Overview: choose one of the following four MTV music videos to analyze and discuss:
1. Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (song: 1982; video: 1983)
Official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA
2. Eurythmics, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (song/video: both 1983)
Official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeMFqkcPYcg
3. Madonna, “Material Girl” (song/video: both 1985)
Official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6p-lDYPR2P8
4. Michael Jackson, “Black or White” (song/video: both 1991)
Official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTFE8cirkdQ
Analyze the video and compose a concise essay (650–750 words) based on the following discussion points (weighted equally):
Discuss the lyrics, music, and visuals separately.
Discuss the relationship between these components: how does the imagery impact what you hear, and vice versa? What lyrical and/or sonic
elements(instrumentation/timbre, rhythm, meter, melody, harmony, form, etc.) do the visuals seem to emphasize or de-emphasize? How does
the sound draw attention toward or away from certain imagery? More broadly: how does the video seem to focus your attention, and how does
this affect your overall viewing experience?
