How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : George Ezra, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Ed Sheeran, Jess Glynne, Bastille, Hozier, fun., David Guetta, Chase & Status, Lana Del Rey, Kings Of Leon, Andy Grammer
They are the performers of twelve amusing, puzzling and sometimes shocking videos that ranked in various charts, this week (40/52) BUT … in the Tens 2010s.
1. Which year was “Shotgun” by George Ezra released as a single?
- A 2017
- B 2018
- C 2019
2. What song’s sample is replayed in Macklemore’s “Downtown”?
- A “Safety Dance”
- B “Thriller”
- C “Uptown Funk”
3. Which collaboration on Ed Sheeran’s “No.6 Collaborations Project” features Cardi B and Camila Cabello?
- A “South of the Border”
- B “I Don’t Care”
- C “Beautiful People”
4. What achievement did Jess Glynne’s “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” reach in the UK Singles Chart?
- A Number two
- B Number one
- C Number three
5. Bastille’s “Pompeii” references which historic event?
- A Battle of Hastings
- B Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
- C Fall of the Berlin Wall
6. In which setting did Hozier write and record his debut single?
- A While traveling
- B In his parents’ attic
- C At a professional studio
7. “Some Nights” by Fun includes elements of which musical genres?
- A Jazz and blues
- B Alternative rock and power pop
- C Reggae and folk
8. Which chart position did “Titanium” by David Guetta and Sia achieve in the UK?
- A Number five
- B Number one
- C Number ten
9. Which TV show featured Chase & Status’s track when discussing the 2016 Formula One season highlights?
- A Sky Sports F1
- B Top Gear
- C Formula 1: Drive to Survive
10. Lana Del Rey’s version of “Blue Velvet” is characterized by which musical elements?
- A Uplifting and energetic
- B Hypnotic and haunting
- C Upbeat and cheerful
11. Where was Kings of Leon’s “WALLS” album recorded?
- A Nashville
- B New York
- C Los Angeles
12. What charitable cause was funded by Andy Grammer’s “Fresh Eyes”?
- A Animal welfare
- B Cancer research
- C A homeless shelter
For TWELVE more ‘Vous Avez Dit Bizarre’ – 2010s Music Videos – week 40/52 – click here
Tracklist
1 . George Ezra – Shotgun |
‘Time flies by in the yellow and green’
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| Penned in Barcelona, “Shotgun” by George Ezra, reminisces his time in Australia. The song’s music video, directed by Nelson De Castro and Carlos Lopez Estrada, looks like a catalogue of summer activities, whimsically featuring Ezra navigating through time and space. |
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Featured on the 2018 album “Staying at Tamara’s”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
2 . Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Downtown (w/ Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee & Eric Nally) |
‘And all we need is two good wheels’
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| Joined by hip-hop veterans Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, and vocalist Eric Nally, “Downtown” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is built on a jazzy, funk-driven rhythm. Shot in Spokane, Washington, over a week, the music video, co-directed with Jason Koenig, comes with street dancing, moped racing, and a grand parade that turns the city into a jubilant, rhythmic spectacle. |
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Featured on the 2016 album “This Unruly Mess I’ve Made”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
3 . Ed Sheeran – South Of The Border (w/ Camila Cabello & Cardi B) |
‘You know I love watching you do your thing’
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| Co-produced with Steve Mac, and Fred Gibson, Ed Sheeran’s “South Of The Border” narrates an enticing encounter between Ed, and Camila Cabello, later joined by Cardi B’s rap verse. Directed by Jason Koenig, the music video is styled as a spy film with Ed as Teddy Fingers, Camila as Mariposa, and celebrities Alexis Ren (as Scarlet Jones) and Paul Karmiryan (as Agent X), all entangled in a chase for a valuable necklace. |
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Featured on the 2019 album “No.6 Collaborations Project”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
4 . Jess Glynne – Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself |
| Jess Glynne’s “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” urges self-compassion amid adversities. The music video, directed by Declan Whitebloom, unfolds in a US black neighborhood and narrates a young black kid’s struggle with family and self-esteem issues, guiding him towards self-acceptance and inner peace. |
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Featured on the 2015 album “I Cry When I Laugh”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
5 . Bastille – Pompeii |
‘How am I going to be an optimist about this?’
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| Inspired by the ancient Roman town known for its ash-preserved remnants post a volcanic eruption, Bastille singer Dan Smith pens down in “Pompeii” reflective lyrics about the end of optimism. Directed by Jesse John Jenkins, and shot in Los Angeles and Palm Springs, California, the music video comes void of any volcano or Roman togas. |
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Featured on the 2013 album “Bad Blood”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
6 . Hozier – Take Me To Church |
| Produced by Rob Kirwan, “Take Me to Church” by Hozier metaphorically depicts a breakup as a worship experience, subverting religious language to express romantic and sensual longing. The music video, directed by Brendan Canty and Conal Thompson, explores the intersection of love, sexuality, and religion, illustrating a gay couple’s love journey, from bliss to violent disruption by homophobic aggressors. |
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Featured on the 2014 album “Hozier”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
7 . fun. – Some Nights |
| Unfolding a story of two lovers torn apart by a personnal war, “Some Nights” by American indie pop band fun. comes with a bombastic sound. Directed by Anthony Mandler, the music video encapsulates the tragic realities of the American Civil War in the 19th Century, blending scenes of battle, portraying fathers and sons compelled into conflict, with the band’s theatrical performance on a rickety stage. |
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Featured on the 2012 album “Some Nights”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
8 . David Guetta – Titanium (w/ Sia) |
‘You shout it out, but I can’t hear a word you say’
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| Co-produced with Giorgio Tuinfort, and Afrojack, David Guetta’s track “Titanium” features the robust vocals of Sia. Without featuring Sia or Guetta in the storyline, the music video, directed by David Wilson and filmed in Quebec, Canada, showcases a narrative centered around a boy, portrayed by “Super 8” star Ryan Lee, discovering his supernatural powers and subsequently fleeing from the authorities. |
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Featured on the 2011 album “Nothing but the Beat”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
9 . Chase & Status – All Goes Wrong (w/ Tom Grennan) |
| Drum ‘n’ bass UK act Chase & Status’s track “All Goes Wrong” comes with Tom Grennan’s enthralling vocals. The accompanying music video is directed by Glenn Paton. |
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Featured on the 2017 album “Tribe”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
10 . Lana Del Rey – Blue Velvet |
‘Ours a love I held tightly Feeling the rapture grow’
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| With a retro look and mysterious demeanor, Lana Del Rey has been likened to David Lynch’s heroines. Emphasizing this comparison, she covers “Blue Velvet,” featured in Lynch’s eponymous film. Directed by Johan Renck, the music video, with its Lynchian decor and melancholic personas, showcases Del Rey amidst eerie, nostalgic settings, blending fashion – it serves as an H&M’s fall campaign – music, and cinematic homage. |
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Featured on the 2012 album “Paradise”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
11 . Kings Of Leon – WALLS |
‘I can’t get there on my own You can’t leave me here alone’
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| Kings of Leon’s “WALLS,” an acronym for “We Are Like Love Songs,” unveils earnest vocals and guitar strains, echoing a theme of surrender. The accompanying video, directed by Dimitri Basil, tells the story of a mysterious stranger and an apocalyptic catastrophe. |
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Featured on the 2016 album “Walls”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
12 . Andy Grammer – Fresh Eyes |
| Andy Grammer’s single “Fresh Eyes” initially celebrated enduring love, but its music video, filmed on LA’s Skid Row, spotlights homelessness instead, inviting viewers to look at this issue with “fresh eyes,” promoting a broader understanding and empathy. |
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Featured on the 2017 album “The Good Parts”. Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site |
And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. “Shotgun” was released in 2018. It went on to top charts in multiple countries, marking a significant achievement for George Ezra.
2. “Downtown” samples “Safety Dance” by Ivan Doroschuk. The song became popular for its eclectic style and energetic feel.
3. “South of the Border” includes performances by Cardi B and Camila Cabello. The track combines their distinct styles into a Latin pop tune.
4. “Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself” hit number one in the UK, making it Jess Glynne’s fifth chart-topping single and a record-tie for British female solo artists.
5. “Pompeii” lyrically explores the infamous eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It’s a historic metaphor for reflection in Bastille’s hit track.
6. Hozier wrote his debut single in his parents’ attic in County Wicklow. The song brought him international acclaim and Grammy nominations.
7. “Some Nights” is known for its blend of alternative rock and power pop. The song explores existential themes over an anthemic sound.
8. “Titanium” reached number one in the UK charts. Sia’s powerful vocals and David Guetta’s production made it a global hit.
9. Sky Sports F1 showcased Chase & Status’s track during 2016 Formula One season highlights, offering a dramatic musical backdrop.
10. Del Rey’s version of “Blue Velvet” is noted for its hypnotic and haunting vibe, matching its themes of desire and longing.
11. The “WALLS” album was recorded in Los Angeles at Henson Studios. It’s where Kings of Leon previously found inspiration.
12. “Fresh Eyes” supported a homeless shelter, with all proceeds going to Union Rescue Mission. The track emphasizes compassion and awareness.
For THE FULL ‘VOUS AVEZ DIT BIZARRE’ COLLECTION click here
NB . You may wonder what are these “Quotes” attached to certain photos above. Well! For a specific song, we select a still image from the video on one side and choose a lyric from the song on the other side. We ensure that the lyric has a connection to the image, although sometimes the connection may be far-fetched or based on a double entendre, creating a humorous or meme-like combination when the two are merged together. Et voilà!
Bizarre Quotes • Time flies by in the yellow and green (George Ezra) • And all we need is two good wheels (Macklemore & Ryan Lewis) • You know I love watching you do your thing (Ed Sheeran) • How am I going to be an optimist about this? (Bastille) • You shout it out, but I can’t hear a word you say (David Guetta) • Ours a love I held tightly Feeling the rapture grow (Lana Del Rey) • I can’t get there on my own You can’t leave me here alone (Kings Of Leon) •
Music-wise : Rock, Dance Pop, Drum And Bass, Edm, Hip Hop, Pop
