warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

Battle of the Ballads: Music Video Roundup

Mara Hyman |
February 11, 2013 | 6:52 p.m. PST

Staff Reporter

Every other week, writer Mara Hyman takes a look at the buzzworthy short films coming from the music video universe. Here's her latest picks:

P!nk feat. Nate Ruess - "Just Give Me A Reason"

P!nk returns with another stellar single off of her album "The Truth About Love." The song is a vulerable ballad about questioning one's relationship and trying to mend the breaking pieces. What stands out most is that the song is a duet between P!nk and fun. frontman Nate Ruess, which is a far from predictable pairing considering the two have very different tones in their voices, but they harmonize well together. The music video is an interesting visual concept composed of P!nk on a bed surrounded by a sea of smoke and water as she watches TV. Oh, and her teddy bear has creepy bright lights for eyes. Are you happy to see this much softer side of P!nk or do you prefer her more upbeat punk rock hits?

Bon Jovi - "Because We Can"

The classic band Bon Jovi is back with a power ballad called "Because We Can." The song is very catchy, with dynamic lyrics in the chorus and stand-out instrumentals. The music video surrounds a boxing match and the main boxer's relationship. We see Jon Bon Jovi singing from the microphone in the ring and the band jamming out. The song may not live up to the intense fame of "Living on a Prayer" or other past Bon Jovi hits, but it certainly comes close. What do you think about Bon Jovi's return?

Bruno Mars - "When I Was Your Man"

This is definitely the week of the ballads! Fellow artist Bruno Mars triumphs with the second official single off of his sophomore album, "Unorthodox Jukebox." Featuring a stripped down backing with just a piano, Bruno Mars shows off his vocals in this vulnerable song about a lost love and regrets. The video has a very vintage, old-school flair surrounding a studio set where Mars sits at a piano with shots of him and the woman playing his girlfriend fading in and out. It is very simple and clean, allowing the song to speak for itself. How do you think the song compares to his other more vulnerable hits like "Grenade?"

Fall Out Boy - "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)"

Fall Out Boy is back! After a long break, the band returns with "My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark." From the first verse we immediately hear their unique rock sound which leads into a catchy chorus. Fall Out Boy fans, however, might be surprised by the song's funny-yet-dark music video starring 2 Chainz. The video surrounds 2 Chainz lighting up the band's old CD's and belongings, alongside two female sidekicks who destroy their instruments. We then see them walk towards a truck with the bandmates bound up and supposedly kidnapped, as 2 Chainz is about to light them on fire as well. The video is creepy and slighly confusing - possibly saying that the band's return symbolizes a rebirth? What are your thoughts? Are you happy to see the band back together?

Austin Mahone feat. Flo Rida - "Say You're Just A Friend"

In a much different direction, music newcomer Austin Mahone recently came out with the video for his single "Say You're Just a Friend." The chorus should sound familiar, because it's a sample from the hit "Just a Friend" by Biz Markie but with a more upbeat, contemporary twist. The video incorporates a lot of bright blue lights, hip hop choreography, and Austin's smiling face. He has consistently been slammed for being a "Justin Bieber wannabe," and this video may prove that because it uses similar graphic effects like in Bieber's video "Somebody to Love." Are you an Austin Mahone fan or is his pop sound too similar and mainstream?

Reach Staff Reporter Mara Hyman here.



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.