MUSIC VIDEOS

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
(one of my favourite music videos)

It was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones for the singer's sixth solo album. The song's lyrics refer to a real-life experience, in which a mentally ill female fan claimed that Jackson fathered one of her twins. The story behind this song is told by the King of Pop himself: "There never was a real Billie Jean. The girl in the song is a composite of people my brothers have been plagued with over the years. I could never understand how these girls could say they were carrying someone's child when it wasn't true"

Beyonce- single ladies


This dance video is based around a dance routine. In contrast to many other music videos this song has no real story. The image relates to the lyrics through the ring Beyonce wears on her finger, anchoring the lyric 'if you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it' The dance follows the RnB style of the song.



Justin Timberlake - Cry me a river


This video is based around a story (which excellently replicates the lyrics Justin sings)



In all videos, perfomers are shown as either the person who is experiencing what is happening in the lyrics or simply just singing about the story of other people. None of the videos present a voyeuristic view of women, instead they seem to respect as the women tend to be the ones controlling the relationship.
However this does not apply to all music videos. Many RnB songs show a derogative view of women.
For example - I wanna love you, Akon


A: Watch a variety of music videos, and make notes using these questions:
1.Does the song belong to a particular genre?
2.Do the images illustrate, amplify or contradict the lyrics?
3.Do the images illustrate, amplify or contradict the music?
4.How are the performers shown?
5.Does the video present a voyeuristic view of women?
6.What other texts does the video refer to/ draw upon?


A person who derives sexual gratification from observing the naked bodies or sexual acts of others, especially from a secret vantage point.
An obsessive observer of sordid or sensational subjects.