Goodwin's Theory Homework Task

Goodwins theory can apply to Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song': 

1. Music videos demonstrate certain genre characteristics - 'Earth Song' is under the pop genre. In the video, MJ is shown to be walking and somewhat dancing to the song, looking very into the song. This is very common in pop music videos.

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals - This is very clear in the video as the song is about humans ruining the earth and wildlife while the visuals are showing us how humans have killed animals (elephants) and trees etc.

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals - This is somewhat present in this video as when the song gets to the most 'intense' part, the editing gets quicker and the wind starts blowing at Michael Jackson as he sings.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist - Close ups of Jackson are present in 'Earth Song' as he sings, they show his emotion toward the pollution etc.

'Earth Song' was released under the record label 'EPIC' on November 27, 1995

Goodwin's Theory is also applicable to McFly's 'That Girl' (Released 6th September under the Label 'Island'):

1. Music videos demonstrate certain genre characteristics - As McFly are a pop rock band, the video shows them putting on a performance with their instruments which is typical of a band of that genre. 

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals - The lyrics of the song are about a girl trying to get a girl and his friends doubt that he can do it, then he proves them wrong but loses her. The visuals are along the same lines, a girl turns up to their petrol station and the guys try to get her with the other band members doubting that they can. Then she runs off with a richer guy which links to the lyric 'but she was with another guy'.

3. There is a relationship between the music and visuals - This one is applicable to a certain extent. It fits because the music links to the music they are playing on their instruments and when the guitar solo is going on, Danny is playing the solo on his guitar. But it also doesn't fit because the editing isn't really done to the beat of the music etc.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist - Lots of close ups of the band members are used throughout the music video, this satisfies the audience as each band member is shown with various close ups.

5. The artist may develop motifs or iconography that recur across their work (a visual style) - this is evident in McFly's music videos as the majority of them show the band performing the song for parts of the video and the other parts are the band messing around in the theme of the song.