Music Video Anlaysis

Alicia Keys – Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart

The video uses CGI to provoke emotion that otherwise could not be presented :

• Dog is shown to be brought back to life, presents power and love
• Opening shot shows the sea turning into bed sheets, may signify the vast and lonely characteristics of the sea comparing to the emotions felt in the bed
• Alicia Keys is captured flying, presents her as a super woman, free, in control of her life

All the costumes used are fashionable which suggests the type of performer she is. Fashion also reflects on the audience she is attracting.

• Alicia Keys is dressed in black leather which has connotations of independence and maybe even an outlaw figure
• Glittery silver dress presents glamour and elegance
• Dog tag shown at the start presents a context of the video, suggesting something she is holding onto the past

The setting of the video is predominantly in a city, by doing this, it presents the feelings of an urban lifestyle

• Multiple angle/subject screen shots show different parts of the city which show homage to the surroundings
• Establishing shots used of the city further create the location of the music video
• Many music artists become prolific in cities because the increased opportunities so by using the setting of a city it presents opportunity; this ties in with the lyrics.
• Graffiti on the walls reflect an urban environment and magnify the style of living

The use of the colour purple, particularly in the bed sheets and in one of the artist’s dresses which has connotations of luxury, power and value, suggesting that the subject is strong.

The artist is featured throughout her music video which is a way of promoting the music and the iconic black piano is shown which presents her ability to play the instrument well.

Vanessa Carlton -  A Thousand Miles

Every shot in the video sequence is either a medium long shot or close up shot which gives an intimate viewing role to the audience. With the artist being a subject in every shot along with the ref grand piano it creates an associational effect which connects the two together and suggests Vanessa Carlton's passion and ability to play the piano well.

The background changes throughout the video which presents the idea that the artist is travelling a distance; this is anchored with the lyrics "'Cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just see you tonight." Backgrounds shown present a diverse landscape and further suggest a long journey. The effect of the variety of backgrounds also reflects on different lifestyles and almost pays respect to these choices.

Vanessa Carlton is shown to be wearing one outfit throughout the whole video which not only establishes the continuity effect, but also may suggest how she isn't fussy about what she wears so is stepping out from the contemporary artist. In the video armbands bands are worn that could reflect on the artists desire to hold onto her upbringing and memories.

The use of only straight cuts creates a seamless transition between scenes which helps the continued flow of the video.

Roger Sanchez - Another Chance

Released in 2001, 'Another Chance' is a house track which incorporates the genre characteristic of creating a relationship between the music and visual images. The video also has a relationship between the lyrics and visuals which amplifies the frame. 
This video includes a range of close-up and wide shots capturing props with lyrics subtly placed on them that coincide with the repeated chorus. The effect of this may suggest that the female is being daunted with this thought, "If I had another chance tonight, I'd try to tell you that the things we had were right." 


Although the pace of the video is anchored by the music in most places, some editing creates longer held frames which i think are effective for helping audiences understand the narrative. The use of constant quick straight cuts and short frames may have obscured the true idea of the video. 


The setting of New York is highlighted through the initial establishing shot that pans down to the female character and through brief wide shots capturing the iconic bright lights of the city. 


The obscurity of the main character in the narrative is prevailed through the notion of looking, during the video eye line matches are used which show passers-by looking back into the camera. The audience gets the sense that the lead character stands out and through the eye line match we are put in the characters situation.



Fake Blood -  I Think I like It

Fake Blood is the name used by producer Theo Keating

This recently released dance single heavily uses the feature of matching visual to music; a technique which is conventional in most dance videos due to the lack of lyrics. The video also institutes intertexuality with TV via the concept/narrative of a spoof bidding programme.


The pace of the video runs parallel with the audio because of the straight cuts being placed on specific beats. The use of the straight cut sustains the continuity of the video and because of this, the speed of the video was changed purely by the length of each frame.

The bright clashing colours shown give the impression of a spoof as the conventional setting of a tv set and clothing is exaggerated. The exaggeration is enhanced with the use of extreme close-ups and slow motion editing. The impact of the exaggeration creates a feeling of wanting to stand out as well as making a spoof image.

The seemingly random items shown off by the two female characters could suggest the producer's music is inspired from different elements. The items shown include make-up, "instant meat", lamps and steal jewellery. The absurdity of the props such as the vintage knitwear with functional pockets suggests a different time period. I think the theme has a 70s feel to it because of this in conjunction with the bright colours.

The use of having one scene of course because of the concept of the TV bid show, however I think it's not suitable for my music video because there's less flexibility with shots in a confined space.