ANALYSIS OF POP MUSIC VIDEOS

SO AM I - Ava Max

 

The MV starts off with the singer, who also stars all the way through the video, opening a high school locker. The mirror on the locker door, which has connotations of femininity, vanity or self-consciousness, reflects Ava Max’s face to the camera and she proceeds to sync the opening song lyrics. Theee connotations, the lyrics (“do you ever feel like a misfit?”), and the low-key lighting, speak directly to the viewer in a fashion that lets them know this song (or its lyrics) will be heavy and that the viewer might be able to relate. This beginning so far shows no signs of narrative, and certainly not an MV of disjuncture.

Aside from this, in the bottom right hand corner is Ava Max’s YouTube logo, which prompts viewers throughout the video to check out more. Further on in the video, a “Get It Nowℹ️” pop up 

In a nearby shot, Ava Max ‘recruits’ a dark-skinned girl to dance with her, by touching her shoulder and telling her (as the lyrics), “you’re beautiful”. This immediately sets the video up to show that this song is all about acceptance. After this, Ava Max, the girl and another girl, begins a choreography, which lightens the atmosphere. This whole scene sets up a sweet visual, despite the low-key lighting.

  

The whole acceptance theme follows through the video nicely, showing different types of people in disfavoured groups - different races, different classes, physical and visual differences. The dancing theme of the song gives these people an escape, as they all join in and it’s harmonious and personal. The lyrics as well are comforting, not only to these people but, to the viewer, too. 

SENORITA - Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello

These four different shots show the opening sequence of Señorita, and they show the different social groups that these two representat. Clearly, the boy is a stereotypical heart throb, almost something that came out of Grease or Hairspray with his leather jacket, white t-shirt, slick hair, and a motorbike. The girl on the other hand, is in a low-lit diner with a skimpy outfit. However both of them have a close up and a media shot displaying their characters in two different ways. However, they both have the fact they’re both alone in both shots, and are relatively alone or with each other through the whole video. This is an example of how the video uses company as a way to escape realities, especially with the lyrics and their “personas” clashing so well together.

This very low lighting on Camila’s character has such an impact on the viewer. Showing her alone in a seemingly sexually distressed situation puts her in a vulnerable, yet personal place. The narrative of this song is about the two of them being in a relationship, and to see her in this position shows the way that they desire each other, which reflects the lyrics perfectly (“I love it when you call me senorita”). Furthermore, the connotations of the blind shadow includes things such as secretive, looking in, which is showing the reader that they have an insight into someone else’s private life. The dim lamp connotes nighttime or intimacy, which strengthens the idea of personal life.

DARK HORSE - Katy Perry, Juicy J

The opening sequence of this song instantly gives us a place, a time, and a setting. The setting shows an Egyptian boat, bearing Katy Perry and three servsnts. As it states by the title, we are in “Memphis, Egypt”, which is odd considering there is lip syncing but no correlation to Egypt or “a crazy long time ago” - the only words are “make me your Aphrodite”, but this could be interpreted in many ways, despite being the Greek goddess of beauty. However, this setting is used to capture the audience, being them intrigue and confusion, and it works. The lowkey lighting and the fading in of music perfectly compliments our intrigue.

There are five different personas Katy plays in this song, but it doesn’t seem apparent for what reason. The first character is for exposition and introduction. The second and third aren’t apparent, and the third apparently conquers Egypt, through implications (as she turns into a bird on a seemingly extraterrestrial pyramid). This, despite the confusion, keeps the reader interested, and gives the music video a range of lighting and colour pallets, ranging from golds, to greys, to blues, to purples. I am lead to believe she represents and Greek gods, but which I am unsure of. It is an impressive representation of each, with extensive effort going into each outfit.