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There’s a certain level of sophistication that Mika puts into and shows through his work and it’s stunning and noteworthy. Don’t think anyone else would match his flamboyance, outgoing-ness and weirdness, although he’s been compared to Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams. In school Mika struggled with dyslexia and was taken out of the school system to be homeschooled, especially after having been bullied for being ‘special’ yet ‘different’. His training with a Russian opera professional and other forms of exposure in France and the UK could partly be what helped his craft over the years.

Rupert Höller, who has worked with the US-based indie pop band Foster the People, directed this distinctively visual music video, also a vocal exploration of the meaning of life, opening up about both the positive side as well as the negative side of things – how life can be wonderful, but also overwhelming. So this song and the corresponding music video comically yet thoughtfully examine this, employing visuals of the rotating cog (of a machine) to symbolise life, usually monotonous and routine. Of course, Mika aims to break away from this and this is achieved through what is shown in the video – strange wardrobe selections, added shoulders.

The switching between black and white images, the Charlie Chaplin reference, as well as hues of orange and blue is an element in the music video that is well thought out and makes it thought-provoking. Say what you what about the music video – it is meant to evoke certain emotions and get people discussing about the meaning of life in ever-evolving times, especially with the rise of technology. Even then, at its core, the music video makes us reflect on our commitments, daily routines and whether or not we’ve been giving in too much to societal pressures – instead of staying true to yourself. So, all in all, this music video is a powerful and memorable medium that will serve as a catalyst for you to be more introspective and slow down where possible, especially if life has been overwhelming.

Even for someone who prefers not to listen to something highly electronic in the world of music, I am hooked by how nuanced the music video is. More importantly, it doesn’t give you too much of anything, but just the right number of visuals for you to appreciate, no matter how contrasting. The display duration of each visual is well-measured.

Mika, who was born in Lebanon, has been in the music scene since the early 2000s. His music consists of an eclectic mix of genres. Modern Times is Mika’s newest single in anticipation of an upcoming album. He released his debut album Life in Cartoon Motion in 2007. His latest album comes after his 2019 album, My Name is Michael Holbrook.

Mika’s music video has been out since 31 October 2025.