who has released a number of songs, remixes and mashups. This is his first charting song, as far as I can tell, but this song is extremely catchy, and I hope that his other songs are similar and it's quite possible that this song has helped to promote his others. Porter Robinson is an up and coming DJ from America. He has hit big here in the UK, with his song "Language" managing to get to number nine on the UK chart. The following single is this song, which also charted high... Is this one DJ whose name will become as highly praised as David Guetta and Avicii? Guess we'll find out in the near future.

"Easy" got to number 28 on the UK chart. Not as high as "Language" but still in the top 40. The song has been played a few times in clubs I've been to, it's infinitely catchy, but easily mixed up in this big mass of dance anthems we have coming and going. However I think this one will stay prominent.

The music video is animation. I have nothing against animation, and sometimes they are the best music videos because they manage to portray the song amazingly. But sometimes I feel it is missing something, and this is one of those times.

The song is all about loving someone and that it's easy. The video shows that near the start with what we would presume is her boyfriend calling her, or trying to get in contact with her. This sparked my idea that she loves him, but he just wants to be friends? Or maybe he's in love with her and she isn't? Who knows? It's not made clear.

And then she throws her phone and then blows up the town with this cool electric blue thing, which transports her to this place. She had a photo of this place in her apartment... I just don't get the video in connection to the song.

However that blue animal that can fly is quite cute, he is definitely a trustful, loyal friend that everyone would love to have in their life.

Overall, a song that should've charted higher, but can easily be lost in the amount of music available. And a music video that fails to connect to the song, and doesn't have much reasoning behind it. On the other hand, I think it is engaging and would make sense after watching it ten thousand times, guess that will never happen.

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Hey Monday - Candles

May 03, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments



Hey Monday are a five piece rock band who are currently on hiatus and have been since 2011. Many people believe they have broken up, however no official statement has been released and the band members have been stating that they are only on hiatus, meaning they will return some time. The band members are Cassadee Pope, Mike Gentile, Alex Lipshaw, Chris Gentile and Patrick McKenzie. Cassadee Pope has recently won The Voice in the US, and plans on kicking off her solo career, but as I have previously stated, she has said Hey Monday is on hiatus, but if she gets bigger than she already is, will she ever return to this band? I hope so, as this band will show off her rock side. She can do both.

"Candles" was written by Mike Gentile, Sam Hollander, Dave Katz and Cassadee Pope. The song is highly emotional and definitely stands out on their album 'Hold On Tight'. Cassadee Pope's voice manages to portray the emotion, making you feel every word she sings. The song was released as an EP, that unfortunately failed to chart.

The music video is definitely different from their other songs such as "Homecoming" and "How You Love Me Now". Moving away from the typical broken relationship drama.

It's good that candles are used, and although there isn't much to the narrative you can really imagine her aloneness and what it's like when the person you used to rely on is no longer there.

There's not a lot for me to comment on, but the performance piece is energetic, making me want to see this band live, shame that they are on hiatus.

Overall a great song that was also covered by Glee. The music video is empty, but that is exactly what it is meant to be like, I still feel something is missing, there's nothing there that gives me the wow factor. On the other hand the song gives me that.
Buy on iTunes

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Far East Movement Featuring The Cataracs and Dev - Like A G6

May 02, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Far East Movement are a four piece hip-hop band consisting of Kev Nish (real name Kevin Nishimura), Prohgress (real name James Roh), J-Spliff (real name Jae Choung) and DJ Virman (real name Virman Coquia). This is definitely their signature song at the moment, but as we all know it is just as easy to become popular again with a whole new song. Their band is also shortened to FM, hence the list in this video. The features are The Cataracs and Dev. The Cataracs were a duo consisting of Niles "Cyrano" Hollowell-Dhar and David "Campa" Singer-Vine, they have heavily been involved with Dev, but have gone on to release a few singles of their own as well as albums. David Singer-Vine has recently left the duo, leaving Niles to continue under the name. Dev, real name Devin Tailes has had a great couple of years in 2010 and 2011, scoring quite high charting positions around the world and featuring with many credible artists on their singles. Recently, however she has been under the radar working on a new album, but will it push her back in the limelight? Or will she become buried like many other artists?

"Like A G6" was written by Jae Choung, Virman Coquia, Kevin Nishimura, James Roh, Niles Hollowell-Dhar, David Singer-Vine and Devin Star Tailes. The song is extremely catchy and it is definitely the song that pushed Dev into the spotlight.

We have a narrative and a performance piece so this pushes it right up to the good videos. But is it all it's cracked up to be?

We are shown a list at the start of the narrative. Erica Ocampo is holding the list at 8pm. The list is a "To do list for FM" and includes: "1) Grab Champagne" which is done at 10pm, "2) Pick up CD", I don't actually see this happen, but I presume it happens at 11pm, "3) Get Stickers & Posters" which is done at 11pm and "4) Meet at FM show" which is done at 12:30am.

I like the timings in this including the following morning at 7:30am when they board the Gulfstream IV which is the reference in the song: "G6".

The performance side is very club-like, reminding me that this song is played in the clubs a lot, or it used to. Dev is the main focal point, however Far East Movement does appear quite a bit.

Overall a great song that easily gets stuck in my head. The accompanying music video is good to watch, but I feel that they make this list idea really important, but I don't know where it fits. So here's my rating...

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Rizzle Kicks - Down With The Trumpets

May 01, 2013 Critic Jonni 0 Comments

Rizzle Kicks are still the most viewed artist on my blog, their music video "Mama Do The Hump" has gained so many hits on my blog, that I don't think any other blog post will ever catch up. The duo, who consists of Rizzle, real name Jordan Stephens, and Sylvester, real name Harley Alexander-Sule, have been doing well in the UK, but have been dropping slowly. Their most recent single "Dreamers" failed to reach the top 100 of the UK chart. Is it really all down to the music video that made their name? Or can they conquer the charts once again and finally get their own number one single? Guess time will tell.

"Down With The Trumpets" was written by Jordan Stephens, Harley Alexander-Sule, Dag Nabbit, Darren Lewis, Iyiola Babalola and Will Davies. The song is really catchy and managed to get to number 8 on the UK chart. Showing that it caught the UK with the song. I just hope the second album will bring much more unique sounds but also something that people will like. These guys need to pull something out of the bag, or they might be lost forever.

This music video is very similar to what the song portrays, making it an exact conversion to an extent. Hence why we see certain scenes such as them getting down to the ground with a trumpet, as well as Rizzle touching knuckles with someone while Sylvester is rapping about feeling 'Safe'.

This sometimes fail to bring audience attention, on the other hand they are very mischievous, and this is what makes this video great to watch. The best scene has to be when they are hiding behind the wall.

Overall a song that easily grows on people and before you know it you're singing along by the end of it. The music video is too much of a replica for my liking, I want a bit of a narrative at least, or a bit of performance, however we get to know what they are like to an extent, making them funny and great to watch.
Buy on iTunes

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