International Video Challenge

Representing the UK: Everyoung – Warrior
The UK pop scene is crying out for a great new mixed gender pop group, and this is exactly what they shouldn’t be like. EverYoung are four teens who met at Sylvia Young stage school, which should be a formula for success as so many great pop stars studied there, but sadly it seems the students with pop potential weren’t interested in this project. Everything about it is dated, from the styling to the “extreme seriousface” (as Popjustice would call it) to the song itself, which I presume was written for Hear’say. This wouldn’t have been a hit even when this style of music was popular, so there’s no chance it will succeed ten years later. If they want to see how a mixed group should be done in 2012, they should take a look at Luminites.

Representing Romania: Dya – Don’t Know
I was quite surprised to discover this track was Romanian, as it’s the first song I’ve heard from the country in years that isn’t generic, lazy dance-pop. It’s a mid-tempo cutesy pop track, which actually would be quite enjoyable if it weren’t for the irritating chorus. I can’t tell if it’s the heavy duty autotune that makes it sound so weird, or just the fact that this is a Romanian girl trying to sound like Rihanna. Her hair is terrible and she wears some seriously unflattering outfits, but the snowman made the video enjoyable. It won’t be my new favourite, but it’s interesting and different enough that I felt compelled to watch it twice in a row, which has to say something.

Representing the USA: Usher – Climax
After 15 years of success, Usher finally released a song I really liked in 2010, his Max Martin collaboration DJ Got Us Falling In Love. Unfortunately it was just a blip and he’s gone back to being as dull and overrated as ever. I suppose it’s not what he’s about, but there’s no warmth or likeability in his music or from Usher himself, and the songs aren’t good enough to overcome that. He’s tried to put a storyline into his new video but doesn’t have the personality to make viewers care about the outcome. As this song is all minimal and trendy, I imagine it will get good reviews and it may be a commercial hit simply because it’s a statement song, but for me it’s just another version of Usher being bland and cold.

Representing Canada: Imaginary Cities – Temporary Resident
Although this Canadian indie-pop group say they are Motown-influenced, I actually think they’ll appeal more to fans of The Cardigans than soul music lovers. I don’t think they’re quite up to the same standard as some of the other similar breakthrough acts of the past few months, such as my recent obsession Tennis, but the singer’s voice is really interesting and she actually smiles in the video which is always a turn-up for the books. The only problem I have is that the verses are better than the chorus. It feels like it’s leading up to something amazing, but instead the chorus is just OK. Nonetheless I’ll be looking out for Imaginary Cities in the future.