Music Videos- Narrative, Abstract, Performance

There are three various styles in which a music video can be shot, these consist of narrative, abstract and performance.

Firstly, narrative music videos are used to convey a storyline, often related to the lyrics of the song, which the viewer will follow as the song progresses. This allows a connection between the audience and characters within the narrative- who presumably also feature, or lives' are detailed, in the song. As well the audience will have a better understanding of what the song is inferring, as the narrative would reflect the lyrics.

The second style is abstract; these music videos have no storyline. Often they are confusing to watch, with various motion images unrelated to the lyrics of the song, and, on the surface, portraying no message. However songs with alternative lyrics that deter from the typical love story etc. abstract music videos can be effective at presenting this indifference to the usual and 'mainstream'.

Third is the performance music video which consists entirely of the artist/band playing and singing their song. This enables the viewer to feel more like at a concert as the artist is performing. As well, the image of the artist is represented, with their 'look' consistent throughout the music video.

However, most music videos, to avoid seeming dull and unvaried, are a collaboration of two or more of the three different styles. These music videos are called 'hybrid's as they merge together the separate techniques. For example, a narrative music video might also include some performance aspects so to relate the audience closer to the artist; on the other hand an abstract music video may feature the artist performing to refrain from becoming too bizarre and outlandish. Examples of some hybrids are below: Taylor Swift's 'Love story' a narrative and performance hybrid; Gotye's 'Somebody that I used to know' an abstract and performance hybrid.