He’s the Ukrainian singer who represented Belarus at Eurovision 2018. And although his song “Forever” stalled in the semi-finals, that hasn’t put Alekseev off from continuing to release some stellar new music. Earlier today he dropped the music video for his latest single “Целуй” (“Kiss”), which comes from his new album Моя Звезда (My Star).

“Целуй” is a dark pop tune with a pulsing beat that easily gets under your skin. Although his Eurovision effort was more ballad-oriented, listeners definitely have a greater ability to move and dance along with the chorus of this latest song. Alekseev shows off his versatility as an artist further during the second verse, which takes the form of a rap.

Lyrically, Alekseev is singing to a woman he is attracted to. He wants to experience the touch of her lips against his: “With your clothes fall the keys to your heart / Altering consciousness / Kiss me / Kiss me oh so frankly / You’re extraordinary”.

Alekseev – “Целуй”

The new music video sees Alekseev changing up his own personal style. Growing his hair out slightly, donning a bright yellow shirt and wearing a silver chain necklace, the star is shaking things up in terms of his fashion as well as his music.

The Ukrainian star is accompanied by four women in the music video, each of who make their own way through the blue and pink-coloured settings. They’re faced with floating jellyfish, slime explosions and even smoking bras (Rykka says hey!). Although, despite the song title, no kissing actually takes place.

Alekseev notes in the video’s description that he considers “Целуй” to be the start of his new creative stage: “This song, like the clip, is a complete reboot of my musical style. I’m growing up, my life orientations are changing. I want more experiments. All these metamorphoses are organic with my inner world.”

“Целуй” is one of 12 songs that features on the Ukrainian singer’s second album, Моя Звезда, which was released a week and a half ago. The LP also includes previous singles “Сберегу”“Как ты там” and “Не мёд”.

The album continues the mix of dark pop and RnB that Alekseev has delivered since his appearance at Eurovision. It takes a number of aspects from his 2016 debut album Пьяное солнце (Drunken Sun), but builds on it further and shifts things in a new direction.

Of the previously unreleased tracks, standouts include the title and opening track “Моя Звезда”. It introduces listeners to the musical style that then runs throughout the entire album. Dark in nature, with Alekseev’s expressive vocals on top, but enough of a pop beat to get you moving.

“Так буває” (“It happens”) is another captivating offering on the LP. Although much of the album is in Russian, this track sees Alekseev singing in his native Ukrainian. There’s a touch of traditional instrumentation in the background that blends harmoniously with the modern electronic sounds and production.

Alekseev – Моя Звезда (Full Album)

It was perhaps a shame that “Forever” had to go through so many re-vamps before it made it to the Eurovision stage. In the end, the product that the singer presented to Europe (and Australia) was not really the best representation of who Alekseev is as an evolving artist.

Nevertheless, fans who have continued to follow the star’s new music since the contest will find a number of gems within his latest musical offering.

Are you loving Alekseev’s new music video for “Целуй”? Which are your favourite tracks from his new album Моя Звезда? Let us know in the comments below!

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tobiasz
tobiasz
4 years ago

Pop music in Russian > Everything else

Talentina Monetta
Talentina Monetta
4 years ago

He should do a complete reboot of his hairstyle too

Nguyet Huynh
Nguyet Huynh
4 years ago

It hurts me to say this because I’m one of his biggest fans (I remember being crazy over his music after Eurovision) but… I don’t like his new style. I know that artists are human and they have to change – people don’t stay the same. I am a fan of other artists as well and I have seen, many times, them change their style, music genre and overall image but this is the only time I’m not OK with it. One thing I really like about his old music is that each song has a distinct melody. Kak ty… Read more »

Mark
Mark
4 years ago

I wish he sang in English

uwu-vision
uwu-vision
4 years ago
Reply to  Mark

I think he performs best when he sings in Russian/Ukrainian. I think he is more comfortable…

uwu-vision
uwu-vision
4 years ago

Honestly one of the best albums i’ve heard in a long time. Tab Buva is definitely my favourite track, whilst I love Mechta-Podruga, Vszota, Moya Zvezda and Ne Med. The mv for Tseluy was a little bit disappointing imo, but I still liked it.

Alexanderized
Alexanderized
4 years ago

A typo in the article title: it should be Moya zvEzda

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
4 years ago

His new look is awesome! <3 <3 <3

Dustin
Dustin
4 years ago

Been a fan since Eurovision. I’m relieved to finally see Alekseev releasing new album after many years. The new album is very different to his previous one, much darker and less “vocal”.
I wonder what he feels about his Eurovision past. Hopefully he will release some English songs too!!

magic esc
magic esc
4 years ago

Forever is a good song, I love it. But I don’t like that the old video with that amazing staging (better than Sergey 2016) is gone, probably because he focused on esc version.
I remember his personal story, he wanted to be on esc stage hoping to find his father. Something like the story from Slumdog Millionaire. I wonder if he is in touch with his father now.

Katitam
Katitam
4 years ago

Finally. Eurofandom needs to give a chance to this guy: “Forever” was literally his worst song (and I love it with all my heart, but truth to be told it’s not the song that represents his talent, style and feelings).

This album is AMAZING. Thanks for sharing this great article!