Music : Madonna And Sam Smith Have One Point In Common
Two of the most popular singers on the planet have both released a new music video this week. Madonna for “Living For Love” and Sam Smith with ‘Lay Me Down”, my favourite on his album.
Madonna’s music video is from her upcoming 13th studio album, Rebel Heart — and let’s just say it was worth the wait. Directed by Julien Choquart and Camille Hirigoyen, the video made headlines all around the world on Thursday, Feb. 5, because it debuted initially on Snapchat and because of how good it is. In the video, the 56 years old Queen of pop, plays the role of the fiercely sexy matador. Various hunky men thrash and buck around her, channeling their inner beasts to play the minotaurs, complete with curved black horns and diamond-studded masks. The result is an electrifying spectacle, with some of Madge’s best dancing, of course.
On another note, Sam Smith’s Romantic ballad “Lay Me Down” premiered on Thursday. The music video shows Smith mourning the loss of a husband, while remembering their joyous wedding day. The video begins with a funeral service, with the 22-year-old standing alone at a church altar with a myriad of mourners holding candles behind him in the pews. Halfway through the video, the mood shifts to a much lighter overtone with a flashback to when the British singer wed the man of his dreams. Sam shared the link on his official Facebook account Thursday morning and attached a note that explains the message behind the project:
“This song holds a very dear place in my heart,” he wrote. “With this video myself and Ryan Hope the director have decided to make a statement and showcase something we passionately believe in. This video shows my dreams that one day gay men and women and transgendered men and women all over the world, like all our straight families and friends, will be able to get married under any roof, in any city, in any town, in any village, in any country. I hope you enjoy it. I love you all x.”
Check out both videos after the jump and let me know your thoughts!
Dave
When’s the remix out? I guess this will be playing on every other float in NYC Heritage of Pride Parade 2015 edition . . . the last Sunday in June . . . and at the Boatslip T-dances . . . beginning in May.
Sam Smith excellent video . . . can’t wait for the right wing backlash! All that whoopin’ it up in a church . . . what behavior! But please, couldn’t you find a hunkier priest? Wasn’t Grantchester available?
Great song! Great vocal performance. Both THE MADONNA and this Sam Smith will be Grammy nominated . . . and maybe a bit much airtime . . . .
All hail the QUEEN! Madonna is serving it up and it is delicious! Amazing! Luv!
OMG,! Sam Smith’s voice is like velvet. This song really struck a cord with me…I lost my partner to suicide 2 years ago.
I was not moved by Madonna’s video at all. Just sounds like another cheesy anthem…use the word “love” in some lyrics backed-up by a few synthesized chords and drum kit and you get something akin to a cup of cold instant coffee; no matter how bad it is, people still drink it. Her day was over yesterday. Really, a Grammy?
Sam Smith is on fire. His video was incredible. There are few male vocalists singing today who can hold a candle to him. The video…love in our relationships is true love. Our love transcends death. Sam Smith, Grammy, he definitely deserves one or more.
In a little over 4 minutes, Madonna has shown the world that she is not past her “Sell By” date. I’m suspicious of how much of this production is actually her (AutoTune? Stunt doubles?), but I’m willing to suspend my disbelief in the interest of being entertained – which I was.
I intended not to like the Sam Smith video, because while I support Marriage Equality, I worry that we are pushing it a little too hard and too fast, and might provoke right-wing pushback that could cause long-term damage to the cause. But the production and Smith’s voice are so beautiful that I couldn’t help being emotionally drawn into the story. This video will not win the war, but it is certainly a victory on the journey to ultimate triumph.
BTW, before you dismiss my suggestion of a stunt double for Madonna, know that my first love was the body double and personal assistant of a world-famous blond punk rocker who was known for his curled lip and growls during performance. With hair, makeup and wardrobe, nobody – not even the entertainer’s crew – could distinguish my late boyfriend from the actual performer, as long as he didn’t have to sing. Sadly, I lost him to cocaine addiction, a hazard of the entertainment business.
i had never heard of sam smith before until i saw this link on the site.
my first time hearing sam smith, very nice tenor voice, and strong, and soulful. don’t like the setting . Madonna- she didn’t sound like herself at the beginning, her voice was lowered. here again, didn’t like the behind the scenes.
Why can’t these singers just sing without all the bs that surrounds them while they are singing.
My comments are pretty tame but I enjoyed the performances of Madonna and Sam Smith.
i love Madonna but ont like Sam Smith. i dont like his slow bring songs. Madonna put on a great show. she never lets me down 🙂
Headsupguy – my condolences. I wish you strength.
Sam Smith – video made me tear up.
Not hot at all
Hmmm… Madge, not so much. She looks great -looks her age, but great (tho’ she’s always been kinda heavy on the makeup.. & that really shows up the years; time to throttle that WAY back!), but the song sucks. kept waiting for it to get into 2nd gear… Bleak.
Sam? Uh-uh.. I get his appeal, but he’s too milque-toast for my taste.. & really depressing subject matter for a song. Nice video, tho’!