Greetings, everyone. It’s Wednesday again, and that means we’re here to bring you a round-up of the latest music videos that we’ve seen over the course of the past week. There are definitely a couple gems in this group, and the genres are pretty varied, so if you’ve got sometime, this is a great way to check out some new music. At the very least, you’ll get some face time with some of your favorite artists, right?
Judith Hill – “Desperation”
I was late to join the Judith Hill bandwagon after her run on The Voice, and I’m kicking myself for not catching on sooner. She’s an incredible singer and this single shows why. The cut is off the 20 Feet From Stardom soundtrack and is dedicated to a group of people that she shares a strong connection – “For all the back-up singers”. I dare you to not be impressed.
Trus Real – “Hometown (DMV)”
This track is a few years old and is off TR’s Local Listings mixtape. That being said, it hasn’t lost one bit of it’s appeal. Of course, I could be biased being from the very area that Trus represents, but nevertheless I thought he and his crew made a great video to pay homage to the place he (and I) call home. Also, I’m still loving the Adele sample flip.
G.R.L. – “Vacation”
Emmalyn Estrada and the rest of her group have released a fun music video for their contribution to the Smurfs 2 soundtrack. It’s got all the ingredients for a decent, light-hearted Pop hit. Although we’ve seen the whole the-boys-are-dragging-us-down-so-kick-them-out-cause-girls-just-wanna-have-fun schtick before, it’s still an enjoyable watch and listen. Even Spice Girl, Mel B, makes a cameo at the end.
Mango Kingz – “Givin’ It Up”
OK, the video really isn’t really a highlight on it’s own right, but it plays in perfectly to the breezy islanda flava of the group and their song. There isn’t anything especially eye-catching to see but it’s hard to dislike something that’s so relaxing and easy-going. I’ll be paying closer attention to this group from now on.
Viennie V – “5 Alarm”
It’s been half a year since Whatever Happens dropped, and for the next video, Viennie V went in a less artistic but more generic-pop-oriented route. High-energy dance tune? Check. Grimy, fire-code violating, tetanus-filled underground club? Check. Lot’s of skin and group dance numbers? Check and check. What’s missing?… Oh how about ending it all with the sprinkler’s going off and flooding the area? It’s got it too. Not bad, but sticks way too close to the script.
Lyrics Born (Featuring for Lotus) – “Cannon in the Heavens”
When I first heard the song, I was diggin’ LB’s unique delivery for his collaboration with Lotus, but I can’t say I was too impressed with the video. It’s evidently low-budget and a bit uneventful save for some social city shots interspersed throughout. This is def more of a must-listen than a must-watch.
The Slants – “Sour Love”
This is the latest Yellow Album single to get a music video from The Slants. Production values are pretty solid but something about the whole thing felt strangely familiar. Than I realized the setting looks like they left the set of one of their prior MVs, and just moved everything indoors for this song. It’s got that same deserted, industrial kind of vibe going on. They’ve got some cool camera work going on but it’s still a bit unvarying by the end.
Bella – “I’m Addicted (Dillon Pace Rehab Remix)”
I wasn’t a huge fan of the original single to begin with, but I’m a bit more forgiving of this particular remix to Bella’s tune. As for the video, some heavy editing did an impressive job in almost hiding the low-budget roots of this visual. I mean, half of it looks to be shot in a woman’s bathroom – but Bella and company made the most of it. I’m still not in love with the song, but I ain’t hating on it either.
Sam Tsui x Elle Winter – “Unsinkable”
Sam & Elle Winter wrote this song for 16 year old cancer patient named Cindy. It serves as a heartfelt message of encouragement and solidarity, with proceeds of the song earmarked to help fund the cause. With something like this, there’s not much one can be critical about. It’s a good Pop record for an awesome cause.
Sam Tsui – “Worth It”
For Sam’s latest Make It Up single, he chose to go a much more subdued route with the video, having the entire production shot in one location. I like the song but I can’t say it’s an especially memorable tune from his album, although the simplicity of the video didn’t do a whole lot to hold my attention for too long.
a-Tunes 