What seems to be a sweet science meets sweet love story based around Ed Sheeran falling for his sparring partner, takes a brief turn toward serious Rocky training montage for an epic match, before veering all the way left to show Sheeran's humor is as strong as ever.
A multiple-song longform from director Grant Singer and The Weeknd that starts with a panther, and ends in the aftermath of a blood-streaked club bathroom.
The old Abel Tesfaye that we know (i.e., his dreads) is symbolically gone as The Weeknd enters the next phase of his career with this Daft Punk-produced track directed by frequent collaborator Grant Singer. Call it the millennials' burning of George Michael's "Faith" jacket.
Yes, this video can be easily described as "The Weeknd on fire," but that's only if you're willing to miss the larger point about the lengths an artist must go to appease the masses.
Speaking of which, this song is a star-making breakthrough smash.
Taylor Swift might be going much more pop than you'd have expected — and maybe the thought of seeing her as a B-Girl, or a ballerina, or a hyper-stylized Gagaesque artist makes you very nervous, but no need to worry. It's all in fun with a "just be yourself" message, with an '80s golden age of pop video that directly references "Mickey" by one-hit-wonder Toni Basil.
Give director Mark Romanek three days to shoot arguably the most famous band in the world performing their new single for a Santa Monica airport hangar filled with adoring fans who are more than willing to shine a whole lotta light for Bono and you unsurprisingly wind up with a striking video.
"I decided that I want to have a work that connects me more with the public, that concentrates … on the interaction between me and the audience.
I want to have a simple table, installed in the center of the atrium, with two chairs on the sides. I will sit on one chair and a square of light from the ceiling will separate me from the public.
Anyone will be free to sit on the other side of the table, on the second chair, staying as long as he/she wants, being fully and uniquely part of the Performance.
I think this work [will] draw a line of continuity in my career."
