‘L’Amour Toujours’ N°652 – 2010s Music Videos

1 . Jorja Smith – Let Me Down

“Let Me Down” pairs Jorja Smith’s evocative vocal performance with Stormzy’s introspective grime verse, creating a ballad that feels cinematic in its scope.

The orchestral arrangement, punctuated by moody piano chords, recalls the drama of a Bond theme without tipping into parody.

Smith’s raspy delivery conveys a plea for love restrained by inevitable heartbreak, setting the tone for the track’s aching narrative.

Stormzy’s feature operates less as a guest spot and more as a counter-perspective, recorded in a single take, adding an impulsive vulnerability to the track.

Paul Epworth’s production leans heavily on contrasts—delicate melodies paired with swelling strings—to underscore the tension between longing and resignation.

The lyrics hit familiar but poignant notes of unreciprocated love, avoiding clichés with sharp, personal phrasing that feels unsettlingly intimate.

Its accompanying music video, directed by Hector Dockrill, translates the smokiness of the song’s emotional weight into striking visual metaphors of espionage and betrayal.

Despite modest chart performance, the song’s emotional resonance and artistic craftsmanship set it apart, cementing Smith as one of her generation’s most nuanced vocalists.

While critics highlighted comparisons to other luminaries within neo-soul and R&B, Smith manages to stamp the track with her unique vocal and artistic identity.

“Let Me Down,” at its core, is less about grand declarations of love and more about the quiet devastation of unmet expectations—an understatement that lingers longer than most anthems ever could.

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

2 . Westlife – Hello My Love

Released on January 10, 2019, “Hello My Love” parks itself somewhere intriguing within Westlife’s discography—a mix of nostalgia and reinvention.

Crafted by Ed Sheeran and Steve Mac, the song flaunts a meticulously polished pop-EDM sheen while clinging tightly to uplifting themes of gratitude towards a romantic partner.

It’s audibly clean, carrying a radio-friendly aura that feels effortless, almost sterile, in how it bridges Westlife’s boy band origins with contemporary chart trends.

At 3 minutes and 34 seconds, it’s a quick shot of serotonin, though perhaps too calculated, with every beat and melodic hook circumscribed for maximum accessibility.

The band’s comeback after eight years is well-timed, though one wonders if the sheen of tracks like this masks risks left untaken in favor of an overly safe approach.

The Joshua Tree-set music video—a kaleidoscope of hot air balloons and Californian landscapes—glazes over substance, resembling a tourism brochure more than a meaningful visual extension of the track.

Commercially, it reached number 7 on the UK Official Singles Chart and hovered at number 2 on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart, tethered by its approachable charm rather than any undeniable innovation.

The acoustic version and John Gibbons remix extend the song’s lifecycle, though neither adds much depth or sharpness to an already polished original.

What stands out most is that Sheeran’s fingerprints are evident, from the melodic phrasing to the lyrical progressions, but it’s debatable whether his presence bolsters the track or makes it feel like a Sheeran B-side loaned out to a longtime boy band in search of a relevancy reboot.

In a curious twist, the song holds the position of Westlife’s eighth most-streamed UK single, amassing a respectable 54.5 million streams by November 2021—an achievement worth a nod, if not applause.

It’s hard to deny the craftsmanship and intention behind “Hello My Love,” but there’s an undeniable air of factory-line pop that places it more in the realm of serviceable than transformative.

Featured on the 2019 album “Spectrum”.

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

3 . Enrique Iglesias – Tonight [I’m Lovin’ You]

Enrique Iglesias’ “Tonight [I’m Lovin’ You]” emerges as a brash, unflinching contender in the realm of party anthems, blending electro-pop gloss with dancefloor immediacy.

Co-written by Iglesias and Kara DioGuardi—allegedly in a brisk 10-minute parking lot session—the track wastes no time in hammering home its straightforward, unapologetically carnal theme.

Ludacris’ cameo adds a playful rap interlude, though his verse feels more like a quick detour than a pivotal moment in the narrative.

Musically, it leans into a throbbing beat courtesy of DJ Frank E, textured with synth flourishes that scream early-2010s club culture, shimmering but not exactly revelatory.

Its success on the charts speaks volumes—peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and ruling the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart, Iglesias even snagged his eighth #1 in that category, leaving behind titans like Prince and Michael Jackson.

Yet the song’s true legacy might lie more in the controversy it stoked than its artistic ambition.

The explicit version of the track, with its blunt lyrics, pushed boundaries, while the censored “clean” rendition settled for compromise without straying too far from the original’s intent.

Its accompanying music video faced its share of backlash as well, swapping risqué imagery for sanitized edits in certain markets, including a toned-down version bundled into the French deluxe album edition.

Still, “Tonight [I’m Lovin’ You]” thrives on its audacity, galloping ahead with little concern for subtlety, self-reflection, or, for that matter, longevity beyond its era.

A commercial juggernaut selling over 5 million copies worldwide, its staying power as a cultural artifact of its time feels more rooted in its provocations and collaborative star power than in any lasting artistic imprint.

Featured on the 2010 album “Euphoria”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Kehlani – Nights Like This (w/ Ty Dolla $ign)

Kehlani’s “Nights Like This,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, arrives at the crossroads of heartbreak and technology, pairing nostalgia-tinged R&B with a sci-fi twist.

Released on January 10, 2019, this track serves as the lead single off her mixtape *While We Wait* and brings a subdued urgency that mirrors the emotional collapse of unfulfilled love.

The melancholic refrain, cushioned by Sir Nolan’s polished production, suggests a longing for connection, but the lyrics peel back the layers to reveal isolation masked by shimmering vocal harmonies.

The music video plays into this duality, with Kehlani repairing a humanoid robot—an almost-too-literal metaphor for the mechanical and artificial nature of a strained relationship.

A playground for sensitive narratives, bisexual undertones, and a touch of cold detachment, this collaboration walks the line between sincerity and disillusionment.

Although platinum certifications and impressive Spotify streams confirm its mainstream success, the song thrives more in personal vulnerability than it does as a commercial powerhouse.

When Ty Dolla $ign enters with his smooth delivery, his verses provide a mirrored perspective, a fleeting conversation in a relationship doomed to voicemail purgatory.

Even at its most detached, “Nights Like This” drags you back into the emotional swamp with sharp lyrical hooks that stick long after the music fades.

The production is sleek to a fault, almost too flawless—lending an air of sterility that may alienate those looking for rawness rather than refinement.

Still, it fulfills its purpose: not to fix the broken androids in our lives but to serve as an anthem for late-night introspection, when memories weigh heavier than sleep.

Featured on the 2019 album “While We Wait”.

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

5 . The Wanted – Lightning

“Lightning” by The Wanted charges forward as an energetic anthem of reckless romance, wrapped in an electropop production that leans heavily on its lyrical metaphor of “playing with lightning.”

Released in October 2011 as part of their “Battleground” album, the track surges with pulsing beats and sharp hooks, making its way to No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 5 in Ireland.

The group embraces a night-time party aesthetic in its accompanying video, which matches the thrilling, chaotic nature of the song’s theme.

While its commercial success is undeniable, the track lacks the collaborative flair or distinct innovations that might have pushed it beyond its pop-rock peers.

Written by Steve Mac, Wayne Hector, and Ed Drewett, the song feels designed for immediate impact but risks fading into the background of The Wanted’s catalog when compared to enduring hits like “Glad You Came.”

Still, it captures a moment of youthful intensity, amplified by the group’s strong public performances and the glossy commercial sheen synonymous with pop during the early 2010s.

Featured on the 2012 album “The Wanted”.

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

6 . Sam Smith – Dancing With A Stranger (w/ Normani)

“Dancing with a Stranger” emerges as a sleek intersection of modern pop and disco-inflected R&B, seamlessly blending Sam Smith’s emotive tenor with Normani’s sultry vocals.

Released on January 11, 2019, this collaboration flourished in its minimalist production, helmed by an interplay of Stargate, Jimmy Napes, Danny D, and Tim Blacksmith, balancing restrained beats with a nostalgic nod to the 1980s.

The track examines themes of loneliness and quiet intimacy, making it a poignant pivot in Smith’s sonic narrative and a strong co-sign for Normani’s post-Fifth Harmony career.

Its laser-sharp focus on emotional vulnerability cut through the glossy pop landscape, peaking at No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart and landing in the Top 10 across over 30 countries, while topping U.S. charts such as Radio Songs and Adult Top 40.

The accompanying Vaughan Arnell-directed music video amplifies the track’s emotional gravity, juxtaposing holographic dancers within the sterile confines of a modern London apartment to underscore isolation in urban life.

Even with its outward simplicity, the song brews a quiet sophistication through its textured layering and understated elegance, lending it staying power on streaming playlists and airwaves alike.

It’s this balance between stripped-down melancholy and radio-ready allure that garnered critical attention, a Song of the Year nod at the BMI London Awards, and certifications that left fewer doubters of its cultural imprint.

Straying from excess, “Dancing with a Stranger” showed that pop need not rely on over-the-top dramatics to cement itself in collective memory; sometimes a whisper hits harder than a shout.

Featured on the 2020 album “Love Goes”.

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

7 . Maroon 5 – What Lovers Do (w/ SZA)

“What Lovers Do” by Maroon 5 featuring SZA trades introspection for a breezy, radio-friendly sheen, blending polished pop with tropical R&B influences.

Released on August 30, 2017, as part of the “Red Pill Blues” album, the track stretches its flirtatious energy over a sampled backbone from Neiked’s “Sexual,” giving it a déjà-vu familiarity.

Its lyrical exploration of romantic guesswork may lack depth, yet the effortless chemistry between Adam Levine’s falsetto and SZA’s honeyed vocals keeps the momentum alive.

Joseph Kahn’s hyper-stylized music video throws logic out the window in favor of playful absurdity, featuring everything from animated dolphins to hospital melodrama.

The production team, which includes heavyweights like Jason Evigan and Victor Radstrom, ensures the beat stays infectious, pushing the song up charts worldwide, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

Beneath its glossy facade, the song teeters between harmless fun and a missed opportunity for lyrical risk, ultimately sticking to a safe, commercial formula.

While its live debut at Rock in Rio showcased the enthusiasm behind the collaboration, the track feels better suited to playlists than profound reflection.

Its double-platinum status underscores a keen understanding of mainstream appetites, even if the recipe skims the surface of artistic ambition.

The track’s real strength lies in its ability to walk the tightrope between feel-good fluff and calculated radio appeal, a hallmark of Maroon 5’s commercial playbook.

Featured on the 2017 album “Red Pill Blues”.

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

8 . Tom Walker – Just You And I

“Just You And I” by Tom Walker carries the weight of intimacy and dedication, wrapped in a blend of folk sensibility and acoustic warmth.

First appearing in its stripped-down acoustic form in 2017, the track found a more polished and expansive re-release in January 2019, catching significant global attention.

This version hit No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and managed to chart across multiple countries, racking up certifications from Gold in Germany to Platinum in the UK and beyond.

The production leans on Walker’s gravelly vocals, married to emotive lyrics that thrive on simplicity, resonating with listeners who find comfort in its unadorned sincerity.

Thematically, it’s about riding life’s storms with a partner who steadies the ship, a sentiment amplified by Kristian Persson’s co-writing that keeps things grounded rather than overtly saccharine.

Its music video, directed by Ollie Wolf, reinforces this genuineness, focusing on quiet, joyous moments between couples, sidestepping clichés for a more believable portrayal of togetherness.

Though undeniably accessible, the track doesn’t overreach and avoids attempting to sound trendier than it needs to, instead reveling in its authentic charm.

This restraint might come off as slightly too safe for those craving experimentation, but it’s precisely this relatability that made the song a ubiquitous presence on wedding playlists and TV spots in 2019.

Walker performs this song with conviction, his voice steering it away from mediocrity, ensuring its place as a standout from his debut album, *What a Time to Be Alive*.

Featured on the 2019 album “What a Time to Be Alive”.

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

9 . Not3s – My Lover

Released in August 2017, “My Lover” captures Not3s at a pivotal moment in the UK Afroswing wave, weaving romance through a mesh of hip-hop, dancehall, and R&B textures.

The track is a sleek, no-frills production by The Fanatix, leaning on stripped-back afrobeats percussion and an addictive melodic hook.

Not3s, a Hackney-born rapper and singer, exudes charm in his vocal delivery, balancing smooth crooning with a conversational tone that feels tailor-made for late-night playlists.

While not tethered to an album, “My Lover” found its footing commercially, landing in the UK Singles Chart at number 14 and climbing even higher—number 5—on the UK R&B Singles Chart.

The remix, featuring Mabel, became the song’s scene-stealer, blending her airy vocals seamlessly into the track and securing broader appeal without feeling like an afterthought.

Its official video, released in October 2017, offers a splash of urban aesthetics, energized by playful chemistry and warm, vibrant visuals, while a late-year radio edit added a fresh layer to its life span.

This wasn’t just another passing single; “My Lover” was a cultural touchstone that saw recognition from both critics and fans, amplifying Not3s’ reputation as a key player in the UK’s genre-fluid music movement.

Though the lyrics circle familiar themes of attraction and flirtation, there’s a breeziness that avoids clichés, opting instead for casual intimacy you almost lean into.

The track’s achievement lies in its balance—light enough for repeat spins, but dynamic enough to lodge itself in the listener’s ear long after play.

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

10 . Camila Cabello – She Loves Control

With its moombahton beats and Spanish guitar, “She Loves Control” brings a shot of adrenaline to Camila Cabello’s debut album, *Camila*, released in 2018.

Co-written by Cabello alongside heavyweights like Skrillex, Frank Dukes, and Louis Bell, the track doubles down on its dancefloor ambitions while drenched in Latin rhythms that nod to Cabello’s Cuban-Mexican roots.

The song’s theme revolves around empowerment, painting the picture of a woman unapologetically claiming her space, a narrative reinforced by its commanding rhythm and pulsating basslines.

Though overlooked as a single, it snuck onto international music charts—including positions in Norway, Spain, and Canada—while also clinching a Silver certification in the UK.

The production is meticulous, with Skrillex’s signature intensity balanced by a crisp, dancehall-inspired veneer that doesn’t overwhelm.

Critics lauded it for its arrangement and infectious energy, though some might find the lyrics leaning into the predictable.

Cabello has singled it out as a personal favorite, and you can sense why—it’s undeniably crafted to make bodies move, whether on stage or in a packed venue.

Its music video, directed by BLUX, is a minimalist yet stylish visual companion that mirrors the song’s fiery essence without veering into cliché.

Overall, “She Loves Control” sits comfortably as a standout track on an album that itself marked a turning point in Cabello’s career.

Featured on the 2018 album “Camila”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

11 . Stefflon Don – Hurtin’ Me

“Hurtin’ Me,” released in 2017, positions Stefflon Don as a major force in UK hip-hop with an unmistakable flair for narrative and melody.

The track pairs infectious production from Rymez with Stefflon Don’s blend of patois and smooth delivery, creating a sound that straddles club banger and vulnerable confession.

Thematically, it tackles heartbreak with a mix of defiance and jealousy, giving the listener access to both her pain and her strength—a delicate balance rarely sustained this well in mainstream pop-rap.

French Montana’s feature feels more obligatory than necessary, adding a layer of star power but little in terms of emotional heft or creative impact.

The music video, co-directed by Stefflon Don and Luke Biggins, underscores her commanding presence, its slick visuals enhancing but not overpowering the song’s rawer emotional core.

The remix pulling in Sean Paul, Popcaan, and Sizzla leans heavily into its Caribbean influences, showcasing a versatility that pays homage to Stefflon Don’s Jamaican roots.

Performances across major platforms like BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the Jingle Bell Ball cement the track as her breakout moment, although some might argue its resonance is more commercial than transformative for UK hip-hop as a whole.

Certified Platinum in the UK, “Hurtin’ Me” is less a reinvention of the genre and more a savvy blend of accessible hooks and personal storytelling, proving that heartbreak can sell when wrapped in this much charisma.

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

12 . HRVY – Personal

“Personal” by HRVY captures the bittersweet unraveling of a teenage romance, set against a backdrop of sleek pop production and earworm hooks.

Released in late 2017 as part of the *Talk to Ya* EP, the track positions itself firmly in the emotional turbulence of youthful heartbreak.

The lyrics, co-written by a team of adept pop writers, carry a conversational rawness, teetering between sincerity and the universal melodrama of adolescence.

Sky Adams’ production bathes the song in polished electronic beats and glossy pop textures, creating a sound tailored for repeat plays on streaming platforms.

The accompanying video, starring Loren Gray alongside HRVY, layers the narrative with high school dramatics, accidental betrayals, and a touch of innocence, fostering its viral appeal.

By 2022, the video surpassed 300 million views, testament to its hold over the TikTok-savvy generation.

Regional charts daydreamed higher placement, with peaks like #62 in the UK, but despite modest rankings, its certifications in Brazil, Canada, Norway, and the US reflect global resonance.

Available in remix and acoustic iterations, the song stretches itself to fit multiple moods, a chameleon act typical of hits catering to hyper-diverse Gen Z playlists.

Yet for all its catchiness and universal relatability, the song doesn’t so much push boundaries as it decorates them with neon lights and Instagram filters.

HRVY’s performance of “Personal” balances a polished boy-next-door vibe with an aspirational swagger, perfectly crafted for fleeting teenage devotion.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site