‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°651 – 2010s Music Videos

1 . Zayn – Dusk Till Dawn (w/ Sia)

Released in 2017, “Dusk Till Dawn” features Zayn teaming up with Sia for a track that leans heavily into drama and yearning, produced by Greg Kurstin under RCA Records.

The song fuses emotive balladry with pop sensibilities, showcasing both singers’ vocal range as they trade verses and harmonize on themes of devotion and desperate connection.

Set against a backdrop of soaring production punctuated by strings and cinematic swells, it’s a piece designed to hit the listener squarely in the chest.

Its accompanying music video, directed by Marc Webb, opts for a mini-action film concept, with actress Jemima Kirke playing a mysterious, pivotal role.

Racking up over a billion views on YouTube, the video’s intensity matches the song’s high-stakes energy, offering just as much visual storytelling as the lyrics suggest.

While Sia’s distinct vocal timbre adds much-needed depth, Zayn manages to hold his own, delivering one of his more polished performances since going solo.

The song didn’t just resonate with its fanbase but also earned widespread commercial success, peaking at #5 on the UK charts and gaining multi-Platinum status worldwide.

Its appeal extended into mainstream media, finding a home in promotional trailers, which only amplified its mass-market reach.

Though undeniably orchestrated for maximum impact, its lavish production and relentless sentimentality may feel overblown to those seeking subtlety in their pop ballads.

Still, there’s no denying the track’s calculated effectiveness—an emotional juggernaut engineered to leave the listener drenched in feeling, whether they asked for it or not.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

2 . Little Mix – Secret Love Song (w/ Jason Derulo)

“Secret Love Song” stands as a poignant moment in Little Mix’s discography, offering an emotionally charged ballad that captures the ache of unspoken emotions and unattainable connection.

Co-written by Jez Ashurst and featuring Jason Derulo, its polished production is a quintessential mid-2010s pop creation that merges British sensibilities with a transatlantic flair.

The song, part of their 2015 album “Get Weird,” navigates forbidden love with a vocal depth that feels cinematic and personal all at once.

Commercially, it resonated, securing a spot at #6 on the UK Singles Chart, a testament to its relatability for listeners who’ve felt the sting of hidden feelings.

The music video is drenched in a kind of overwrought melancholy, with London’s Tower Bridge looming in the background, leaning into a drama that feels perfect for late-night playlist indulgence.

Yet, some might argue that the song, for all its swelling emotion, edges towards sentimentality, a glossy portrayal of raw vulnerability dripping in heartbreak but veering into overly polished territory.

Still, the vocal interplay between Little Mix and Derulo adds an intriguing dynamic, grounding its soaring melodies in vocal chemistry that keeps things compelling.

The stripped-back version featuring just Little Mix offers a starker, more intimate experience, placing the spotlight entirely on their harmonies and lyrical poignancy.

Performed live during their “Get Weird Tour” and appearances like “Graham Norton,” it solidified its place as a key touchpoint in their repertoire, even if its pop-ballad sheen doesn’t stray far from the genre’s conventions at the time.

Whether embraced as an anthem for closeted love or simply as a well-executed pop moment, it lingers as a piece that, while not groundbreaking, remains potent in its emotional resonance.

Featured on the 2015 album “Get Weird”.

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

3 . Liam Payne – For You [Fifty Shades Freed] (w/ Rita Ora)

“For You,” a polished collaboration between Liam Payne and Rita Ora, emerged as the flagship track of the “Fifty Shades Freed” soundtrack, released in early 2018.

Penned by a quartet of seasoned songwriters—Ali Tamposi, Ali Payami, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, and Andrew Watt—the track leans heavily into pop theatrics, wrapped in lush production helmed by Payami and Watt.

The song’s thematic focus spins around fiery passion and unrelenting devotion, aligning snugly with the overly dramatic tone of its cinematic counterpart.

Commercially, it left few stones unturned, gliding to number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and breaking into various European top 10 lists while settling at a respectable 21 on the US Mainstream Top 40 chart.

Its glitzy music video, steered by director Hannah Lux Davis, showcases surrealistic visuals of Payne and Ora performing amidst a vibrant garden setting, interwoven with indulgent clips from the “Fifty Shades Freed” movie.

Their onstage renditions brought the romantic intensity to life, with appearances at major platforms such as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and the Global Awards 2018.

Despite predictable reliance on cinematic tropes, “For You” remains a defining example of how soundtracks can underscore a film franchise’s atmospheric obsessions while gleaming in the global charts.

Featured on the 2018 album ” Fifty Shades Freed: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”.

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

4 . The Wanted – Warzone

Released on The Wanted’s second studio album “Battleground” in late 2011, “Warzone” trades the typical bombast of boy band pop anthems for a more pained, cinematic approach.

The track plunges into the messy mire of heartbreak, with lyrics that capture betrayal’s razor edge and the hollow ache of unreciprocated confrontation.

Co-written by the band alongside Harry Sommerdahl, Wayne Hector, and Lindy Robbins, the tune strikes a balance between emotional vulnerability and defiant resolve, its anguished narrative bolstered by stunningly layered vocal harmonies.

Steve Mac’s glossy production wraps the track in a shimmering pop sheen while keeping the raw emotional undercurrent palpable, a contrast that resonates.

The song’s lukewarm peak at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart belies its resonance with fans, who embraced its sincerity over the more formulaic hits of the band’s discography.

Its accompanying music video, filmed in New York City, dials up the melodrama, featuring haunting visuals of flames and unraveling relationships—a direct mirror to the song’s thematic palette.

As part of their “The Code Tour,” the band delivered electrifying performances of the song, amplifying its emotional weight with their live energy, but its position in pop narratives has remained a quieter triumph compared to their chart-toppers.

While not a reinvention of the heartbreak ballad, “Warzone” carves out a space in The Wanted’s catalog as one of their most introspective moments, a refreshing detour from the genre’s glossier trappings during that era.

Featured on the 2012 album “The Wanted”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

5 . Will Young – Jealousy

Will Young’s “Jealousy” aches with a quiet yearning, wrapped in the polished veneer of synth-pop melancholy that defined his 2011 album, *Echoes*.

At its core, the track balances vulnerability with restraint, as Young’s smooth delivery channels an understated longing that never fully erupts into melodrama.

The production by Richard Stannard leans heavily on shimmering synth layers and a steady, methodical rhythm, evoking an atmosphere where intimacy and detachment wrestle for dominance.

It’s a sonic pivot for Young, steering away from his earlier adult contemporary leanings toward a sound more befitting dimly lit dance floors and late-night introspection.

Lyrically, “Jealousy” tiptoes through the hazy territory of unspoken affection, weaving themes of envy and unfulfilled desire into a tapestry of quiet desperation.

The accompanying video, with its circus imagery and unrequited glances, underscores the tension between longing and acceptance without veering into overt sentimentality.

The track’s reception, peaking at number 5 on the UK charts, underscores its knack for capturing a specific, bittersweet moment in Young’s evolving artistic narrative.

Whether performed live or remixed into bass-heavy club edits, “Jealousy” remains a thoughtfully constructed exploration of passion restrained, leaving the listener to linger in its delicate ache.

Featured on the 2011 album “Echoes”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : YouTube

6 . Rebecca Ferguson – Nothing’s Real But Love

Rebecca Ferguson’s “Nothing’s Real But Love” drifts in on a wave of stripped-back instrumentation, offering an understated backdrop for her commanding voice to take center stage.

Co-written with Eg White, a seasoned collaborator for the likes of Adele, the track revels in its minimalism while tackling themes of sincerity and human connection.

A far cry from chart-chasing anthems, its uncluttered production leans on Ferguson’s rich, emotive delivery, trading glitzy pomp for raw, unpolished sentiment.

Released in late 2011 as the lead single from her debut album “Heaven,” the song managed a respectable peak at number 10 on the UK Singles Chart, quietly bypassing any temptation to dwell on commercial flash.

Its reception stretched beyond Britain, though modestly, with lukewarm chart positions in Ireland and Australia that perhaps underscored its niche appeal.

The accompanying music video mirrors the song’s aesthetic ethos, projecting a muted palette and contemplative mood as it circles themes of love and authenticity with relentless focus.

High-profile performances, such as on “The X Factor UK” and “The Graham Norton Show,” propelled its modest trajectory without ever fully trading intimacy for mass-market glaze.

While far from revolutionary, “Nothing’s Real But Love” serves as a reminder that earnestness need not be drowned in theatrics—a measured piece more content with crooning truths than shouting them.

Featured on the 2011 album “Heaven”.

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

7 . Selena Gomez – Same Old Love

“Same Old Love” doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel but instead polishes it until it gleams. A slick pop concoction from Selena Gomez’s *Revival* album, it pairs sharp production from Stargate and Benny Blanco with lyrics penned by Charli XCX and company. The track slyly blends mid-tempo melancholy with an infectious hook, creating a compelling tension between its polished surface and its emotional undercurrent.

At its core, this is a break-up anthem for the exhausted: less fiery rage, more resigned exhale. The repetition of the titular phrase evokes not just relationship fatigue, but the cyclical patterns we often find hard to escape. Gomez’s delivery is steely yet vulnerable, toeing the line between detachment and raw emotion—a balancing act she’s honed through years in the pop spotlight.

The song’s minimalist beats and cascading piano riff play off the weight of lyrics that feel universal enough to resonate, but just personal enough to sound like excerpted diary entries. It’s a production that seems deceptively simple until you notice its deft layering, offering something new with each listen.

The music video, with Gomez navigating a dizzying urban landscape, cleverly mirrors the themes of isolation despite connection. The scene shifts from crowded streets to a quiet performance in a small theater, suggesting a yearning for clarity amidst chaos—a relatable, if not groundbreaking narrative thread.

While “Same Old Love” may not crack open new dimensions of pop, it confidently stakes its claim in familiar terrain. There’s an intricate irony here: a song lamenting monotony ends up being utterly memorable. Gomez, for all her polish, proves that sometimes the simplest sentiments are the ones that stick hardest with us.

Featured on the 2015 album “Revival”.

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

8 . Sam Smith – Too Good At Goodbyes

Sam Smith’s “Too Good At Goodbyes,” released in 2017, plants its feet firmly in the well-trodden terrain of heartbreak, but elevates the familiar with a measured vulnerability that feels almost surgically precise.

The track doesn’t so much wallow in sadness as it does study it from a distance, with Smith’s voice—both tender and commanding—capturing the push-pull of detachment and longing.

Co-written alongside Jimmy Napes and the production duo Stargate, its minimalist arrangement, with its subtle strings and melancholic piano, opts for understated elegance rather than indulgence.

It’s this restraint that gives the song a disarming power, every pause and crescendo feeling deliberate and charged.

The song found immediate commercial success, charting high globally, but its resonance lies in its intimacy, amplified by a music video that echoes its themes with muted visuals and weighty silences.

Smith performed it on major platforms like “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and “Saturday Night Live,” cementing its presence not just on charts but in popular consciousness.

Thematically, it’s a masterclass in channeling pain into something beautiful without the excess of melodrama—a reminder that heartbreak can smolder just as effectively as it burns.

Featured on the 2017 album “The Thrill Of It All”.

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

9 . Chris Brown – Undecided

Chris Brown’s “Undecided” opens with a nostalgic nod to Shanice’s 1991 track “I Love Your Smile,” a sample seamlessly integrated by producer Scott Storch to evoke both familiarity and freshness.

Released in January 2019 under RCA Records, the track leans heavily into its R&B roots, mixing airy melodies with lyrics navigating the complexities of romantic uncertainty.

Brown wrestles with themes of longing and indecision, laying his frustration bare while maintaining a polished delivery that borders on vulnerability.

While its chart performance peaked at a respectable #35 on the Billboard Hot 100, it notably reached #8 on the US R&B Songs chart, proof of its resonance within its genre.

The accompanying video, co-directed by Brown, is set against the backdrop of a whimsical amusement park, offering a dreamlike visual complement to the song’s emotional push-pull.

Featuring actress Serayah McNeill, the visuals meld narrative romance with Brown’s hallmark choreography, ensuring a performance-driven showcase that doesn’t overshadow the track’s core sentiment.

Certified Platinum by the RIAA, the song became a key player in promoting Brown’s ninth album *Indigo*, though it notably felt like a safe pivot rather than a bold statement.

With its smooth production and radio-friendly vibe, “Undecided” walks the line between homage and modernity, but its appeal feels rooted in comfort rather than innovation.

Featured on the 2019 album “Indigo”.

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

10 . David Guetta – Say My Name

Released in 2018 as part of David Guetta’s album “7,” “Say My Name” feels like a melting pot of genres, blending EDM gloss with a Latin-pop flair that’s both unexpected and oddly seductive.

The track features Bebe Rexha’s fiery English vocals, paired with J Balvin’s smooth Spanish delivery, creating a contrast that fuels the song’s underlying themes of longing and allure.

The production leans into Guetta’s signature build-release formula, offering hypnotic beats and electric drops that are polished to nightclub perfection, even if they occasionally border on formulaic repetition.

The music video trades narrative for visuals, bathing its performers in an explosion of saturated neon hues and sharp choreography—eye-catching for sure, though it leans more on Instagram-friendly aesthetics than detailed storytelling.

Chart-wise, it landed comfortably within the Top 20 in multiple European nations, proving its transcontinental appeal, though it didn’t quite shake global charts the way some of Guetta’s earlier hits did.

It’s a bold attempt at fusing cultural influences, though the result can feel a touch calculated, as if curated for playlist algorithms rather than spontaneous artistry.

That said, the collaboration underscores Guetta’s strength: an ability to craft songs that, love them or not, are borderline impossible to ignore.

Featured on the 2018 album “7”.

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

11 . Rihanna – You Da One

“You Da One” is pure Rihanna—unapologetic, magnetic, and dipped in the swagger of her Caribbean heritage.

Released in 2011 as part of her “Talk That Talk” album, the track laces pop gloss with a dancehall undercurrent, bringing a rhythmic punch that feels both breezy and intimate.

Lyrically, it’s about devotion and longing, though the words feel more like a flirtatious nod than a heart-wrenching confession.

The production, led by Dr. Luke, doesn’t stray too far from the radio-friendly safety net, but the island-infused beat keeps it from becoming cookie-cutter.

Its placement on the Billboard Hot 100 at #14, and its top-ten ranking in markets like New Zealand and South Korea, proves its universal appeal, even if it doesn’t aim for monumental depth.

The accompanying video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, is an eye-catching homage to Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange,” embracing stark visuals and Rihanna’s chic yet rebellious persona.

Shot in London, the monochrome aesthetics juxtaposed with flashes of neon feel stylish, though they leave just a hint of déjà vu.

While no major awards graced its journey, “You Da One” hit the right notes for fans looking for a seductive rhythm and a glimpse of Rihanna’s playful confidence.

Not earth-shattering, but undeniably captivating, the track serves as a reminder of how Rihanna consistently operates at the intersection of commercial savvy and artistic flair.

Featured on the 2011 album “Talk That Talk”.

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

12 . Rita Ora – Your Song

Rita Ora’s “Your Song,” a collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac, feels like a calculated yet satisfying reintroduction to the charts.

As the first global release under Atlantic Records, the track brims with polished pop precision, ditching any traces of grit or unpredictability in exchange for immaculate studio sheen.

The production is upbeat and radio-friendly, driven by a lilting piano riff and a steady beat that makes it difficult to resist tapping along.

Ed Sheeran’s fingerprints are evident in the lyrical phrasing and melodic simplicity, though the song opts for universal appeal over anything particularly daring or personal.

It’s a breezy, almost frictionless ode to the giddy rush of love, designed to play on repeat without overstaying its welcome.

The video, with Rita roaming through urban landscapes and lush backdrops, mirrors the track’s lighthearted vibe, emphasizing aesthetics over storytelling.

Though it might not reinvent the wheel, “Your Song” encapsulates Ora’s renewed energy, serving as a streamlined platform for her reentrance into pop stardom.

Featured on the 2018 album “Phoenix”.

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