Sounds simple, right? Then why are there so many music videos out there that don't follow this simple concept?
We have gotten over the horrendous '80s phase with musicians dancing around in front of a plain white screen. That might sound boring, but don't forget their Flock of Seagulls hairdos, overuse of Aquanet, and their hideous '80s attire to the video. Not story structure. Just people singing their song in horrible fashion.
Michael Jackson started the whole thing when he made a five hour, I mean, 14 minute long music video, to his hit song "Thriller." It was everything a music video should be. It made the song a story, a move--a music video.
As much as I love Lady GaGa and thought her music video to "Telephone" was pure genius (minus the ad placements), her videos have gotten so far off track that it scares me. The video doesn't tell a story, it's not a mini movie to her songs, so what's the point? Still to this day, the absolutely worse music video is Fall Out Boy's "Sugar, We're Going Down," a song about jealousy. So they have a guy with antlers who likes a girl. This all happens when the band flies around all over place, playing guitar.
If one artist does music videos right today, surprisingly, it's Katy Perry...with the exception of "California Gurls." Today, she just released her music video to her new single "The One That Got Away," and shocker, it tells a story. An older Perry remembers the one that got away, flashing back to when she was younger and dating a boy. Not only does it tell a story, the cinematography resembles an indie film, which is always a plus.
"The One That Got Away" isn't the only well done music video Perry's made. Videos like "Thinking of You," "Teenage Dream," "Firework," and even the weird "E.T." all have to do with the lyrics in the song. "Thinking of You" references a couple scenes from the movie "The Notebook," but tells a story about Perry missing her boyfriend who is in the army around WW II. "Teenage Dream" jas Perry and her music video boyfriend riding in a car, hanging out with a couple teenagers. "Firework" shows Perry singing about troubles, alternating back from her and kids having a hard time with their home lives...plus her bra that shoots out fireworks.
And then there's "E.T." (extra terrestrial), which has Perry as an alien. Not the best story structure, but at least her song wasn't about an alien and then in the video, she walks around with antlers.
No product placement, no bizarre scenes symbolizing rebirth like in GaGa's "Born This Way." Just a simple video that bring the songs to life visually. That's all people want. No antlers. Just a story.
Long story short, thank you Katy Perry and to your music video directors. You do music videos right. Keep it up.
I like katy perry's music a lot. However, she did turn me off with her attitude when she helped judge americal idol. she was so rude and just came over way arrogant, not only to contestants but the other judges. I never would've guessed her to be such a brat.
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