Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"Magnets" by Disclosure feat. Lorde
Lorde was pretty hot in 2013 and she's still a pretty talented young artist with her contribution to the Hunger Games: Mockingjay Pt. 1 soundtrack. I was interested on what her collaboration would sound like with the Disclosure duo and I was definitely not disappointed. Her voice remains to have that wispy rawness to it that needs a tiny bit of polish, but it works very well with this dramatic, romantic piece. The visuals seem almost opposite of anything she's done, mixing passion and subtle anger together. The chemistry is a little awkward at times, but the chase and payoff at the end are all worth it. It works for Lorde and her being comfortable with such actions would almost seem wrong.



"SIN" by Planet Shiver feat. NAVI
I feel like I should listen to more material from Planet Shiver, but it's kinda hard finding their music online. Nonetheless, I was happy I gave them another listen with this dark, dramatic electronic piece. NAVI's vocals truly add an epic sound to the song as the music swells up and gently explodes into a semi-chorus. The visuals are dark, seductive, and perfectly artistic. It makes you wonder what's going on with this couple. Intertwining the visuals and lyrics, you almost have an idea of the pain and passion between these lovers.



"Awoo" by Lim Kim
I've seen her name many times, but never gave her the time of day until this year. I was instantly intrigued and wondered why I never gave her a chance earlier. First of all, the music is very minimalistic and simple, but it works very well with her alluring vocals and delivery. I highly encourage anyone not fluent in Korean to turn the subtitles on, because I really enjoy these genuine and sweet lyrics that match the person singing it. Visually, there's so much to look at in this quirky, pastel paradise and it compliments the tone of the song and the look of the artist. Just watching it is like a breath of fresh air and it makes me smile, I love it so much.



"EOEO" by UNIQ
As much as kpop doesn't need more hip-hop influenced boy groups, I have to admit that I really enjoyed this song. The lyrics aren't extremely profound, but I enjoy the aggressive and seductive energy that these boys put out in their vocal delivery and choreography. Some parts of the vocal arrangement can be a little annoying, but for the most part, I enjoy the variety between the rough verses, the calm high energy of the bridge, and the smooth chorus. Visually, a lot of the set pieces are nothing new if you're well versed in male kpop groups: the bold color palette, the cage made of lights, beating up mannequins, black light paint, and fire, but I still enjoyed how sleek and polished it looks.



"Watch Out" by HOTSHOT
If I had to pick one new boy band thatI'm really into, it would be HOTSHOT. I won't delve into my love for them here, because really I should be talking about this follow up song. Also, there is no "on fleek" in the lyrics. Just want to clarify that. This song displays a slightly different side to the group. While "Take a Shot" was a little more in your face, this song is an upbeat, but chilled song with its vocal arrangement. It has a nice balance with more stand out vocals during the verses, then a nice harmony into the bridge, and bam! they bring it together in the chorus. The rap sections transition very smoothly as well. The choreography is very impressive and the visuals are simple, but well utilized, giving each member their own moment while also showing off their natural chemistry with flares and paint powder.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"I LOVE YOU" by TRIAMPERSANDY
Not sure if I posted anything by this band, but I'm happy to see new videos from them every now and then, despite my poor habit of not seeking out their music further. It's a very light, energetic, and cute song that you can't help but bounce and dance around to it with the members. It kinda reminds me of either a rock version of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu or HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR. It's very refreshing for all the darker and heavier jrock I listen to. The video is just as colorful and creative with its placement of the members and utilizing the space they're in.



"赫音-justitia-" by THE BLACK SWAN
For all you NEGA fans out there that haven't jumped on the THE BLACK SWAN train, what are you waiting for? It might not be exactly the same, but it's pretty close to the dark, aggressive former Undercode Productions band produced. Jin's voice is still very diverse and has great control from verse to chorus. The melody is pretty catchy and has great transitions from the heavy moments to the quick chaos. The visuals and a bit of the vocal arrangement reminds me NEGA's "abase"/"quandrangle" PVs.



"That Good Good" by LuHan
With a title like that, I was a little worried that this would be a try hard hip-hop concept, but then I remembered...this is China. In other words, there's hope for minimal embarrassment from the former EXO-M member and obviously, it made my recommendation list for the day. It has a simple hip-hop beat that's easy to enjoy and listen to. The visuals are just enough to showcase LuHan's charisma and performing skills as he sells this laid back hip-hop/pop image that isn't too far of a jump from where he started. It looks like everyone is enjoying themselves and it just makes me happy seeing him trying something different.



"On My Mind" by Ellie Goulding
After Fifty Shades of Grey faded away, I was happy to hear new material for the upcoming album, DELIRIUM. It might not be riddled with vague, poetic lyrics like her previous albums, but I find this rather enjoyable and straddles the fence of her signature style and mainstream. Seriously, I could see this as an upgraded Taylor Swift song or something. No offense to Miss Swift. The music isn't obviously in your face dancey, but has a nice enjoyable pop beat that you can nod along with. The video is very...interesting. You have this abusive relationship going and a little bit of girl power revenge that's shot very well.



"Omen" by Disclosure feat. Sam Smith
I've been contemplating since the last recommendation post on whether to share this one or not, because really, the visuals are similar to "Latch", in a general sense. I'm sure some people are sick of Sam Smith being all over the place, but honestly, I think his collaborations with Disclosure and Naughty Boy is where I think he should take his own personal material. The beat is a smooth electro-R&B sound that really elevates Sam Smith's vocals. The visuals match the tone as well as the ongoing concept from video to video during their promotion for their new album, Caracel and I'm really looking forward to listening to that.

Top 5 Music Video Recommendations

"Full Moon" by Sunmi
At this moment, I'm a little speechless by a couple things JYP has been producing as of late and this video is one of them. Sunmi's newest track is quite simple with its saxophone sound and sweet, soft vocals. The color palette is nicely recycled from a couple miss A concepts which works with this vampire theme. There's a few things I don't like about this video that I can't ignore: 1) the quick vampire transitions. It's cool, but overdone in one scene 2) the weird butt wiggling dance...everywhere 3) and the rap section. Aside from that, I really enjoy this song, concept, and overall mood of this mature song. Looking forward to listening to the mini-album.



"Aoi Ryu" by EXILE ATSUSHI
I have yet to be pulled into EXILE completely, but I was happy that a very good friend of mine shared this with me. As most of you know, it's hard for me to get into ballads and surprisingly [well, I guess not so much since it's listed], I really like this song. The music might be a little basic and familiar, but I really don't care. The combination of Atsushi's soulful vocals, R&B foundation, acoustic guitar, and slight violin is absolute perfection and beauty. The dreary and dark visual atmosphere also helps push the tone of this song. There's a little eye candy too.



"F For You" by Disclosure feat. Mary J. Blige
From the visuals to the music to the guest vocal stylings, this song and video screams early 90s. I saw this video on a friend's Tumblr and figured I'd check it out, since I hadn't seen anything new with Mary J. Blige in it. I'm glad I gave it a chance, because this song has a simple beat and a catchy melody. It definitely brings in some good nostalgia dance feelings while modernizing the electronic beat and visual art.



"La La La" by Naughty Boy feat. Sam Smith
It's interesting what you find on YouTube through recommendations and whatnot. This falls under that category. I didn't know what to expect from this video, but I'm quite pleased and perhaps even addicted to this catchy little tune. I really enjoy the beat and the vocals are really effective in its delivery. The story is also equally as effective and appealing. It might seem silly, but I thought it was a reimagining of the Wizard of Oz. Upon scrolling through the comments, it's possibly based on a Bolivian folk tale. I have yet to look this up, but I had fun watching the making of this music video.



"Battle Cry" by Angel Haze feat. Sia
**TRIGGER WARNING**
Another random YouTube find! Honestly, I only tried it out because I saw Sia's name listed and I'm glad I did. This might be a been there done that type of concept, but it definitely has some heart and soul to its delivery, despite the closely similar melody to a particular Eminem song. Aside from that, I'm very interested in checking out more of Angel Haze's material. I hope she gets closer to the spotlight in the substance rap category this year.