The History of Music Videos

The Beatles – Don’t Let Me Down was recorded in 1969, and was a huge success around that era. They were a massively popular band during the 60s, and we iconic to the time and to history. The music video is interesting as it is recorded live as they were performing as a band. The location seems to be on a rooftop, which is unusual, and their costumes significantly reflect their fashion within the 60s. Many of the shots are group shots. The video quality is much different from today, as the technology was less advanced, however the sound is good, suggesting it was pre recorded in a studio.

Stevie Wonder – Superstition was recorded in 1972, and was a huge hit for the soul charts. Again this video is similar to the previous century in regards to being filmed as the performer is genuinely performing for microphones and recordings. It gives a true feeling to the recording, and there is not created acting within the video, they are performing as themselves. He is a black artist, which shows the development in equality, and also a change within fashion. More shirt typed clothing began to be worn. The quality again is poor, however the sound is higher standard. The shots are mainly close ups.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Relax was recorded in 1983, with the music video following a year later, this was a huge music video, as times started to evolve. Yet as there were the similarities such as recording in a band formation, there were developments. Such as costumes began to change. Skinny trousers and leather began to come in, as well as denim and unusual hairstyles. More props were used to create levels and it seems more directed and acted out. The video quality is slowly developing, and becoming better for viewers to watch. There are many long shots, and lots of single mid shots.

Take That – Everything Changes was recorded in 1994 and much has changed in the music video. There is a sepia effect on the filming, which gives it an unusual feel. It seems to be recorded in a bar location, with the band and many other people. Still there are instruments in the video as there were in the 60s, however this video was clearly directed and specifically choreographed. There is dancing in it, and a wide range of shots shown from long shots, group shots and close ups. The costumes have transformed from the eras, and is now on denim, bomber jackets and slick hair.

Girls Aloud – Call The Shots was recorded in 2007 and the music video is extraordinarily developed. There isn’t a single hint of live recording within it, and everything is directed and choreographed. The sequences almost mirror a story in which the song lyrics are portraying, and there is a wide range of shot displayed such as long shot, group shots, close ups. There seems a colour share of purple between their costumes in a lot of the scenes which represents mystery. Various other costumes within the video represent the fashion in that era, such as revealing dresses which accentuate the figure. This links into Laura Mulvey’s theory that women are trying to please men, which may reason in targeting a male audience.