Analysis of Single Ladies, according to Goodwin's theory of music videos.

1. Single Ladies (put a ring on it)
Beyoncé

2. Goodwin’s Theory – Point 1: “The music video will
demonstrate genre characteristics.”
• In regards to ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyoncé, the music video does
certainly follow/demonstrate that of the generic conventions
of a Pop video; this being for Beyoncé's case a synchronised
dance routine that is performed throughout the duration of
the video. Goodwin is right on the money when referring to
‘Single Ladies’.

3. Goodwin’s Theory – Point 2: “There is a relationship
between lyrics and visuals.”
• Goodwin’s second point is certainly correct with regards to
‘Single Ladies’ as there is a definite relationship between
images and lyrics. For example during the dance routine in the
video, Beyoncé makes visual references to her hand clearly
referring to the “put a ring on it” chorus in the song.

4. Goodwin’s Theory – Point 3: “There is a relationship
between music and visuals.”
• Again Goodwin is spot on, the music has a fast tempo that not
only relates to the fast lyrics being sung but also emphasises
the dance routine, which is also fast paced. Additionally the
music has a loud dominant bass line that keeps the flow of the
music going but it emphasises the stomping in the dance
routine.

5. Goodwin’s Theory –Point 4: “The demands of the record label will include the
need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which
recur across their work.”
• This is certainly true for Beyoncé as the majority of the video,
is shot with Beyoncé in the centre of the frame and is
portrayed as the dominant figure throughout. Moreover
Beyoncé is famous for her motif of provocative dancing in her
music videos, witch is certainly illustrated in this video, not
just through camera angles but by through mise-en-scene as
well.

6. Goodwin’s Theory –Point 5: “There is frequently reference to
the nation of looking, and particularly voyeuristic treatment of
the female body.”
• This is certainly true for Beyoncé’s case as the whole music
video is very provocative and in essence advertises the artist’s
body. Linking closely to the previous point about Beyoncé's
motif as a ‘sexy’ dancer.

7. Goodwin’s Theory –Point 6: “There are often intertextual
references to films, TV programmes and other music videos
etc…”
• Single Ladies does not have intertextual references in the
video because of the simple yet effective plain background the
video is filmed, and the lyrics are not making references to any
known TV programme or other music videos.

8. Conclusion…
• Goodwin was correct with regards to many of the techniques
used by Beyoncé in ‘Single Ladies’. However to evaluate his
theory, I would say that is although it works for the majority of
‘Single Ladies’, it is hard to generalise all music videos into one
set of codes and conventions to the individualism of the video
and the artist featuring.
• In contrast to this criticism I am now aware of the codes and
conventions that are labelled in Goodwin’s theory. This will
help me develop my final music video because I am aware of
the type of generic characteristics that are embedded in music
videos.