2. Performance videos:Performance videos feature the artist performing their song, whether this be a rap, band performance, or singer. Stereotypically,
these videos include a lot of dance elements. Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
• The song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ by the iconic band Nirvana is largely based around performance
elements. This either being The band performing the song themselves, or other characters dancing
along to it. Nirvana, whose music belongs to a rock/grunge genre shows some stereotypical features
of that type of music video. Some of these include the aggressive type of dancing which is shown
throughout and the use of smoke which creates quite a grungy, negative atmosphere. Shot’s are
shown throughout the whole video showing the different members of the band performing their
different instruments (guitars, base and drums). Cheerleader’s are also shown repeatedly
performing a dance routine which obviously follows the stereotype of dance in this type of music
video.
3. Narrative videos:Tells a story that either features in the lyrics or is suggested in the lyrics. Narrative videos can be like a mini-film, With a beginning,
middle and end.
Aerosmith - Cryin’
• Released in 1994, the song ‘Cryin’ by the band Aerosmith demonstrates all the key features of a
narrative music video. Although there are some parts of the video which show the band
actually performing the song, the high majority of the video is devoted to creating a clear, simple
narrative which the audience can relate and engage in. The simple storyline is based around a
young female who struggles to recover after breaking up with her unfaithful boyfriend. However,
it is she that has the final laugh when she tricks her ex to thinking that she is jumping off a
bridge (committing suicide) but actually is connected to a wire to stop her from plunging to her
death. The main character, a young blonde female, is shown in a series of different locations
doing various activities.The shot types used, close ups, medium/long shots and some high angle
shots are all quite common and simple shots.
4. contradict the image. Lighting is also often used to suggest mood.
Adele - Rolling in the Deep
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• Released in 2010, The song ‘Rolling in the Deep’ by English singer Adele achieved a very high
second place on the UK charts after its release and is a perfect example of showing a conceptual
music video. The song, which is similar to the Aerosmith song ‘Cryin’ on the past slide, is about
one of Adele’s past Boyfriends and how braking up affected her. However, instead of using a
narrative, this video use’s symbolism to demonstrate the meaning of the song.The unusual scene’s
shot in the film allow the audience to interpret the meaning in their own way but without losing
the main consensus. Scene’s showing things such as plates being smashed against the wall and
piling up below, and small rectangular shapes being lit on fire could suggest the that the
relationship ended in a negative way and also that the experience had a very harsh effect on her.
Other scenes such as a room full of shot glasses filled with water which ripple every time there is
a loud sound effect could also show that the relationship was very tense and delicate, threatening
to be knocked over at any point. Or even that the singer resorted to drinking large amounts of
alcohol to soothe the pain which she was feeling after the relationship ended.
