Jay Sean - Down ft. Lil Wayne

The video I have decided to analyse using Goodwin’s points is down by Jay Sean. I have chosen to analyse this video as it illustrates the relationship between lyrics and visuals, genre characteristics and tells a story of how to have a good time. I have also chosen this video as it consists of many special effect and editing techniques that will then help me gain ideas and use for my own music video. 

Music Video demonstrates genre characteristics: 

Throughout this music video there are various elements that demonstrate the music genre.  This song is based around a R&B genre, this is clearly illustrated as when the video starts to play certain effects are used like a glowing light floating in the air almost demonstrating things coming alive. This is seen at 0:17 where the camera focuses on the chandelier and some sort of star effect comes out of it. It then goes onto showing a group of people having a good time and partying. Women here are demonstrated as flaunting their body around which clearly demonstrates this genre. 

There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals:

In this video there is a definite relationship between the lyrics and the visuals. When Jay Sean says “tonight let it go and put on a show” the camera cuts to a group of people dancing and then two girls. This demonstrates the lyrics as it shows he women having a good time. Also after the dance routine Jay Sean says “come on baby bring your body next to me” at this point you then see a women walk towards jay Sean “bringing her body next to him”. Here the women are represented as a sexual figure which is demonstrated by how she walks. The lyrics in this video are demonstrated by the visuals but are not seen so easily. When jay Sean says “down down down” you don’t see anyone going down, only at one point you see jay Sean going down when performing.

There is relationship between music and visuals:

The video begins of very serious which immediately draws the viewer’s attention. At 0:12 the beat drops and starts to get faster and more upbeat. At this point you see the light traveling and going around objects which shows the relationship between the music and visuals. Also when the camera focuses on the chandelier you here the glistening sound after, this shows the music reflecting the visuals as it is a diegetic sound.  The music then continuous to get louder where there is a shot of shown of the women dancing. The base is then introduced to give a happy effect as everyone is having fun. When the music speeds up you can notice that the shots suddenly speed up reflecting the music. When jay Sean is seen dancing in the chorus, the music speeds up and the beat becomes livelier as a snare is introduced. The beat also goes up when the glowing light is shown, travelling place to place. 

The demands of the record label will include the need of lots of close up’s of the artist and the artist might develop motifs which recur across their work.

Jay Sean is represented as being the main star in the video. This is done mainly by the use of close ups used when Jay Sean is dancing. The use of close ups shows the facial expression of the artist allowing the audience to connect with the music video in a better way. It also reveals the genre of the video as it shows how happy or sad the artist is.

 

There is likely to be reference to voyeurism, particularly in the treatment of women, but also in terms 'in looking' e.g. screens within screens.

In this music video there is a definite reference to voyeurism to women. At 2:14 you see Jay Sean dancing with a girl. Here you can see the stereotypical view where the woman is flaunting her body to jay Sean. This is a common thing found in most music videos. Girls seem to be the center of attention revealing their sexuality.

 Overall I think this music video is very good as the special effects used fit well with the music and visuals. I mostly liked the light travelling around the room which gives a magical effect to the viewer. This video is clearly demonstrated to fit the R&B genre.