Analyzing Music Videos & their techniques~

 Observing Music Videos & Noticing Key Features

Be Alright~ by Dean Lewis

"Be Alright" by Dean Lewis is an exceptional masterpiece closely linked to the vibe we want to pursue in our music video, especially the majestic visuals, amazing concept, and glorifying love as the main theme. The narrative is a little fragmented, and the scenes are beautifully and logically placed. One thing we want to learn from this is the editing; as the song moved faster, the shots got shorter, and when slower, the shots were longer. I love the capturing of visuals with close-ups on features while allowing space through long shots. The mise-en-scene has a homey vibe, representing a lovey-dovey couple, but also showing betrayal that stings the viewer. The narrative is well represented through visuals, with all the heartbreak in the song effectively depicted, especially through drone shots that give a cinematic look. The 360 orbit shots at the end hype up the scene. The focus on the colors is impressive, with natural and country-like tones that evoke calmness. The lighting changes from bright to dark; dark lighting shows the guy's depression, while light lighting depicts him with the girl. This represents semiotics and analogy of signs, which is a key feature to note. Overall, "Be Alright" is a perfect example to inspire our music video, and we have a lot to learn from it.

Saiyaara by Faheem Abdullah

Saiyaara is a Bollywood movie that dropped in 2025 and was a hit. In fact, the main track, named Saiyaara by Faheem Abdullah (a Pakistani artist), went crazy hit among its fans and definitely got a lot of love. Even though it does not have any specific music video, it does have this title video, which definitely brings out what we are looking for with our music video concept.

The montages have created an amazing concept of a music video that showcases originality, depression, and the power of love, representing the lyrics beautifully. Analyzing these videos, we see they narratively highlight the lyrics while remaining somewhat fragmented. The shots sync perfectly with the audio, matching the pace of the song; fast shots for fast beats and slow scenes for slower parts, leaving a significant influence on the music video. The visuals were magnificently captured, and the actors looked stunning. The intimacy between them was well-captured through close-ups and mid shots, portraying chemistry as very true and raw. We also noticed many drone and wide shots, showcasing excellent cinematography.

The acting played a key role in enhancing visual shots. Good actors are key features to consider. A standout scene we loved was the guy riding his motorcycle with rash driving, just as the beat intensified, enhancing the overall aura. We aim to recreate something similar, matching the song's pace with onscreen actions. The overall dressing was casual and raw, reflecting reality. We observe semiotics through darkness, storms, and rain, shadowing the guy's depression, contrasted with beach waves and brightness showcasing the couple's love. The low lighting creates a mood when the guy is alone, and the transitions when he reminisces about old memories, returning to the same place with new thoughts, are beautiful. The camera's fade into reality is magical, and this is a key feature to note in the title video.

JHOL~By Maanu & Annural

Jhol by Mannu and Annural is a perfect example of a good song with a good music video. Released in 2024 in collaboration with Coke Studio, it gained huge hype in the Pakistani music industry. Mannu's amazing vocals, along with Annural's impressive notes, made the song ethereal. The music video's vibe is rockstar popstar, depicting a narrative of a love-hate relationship between Annural and Mannu, who don’t trust each other enough but love each other. Their performances with mics are intertwined with scenes involving nemesis and a helpful friend, presenting a fragmented narrative that makes sense in the end. The key highlight, a red scarf, holds immense importance to the protagonists. The exceptional camera work features rotational shots, tilts, pans, wide shots, and close-ups that enhance the visuals. Notable transitions, like Mannu looking out the train window to Annural in the mirror, are smooth and natural, showcasing beautiful editing. In the mis-en-scene, you see formal and fancy celebrity-like attire with slick back hairstyles and a concert vibe overall. Besides that, lighting is kept low throughout, and dark bold looks are used. Overall, the vibe is melancholic yet lovely, reflecting chemistry and rivalry. The expressions are visible, and the lyrics resonate with the audience, making you want to watch the whole music video. It’s a beautiful trope. I've been impressed by the music video and want to ensure we cover key features in our own.