Functions of a music video

There are various funtions for a music video, some musicians use music videos as a form of artistic/creative expression, other use a music video to add layers to the song, some use music videos to force the audience to think about issues, the majority however use music videos as a form of promotion/advertisement for an album or just for the artist themselves, as a way of getting their name out in the public. This is why you will see the artist/s/bands, taking a prominent role within the video. Examples:

Kanye West - Runaway (Artistic/Creative)

• Shortented form of a 35 minute film
• Many stereotypical artistic things in terms of props, costume etc

Jay-Z, Kanye West ft Frank Ocean - No Chruch In The Wild (Add layers)

• Doesn't contradict the lyrics, but adds layers to them and gives a visual representation of what the artists meant
• Artists aren't seen within the video

 

 

Micheal Jackson - Man in the Mirror (Thought provoking)

• Numerous world issues
• Subtle link with the lyrics
 

 

Action Bronson - Strictly for my Jeeps (Promotion)

• Self promotion
• No real link with the lyrics
• Artist very prominent within the video