Music videos have the capability to elevate songs from catchy tunes to complex works of art. Songs represent an artist’s critiques, vision, and artistry, while music videos visualize that through film conventions. Additionally, platforms, such as Instagram or YouTube, allow music videos to be a preserved product of its time.
Keep reading to learn more about music videos elevating a song’s impact.
Songs Form an Identity
Music videos allow songs to form their identity through visual and film genres that coincide with the song. Take “All these things that I’ve Done” by The Killers and “Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey as examples. Both videos borrow from different film techniques, such as black and white and home videos, to enhance the song’s meaning.
The music videos visually represent songs through lingering scenes, colors, artists in action, camera cuts, etc. A scene can parallel the mood and tone of the song, thereby visually giving the song an identity. As a result, people can picture the music video when listening to the song. Besides identity, music videos can also tell a story.
Visual Storytelling
In addition to film techniques and genres, music videos frequently convey a story that parallels the song and its tone. David Bowie’s “Lazarus” depicts Bowie as an ill man in a lone hospital room coming to terms with his passing. Visual metaphors are scattered throughout the video, such as Bowie contemplating what to write or being lifted above his bed. These visuals emphasize and elevate the importance of the song, making it stand out in Bowie’s music catalog.
Likewise, Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” music video follows a similar story. Cash’s career is honored in the video by using older footage from his career. This footage is depicted as a memory from his point of view. Alternatively, the lyrics like “what have I become” reinforce the theme of self-reflection.
Music videos allow songs to transcend into final works of art, hardships, and appreciation of life. Before, music videos were televised while connecting and reflecting a time period it was set in. Moreover, music videos have been preserved for future generations to witness this artistry.
Social Media
Social Media allows information and media of any kind to be easily accessible, allowing music videos to thrive. For example, Katie Bush’s “Running up that Hill” had a resurgence after being featured on Stranger Things. It’s featured during one of its most pivotal moments of the show in season four. Since the show has a major following, with up to 21 million followers on Instagram, fans discussed that moment which is elevated by Bush’s song.
Social media can also promote dates and previews for music videos. A prime example is “I’m only Sleeping” by the Beatles, promoted on their official Instagram account. The song is 57 years old, but was not given a proper music video until recently. The music video was used to promote the remix of the band’s 1966 album, Revolver, all over social media. Although the music video was recently made, an artist can provide their interpretation of the song while celebrating its legacy.
In Conclusion
Music videos are flexible and extensive media that have the power to elevate and evolve songs into visual art forms. Imagery, themes, and film conventions also make up a song’s identity representing its soul in a way. Finally, songs are elevated by representing their artist’s creative expressions and meanings while being preserved in media.
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