Chris Brown-'Yeah 3X' Analysis

At the beginning of the song the director, Colin Tilley, the artist Chris Born and the Song title 'Yeah 3X' are introduced by text, the text gives it a somewhat cartoon effect. From the name of the director appearing on the screen it lets the viewer into the genre which we would assume to R and B as he e has directed videos for the likes of Mary J Blige, Justin Beiber and Jason Derulo and they consist of the R and B genre. However, when the beat of the songs starts to the viewer sees that it is a dance/pop song which differs from Chris Brown's typical genre of music. The viewer then sees a relationship between the music and visuals as the title of the song fades/comes of the screen as we hear the noise of the van pulling up the street. There are flickering shots of Chris Brown spinning/jumping on the van and him in the dark alley, in sync with the beat of the music. One of the children then says 'Hey it's Chris Brown' and all the children; this shows that Chris Brown's fans come from all ages and it also represents his popularity  in the music industry as it seems he is a renowned figure.

This video shows Goodwin's theory of the relationship between lyrics and visuals, when he says:

'Put your troubles aside'-Chris Brown moves his hand to the side

'Move your body out on the floor'-Camera shows Chris Brown jumping to the ground and shows DJ's dancing

'It's party time!'-There is a wide shot of a crowd of people following Chris Brown and dancing

'Can let it go'-Chris Brown pushes hands to the side

'Bring em to me'-Chris Brown doing a 'come' sign with his hands

'Hold you glasses up'-He lifts his hand up

'Everybody put your hands in the air'-People raise hands

'I gotta see you tonight'-Camera shows a shot of Chris Brown walking after lady

'Don't feel outta' place'-Chris Brown changes his position to start dancing in between the female dancers.

Overall, the his dance routines illustrate his lyrics.

This video also shows Goodwin's theory of the relationship between music and visuals. Generally throughout this music video the visuals amplify the music and these visuals are shown through Chris Brown 's dancing as his dancing is in sync with the beat of the music. For example, in the street scene (1:32) when the chorus is playing the crowd of people pump their fists up in time with the 'Yeah, yeah, yeah' of the chorus. Also, when Chris Brown says 'Ah, ah, ah, ahh' (2:24) his head moves down in sync with the beat of it.

This music video also contains characteristics typical of the R and B/Pop genre through:

-Its upbeat sound

-Lively atmosphere

-Dance routines as Chris Brown is dancing predominantly throughout the whole video

-The dancing is cut quickly which makes his dance moves stronger

-Moves R and B videos about love tend to show the man trying to woo the lady. However even though this video is about love/Chris Brown liking a girl the video never really shows Chris Brown attempting to woo her and the lady was only ever shown on one occasion.

Jessie J-'Do It Like A Dude' Analysis

The video for this song was filmed in a dark hall tower which adds to the mystery of the video and also gives it a dark edge. At the beginning of the music video a heartbeat is played which makes the video quite intense and the dark location adds to this atmosphere too.

The use of dance routines is a very common characteristic that is featured in R and B videos. During the chorus Jessie J and her back up dancers perform the same routine and this routine shows a relationship between the lyrics and visuals. When Jessie J sings 'Grab my crutch' the music video shows her doing that. Also when she says 'Wear my hat low like you' on one occasion the camera focuses on a lady wearing her at low as it covers some of her face. So here it shows amplification as the video can is visualised because there are some direct links from the lyrics to the video.

This music video also features characteristics typical of its genre as the pace of cutting in the video matches the beat of the music, which is a common theme among R and B videos. R and B videos tend to make a female body appear to a male audience and also make men appear dominant. However, Jessie J seems to divert from this genre characteristic as the song is implying how women, as she makes constant reference to 'we', 'we can do it' as they can do what men do, suggesting that they are equally as powerful. This is also apparent through the costume and the behaviour of Jessie J and the ladies in her video as they are wearing baggy jeans, baggy tops and hats and they are doing things that men would be likely to do; as at the beginning of the video the camera captures a women smoking a cigar, a woman slicing a pig's trotter, a woman doing some chemical experiments and licking a bottle of "poison" and a woman being tattooed which are usually normal elements attached to the male gender.

There are a lot of close up/mid shots of Jessie J which is usual of a new artist as as demands of her record label, 'Island' will include the need for close-ups. These use of close-ups establish Jessie J as an artist as this song was her debut single back in November 2010. Also, the use of close-ups present Jessie J as a fierce and dominant individual which is the image she is trying to connote through the video; since she is implying that women can equally be as strong as men and that they can can do anything that they can. From the close ups it allows the viewer to see Jessie J's make up. Her bejewelled lips creates the sense that she as an individual is very fierce as her lips have spikes on them, This also gives the impression that she as an artist is very distinct, has her own sense of style and is not like other 'typical' female R and B singers she is not afraid to show her 'dark'/'wild' side. Generally, her make-up which is very dark, thus again connoting a sense of strength and power. This is also illustrated at the the beginning of the video as when she says 'Stomp, stomp, I've arrived' there is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals as the people move to the side to show this, which may suggest she is a dominant figure. By her saying that she has 'arrived' it may also reference her arrival into the music industry, maybe that she is ready to take the music industry 'by storm'.

Jessie J subverts from the typical representations of females in R and B videos through her attitude and clothing in this music video. Women in R and B videos usually appear beautiful in regards to their make-up, clothes etc. however, Jessie J contradicts this convention as she is shown looking rather scanty and her clothes are also ripped and dirty.

Rihanna-'You Da One'

 

Beyonce-'Run The World (Girls)'

GENRE CHARACTERISTICS:
There is structured choreography in this video as the viewer sees Beyonce and her back-ups dancing. This emphasises gender dominance, which of course relates to the title of the song 'Who run the world? Girls!' This video features women with provocative clothing this flaunts their sexuality as well as their power, which also links to the title of the song at it talks about women dominating men. Also, there are elements of performance in this video, which is of course typical of this genre as well as for Beyonce. In most R'n'B videos women are portrayed differently or inferior to men and this video subverts this code and convention as it of course shows women as a superior figure to men. Beyonce's change of costumes in every scene are very glamorous and her make-up is well made. There is a scene in the video where she is wearing a gold costume and looks sophisticated. The colour gold evokes the feeling of prestige which links to the theme of this music video.



There is also use of different props in the video e.g. Beyonce riding on the horse and her with the two chained hyenas, this connotes a sense of power.


RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LYRICS AND VISUALS:
- When Beyonce says 'I think I need a baller' she jumps on man, which connotes power
- 'Who run the world? Girls!' here Beyonce lifts her hands up as if she actually owns the world. By placing her on top of the car it makes her appear dominant and as she is wearing a black dress; the colour black represents: elegance, power, strength and authority which are the main themes within the video.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSIC AND VISUALS:
There is a drum beat at the beginning of the video and as that is sounding Beyonce is banging her fist on the top of the car, her banging is in sync with the drum beat. There is a 'hahahaha' noise after and Beyonce is miming along to it as it is sounding. The switching shots of the girls and the police at the beginning are are on beat with the music.When Beyonce pumps her fist up the car behind her then explodes with fire which is again on beat with the music. The flicker (around 2:31) is in sync with the drum beat from the music.

REFERENCE TO THE NOTION OF LOOKING:
Perhaps when Beyonce and her back up dancers were dancing and then camera switches to armed police. On their shields we can see Beyonce and her back-up dancers.

USE OF CLOSE-UPS:
There are quite a few close-ups in this video to focus on Beyonce's facial expression and emotion as she is a powerful figure within this music video. Also the close-ups are used to emphasise her hair, make-up etc. and the black eyeliner makes her look very powerful and fierce.

INTERTEXTUAL REFERENCES:
-References to Cruella De-Vil. Her dress is 'Cruella De-Vil esque, by the way she raises up her hands it makes her look evil and the black eye make-up contributes this also, referring to the 101 Dalmatians character Cruella De-Vil. Also the gold shoes she is wearing late fashion designer Alexander McQueen is responsible for designing those type of shoes.

Analysis of 'Unfaithful' by Rihanna

• The video begins with the sound of a heartbeat which suggests maybe fear or a guilty conscience. Here the viewer sees a relationship between the music and visuals as each step Rihanna takes is in sync with the heartbeat.
• There is also voyeuristic treatment of the body, as we see the camera focusing on Rihanna's assets, curves etc. The viewer also see Rihanna putting on her lipstick and pulling up her lingerie which draws attention to her cleavage.
• The shots of her with the black guy make it clear to the viewer that she is cheating on her boyfriend. These shots of her and the guy change in time with the beat of the music. Also, these shots that are shown give a sense of the notion of looking as it is as if the viewer is spying/watching Rihanna.
• When Rihanna says 'I don't wanna do this anymore'-switches to the shot of her and the black guy. Even though she does not want to carry on cheating, she still carries on with it.
  
• 'I said I won't be long just hanging with the girls' looking at her phone, so it is as if she is texting the message to the person she is cheating on
• 'I'm about to go'- Rihanna pushes her hand to the side
• 'Die a little more inside'- Here, when Rihanna says this she clenches her fist and holds her arms closely to her chest
• This video also features codes and conventions used in R 'n' B videos as:
• Rihanna's make-up/Hair is well made
• Glamorous features e.g. her earrings, clothing
  
• There is a performance element to this video, when she goes on the stage and starts singing and the way she moves around, particularly on the piano is very dramatic
• The video is narrative based-as the viewer is let into the story of her cheating on her boyfriend
• There are also a lot close ups, and mid shots used to capture emotions and her body language.
  

Analysis of Tenacious D's'Tribute'

Music Video demonstrates Genre Characteristics:

The genre of the video is evidently rock and this video features many characteristics of this genre as:

• They are performing with a guitar (one of the main instruments used within this genre)
• The video is like a live performance
• Like a parody song/video
• References to the devil/hell link to the rock genre
  
• Costume-casual clothing
• One of the men is old and balding
• Taking conventions of the rock genre and making them humorous
• Typical trouble makers, rebellious and violent at times

Relationship between Lyrics and Visuals:

• 'There shined a shiny demon'- a demon was also shown
• 'Looking into my eyes'- Jack Black points to his eyes
• 'Two and one make three'- Uses his fingers to show the numbers
• He illustrates the song throughout
• When Jack Black talks/sings his facial expressions show what he is talking about

Relationship between Music and Visuals

• Sound of flash followed by a visual flash
• Slow building song, then a big flash which makes it faster

Influence of Record Label and use of Close-Ups:

• Introduction to who they are
• Lot's of close-ups

References to the Notion of Looking/Voyerism:

• Camera is positioned where the screen would be as if we are looking in on them

Intertexual References:

• Ben Stiller shown towards the end of the video, as one of the passers by
• Their CD is shown
• David Grohl plays the devil
  

Analysis of '99 Problems'

Genre Characteristics:

Jay-Z's music video for his single '99 Problems' features many characteristics of Hip-Hop/Rap genre. The video is set in Brooklyn, New York, a very urban setting, in the 'hood' area. Jay-Z seems to make a point to draw our attention by revealing the name on his hoodie. Also, there are representations of the 'gangster' lifestyle as the video shows individuals cruising in cars, dog fights, loltering on the streets, individuals getting pulled over by the police, basketball and guns. The viewer also is shown another genre characteristic through the type dancing shown in the video which is freestyle/street dancing. Hip-hop/Rap videos usually feature woman whom of which are usually 'half-naked', similarly this video features scantily dressed 'sexy' woman in gold bikinis. In addition to this, there are stereotypical representations of race as the white guy is in a suit and the policemen are also white. However, when the viewer is shown the jail scenes all the jailbirds are black and also the individuals roaming the streets are black. Although, this video does seem to divert from the codes and conventions of Hip-Hop/Rap videos as they usually include representations of wealth but this video does not have the latest, fancy cars, clothes, 'bling', women etc. In this video the woman are not very significant as they are only a minor element in the video; whereas in most Hip-Hop videos there would be more shots of 'sexy' women. The viewer is also introduced to another genre characteristic as Jay-Z gets shot at the end.

Relationship between Lyrics and Visuals:
When Jay-Z says the words:

• 'From the hood' he pulls his hood down
• 'Radio' a radio is shown
• 'Jay-Z' he points to himself
• 'Bitch' each time in the chorus woman are always shown
• 'Ain't passed the bar' shows dog through the bar in the boxing ring
• 'Talk to the Lord' a crucifix is shown
• 'Paparazzi with their cameras snapping them' shows flashes as pictures taken of criminals holding their cards up.
• 'Hit me!' Jay-Z slowly falls backwards as someone hit/shot him
• 'Pussy' two girls are shown
• 'Fast forward' Jay-Z moves his hand gradually
• 'Do you mind if I look round the car a little bit' Police officer inspects someones car

Overall the images illustrate the lyrics. This is sometimes done very literally, however at other times it is done in a more subtle way. The theme of the song is all the problems Jay-Z is experiencing and the video is showing all these problems.

Relationship between Music and Visuals:

In accordance to the relationship between the music and the visuals, the video is cut in time with the beat of the song. Secondly, the music is hard-hitting, aggressive-sounding with an emphasis on beat rather than the melody. Also, the visuals are also harsh-looking and the edits are fast-paced to emphasis this aggression.

Influence of Record Label and use of Close-Ups:

There are a lot of shots of Jay-Z in this music video; they are not all close-ups but there are some. There are close-ups of other men as well with an aggressive demeanour; though the shots of women are long/mid shots which suggests that they are least important. There is less emphasis on Jay-Z on his own as he is an established artist and does not need as much exposure. Jay-Z has his own record label as well as being part of 'Island-Def Jam', which is quite an independent record label. It is evident that there is less control from the label on this video, whereas you might expect more control from a major/mainstream label.

References to the Notion of Looking/Voyeurism:

Jay-Z puts his hand over the camera so that it gives the impression that the audience is looking through his fingers. There is also an x-ray vision shot of money in the boot as we can see through the boot. There is scopophillic treatment of women in this video, which seems unnecessary and makes it quite uncomfortable for the audience to watch. The establishing shots at the beginning of the video are almost point of view, this gives the idea that the audience is looking around the 'hood'. There is also a video of Jay-Z outside the subway station. Possibly a video of Jay-Z in which he is referencing himself.

Intertexual References:

Possibly a video of Jay-Z in which he is referencing himself.

Analysis of 'Telephone' by Lady Gaga

LADY GAGA featuring BEYONCE-'TELEPHONE'-Directed by Jonas Åkerlund.


This video contains elements of Goodwin's theory regarding music videos.

* Referencing the fact that she is a man
* The video is like a film
* Music-telephones ringing and viewer can also see the telephone (VIRGIN)
* Like the films 'Kill Bill' and 'Pulp Fiction' (Quentin Tarintino-elements of his style)
* The music video demonstrates genre characteristics as it is a pop video. So there is a lot of dancing, costume (of different outfits-which is focused on more in the video), the visuals don not illustrate the song-as she is singing about being in a club..'Hello, hello, baby; You called, I can't hear a thing. I have got no service in the club, you see, see…' whereas she is actually in a prison.
* There is also a relationship between the music and visuals as the visuals vibrate as the music jumps.
* Reference to notion of looking- CCTV type shots as if we are spying on her. there is also a blur of her bum.