Name: KSI - Thick of It
Year: 2024
Production Company: Atlantic Records
Distribution Company: Atlantic Records UK, BMG Rights Management
Genre / Sub-genre: Hip-hop / Rap
What conventions does it conform to?
- Fast-paced beats typical in hip-hop/rap.
- KSI’s style of personal introspective lyrics.
- Focus on self-reflection and resilience, which fits the emotional tone of modern rap.
What conventions does it subvert?
- KSI includes softer, melodic elements, contrasting with the harder edge typically found in rap.
- The song features a combination of motivational messaging and vulnerability, subverting the tough persona common in hip-hop.
What representations are there? (people/places/events)
- KSI represents themes of overcoming struggle, resilience, and confidence.
- The music video highlights personal growth and balancing success with internal challenges.
What technical elements are used to give meaning?
- Cinematic lighting and dark color tones to convey depth and emotional tension.
- Slow-motion effects combined with rapid cuts to emphasize the conflict between vulnerability and strength.
- Close-up shots of KSI reflect his introspective journey.
Name: Glenn Medeiros - Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You
Year: 1987
Production Company: Amherst Records
Distribution Company: Amherst Records, Mercury Records
Genre / Sub-genre: Pop / Soft Rock
What conventions does it conform to?
- Soft rock ballad with smooth, melodic vocals typical of romantic 80s music.
- Sentimental and emotional lyrics expressing eternal love, which fits the classic love ballad genre.
- Traditional verse-chorus structure, making it easily memorable and singable.
What conventions does it subvert?
- Unlike many 80s hits that relied on synth-heavy production, this track has a more acoustic, gentle instrumentation.
- Glenn Medeiros, as a young artist at the time, delivered a mature, heartfelt performance that subverts expectations for teenage pop stars of the era.
What representations are there? (people/places/events)
- The song represents unconditional love and dedication to a romantic partner.
- The music video reflects themes of simplicity and sincerity, focusing on Glenn's performance rather than elaborate storytelling or complex visuals.
What technical elements are used to give meaning?
- Soft lighting and romantic settings in the video emphasize the warmth and affection conveyed in the song.
- Simple camera work focuses on Glenn Medeiros, reinforcing the song’s direct and personal message.
- The use of slow-motion and scenic shots adds to the dreamy, timeless feeling of the song.
Title: All Rise
Artist: Blue
Year: 2001
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
The video is aimed at teens and young adults, especially fans of early 2000s pop and R&B. It grabs their attention through the band’s cool image, catchy music, and the theme of trust and relationships, which a lot of young people can relate to. The trendy stage setting, flashy cameras, and the band’s stylish outfits also fit the fashion and vibe of the early 2000s, making it really appealing for the time.
What would you like to use in your opening from this?
For the opening, I’d highlight how the video captures early 2000s culture with its city scenes, cool outfits, and the use of a courtroom as a metaphor for relationship issues. The catchy beat and harmonies also grab viewers right away, which is something I’d definitely want to include.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this?
I’d avoid focusing too much on the typical "boy band" look, as it might seem outdated. Instead, I’d stick to the storytelling and the courtroom metaphor, which really help explain the video’s theme of conflict and trust issues.
- Technical elements: The video uses different camera angles, smooth transitions, and quick cuts to keep the energy high and hold the audience’s attention.
- Representations: Blue is shown as representing young men who are dealing with emotional struggles, especially around trust and loyalty in relationships.
- Conventions: While it sticks to the usual boy band format (good-looking members, choreographed moves, close-up shots), the courtroom setting gives it a fresh twist.
- Media language: The courtroom symbolizes judgment and being held accountable in relationships, which ties into the song’s message.
- Media theory: The video’s storyline connects with ideas of justice and fairness in relationships, which can be linked to genre and narrative theories.
Title: End of the Road
Artist: Boyz II Men
Year: 1992
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
The song and video target a broad audience, especially those going through tough breakups. The emotional vibe, relatable lyrics about heartache, and smooth R&B style appeal to both young adults and older listeners. The music video’s use of dark, moody lighting and scenes of the band members reflecting in lonely spaces helps connect emotionally with viewers who have experienced loss or sadness in relationships.
What would you like to use in your opening from this?
For the opening, I’d highlight how the video uses its moody tone and relatable lyrics to really draw in people who are going through heartache. The emotional performance from Boyz II Men, along with the slow, soulful beat, makes it easy to connect with the pain expressed in the song.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this?
I’d avoid getting too stuck on the slow pace of the video because it might come across as too sad or boring to some viewers. Instead, I’d focus more on the emotional impact of the lyrics and visuals, which is what makes it powerful.
- Technical elements: The video uses slow camera movements, soft lighting, and close-up shots of the band members to match the emotional depth of the song.
- Representations: Boyz II Men is shown as sensitive, emotional men who are open about their feelings, breaking stereotypes of men not expressing vulnerability.
- Conventions: It follows the typical R&B ballad format—slow-paced visuals, deep emotions, and a focus on the performers.
- Media language: The dark lighting, empty spaces, and reflective shots symbolize loneliness and the pain of lost love.
- Media theory: The narrative of heartbreak connects with the audience’s personal experiences of love and loss, which can be analyzed through reception theory and narrative structures.
Title: One in a Million
Artist: Bosson
Year: 2000
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
The song appeals to fans of early 2000s pop and romantic ballads, particularly younger audiences and those who enjoy feel-good love songs. The upbeat and catchy melody, along with the positive message of finding “the one,” makes it a go-to for listeners looking for something light and heartwarming. The music video, with its romantic and dreamy scenes, appeals to people who are either in love or dream of finding true love.
What would you like to use in your opening from this?
In the opening, I’d bring up how the song’s catchy tune and heartwarming theme appeal to the romantic side of the audience. The visuals, which include dreamy, idyllic locations, emphasize the fantasy of finding that “one in a million” love, which is really what hooks people.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this?
I’d avoid focusing too much on the overly perfect love story because it might come off as cheesy or unrealistic. Instead, I’d keep the focus on the feel-good energy of the song and how the visuals complement that positive vibe.
- Technical elements: The video uses bright, soft lighting and sweeping camera movements to enhance the dreamy, romantic feel.
- Representations: Bosson is portrayed as a hopeful romantic, representing the idea of someone searching for true love.
- Conventions: It follows the standard romantic ballad video format, with soft visuals, idyllic settings, and a focus on the singer.
- Media language: The warm lighting, picturesque scenery, and close-up shots of Bosson highlight the dreamlike nature of the song’s theme.
- Media theory: The video taps into the romantic fantasy many people have, which can be explored through theories of genre and representation.
Title: All This Time
Artist: Tiffany
Year: 1988
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
The video targets teenagers and young adults, especially those who enjoy emotional ballads about heartbreak and reflection. Tiffany’s heartfelt performance and relatable lyrics about lost love and personal growth appeal to young people going through similar experiences. The music video’s nostalgic, almost dreamy feel adds to the emotional connection, especially for those dealing with the end of a relationship.
What would you like to use in your opening from this?
For the opening, I’d focus on how the video captures the emotional struggle of heartbreak, with Tiffany’s performance really pulling viewers in. The mix of personal reflection and the soft, soothing melody makes it a powerful visual and emotional experience.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this?
I’d avoid the slower pace or overly dramatic visuals, as it might come off as a outdated. Instead, I’d focus on the timeless emotional message and the relatable feelings of loss and reflection.
- Technical elements: The video uses soft lighting, gentle camera movements, and close-up shots to focus on Tiffany’s emotional delivery and vulnerability.
- Representations: Tiffany is portrayed as someone going through emotional growth after a painful experience, symbolizing strength and resilience in the face of heartbreak.
- Conventions: It follows typical ballad conventions—slow pacing, emotional delivery, and a focus on the artist's personal connection to the song.
- Media language: The soft lighting, intimate close-ups, and gentle camera work all highlight the emotional weight of the song and its themes of loss and self-reflection.
- Media theory: The video’s theme of personal reflection and overcoming heartbreak can be explored through narrative theory and audience reception, focusing on how different viewers relate to the emotional journey.
Title: I Knew I Loved You
Artist: Savage Garden
Year: 1999
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
The target audience is primarily young adults and fans of romantic pop music. The song’s soft, sentimental tone and lyrics about love at first sight appeal to people who are in love or believe in romantic destiny. The music video, set in a subway station, adds a relatable touch of urban life, showing that love can happen in everyday situations, which resonates with viewers looking for that magical, spontaneous connection.
What would you like to use in your opening from this?
For the opening, I’d mention how the song’s dreamy and heartfelt vibe really appeals to people who believe in love at first sight. The setting of a busy subway station gives the video a grounded, relatable feel, making the idea of love finding you anywhere feel realistic and magical at the same time.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this?
I’d avoid focusing too much on the overly idealistic portrayal of love, which could come off as unrealistic to some viewers. Instead, I’d highlight the video’s relatable setting and the emotional connection that makes the song feel genuine.
- Technical elements: The video uses soft, warm lighting and slow-motion shots to create a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. The subway station setting adds a sense of everyday realism.
- Representations: The video portrays love as spontaneous and destined, showing that it can happen in the most ordinary places, which speaks to the idea of fate in romance.
- Conventions: It follows romantic pop conventions—slow pacing, emotional lyrics, and an idealized portrayal of love, with a focus on the singer’s connection to the song’s message.
- Media language: The lighting, slow-motion, and subtle color grading highlight the dreamy, magical feel of love blossoming in an unexpected place.
- Media theory: The narrative of love as something destined can be explored through audience reception theory, as viewers may relate differently based on their own beliefs about love and fate.
Title: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
Artist: Starship
Year: 1987
Target audience, and how are they appealed to?
The song appeals to a wide audience, especially fans of 80s rock and pop music. Its upbeat, motivational message of overcoming obstacles, particularly in relationships, speaks to both young and older audiences who believe in the power of love and perseverance. The music video, with its larger-than-life feel and scenes inspired by the movie Mannequin, grabs the attention of viewers who enjoy fun, sensational love stories with an 80s flair.
What would you like to use in your opening from this?
For the opening, I’d focus on the video’s fun, energetic vibe and how it visually matches the song’s uplifting message. The over-the-top style and cinematic quality make it memorable and engaging, appealing to fans of both music and movies from that era.
What would you like to avoid in your opening from this?
I’d avoid focusing too much on the movie tie-in (Mannequin), as it might seem outdated. Instead, I’d stick to the universal themes of love and overcoming challenges, which still resonate today.
- Technical elements: The video features bright, flashy lighting, quick cuts, and a larger-than-life set design that reflects the high-energy, optimistic tone of the song.
- Representations: Starship is portrayed as champions of love and resilience, representing the idea that with the right mindset, nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams.
- Conventions: It sticks to the typical 80s rock/pop music video formula—flashy visuals, larger-than-life storytelling, and a focus on the band’s performance.
- Media language: The bold lighting, energetic visuals, and dramatic scenes emphasize the song’s message of overcoming any obstacle for love.
- Media theory: The idea of love as unstoppable can be explored through narrative theory, while the larger-than-life portrayal of the band ties into star theory, with Starship presented as cultural icons of the 80s era.
Self-Reflection:
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