Textual Analysis-Real Music Videos 2

The second video I have analysed is 'Rockstar' by Nickelback; it was directed by Dori Oskowitz. The genre is alternative rock/post-grunge; the characteristics of the video include: a band(performing on stage), instruments such as electric guitar, bass and drums, band have the typical rock image and the topic of the song is one that society can relate to.

The lyrics are illustrated by the visuals in many ways. For example, the lyrics 'we all just wanna be big rockstars' is illustrated using several different shots of celebrities and non-celebrities miming the words. There is also a shot of Billy Gibbons miming his lines from the original version to this song. The lyrics 'driving 15 cars' is illustrated by someone miming that they are driving.

At the beginning when the pace of the song is slower, the shots are longer. When the pace and tempo of the song becomes faster and more upbeat the shots are shorter; this is effective as it complements and emphasizes the song. In addition, the celebrities and non-celebrities are also moving their bodies to the beat and this accentuates the beat.

'Rockstar' is the fifth U.S. single (although later re-released) by the Canadian rock band Nickelback from their 2005 fifth studio album All the Right Reasons. It was only released in the U.S. and Canada, and has since been re-released worldwide. The image of the band is what you would expect from a stereotypical rock band, the lead vocal, Chad Kroeger is known for his long messy blonde hair, which is very typical of the genre. Although the image of the band is of the rock genre, I think their style and in particular the song 'Rockstar' is very mainstream as it can and does appeal to everyone hence the video features all different types of people.

Throughout the video, there are several examples of reference to the notion of looking. For instance, the people featured in the video all look directly at the camera and this creates a sense that they are singing to an audience; the idea of a live performance. In addition, at the end when the band are seen performing on stage, the camera looks towards the audience from the band's point of view.

Intertextual reference is used throughout the song. For example, the lyrics 'we all just wanna be big rockstars' contradicts the band's image, as they are already rockstars. Also, the celebritites/non-celebrities mime the lyrics that they can or do relate to. Furthermore, Billy Gibbons who is from the band ZZ Top; sung the original to 'Rockstar' mimes the lyrics that he sings in the original version.

The video is performance and concept based. Throughout the song the celebrities and non-celebrities perform by miming the lyrics and dancing around; at the end the band are seen performing on stage. The concept of the video is that everyone wants to be rockstars hence the lyrics; this is illustrated by the featured people.

Overall, the video is very effective as it illustrates the song well. It also creates a sense of reality, hence the lyrics are what people do dream about; by featuring ordinary people it shows this.