HAPPY Music Video

Simple analysis of 3 music videos

Simple analysis of 3 music videos from Melina N on Vimeo.

Music video theory work

Andrew Goodwin Theory

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics. (Meaning each type of Genre has there own conventions they follow) e.g. Boy/Girl bands tend to dance music video - Little mix, Backstreet boys

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images. (Meaning the visuals follow the story of the song or contradict it)

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style). (Meaning showing audiences the style this artist sings and performs and clothing style)

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, 

mirrors, stages, etc) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female 

body.  (Meaning women's bodies are shown a lot in music video)

6. There are often intertextual reference (to films, TV programmes, other music 

videos etc). (meaning they reference and use things from films programs that have already been made)

Each Genre has its own characteristics 

Each genre of music have their own type of music videos  and story lines and images that go with that genre and music example

Grime - shows jewelry, lyrics being written, tend to have a narrative, Artists great body is shown, hoodies

Rock - performance (concerts, in a studio) guitar solos, lead singer gets lots of focus

Pop - performance, narrative videos, love, relationships, artist body shown

Record Labels 

Record labels have control over the artists so have a massive say in what the artists image is but also they tend to make the artists sexy in order to attractive audiences in depending on the gender of the artist.

Goodwin says that most music videos narrative are stories that go from point A to B and only change or break at the chorus. also has been stated that music videos are more fragmented than how they use to be at the start.