The Most Brilliantly Awkward Music Video Ever.

[@ryanparisofficial3454]

Hi Justin Ryan Paris here from Rome , may 2022 A friend/collaborator of mine, who likes the darkness and who saw you in Antwerpen as lady gaga's gig opening group a few years ago, pointed out this video of yours that i watched with great pleasure, i found it very nice, respectful and attentive and i appreciated especially the part of " tears and fears " , and I want to let you know that at the time of recording Fiona Chapelle , english girl helped me with the pronunciation and the original text was " Tears " but I could not pronounce good ahahahahahah . She from the other side of the glass dividing Regie and singing place was trying to help me saying T T T T T Tears but I could not say good sowe changed in fears ahahahahahahah . I also wanted to tell you that I appreciate the darkness even though I make a different kind of music, but a rock'n'roll heart beats in my chest! I grew up with the beatles, with the stones with bowie with led zeppelin pink floid Gentle giant etc. so I conclude by telling you that I greatly appreciated your attention and I was honored to have it from a great singer like you , so thank you again and hope to meet you one day !!!😀😀😀

[@jokerfleckcast3196]

Legend! Dolce vita goes hard

[@FreestyleGGD]

Hey Justin. I don't know if you ever saw Bono's letter that he wrote to Prince? In it, he calls Prince 'the master of the establishing shot' and it's always struck me as a brilliant observation. Prince really had some fantastic opening lines. Nothing Compares to You - 'It's been 7 hours and 13 days, since you took your love away' 1999 - 'I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray' Little Red Corvette - 'I guess I should have known by the way you parked your car sideways that it wouldn't last' Raspberry Beret - 'I was working part time in a five and dime, my boss was mister McGee' Manic Monday - 'It's 6 o'clock already, I was just in the middle of a dream' Kiss - 'You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on' If I Was Your Girlfriend - 'If i was your girlfriend, would you remember to tell me all the things you forgot when I was your man' When Doves Cry - 'Dig if you will the picture, of you and I engaged in a kiss'

[@funclampproductionsltd7109]

Great comment here man, amazed it’s not been splurged with likes!

[@FreestyleGGD]

@@funclampproductionsltd7109 Thanks man!

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

@@FreestyleGGD For such a talented lyricist, it sure would have been nice if Prince allowed Weird Al to parody his songs

[@avedic]

"He's got one hand in his pocket, and the other one is....also in his pocket..." HAHA.....oh man, I'm so grateful I found this channel a few weeks ago. Justin is hilarious, and comes across as a very genuine smart good guy. I didn't even realize he was "that guy from The Darkness" until I was like 5 videos in. I just love this content, this is the sort of stuff KZbin was made for.

[@joshuamarsh2618]

I'm enjoying the inclusion of the live action skits you have been adding into recent videos Justin, it hasn't gone unnoticed nor unappreciated!

[@damorasper]

We are all currently awaiting the darkness cover version of Dolce Vita now :) Make sure it gets done Justin!

[@stevenwilliams6418]

"This fucking berret! How do French people put headphones on?" Laughing so hard. You made my day.

[@lesharrison3739]

Beat me to it. Same. Hilarious.

[@JeffO_TV]

We don't wear these anymore, people from other countries think we do, but we actually don't. A little folklore, sorry guys ahah

[@jeffw7382]

@Jeffoo_TV We know. It's a joke.

[@JeffSchall]

Goddammit, that Tears for Fears part was great. Justin could teach a masterclass on perfecting tangential stream-of-conscious reasoning. He makes me crack up every time. The dry comedy combined with backhanded compliments disguised as earnestness is absolutely brilliant.

[@tonycortezzaofficial]

Justin, I just wanted to let you know what an inspiration you have been to me! Finding your channel has been like meeting a new best friend! I’m sure my neighbors love hearing me laughing my head off watching your show! Could I possibly end another sentence without an explanation point?! No, no I can’t! Huzzah! 🥳

[@KateStrongHealer]

You really went down the rabbit hole with this one, hilarious!!!!! I love the Parisian Dad moves!!

[@bigyupo]

I literally laughed out loud with this one, and I'm a mere smirker. Thank you,

[@titntin5178]

Laughed so hard I almost lost my food! Never stop being you Justin....

[@violinmke]

Ryan is 69 years old and still records today. He had a comeback hit in 2010. Italian artist. He redid this song as a duet in 2014. So for a cheese artist he has done okay and had a career.

[@jimestooper1480]

I am not old enough to have been alive when this song came out, but it has become one of my friend group's favorites over the years. We listen to it often whether we're at a party or casually hanging out. It reminds us of simpler times, even though we didn't live in those simpler times. My favorite memory I have of this personally, was when we took a trip to Paris and finally were able to listen to this in front of the Eiffel Tower. It really was a special moment that I will always carry with me.

[@JIF882]

Isn't this a new song?

[@jimestooper1480]

@@JIF882 No, it was released in 1983. It's an Italo Disco classic

[@ringslingerken]

This channel is my new favorite. Justin is so entertaining.

[@simonvandugteren6010]

The onion!

[@BicoLaFrey]

This is maybe your best video. I just love everything about it. I remember this song from my childhood but didn’t ever know that what I needed was your thorough analysis of this masterpiece. 🙂

[@Zapp1972]

Frankie is a legend and should be in charge of all music video and fashion decisions for the Darkness

[@shanebutlerireland]

One of my favourite songs of the 80s, I went on family holidays in Santa Ponsa as a kid in the 80s with this blasting out of the hotel (Deya Apartments) sound system by the pool, instantly transported back there every time it randomly shuffles on iTunes, ahhhhh the memories :) you grow to love the video, trust me :) love the channel Justin

[@Poison_Icelynn]

How did I miss this video?? It was brilliant!! I recently happened across this song and loved it. Imagine my joy at discovering you had reviewed it! Your impeccable French, your eloquence, your dazzling dance moves, your meanness and gentleness all at once, your hawk's eye spotting of Frankie in the video,.. Chef's kiss!

[@Poison_Icelynn]

THE BERET TROUBLES!

[@Irisplove]

One thing I've noticed about your music analysis videos, is that even with stuff you don't like, you're not a dick about it. You always find something worthwhile in the songs. Justin for Pope!

[@haircut.]

Smith came up with the band name when he read about using "tears as a replacement for fears" in Janov's 1980 book, Prisoners Of Pain.

[@richardclark.]

Yep, and Shout came from Primal Scream Therapy.

[@blooddude]

Everybody wants to go to war!

[@tonyboneful]

my mutton dressed as lamb covers band Beers For Shears really didn’t do our homework

[@wellesradio]

@@tonyboneful Yes, and although I didn’t read Les Liaisons Dangereuses or watch the play, I was pleased by Stephen Frears’ film adaptation and named my band “Cheers for Frears”.

[@MonsterHunterThulak]

Love the vids Justin, keep em' coming!

[@phineasramsay9065]

Someone put this on at an 80's themed New Years party I went to a few years ago, loved it ever since!

[@AntoekneeDE]

Haha love it, Justin, your dancing brought to mind Bryan Ferry, but I shan’t say any more than this. 😎

[@SuziQ.]

I see what you did there. ;)

[@garrywing1]

Justin, I love your work! The beret looks smashing for you! Be well man!

[@DavidCameronMusic]

Now I remember the 1980s with great fondness, but somehow I missed this song and video when it was a hit. Is this some sort of mental protection from my subconscious, or was I just lucky? Brilliant, Justin!

[@lucyseven4187]

Excellent observations here Justin! Frankie is right on this. Next Darkness video must feature you on roller skates in a quilted shirt. Merci 🛼🎸❤️

[@Nick.Webster]

I think The Darkness could make it even more epic if it used the Blackpool Tower instead

[@tomsavery1379]

An even better substitute would be an electricity pylon in a field full of cows.

[@gerriesgems26]

@@tomsavery1379 perfect. Actually spat my tea at this comment

[@TheMickybutler]

How do French People put their headphones on? Maybe they take their berets off. 6:24 PMSL-OL!

[@stevenyapp2334]

Love your openness and honesty to everything you review and I normally get persuaded to listening to the artist after. This will not be such an occasion.

[@theghostofmaximumvolume3414]

If I cut out the vocals, and got someone else like Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode or Andy Bell from Erasure to do the vocal track... It would be like the kids say today: "lit."

[@Swindel67]

Come on mate that's a banger. I've played that in a club and it genuinely thumps.

[@SuziQ.]

I agree with the OP. I’m glad I missed this in the eighties, and it’s so forgettable, I can only hear one line that Justin sang.

[@jimrustle270]

The peak 'so bad it's good' is Donny Benet. Self aware, hilarious, and also a genuinely talented musician.

[@dawnmoore4329]

So grateful I missed this in the 80's!! Love your videos Justin-keep them coming!

[@geminibrainscan]

I really appreciate what you do! You're so knowledgeable and talented and can critically discuss music in a way that is not always accessible to music fans

[@joemillo]

Your falsetto is 100% Freddie Mercury. You do the man proud. Love it!!

[@SuziQ.]

Yes. He proved that in the Taylor Hawkins tribute concert, with Under Pressure.

[@barryeaton6796]

I was 21 and from inner city manchester in 1983. Anyone taking the piss out of RP DV will surely face a horrendous demise. This song kept me alive..

[@Tuinuiski]

Sorry off topic, but would love to see you discuss the band UFO one day.

[@TheJaxsonjack]

One of my favorite bands!

[@stewiew1151]

Justin, I can't recall when it was specifically that you changed the format of your videos to have spoken intro, THEN the theme; but I absolutely love it. You're saving the ears of millions of people everywhere, by allowing them to adjust their volume before the big bright theme comes in. You're a class act, Mr. Hawkins. Cheers.

[@the.warmistress]

I'm an artist, and I love to listen to your videos as I work. This particular video was a reminder to me to not work on fine details while listening though. I am laughing and enjoying myself so much that I just can't keep the brush on the piece I am working on. Thank you for the great content.

[@larskbh]

If you listen to Beautiful life by Swedish pop band Ace of Base you’ll hear a small tribute in the bass line to la dolce vita right in the beginning………masterfully executed 😍😎

[@badgerjoey]

I knew I’d heard it somewhere. Thought it was Garbage’s Cherry Lips

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Wonderful hearing you mention Richard Thompson who has long been my favourite musician. In fact when I first glimpsed your beret I was put in mind of the ‘How Will I Ever Be Simple Again’ hitmaker. And then you went on to give him a name check. I would love to hear you talk about some of his songs - ‘Shoot Out the Lights’, ‘1952 Vincent Black Lightning’ and ‘Dimming of the Day’?

[@fluxilla]

Never heard this one, doubt it made it to the States. It's got that classic Euro synth vibe though. Hey, if you're gonna do 1980s French videos, you should do 1980s German videos! I'd love to see your take on some old Falco stuff. :-)

[@Thomasmemoryscentral]

They should tackle one hit wonder Falco for the Amadeus video. In fact, do you think Justin Hawkins could do a neat cover of it?

[@lizlemonn]

I think it is a wonderful idea, I'd love to see that recreation. Also, this song kind of reminds me of some other song... can't remember what, but probably another 80s hit.

[@navasaband]

This is the best song of all time. The lyrics, the singing, the programming, the selection of synth and electronic drum sounds, the selection of reverbs and mix moves, the mastering, the undeniable dancability, the cool posh vibe, the great clothes, amazing sunglasses, fantastic women, his futuristic haircut, the 2-tone vest, his anti-establishment stance, his political views, the snare snap, the overbite, the fade-out, the originality of the arrangement, the fluidity and transmorphic stabilization of universal concepts, the depth of investigation of a Parisian lifestyle, the balance of light and shade against a color backdrop, the fire that lies between the granular separation between ionic stratospheres, the global justification of demoralized attitudes, and levitation of sonic majesty dripping out of the speakers, into you eardrums, intoxicating your brain into Machiavellian type state of ignorant bliss. Yup.

[@SuziQ.]

Generous praise for a song that isn’t touching any of my emotions, or exciting my ear-brain.

[@JeffO_TV]

Bonjour Justin Hawkins !! très bonne imitation du français !! 😆 ps: Love your music, you're such a great singer and guitar player and your youtube channel is amazing. Very addictive. By the way, i'm not sure we still have Johnys crossing the channel to go and sell their onions from Roscoff to england x) A bientôt !

[@redyankeerose]

You are a breath of sunshine Justin!

[@anthonyqiu1442]

Hey Justin, I'm a big fan of not only classic hard rock/ heavy metal (of course including the Darkness), but also Italo disco. So it's great to see you analyze one of the most iconic Italo disco song and its video, with your trademark humor. And that "tears for fears" part is just hilarious. 😂 Thanks for this video!

[@maketheworldabetterplace4evry1]

Is this also a Be Nice episode?? 😆 This song is going on and on and on... 16 minutes and 5 seconds!! I don't think it actually deserves that much credit and effort on your part. But well done for all the details. 👏🏻 And your dancing part was the best! :)

[@paullawson8610]

Frankie just wants to play that bassline

[@staceymalton]

Absolutely loving these videos mate ✌️😎🥁

[@manna6618]

I always wondered how Tears For Fears got their name...you totally solved it perfectly!

[@paulcurtis5317]

I love this tune, always have. The chorusy bit is lovely

[@bravosierra1000]

oh lala, this dancin reminds me of the thyme I was waz jus a little boi in parie ,enjoying an espresso and shmoke,pointing at the laydies outside my local bakery and the baker would hit us with the banquettes outside his shoppe. ah oiu oiu dolche vita

[@withershin]

Please keep doing these kind of videos. It'll persist (who's your competition right now?). That beat is infectious.

[@SMewett]

I've always loved this tune. Watching you discuss subjects lifts my day, as you have the joy and an innocents of a child who's discovering something for the first time. Love it 👍🏽

[@floydster23]

I love Justin's eclecticism. He hears good and bad from many sources. I'd be interested in his continued listening of King Gizz, a band who my opinion of kind of depends on my mood on any given day. Sometimes it's the blues boogie I love, other times like last week I went back to Nonagon (after a few years) and had a huge smile on my face the entire running time. I was in the right mood, and it was glorious.

[@joshuaevans1922]

I could watch Justin Hawkins try and speak French and fight with his beret and headphones all day, every day.

[@davidgottshalk8450]

Justin’s theme song has a chance of being a number one single. It’s brilliant . When you listen to the music in the charts today it has a real chance in my opinion. Your videos are fab Justin.

[@andrewgarcia3136]

This just in: dua lipa has stolen Justin's theme

[@MIKE-TYTHON]

It’s quite catchy, i find myself singing it randomly.

[@tonycortezzaofficial]

Elements of Freddie Mercury and a dramatic opera mixed with the wit of Monty Python…brilliant! 😃

[@TheFutureMike]

If I didn't enjoy Mr. Hawkins' company as much as I do, I'd still tune in for the theme song. Like watching Cheers. Actually he should break down some music theme song intros shouldn't he?

[@tonycortezzaofficial]

@@TheFutureMike Right? Dissecting jingles or tv show themes would be a great episode to watch Justin do.They do a verse and a chorus all in like 15 seconds! Cheers is a great one ( shades of Ben Folds 5 in there long before BF5 even existed, maybe they stole their sound from that theme?) I always liked the theme from Sanford and Son with its Wildly different changes and the Rockford Files, which I think may have been the first guitar solo I ever noticed in a song as I was about maybe 6 years old? Great idea, let’s pitch it to him!

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Going to see Tears For Fears next Friday here in Phoenix AZ. Loved them very much in 1985.

[@noffler]

Shopping in Lowestoft high street? That gets harder every year i’m afraid.

[@avedic]

That onion looks like that famous super slo-mo photo of a bullet going through an apple....lol

[@martinkasper197]

Mon dieu, c'est merveilleux... I was wainting for the Pantomime part, but it didn't appear...🤣🤣🤣

[@patrickcrowther9195]

Very nostalgic for me seeing the bateaux mouches on the Seine. Back in 1986 some friends and I got drunk on disgusting wine bought from a cheap supermarket and mooned the tourists gazing wistfully at scenic Paree from their craft. Good times.

[@ceejaybeard9121]

You always give me such a good laugh Justin!!! You gave me the giggles with this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. ♥️🤘🏻

[@jaydead863]

i didn’t realize how much i missed this dude till i found this channel today. justin you just made this 90’s kids day. hope ur still being awesome and living life to its fullest. :)

[@peteofhayes8111]

I had no idea who the singer was to this tune, as well as the name, but the song came to me in those first 3 seconds you played.. I remember this while on holiday on the South Coast in the early 80s.. I was 10 in 83.. Quite a catchy chorus..

[@bethans7684]

I had this song going round and round in my head a while ago now, and for the life of me I couldn't remember the name of the song or the artist 🤦🏻‍♀️ Now I know, thanks to this video. Much love to you Justin and the Darkness boys ❤️

[@jimbanda]

Enjoying the heat in Paris right now 🥵 and in two weeks have not seen a Beret .

[@lizlemonn]

That's tragic. Now I feel like I have to google random photos of Paris and check how many berets are there at plain sight.

[@jimbanda]

@@lizlemonn It seems the stereotype has long vanished 😂

[@lizlemonn]

@@jimbanda such a shame :(

[@gerriesgems26]

I have only recently discovered this channel and as well as being very talented and inciteful musically, your delivery and comments are hilarious. Actually laughing out loud at this.

[@RockClass101]

I love this song! I found out about it years ago when Mac Demarco made a video calling it the perfect pop tune.

[@samblackwell3479]

Chouette! That was entertaining.. Having lived in la belle France for many a year I’m quite familiar with this banger. I can’t believe Richard Thompson got a mention too 😂

[@thewedge8823]

Wow you are covering Italo DIsco!!! amazing. this is the music of my parents. It was huge in Eastern EUrope!!!

[@Open_Space0718]

Oh my god, you're brilliant Justin, I didn't know you were so funny! I love your reactions so much.

[@tictocseaoclock8150]

This is a rewatcher! Nearly laughed my spleen out 😂❤

[@OrangeSunshine1969]

He looks like the sort of bloke who’d say “ hmm… well, its your drive shaft in’it. Its not going to be cheap”.

[@7quidstudio]

I've loved this song semi-ironically for years. I love it far more than i should do!

[@zanducktv2398]

You should definitely do more of these reaction vids, you make me laugh.

[@andymarsal]

14:32 funny at that exact point his timber reminded me of Tom Ellis

[@johnpauloprey5864]

Did you have a hard time finding that Eiffil tower back drop sheet? Thats a lot of effort..👏

[@peterh1353]

The shopping street is the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Just behind the Arc De Triomphe. For history buffs part of the Latin Quarter where the student uprisings of 1968 took place. The video is actually shot in a small section of central Paris like they have just walked from one place to the next. Keep up the good work.

[@cuiff62]

0:32 Ta prononciation est très bonne, bravo, "Oignon" is one of the most debated word here, the "i" isn't prononce so some want to change the way we write it to "Ognon". 16:02 "Je te tuerai avec ma pensée" it may be possible to kill someone with a flower (pansy). Dolce Vita's awesome by the way, big hit in France, aired a lot on radio Nostalgie.

[@ginnashupper725]

"It's Exactly like that"😀 I look foward to your videos everyday!

[@Sasquatch64]

I will say that I had never heard this song before and I can also say I did not miss anything, but it was fun hearing you analyze it as always.

[@stef2432]

This song in Italy is so loved as part of the ost of one of the most famous italian comedy movies, Vacanze di Natale... Yes guys, go for it! This is my childhood together with I like Chopin by Gazebo! What a nice surprise this video! Well said Frankie! :) ))

[@juliehartley3652]

My tip for your video is to wear that same out fit (the green screen one) and to film it all in black and white. Wishing you a great new video. Not sure what the rest of the band should wear though - they could all be dressed as passers-by or is that passer-bys? Well anyway have a great time on Lowestoft high street. 😅😅😅

[@libertard6101]

Your wit is so strong , can it last !! Justin you make a bunch of us surfers in Huntington Beach , CA . laugh every day…. Stay strong and keep the Darkness 🤙🏽

[@sebjohnson5028]

I was 14 when this came out and I disliked it intensely. Alas, I was of too tender an age to fully appreciates its nuances and profundities. Now enlightened, expect to find me hanging out on Lowestoft high street most afternoons on the off-chance of a cameo. Excellent analysis , despite what my overuse of emojis might imply I hadnt really cried laughing for one hell of a long time. Thanks Justin, keep ridin', your videos are youtube masterpieces and shall one day rank among such other wonders of our age as the very Ryan Paris video you analyse here'!!!!! Dolce Vita to you!

[@jsjp9533]

awesome, you do some robert palmer simply irresistible. This remake is waiting to happen!

[@StephenSE9]

They were playing this song everywhere in Gerona, Spain when I was out there in '83. Even the hotel's house band were playing it. My parents bought me the single whilst still in Spain. Anyway... Justin, I was waiting for your reaction to "oh baby telephone". What a bummer 😊

[@cheekychappy1234]

Future Justin brought me here!

[@timmadison5410]

I like that the production value begins and ends with "be in Paris."

[@hoisin75]

1983 was indeed a cracking year for music!

[@mortondonaldson1386]

Thanks Justin, you gave me a good laugh after a long day at work

[@hungoverdrawn]

Next time you visit the '80s, can I request Jim Diamond's I Should Have Known Better, a song I've loved ever since you introduced me to it and whose video I find profoundly moving.

[@midirok]

I’m so glad that I haven’t ever heard this track before. And I hope I don’t ever hear it again.

[@maggiepie8810]

Please react to Norway's Eurovision entry. I'd love to see your thoughts on that one.

[@BlackWings91]

I live very close to Lowestoft, I don’t think the locals are music video material.

[@tennrobbs]

Best MTV veejay ever.... "Tis I Justin Hawkins"

[@mood0indigo]

Hold on, I'm confused. Is this a "be nice" video? Looking forward to the remake.

[@YorkshireLen]

Back in '83 the open air disco next to our Spanish hotel played this every 20 minutes for ten days. When we got back home Radio One were doing the same thing. So yes, I have heard this song before.

[@craigtyler7335]

Justin, you look like a cross between Hi-Fi and Claude from The Raggy Dolls with the headphones on!! A little 80’s reference there!!

[@NinStardust]

Justin - I saw some glaring reasons why we shouldn’t recreate this video shot for shot… 15 mins later, also Justin - “an iconic video that does bear a remake” 😂😂😂 Have always loved this song and if 6:25 is anything to go by, The Darkness should definitely be the ones to recreate the video! Also, Justin, I love your random tangents, because my mind goes to exactly the same things as yours does. I too got hung up on the “tears for fears” thing and regularly have red onions growing like triffids in my cupboard 😅😂 There aren’t many people on my wave-length, it makes me so happy that you’re one of them! 🥰🥰🥰