Andrews Goodwin’s Theory By Abbie Yapp

The Wanted – ‘Glad You Came’

Andrew Goodwin’s 6 Features of Music Videos

1. The relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images.

2. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music. ( Illustrate, amplify and disjuncture)

Illustrate – Music videos can use a set of images to illustrate the meaning of lyrics and genre.

Amplify- The meanings of the song are added to by the visuals. The visual aspects add an extra layer of

meaning. Disjuncture- This is where the meaning of the song is

completely ignored. 3. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work.

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

6. There are often intertextual reference.

Relationship between lyrics and visuals

“The sun goes down” “I'm glad you came”

“And I decided you look well on me, well on me”

“Now I'll take you by the hand”

Relationship between lyrics an visuals

Within the video there is a clear link shared between lyrics and visuals which relates back to Goodwin’s theory. Examples of this include the band members interacting with various people in the video in the certain ways that are mentioned in the lyrics. For example, when the lyrics say ‘Take her by the hand’ the video shows one of the band members joining hands with a woman.

The lyrics are clearly depicting how the band members are happy that they are joined by various attractive women. The visuals display each band member with beautiful women surrounding them and enjoying various holiday activities such as on the beach and partying.

Relationship between music and lyrics

The visuals relate to the music as it changes as the music does. After the short vocal and piano intro the music fades out and the main beat kicks in. when this happens the visuals fade out in time with the music and a montage of various shots are cut as the beat kicks in and each shot matches the changing of the beat.

The way in which the video responds to the music is via amplification. The visuals on screen add to the meaning of the song and emphasis what the band is singing. The editing of the video is relatively quick cut to match the music. The video also cuts between the performance of the band and various party scenes that are illustrating the lyrics o the song, and creating a type of montage effect.

Genre Characteristics

The Wanted display a typical pop genre boy band, this is demonstrated through the use of characteristics within the video. The Wanted appearance displays a laid back look which reflects a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The Wanted don’t subjectify women in their video instead they idolizing this rejects the typical boy band video you usually see within the music industry.

The genre of video is categorised under pop genre when searching in iTunes. The video displays typical group shots and individual shots of the band members to allow the audience to interact with each member. The montage of shots displaying party scenes feature typical generic features commonly seen within the boy band pop genre.

A common theme boy bands focus on is love, this is a clear theme through out the video. A variety of mid shots are used to show close and sexual relationships shared between the band members and the beautiful women. Throughout the video we are displayed with mid close ups showing band members embracing beautiful women.

Demands of the record label

The record label has gone for a variety shots varying from close up’s of each band member to a group shot of the whole band. As there is no dominant singer within the band each member has equal amount of camera time allowing each member to be recognized. This is done to demonstrate the importance each band member has within the video.

The Wanted don’t contain a visual style but follow with a casual clothing style within their music videos. This allows them to be known for their music rather their visual style which allows the audience to focus on the lyrics of the song rather than the visuals.

Frequently reference to notion of looking

Selected parts of the video shows women in a voyeuristic ways. In this mid shot a woman is being represented in a voyeuristic manor this promotes the notion of looking.

Throughout the video woman are being presented in voyeuristic ways by wearing minimal clothing which centers our eyes to the women's bodies.

Intertextual Reference

The opening credits to the video apply intertextual reference to an opening credits of a film. The name of the band is the first text to be displayed within a shot which applies the importance of the band.

This is becoming a common feature of their videos which allows them to create a brand image for the band. Similar styled fonts are used throughout their videos which is another way to create a brand identity.

Examples of intertextual references