Music Video Analysis 3

‘Single Ladies’ – Beyonce Knowles



I am analysing the music video for ‘Single Ladies’ by Beyonce. It was directed by Jake Nava at the same time as ‘If I Were A Boy’ which was given the larger proportion of the budget. The pop genre is reflected in the performance style as it is clearly showing that it is all about her and she is promiting herself through the image on the video. Other reasons for this choice were that a larger proportion of the budget was set aside for filming ‘If I Were A Boy’. This meant that Nava had little money to work with and so a simple set up like this was the most achievable option.

The relationship between lyrics and visuals are presented through the dance routine and cleverly incorporated so that it looks like it flows. On the line, ‘If you like it then you should have put a ring on it’, there are often hand gestures to link to the lyrics. Near the beginning of the video on the line ‘Put your hands up’ all three of the dancers simultaneously put their hands in the air with a hop. Other than this there is the link between the title of the song ‘Single Ladies’ to the composition of three female dancers and no males throughout, as if they are making a stand that they are independent women.

The relationship between music and visuals again forms mainly from the choreography of the dance routine as it was obviously arranged around the music. As the song has quite a fast pace the dancing has to also be quick. Also the complicated moves make the video look a lot more expensive and classy, instead of reflecting the low budget that they had. Some of the dance moves are repeated, especially for or near the chorus to highlight the important part of the song.

There are not too many close ups of Beyonce in the video but the ones that have been selected initially appear to enhance the beat of the music (1 minute 55 seconds). This is likely to enhance the dance moves as it is very complicated and looks more impressive in a long shot, which is the main shots used throughout. We then see that it is actually to show off the stars $5 million Lorraine Schwartz wedding ring and titanium glove, contrasting to the lyrics but enhancing her status showing her as a wealthy person. The use of long and very long shots in the video mixed with left and right angles makes the dance routine look more impressive.

The image that is being portrayed is linked to the album with the concept of Beyonce’s alter-ego, Sasha Fierce. The choreography by JaQuel Knight and direction of Jake Nava are all trying to portray the alter ego rather than Beyonce herself. This representation of change of image is shown by her album ‘I am… Sasha Fierce’ which is trying to show her to be a lot more down to earth and less of her stereotypical diva side. This track is Beyonce’s way of showing her fans that she still has a bit of diva in her and she hasn’t changed too much.

Throughout the video the three performers are wearing asymmetrical black leotards and high heels. The choreography is also designed to put Beyonce on sexual display alongside the other two dancers. Reference to looking could be demonstrated with the use of the spot light on the dancers, however, there are no screens within screens or anything similar. The hair and make up of Beyonce and the dancers is very dramatic enhancing the voyerism in the video.

Intertextual references include references to Tina Turner’s famous dance routines which is likely to have been suggested by Beyonce as she has always been a fan. There is also intertextuality with regards to the choreography and set up. It was inspired by the Bob Fosse choreographed, performed by Gwen Verdon. This is were the concept of three dancers performing in front of a white or plain background, as in the ‘Single Ladies’ video the background changes from black to white.

The video is entirely based on performance. This is mainly due to the reference to the album and to really emphasize the diva attitude. This is a trait stereotypically seen in many pop performers and so fits to the pop genre of music very well.