Musical expression is not a new idea, although the addition of a visual component to music (i.e., the music video) is a useful innovation made even more popular by technological advances within the last few decades. Because artists (and directors) are unable to control the audience with which they are potentially communicating, music videos are often created so that they can be openly interpreted. Knowing the appropriate context(s) in which a specific music video was created can be instrumental in unlocking meaning of the artistic expression of our favorite artists.
One of the first steps in determining the meaning of a music video is understanding the context it was created in. An important aspect of context is contrast. Contrast, in this setting, can be described as the quality that allows visual communication to stand out from the background of similar texts (Lynch and Wysocki, 266). Among a growing number of music videos, it is challenging for artists to have theirs noticed. Many artists cope with this by being increasing creative in their efforts, making music videos that have shocking content or that employ unconventional methods of direction. "All Falls Down," by Kanye West, is shot in first-person, giving it a perspective not often used in this medium.
The use of first-person perspective also helps establish ethos. Viewers experience the events in the video through the eyes of Kanye West, catching glimpses of his reflection as he travels through a busy airport. Navigating public transportation is an experience that makes West easy to relate to, and gives him authority as a speaker. The lyrics speak to the American experience, not simply the black American experience. He speaks of the effects of peer pressure as well as having past due bills. Even with his closing statement, "We all self-conscious / I'm just the first to admit it," he is able to strike a nerve with the audience, admitting to a feeling everyone can relate to.
"All Falls Down" also addresses the issue of (in)security in American culture. The title might allude to the precarious structure of a house of cards, appearing stable but very much vulnerable to attack, ultimately resulting in destruction. West's claim, "It seems we living the American dream," is embedded in a verse filled with materialistic undertones. The American dream, with its noble beginnings in the Declaration of Independence, has most recently been reduced to a focus on
In light of the recent economic crisis, it seems fair to maintain that the illusion of security in material goods has fallen down around us, just like a flimsy house of cards. Most Americans could benefit from a critical assessment of decisions made based "For the road to riches and diamond rings." West not only speaks for himself when he describes having "a problem with spending before I get it." Americans are increasing dependent on credit cards, using credit to feed our materialistic needs.
Works Cited
1. Lynch, Dennis A., and Anne F. Wysocki. Compose, Design Advocate. New York: Longman, 2007.
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