Michael Jackson - Thriller



This was obviously going to be a part of my Halloween Special. This music video is monumental, it's iconic, it's the one everyone still talks about today! My blog has been going for over five years, and it shocks even me that I have never reviewed this music video, actually I don't think I've ever watched it from start to finish before today. But now, it's time to redeem my blog by making sure this gets reviewed, and what better way than being a part of my Halloween Special? Michael Jackson turns into a werewolf and a zombie in this "Thriller" music video, but is it all just in her head?

Michael Jackson, what am I meant to say about THE Michael Jackson? He's a total legend, everyone knows who he is and he definitely shaped music as it is today. Surprisingly, this song didn't chart as well in the UK as it did everywhere else as well as his other singles. It got to number 10 in the UK and has yet to peak higher than that, regardless of the multiple entries in the UK chart. The song will forever appear on Halloween playlists and is always the first song people think of regarding Halloween. "Thriller" was written by Rod Temperton. It was originally called "Starlight", but through many transformations, it became the title it is now.

Michael Jackson had a vision for this music video, having seen 'An American Werewolf In London', he wanted the director of the movie to be the director of his music video. John Landis agreed. The love interest is played by actress Ola Ray.

We watch as a car runs out of fuel, Michael Jackson and Ola Ray start to walk home. He asks her to be his girl and gives her a ring to make it official. That's when he admits that he's not like other guys; he next transforms into a werewolf and chases after the girl.

The scene changes to modern-day with Michael Jackson and Ola Ray in the cinema, watching the previous scene. She leaves the cinema because she's not enjoying it. Michael Jackson follows her out and starts to sing the opening verse, whilst dancing around her.

They walk past a graveyard; this is when Vincent Price's vocal part kicks in and we watch skeletons rise from their graves, almost like zombies. They catch up with Michael Jackson and Ola Ray circling them.

This is where Michael Jackson turns into a zombie and the iconic dance scene begins. This is completely flawless from start to finish. The choreography really focuses on the storyline and makes it relatable. Everyone is in sync and it's more than perfect.

Ola Ray runs into a house and shuts the door but that doesn't stop the zombies from coming in and chasing her. Zombie Michael Jackson closes in. But the next moment, he's back to normal and there are no zombies. Ola Ray calms down and gets off the couch, allowing Michael Jackson to take her into his arms. What she doesn't see is Michael Jackson looking back at the camera and his eyes gleam yellow. He surely isn't like other guys.

The ending was recreated for Britney Spears' epic video for "I Wanna Go". The iconic dance scene has been covered plenty of times. This video as a whole has got it all, and it is definitely one of the best music videos ever made. It's got a great narrative, a brilliant performance piece, and an eerie ending that you can't help but love!
Buy on iTunes

New Release: Nathan Sykes - Over And Over Again



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

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

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

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

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

New Release: Britney Spears - Ooh La La

Britney Spears and The Smurfs in a music video together... Am I seeing this right, or is it one of my dreams? Nope definitely not a dream, my life is now complete.

Britney Spears, well-known across the world, hasn't had a UK number one since 2004 with "Everytime", unless you count her collaboration with will.i.am on "Scream & Shout". As well as that she has never had a UK number one album, shocking I know, but she will get there one day, we all should keep faith. Her next album is on it's way, and how healthy she looks in this video, and after a year of being a judge on The X Factor US, it's bound to be a great album!

"Ooh La La" was written by Lukasz Gottwald, Joshua Coleman, Lola Blanc, Fransisca Hall, Bonnie McKee, Henry Walter and Jacob Kasher Hindlin. Some well known songwriters right there, so it explains why it is so catchy. It was supposed to be sung by Lola Blanc, but a deal was made to give it to Britney. I have listened to it way too often and I can't stop. It's simple lyrics, it's clubby motives and the beat is all so drawing. This should be a hit, yet it's slowly climbing up the charts, hopefully it will hit the Top 40 this Sunday, but at the moment it looks unlikely.

The song is on The Smurfs 2 soundtrack, and since I'm seeing The Smurfs 2 on Thursday, I definitely expect this song to be played. As expected The Smurfs are in the music video. However I'm a little disappointed that we haven't got any songs from The Smurfs on the soundtrack. The first movie had them singing a few songs, and I expect the Smurf theme to be sung, but no sign of it on the soundtrack. I thought this would be like an Alvin and the Chipmunks soundtrack, guess that may never happen, I was really looking forward to Smurfette's 'I Kissed A Smurf' cover of "I Kissed A Girl" by Katy Perry.

The music video is mainly performance piece, with interspersed clips of The Smurfs 2. I like everything it's so good and so cute, what with Britney Spears' children and niece being in the music video, they are called Sean Preston Federline, Jayden James Federline and Maddie Aldridge respectively. They go to the cinema to see The Smurfs 2, and Gargamel zaps Britney into the film.

The opening scene with the Cinema is a homage to Janet Jackson's music video for "Nasty". Here Britney goes again with her homages!

The scenes with the boys and Maddie in the background are great to watch, and they perform so well, it makes it believable, and they did a great job.

Britney looks healthy in the entire video, she's dancing and having Smufette (voiced by Katy Perry) on her hand. She's having a great time, and it's good to see her well again. It may be due to having her boys with her, but since the song is for them anyway you can't help but smile. The world has Britney back once and for all.

The Smurfs perform a dance to her song, I keep watching it, and I'm hoping to learn the dance moves. I'm also expecting a lot of DJ's remixing this song for clubs, it has that hook in the middle that will suit clubbing perfectly.

Overall, a great song which should be a global success, yet it hasn't managed to do that well, could the reason be digital downloads? Since when CD Singles were released children could go and buy the single and help it chart, but now it's all digital downloads, the song attracts many younger audiences who probably can't buy the single without bugging their parents to death. The accompanying music video is amazingly cute. I don't know how Britney gets out of the Smurf world (she may be stuck there forever!) This has excited me for her new album, and I can't wait to see what the future brings to Britney.

Miley Cyrus - Fly On The Wall

Miley Cyrus, real name Destiny Cyrus, has appeared on my blog quite a few times. This time my iTunes decided to get it stuck in my head, and it sure managed to do that. This song is probably one of my favourite songs from Miley Cyrus, and I'm interested in what she has in store for us in the future, clearly it's going to be big, but can she get higher up the UK Chart?

"Fly On The Wall" was written by Miley Cyrus, Antonina Armato, Tim James and Devrim Karaoglu. Many different interpretations of the song has been made, from sympathy to the boyfriend, to the boyfriend wanting to know everything. Miley Cyrus soon enough cleared it all up, saying it was about the paparazzi... And the music video empathises that perfectly.

This music video shocked me over and over again, from the start to near to the end, and then the completely surprising ending. This video really reflects what it is like to be followed by the paparazzi. Britney Spears has been portraying her concerns for ages now in the videos for "Everytime", "Piece Of Me", "If U Seek Amy", "Hold It Against Me" and "I Wanna Go", I'm sure there's probably more. Other music videos include: Stone Sour's "Through Glass", Kelly Clarkson's "Mr. Know It All" and Cher Lloyd's "Swagger Jagger".

And although this song came out it hasn't stopped anything, and it's only getting worse, only a few months ago, Miley Cyrus posted a video of her walking her dogs while one of the paparazzi parked in a handicapped place and ran in front of her taking pictures (video can be found on the right).

Once again we have a narrative and a performance piece. First off we think her boyfriend is going to turn into a werewolf with the full moon being out and stuff. Instead he turns into one of the paparazzi. She then ends up in the car park and is being chased everywhere she goes.

The best bit has to be when the paparazzi start to dance, I can't help but laugh as I'll always remember the first time I saw this and I really wasn't expecting it, and it still manages to draw me into that surprise every time. And then we get the more shocking ending, where her boyfriend sells her story about the paparazzi. That's just wrong on so many levels.

There's a bit of a performance side in the car park, which she lets lose and has a little bit of fun. I reckon she really enjoyed filming this music video, and in doing so, it's just as fun to watch.

Overall a great song that only managed to get to number 16 on the UK chart, it clearly deserves a higher position. The music video is pure brilliance, and definitely one of my favourites. It has a close theme to Michael Jackson's "Thriller". So you can all guess what my rating is going to be...

Aaron Carter - I Want Candy



Me and my brother decided to watch "Hop" today, and this song is on there, but actually sung by Cody Simpson (who never released a music video). So I was thinking of all the artists who has sung this song, and I came up with Aaron Carter and Melanie C (the latter being not so interesting, and didn't do very well here in the UK). So I chose Aaron Carter, as I remember watching it when I was young.

Aaron Carter was really well-known when he was younger, and was getting many chart hits, but he soon faded out, as many artists from that era do. Recently he went on "Dancing With The Stars" and did pretty well getting to finish in fifth place. So now he has become popular once again. Is a new album going to appear? We'll have to wait and see.

"I Want Candy" original version was made in 1965 and performed by The Strangeloves, it was written by Bert Berns, Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer. The song has been covered many times by many different people including: Bow Wow Wow, Candy Girls, Melanie C, Billie Piper, and Jedward amongst others. I was just really surprised it was first released in 1965.

This music video is hilarious to be honest, they all look so very young. Aaron Carter was in fact 12 when the song was released. It paints a picture of him liking a girl called Candy and they go out on dates, but his friends always shows up and ruins it. He's forever saying sorry.

My question is: is Candy boring? She doesn't get into the popcorn fight, she doesn't enjoy anything until the very end... It just doesn't exactly work and doesn't link in that well.

I'm surprised this is all I have to say, but at the end of the day, I think Aaron Carter was too young at that time to actually understand what the song was about, it certainly wasn't about a girl's name, and Cody Simpson is wrong too that it's not about Candy/Chocolate...

Overall a very big story-based music video that just isn't that interesting, it's a typical young music video, that has been done many times over. It looks like Aaron Carter will be returning in the future (he is now 24), and I very much doubt he'll be going down this route again.
Buy on iTunes

VS - Call U Sexy

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

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

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

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

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

Blake Shelton - Footloose

As you may already be aware of, I have seen the new "Footloose (2011 film)" a total of two times now, and I reckon that it'll be one of those films that you can watch again and again and again, and eventually you'll lose count of how many times you have seen it. I have already reviewed one song that was released from the soundtrack which was Big & Rich Featuring Gretchen Wilson "Fake I.D.". I wasn't aware of the fact that this song was released, back then I was trying to find the music video to this song since it is the soundtrack to the film, but a music video wasn't released. Then a few weeks after reviewing "Fake I.D." Edges posted the music video on Facebook, and I've been looking forward to the day that I will review it.

Blake Shelton is a well known American country artist. he has been going since 2001, but there really hasn't ever been a place for country music in the UK, with only a few rarities managing to get into the chart. But now country is becoming much more stronger, we actually have a country chart. Not only that but I believe we have Taylor Swift to thank for managing to make Country popular again. She has lined the path for many country artists with Lady Antebellum and Sugarland appearing in the chart recently. But will Blake Shelton have a go at it? We'll just have to wait and see won't we? He hit the US TV screens as a judge/coach in the US version of The Voice, where he starred alongside Cee Lo Green (also sung a track for "Footloose"), Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine (lead singer of Maroon 5). So what's next for this country singer? Maybe a crack at the UK chart?

I like the music video, it uses footage from the film, but in a whole different aspect that surprised me when I watched this for the first time. The song was written by Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford. Kenny Loggins originally sung the song for the original version of Footloose. He was asked to be a part of the 2011 film, but he refused, but later, after the film's release he was quoted as saying he regrets not helping.

I like the use of the film being shown in a drive-in cinema. I've never been to a drive-in cinema before, but I've seen it a lot in films and on TV shows. I like that idea, I don't think I've come across any other music video soundtrack to have the film being screened behind the artist.

I also like the fact that it tells a story,. that is well put together and relates well with the song's storyline. I also like how people come out of their cars and start dancing rather than watching the film. There is just enough film footage and just enough of Blake Shelton's performance at the Drive-In cinema, I think they lined it up well and haven't shown too much of anything.

Overall the music video fits in perfectly with the song and is pretty good to watch. I wish I was there, it looks like fun. I like the whole idea of screening the film with the performance. So I have no choice but to give it this rating.

Avril Lavigne - My Happy Ending

Avril Lavigne has always been a big part of my life especially when I was growing up. She was very much a rocker back then and now she's gone more mainstream pop, with a lot of ballads on her new album. This was probably one of my favourite songs by her because she connected really well with the song, and it is really emotional and you can really tell that.

The song was written by Avril Lavigne and Butch Walker. Butch is an American singer, who have released a number of albums and singles, with quite a few chart numbers, but he is more known amongst artists as a producer and writer, and he has helped Avril Lavigne a lot with all of her albums so far.

This song is about heart-break and the reason why the guy broke up with her, because she thought everything was going strong. She performs this song amazingly and the music video works really well.

I like the narrative of the music video, but to be honest who is that guy she is supposed to be going out with? Isn't he too old for her? I like the start where she walks into the cinema and the film they screen is her past memories, it shows that she's thinking about it and giving it a lot of thought.

The use of colour is pretty good, in the happy scenes at the start it is in full colour, but as the relationship takes a turn for the worse the picture suddenly loses colour gradually leaving it top suggest that the relationship has gone sour and cold.

I really like the ending and how she comes out with some of her friends, which shows she's been talking to them and they are going to go out and have some fun. So is the ending really happy ending? I like that idea and how at the end of the day the break-up could be for the best, and so although it isn't the happy ending Avril wanted, it's still a happy ending.

Overall I like this music video, but there really isn't a lot to talk about is there? There isn't enough going on and that is why I had to drop off a star. However the song is amazing and I like how the narrative is the main part of the story.

Love Bites - You Broke My Heart

The Love Bites were the first ever rock band I liked, and they were definitely the band who got me into rock music. I was a part of their street team and everything, I've still got the stickers to prove it. After just two singles they soon broke up, and their planned album never got released even though it was ready. The band consisted of Danielle Graham, Aimee Haddon, Hannah Haddon and Nicki Wood. The band split up in 2006 after just 2 years. There are a lot of rumours that they have reformed, but whether this is true or not, I don't know. We'll have to wait and see.

You Broke My Heart, was the first of only two singles this band released, other single being "He's Fit". The song performed really well on the chart, making number 13 here in the UK. There second single did not do as well, and probably was the reason for the demise of the band. Personally, I think they should have released the album anyway, then fans (such as myself) could have bought it.

The music video links in perfectly. I love the fact that the guy actually has blue tinted eye-brows and a patch on his nose to represent it's broken. And he still go out in daylight? Seriously, how on earth did he get someone to go out with, while looking like that? Besides, I can understand how the band could have broken his nose, but to colour his eyebrows blue, without him realising they are doing it.... "yeah, right".

I like the fact that the band kind of follows him, by just appearing. It must have taken AGES to film this music video, as there would have been a lot of pausing. Also I like the fact that they jump out of the cinema screen, I have no idea how they did that, and no other music video thus far has used that effect. Also wouldn't it have been difficult getting the drums into the bus? Or is that a different effect used?

Overall I love this band and their songs. They remind me of Evarose and Checking Pulse, and I so hope the rumours about them reforming are true. I think this music video is really good, although it is a little cheap looking, suggesting possibly a low budget? However I like the narrative style of this song and it's music video, so I hope you don't think I'm being biased but....

Benny Benassi Featuring Gary Go - Cinema

I haven't heard this song much, I remember it gaining top 20 status in the UK singles chart a few months ago, but I don't think I actually listened to it fully until today. I was flipping (as usual) on the music channels, and there was nothing else on, so I watched this music video and I was just surprised at how catchy the song is, and I've had it in my head all day. But I haven't got a clue what the music video is about, I understand parts of it but I believe it is pretty weird.

Benny Benassi has released loads of singles and albums, and has remixed quite a lot of well known songs. But this is the first time I've heard of him, so I really am interested in exploring his other singles. This song was written by Benny Benassi and Alle Benassi who both appear in this music video, if it's really them. Along with Gary Go who also appears in this music video (he is the first one to sit in the chair). Gary Go is a British singer who has released a few singles back in 2009, but that's about it. This single could possibly help him to do well in the UK chart, or not.

I really like this song, it kind of reminds me of The Saturdays single "All Fired Up", but also I think it's quite similar to Avicii Featuring Sebastien Drums "My Feelings For You". I could so see this song being in all the clubs and I am quite surprised the song only managed to get to number 20, as I think it is quite a cute and interesting song. The lyrics are pretty adorable at times, and I can't stop singing them "you are a cinema, I could watch you forever". The sound behind it is really catchy and very dance-like. You wouldn't expect these lyrics would go with this music but it fits perfectly and this song will definitely be stuck in my head for a while.

As I have previously mentioned, I do not understand this music video, therefore it goes in to my list of music videos I do not understand. At the moment I have only one other music video in that list, which is: Kids In Glass Houses "Matters At All". I'm sure there will be many more appearing in this imaginary list pretty soon, and I really can't wait to see which other music videos confuse me.

I have to admit, I do like the helmet idea and how it is possible that they are watching a part of their past, well that's how I think of it. And that all these girls are people they like and they go to this place so they could watch their girlfriends forever. Even though there is only one girl, she plays different characters. Which I find really interesting. But then I don't get the last part because Benny Benassi's girl walks in with her own card. Does that mean she thinks he is also a cinema and she can watch him forever?

This music video really does confuse me and I've tried lots of different ideas, like, the three guys didn't know who the people they were watching, as if they were dreams, so that would make sense that she surprised them. Maybe these three girls are supposed to be dead and so the only way Benny Benassi, Alle Benassi and Gary Go can remember them is to go to this place and watch them forever, this also would explain the ending. However these are just theories, and there is nothing online that supports any of my ideas, so this music video has definitely totally baffled me.

Overall I really like the song and I can't stop listening to it. However the music video, although has a really great idea and I really do like it, has mystified and puzzled me making me unsure if I like this music video or not. I can't wait to see what other music videos they have released and I hope this is the only one that will puzzle me. I hope you all think my rating is fair, and I'm sorry if people have come on her hoping I have an answer to what this music video means. I'd be interested in your thoughts....
Buy on iTunes
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)