‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°650 – 2010s Music Videos

1 . Tom Odell – Another Love

Released on October 15, 2012, Tom Odell’s “Another Love” entered the music scene wrapped in a quiet storm of melancholia and indie pop sensibilities.

The track, which became a key player on Odell’s debut album *Long Way Down* (2013), feels like a raw journal entry set to music, delivered with an aching piano progression that never quite promises resolution.

Peaking at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart and climbing to number 4 in Germany, its success was neither meteoric nor forgettable—just enough to cement its presence as an anthem for heartbreak without veering into overexposure.

The music video, directed by Jamie Thraves, leans into the universality of longing with stark black-and-white visuals, amplifying the song’s sense of unfulfilled yearning.

While the 2013 live renditions at Glastonbury and “Later… with Jools Holland” solidified Odell’s reputation as a visceral performer, the track received an unexpected resurgence nearly a decade later on TikTok, proving the enduring relatability of romantic despair.

Its viral renaissance, boosted by countless user-generated clips, hints at the peculiar way music can weave itself into new cultural fabric long after its release.

Thematically, “Another Love” traffics in heartbreak and desire, but what sets it apart is Odell’s ability to stretch simple lyrics into a universal ache, complemented by a voice that quivers between vulnerability and defiance.

Without relying on guest features or flashy collaborations, the song rests entirely on its ability to hit nerves—a quality that’s earned it multi-Platinum certifications in countries like the UK and Italy.

Uninterested in sugary resolutions, “Another Love” resonates as a soundtrack for those stuck in the purgatory of regret, leaving a listener suspended in its unresolved emotional tension.

Featured on the 2013 album “Long Way Down”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

2 . G-Eazy – Him & I (w/ Halsey)

“Him & I” by G-Eazy and Halsey is a stylish mix of hip-hop and pop that served as a sonic portrait of their then-turbulent romance.

Released in 2017 as part of G-Eazy’s album *The Beautiful & Damned*, the track was an instant anthem for obsessive devotion, climbing to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The production by The Futuristics straddles a steady beat layered with a sense of brooding urgency, perfectly setting the stage for the couple’s vocal interplay.

G-Eazy’s slick delivery complements Halsey’s emotional intensity, with lyrics that toe the line between romantic and self-destructive, leaning heavily on the all-too-familiar trope of “us against the world.”

The track’s music video, complete with neon-lit visuals of New York City escapades, blurred the lines between their artistry and their real-life relationship drama.

Of course, the track’s surge in popularity wasn’t just about the music; the public’s obsession with their off-stage connection turned it into both an anthem and a tabloid talking point until their split the following year.

As catchy as it is melodramatic, “Him & I” captures the tempestuous glamour of love and chaos—whether or not you’re invested in the story behind it.

Featured on the 2017 album “The Beautiful & Damned”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

3 . James Arthur – Naked

James Arthur’s “Naked” is an emotional plunge into vulnerability, wrapped in an unassuming pop arrangement that avoids over-polished artifice.

Released as a standalone single in 2017, this track is notable for its blend of raw sentiment and calculated production, a signature of collaborators like Max Martin and Shellback.

The lyrics expose fractured honesty—pleas for connection delivered with an air of fragile confidence.

The production walks a fine line between a moody ballad and radio-ready pop, driven by restrained instrumentation that lets Arthur’s impassioned delivery shine.

Occasionally teetering into melodrama, the song finds balance in its understated verses and explosive, choir-backed chorus.

The accompanying video—featuring actress Cressida Bonas—opts for intimacy through minimalistic visuals, a choice that complements the song’s confessional tone.

Performances on platforms like *The X Factor UK* lent it extra gravitas, though it’s debatable whether the track leaves a truly lasting impact or simply gestures at something deeper.

Charting at number 11 in the UK, “Naked” didn’t dominate the airwaves but still resonated with those drawn to themes of insecurity and openness in love.

It remains a polished yet personal entry in Arthur’s catalog, though one that occasionally feels more strategically constructed than experientially lived.

Featured on the 2019 album “You”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Machine Gun Kelly – Bad Things (w/ Camila Cabello)

Released in 2016, “Bad Things” united indie-energy rapper Machine Gun Kelly with rising pop powerhouse Camila Cabello in a track that toys with opposites—soft and hard, romance and chaos, sweetness and edge.

Borrowing its centerpiece hook from Fastball’s 1999 single “Out of My Head,” the song weaves nostalgia into its DNA, repackaging it into a modern blend of airy vocals and slick, brooding production by The Futuristics.

At its core, the track sermonizes on toxic dynamics, where pain and passion form two sides of the same coin, sung with an unsettling devotion that straddles the line between obsession and allure.

Commercially, the single soared to a number four peak on the Billboard Hot 100, giving both artists their first strides into multi-Platinum territory while charting impressively in Australia, Ireland, and the UK, a feat suggesting universality in its bittersweet theme.

The accompanying music video, shot through a lens of romanticized recklessness, underscores the song’s central paradox: a love that burns bright, but burns nonetheless.

Both divisive and memorable, “Bad Things” captures a moment in pop history where vulnerability meets a dangerous edge, toeing the fine line between genuine emotion and melodrama.

Featured on the 2017 album “Bloom”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

5 . James Morrison – Up (w/ Jessie J)

“Up,” performed by James Morrison alongside Jessie J, is a contemplative duet crafted for Morrison’s third studio album, *The Awakening,* which emerged in 2011.

This composition intertwines Morrison’s signature raspy vocal warmth with Jessie J’s polished, contemporary delivery.

The lyrical theme leans on resilience and mutual support, presenting a narrative that sways between emotional vulnerability and steadfast determination.

The production opts for a minimalist aesthetic, allowing the voices of both artists to take precedence over the instrumentation, which is understated yet effective.

While not released as an independent single in the UK, the track played a crucial role in cementing the album’s popularity, helping it secure the top spot on the UK Albums Chart.

Its accompanying video, set in a stark studio backdrop, places the duo at its center, offsetting the song’s introspective tone through its simplicity.

Jessie J’s involvement in this track marked a growing trend of cross-genre collaborations at the time, as her own trajectory had been firmly rooted in mainstream pop, while Morrison was better known for his emotive blend of folk and soul-adjacent influences.

Their chemistry, while understated, feels authentic, showcasing a rare blend of power and restraint that avoids overpowering the core sentiment of the piece.

It stands as a reflective moment within a commercially successful album, offering a tonal range that moves beyond standard pop arrangements of its era.

Featured on the 2011 album “The Awakening”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

6 . Jason Derulo – It Girl

Jason Derulo’s “It Girl” emerges as a polished yet formulaic ode to idealized affection, wrapped in the glossy sheen of early 2010s pop and R&B.

Released during an era of abundant romantic anthems, the track differentiates itself through its catchy whistling motif and Derulo’s smooth vocal delivery, which balances earnestness and flair without tipping into saccharine excess.

The songwriting team of Derulo, Emanuel Kiriakou, and Lindy Robbins crafts a narrative of devotion and admiration, hitting the predictable beats of yearning and perfection that the genre often demands, but doing so with notable finesse.

Commercially, the single performed admirably, charting comfortably in various international markets while resonating with audiences seeking uncomplicated, radio-friendly charm.

While the production by Emanuel Kiriakou remains polished, it stays comfortably within the confines of mainstream appeal, offering little innovation but plenty of accessibility.

The accompanying music video, directed by Colin Tilley, delivers a soft-focus interpretation of romance, with actress Tika Sumpter embodying the titular “it girl” in sequences designed to appeal to textbook fantasists of ideal love.

Live performances of the track, such as those on “Good Morning America” and numerous tour stops, showcased Derulo’s charisma as a performer, further cementing his place as a leading figure in pop music at the time.

While “It Girl” doesn’t revolutionize Derulo’s discography, it efficiently captures the artist’s knack for crafting a broadly appealing love song, making it a quintessential entry into the annals of 2010s pop sensibility.

Featured on the 2011 album “Future History”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

7 . Julia Michaels – Issues

Released in early 2017, “Issues” marked Julia Michaels’ audacious leap from writing radio-ready anthems for big-name artists to carving her own path as a solo act.

Co-written with hitmakers like Justin Tranter and Benny Blanco, the track is a sleek, midtempo pop confession, brimming with emotional candor and melodic finesse.

Thematically, it peers into the messy recesses of human relationships, teetering between vulnerability and co-dependence, all while wearing its imperfections like a badge of honor.

Its nuanced narrative—peppered with lines that balance raw self-awareness with unguarded intimacy—hit a cultural nerve, clinching a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year.

With sparse production that foregrounds Michaels’ smoky, understated vocal delivery, it avoids the bombast of Top 40 fare and leans into minimalism, making its emotional stakes feel even higher.

The song’s visual counterpart, directed by Tabitha Denholm, casts Michaels adrift in abstract imagery, amplifying the song’s blend of fragility and strength.

Beyond chart success, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Issues” also found a certain durability—becoming one of those rare pop nuggets that feels as personal as it is universal.

As Michaels lays bare her insecurities within a sound that’s polished but never over-produced, the song encapsulates her personality-driven approach to pop music.

Featured on the 2017 album “Nervous System”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Twitter

8 . Example – Midnight Run

Released in 2011, “Midnight Run” finds Example meshing electronic vigor with emotional storytelling, spotlighting a compelling theme of escaping inner turmoil.

Working under the production of Feed Me and backed by the Ministry of Sound label, the track lands firmly within the electronic and dubstep spectrum, its pulsating energy propelling it straight to #1 on the UK Dance Charts.

The song’s narrative evokes a longing for movement, spontaneity, and risk, resonating with listeners chasing the allure of freedom against a backdrop of chaos.

Musically, it layers crisp, percussive beats with sharp basslines, while Example’s vocal delivery oscillates between urgency and vulnerability, amplifying the tension of the escape motif.

The accompanying music video accentuates this restlessness, portraying a surreal desert journey that merges adventure with a dreamlike solitude.

“Midnight Run” stands out not as a crowd-pleaser but as an intricate blend of escapism and reflection, capturing Example at a crossroads, both artistically and emotionally.

Featured on the 2011 album “Playing In The Shadows”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Twitter

9 . Felix Jaehn – Ain’t Nobody [Loves Me Better]

Felix Jaehn’s “Ain’t Nobody [Loves Me Better],” a tropical house reimagining of Rufus and Chaka Khan’s 1983 anthem, thrusts a club-ready sheen onto an enduring classic.

The track enlists Jasmine Thompson’s ethereal vocals, which strip the original of its funk roots and replace them with a polished yet restrained electronic vibrancy.

Released in 2015, it quickly latched onto the charts across Europe, rising to No. 1 in countries like Germany and Poland while nearly topping the UK Singles Chart at No. 2.

Its success wasn’t just confined to its radio-friendly hooks; the accompanying music video, drenched in sun-soaked imagery, amplified the song’s balmy vibe, pulling in millions of YouTube views.

Embedded in Jaehn’s 2021 debut album “I,” the track still pulses in playlists worldwide, buoyed by its multi-platinum accolades that serve as a resounding endorsement of its mass appeal.

The remake walks a fine line between reinterpretation and homage, dodging creative risks while leaning on nostalgia to win over fresh ears.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

10 . JLS – Take A Chance On Me

“Take A Chance On Me” by JLS, a 2011 release from their third album “Jukebox,” leans heavily on polished production and smooth vocal harmonies.

Written by Wayne Hector and produced by Steve Mac, the song is a classic pop/R&B blend touched with emotional sincerity that shoots for timeless appeal rather than trendy gimmicks.

Debuting at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, the track’s commercial success highlights the group’s dependable knack for audience connection, moving over 67,000 units in just its first week.

Lyrically, it trades in themes of love and trust, striking a balance between vulnerability and confidence delivered via their characteristic vocal interplay.

The accompanying video opts for minimalism: shadowed backdrops and choreography that amplify the romantic tone while playing it visually safe.

Duly performed on “The X Factor” in November 2011, this live rendition only solidified its presence during JLS’s chart tenure and offered a heightened emotive punch for TV audiences.

While its lack of groundbreaking innovation may not win over critics, it became a fan favorite and earned a reliable slot on their concert tours, catering to a loyal fanbase content with steady hits over artistic experimentation.

Featured on the 2011 album “Jukebox”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

11 . Jonas Blue – Mama

“Mama” by Jonas Blue, featuring the vocal stylings of William Singe, is a breezy, tropical house track that hit the airwaves on May 5, 2017, as part of Blue’s debut compilation album, *Blue.*

From its opening, the track oozes laid-back summer energy, crafted for beachside playlists or those long, window-down drives through cityscapes where no one’s in a hurry to get anywhere.

The production leans heavily on warm synths and uptempo beats, a hallmark of the genre, while Singe’s vocals layer in a touch of sentiment with just enough smoothness to make the carefree lyrics resonate beyond the dance floor.

Lyrically, it plays with notions of youthful autonomy, offering lines that romanticize a refusal to overthink or worry under the watchful eye of authority figures—with “Mama” serving as both a literal and figurative stand-in for that omnipresent parental critique.

The song’s accompanying music video, filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, mirrors this ethos visually, packed with sun-drenched landscapes, adventurous snapshots, and an Instagram-perfect aesthetic that all but screams wanderlust for a generation that defines it through travel pictures and hashtags.

Commercially, “Mama” carved out its success globally, charting in over 30 countries and solidifying its place on summertime radio rotations. Unlike some short-lived summer hits, its longevity is evidenced by accolades like multiple Platinum certifications and a staggering YouTube view count sitting comfortably above 800 million as of late 2023.

Its appeal rests in its ubiquity as a track you’ve likely heard a dozen times without ever actively seeking it, a testament not to innovation, but an ear for familiarity that Blue capitalizes on skillfully.

Co-written with Ed Drewett and Sam Roman, this is a polished, predictable offering that’s perfect for its purpose but never ventures far enough from its formulaic core to surprise. Yet, that’s precisely why it works—it does what it’s supposed to and doesn’t pretend to be more.

Featured on the 2018 album “Blue”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . Hailee Steinfeld – Let Me Go (w/ Alesso, Florida Georgia Line & Watt)

“Let Me Go” emerges as an unexpected meeting ground of pop, EDM, and country, a rare genre collision that somehow manages to work effortlessly without feeling contrived.

With Hailee Steinfeld’s polished vocals at the forefront, the track moves to the beat of Alesso’s finely-tuned electronic sensibilities, all while Florida Georgia Line’s twangy interjections give it an oddly charming flavor of Southern grit.

This tropical-tinged number doesn’t fit neatly into any box, instead thriving in its ability to bridge stylistic divides without overstating its intentions.

Lyrically, it wades through the ache of a relationship fading into the rearview mirror, coupling themes of independence with a bittersweet refusal to linger in regret.

Its mainstream accessibility is undeniable, as evidenced by its Billboard Hot 100 peak, though its true strength lies in its multilayered production helmed by Watt and Brian Lee—polished enough for dance floors yet laid-back enough for radio waves.

Visually, Emil Nava’s music video plays like an aesthetic dream sequence, capturing scenery so picturesque it feels almost like a modern romanticized postcard.

By the time the song reached live platforms, including an energetic showing at the 2017 AMA pre-show, it had already solidified its place in setlists, connecting with audiences who favor upbeat anthems that carry just a hint of melancholy.

In a pop landscape often accused of playing it too safe, “Let Me Go” dares to mix audiences that might otherwise never intersect, proving that fusion still has its moments when done right.

Featured on the 2017 album “Let Me Go”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site