Andrew Goodwin

Andrew Goodwin

Andrew Goodwin’s theory on music videos highlighted a rhythmic structure of all music videos falling into the three categories Illustration, Amplification and Disjuncture, the three relations between songs and videos;

1.     Illustration – this is where the video tells the story of the lyrics. Dance is often used to express the feelings/moods in the song.

2.     Amplification – occurs when the videos introduce new meanings that do not contradict with the lyrics but add layers of meaning.

3.     Disjuncture – this is where there is little connection between the lyric and video or where the video contradicts the lyric.

Illustration is evident in Hollowman’s 2008 hit, Up In The Shubz. Where all lyrics correspond to what is being shown on screen. This video is entirely what the song is about, being up in a shubz (party in slang terms) and is demonstrated well as the editing give an authentic feel.

Amplification is evident  in Chris Brown’s 2011 song, Beautiful People. As the meaning states it does not contradict with the lyrics but adds layers of meaning which the video to the song accomplishes. The video shows many respected artist, fans and dancers enjoying themselves, smiling and having fun of all races conveying the message that everyone is beautiful.

In the Prodigy’s Song Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix) it is clear to see the is evidence of a Disjuncture video as the video is entirely random despite the minor near to none lyrics to the song, it conforms to the definition ‘where there is little connection between the lyrics and video.’