2. MOTIF
The Wanted have a motif which appears in many of their music videos. At the start of
the video text saying ‘The Wanted’ followed by the title of the song appear on
screen. The text is in the same white font for every music video which is a trademark
within their videos. This makes their videos recognisable to the audience as it
consistently appears in every video so they will know straight away that the video is
by The Wanted which will grab the viewers attention.
3. NARRATIVE & PERFORMANCE
The video cuts between the narrative storyline and the performance of the band.
The narrative shots allow the band to tell a story which relates to the lyrics and the
performance shots of the band singing to the audience meet the fans needs as
the audience of young girls will want to see shots of the band singing as they find
them attractive. Having the narrative storyline running side by
side with the performance of the band singing
makes the video more interesting as different
aspects are added together to create the
video. This will allow the band to connect with
their audience and promote their song
effectively. The narrative makes the viewers
feel empathy towards the band as their
The shots of the band members
girlfriends are cheating on them.
singing fit in with the narrative
storyline as they are singing at the
scene of the narrative. They are
performing on top of burning cars
and destruction which fits in with the
songs lyrics. This makes the narrative
part of the video and the
performance part of the video mesh
well together when the shots are
edited together as they all fit into the
theme of the song.
4. OUTFITS
All of the members of the band are wearing
similar outfits which makes them appear united
as a band. It also gives the band their own style
which the audience will recognise. However,
each member has their own individual identity
which allows the audience to relate to them as
individuals as well as a band.
Their dark clothing fits in with the depressing,
dark and dull feeling they aim to portray
throughout the video. Their outfits also match
the dark background in scene they are
performing in.
For the performance section of
their video the band are wearing
leather jackets, giving them a
harsh and aggressive look. This
fits in with the theme of the song
as they are singing about their
anger fused by their girlfriend
cheating on them.
5. PROPS
The visuals help portray the meaning of the song.
Their are also special effects featured in this video
to enhance the drama and make it more visually
interesting for the target audience. It also makes
the video appear professional. The props also link
to the name of the song ‘warzone’ and create a
destructive atmosphere.
The band use props such as a burning piano,
smashed cars, smoke and fire as they fit in with the
songs theme of destruction and pain. These props
emphasise the message of the song as well as
making the video more interesting for the audience.
POP GENRE CHARACTERISTICS
This video subverts many pop genre characteristics as it consists of dark colours
and a storyline based on anger and sadness. This contrasts to many pop music
videos which often include vibrant colours, dance routines, parties and the artists
having fun. Challenging pop genre characteristics in this music video make the
video more dramatic which is appropriate for the theme of the song which is
anger, pain and despair. It also makes the video more memorable which will grab
the audiences attention as it is different and unique compared to other pop
music videos.
6. CAMERA SHOTS
The video is broken up and uses a
variety of different camera shots to
make it look professional and
interesting. This video includes shots of
the band together and each member
on their own. There are many shots of
all five members together as a group
which promotes them as a band as
they are performing together and
The band members have
similar body language
each member is seen as equal.
throughout the video to keep
unity within the band and help
them portray the message of
the song effectively as all of
the members are showing the
same emotions.
There are many close ups of each individual member of the band. The close ups are
shared between the members so each member gets a similar amount of screen time.
7. VISUALS LINKING TO LYRICS
In the song when Nathan sings ‘I can’t believe I had to see
the girl of my dreams cheating on me’ the visuals show
Nathan looking at his girlfriend and another man hugging.
This is an example of the visuals linking directly to what is
being sung by one of the band members which makes the
video link to the meaning of the song.
The songs title is warzone which links to
the visuals as the band are singing on
top of broken cars and rubble which is
made to look like a battleground. The
lyrics ‘I’m heading for a warzone’ link
to the visuals metaphorically as all five
band members are heartbroken and
angry in their narrative storyline
therefore they are full of anger which
links to the lyrics of a ‘warzone’. The lyrics ‘I put my armour
down and leave the
battleground’ link to the
visuals as it is imagery for
giving up. The band
members give up in their
narrative storylines as they
are hurt by the girl they love.
